So, I’ve read that most Ivy Leagues and more selective schools require/recommend 3-4 years of foreign language. I will take French III next year, but I don’t think I’ll have the space to fit in French IV later on. Would doing well on the French SAT (possibly with Listening?) Subject Test be enough to demonstrate a proficiency in the language? Or would I have to take the AP French exam? Would that be recommended for someone who has only taken three years at that point, especially if their French teacher has a reputation for being a ‘bad teacher’? (She isn’t really, she just has an odd style that is hard to understand) Would I have to self-study over the summer or anything to prep, or just try and squeeze in a space for French IV?
Additionally, while I’m not great at it, could I possibly take the Chinese with Listening Subject Test? I’m probably not, because I’m not that great at it, but is it still enough to show that I know a second language?
Due to the large number of native/heritage speakers that take it, an 800 is in the 64 percentile. So, no, I would not suggest it.
No one will be interested in your trashing the qualification of your teacher, given your own qualifications. Do not go there, it reflects badly on you. Fluency is valued so if it influence you have then by all means take the SAT if you don’t have room in your schedule for a core class. If you have some proficiency in a Chinese language I would also put that somewhere in your application.
@BrownParent How am I ‘trashing the qualification of my teacher’? I’m not saying that she is a bad teacher, just repeating what I’ve been told from others in school. Many have also told me that they have difficulty learning from her, so I’m not making a baseless claim.
I was informed that you have space on the Common App to put down if you have any fluency in other languages.
Are you suggesting that I should go ahead and take the SAT Subject test as a junior if I’m fluent? I made a predicted schedule, and I definitely don’t have the time for it if everything goes according to the schedule.
From the tone of your post I sense that your interest in continuing French through level IV is not high. If that’s a correct understanding then taking the French AP exam is probably not a good idea. To get credit for French at an “Ivy” you’ll most likely need a 5. Perhaps you can adjust your classes and ECs so that you can take French 4. It’s the prudent approach.