I’m a junior and just started my 3rd year of french. I am considering dropping the class because I don’t enjoy it, it’s a huge amount of work, and I’ve already completed my school’s language requirement of 2 years. I’m wondering if this will look bad to colleges? I actually speak Japanese almost fluently and took both the AP test (5) and the subject test (780) but did not take any classes in it. My point is that I already have a fairly high level in a different foreign language, so I’m not sure if dropping French 3 would still look bad or count against me, as many universities recommend 3 years of language and I only have 2 so far. Additionally, can I use an AP test to prove that I have the equivalent of 4 years of a language?
Thanks
It depends on the colleges that you’re interested in. If you’re thinking of highly selective colleges or Ivy Leagues, then you’ll definitely need more than 2 years. Sometimes recommendations are more like requirements. Even though you fluently speak Japanese, you didn’t take any classes in Japanese, so it won’t have the same effect as if you did. I would just stick with French 3 even though you can’t stand it. Only taking 2 years of foreign language will not help you, and if colleges see that you dropped a class, then that would look bad as well. I would not recommend taking an AP test; colleges will need to see on your transcript that you have taken 3 years of foreign language in order for you to fulfill that recommendation.
I would finish a third year of French, even though your school only requires 2. My school requires half a year credit… But most colleges look for 3. If Japanese is a home language and you’re fluent, you won’t get penalized, but to be safe I would take French as well.
Since you’ve taken the AP Japanese Exam, you’re fine. Drop the french class. Colleges generally don’t look at the years of language taken, but rather the level achieved. By getting a 5 on the AP test, you have shown mastery equivalent to taking 5 years of foreign language.
@LionKing2398 @MPC6789 @guineagirl96
I self-studied japanese, and none of my family is from japan or speaks the language. I thought that might count for something. I have heard that colleges look for a 3rd year of FL, but some of you are saying that colleges would be unwilling to ignore the lack of a 3rd year even if I have much higher proficiency in a different language?
In that case, I THINK you would be fine to drop French. If it was a native language I didn’t know whether colleges would view that as challenging.
FWIW, from my own experience: I asked several colleges that have a 4 year recommendation if my preparation at the time was sufficient (2 years HS Spanish + 0 years HS Italian + 5 on the AP Italian exam as a non-native speaker) and they all said it was fine. I was very happy with my admissions results. So I think you will be fine, but if you still have doubts, ask the colleges in question.
Alright, I emailed my counselor to have a discussion about it and start the process. Will take all of your advice into consideration.