I almost have all the credentials to receive the Advanced Regents Diploma with Math Anecdote, but I’m wondering if that has any observable benefits other than “hey guys, I have this on my diploma”. I’m only missing two foreign language credits, but I don’t want to take a foreign language class next year (I will be graduating next year). The foreign language I have taken so far is Mandarin. However, I’ve already completed the highest level of Mandarin in my school because I took a placement test and the school bumped me up two grade levels of that class a few years back. Now that I’m done, they’re thinking of putting me in an introductory French class which I don’t want to take because that would waste a class interval time slot on my class schedule as I want to take other courses like AP. Is the Advanced Regents Diploma worth it? Will there be technical benefits?
The advanced regents diploma likely won’t matter in and of itself. However, if you don’t take the courses for it, will that mean your guidance counselor won’t check the box noting “this student took the most rigorous courses available” or similar?
Additionally, verify that the colleges you are considering don’t require or recommend foreign language classes.
What level of mandarin did you complete?
Also, keep in mind that you don’t actually get awarded the advanced regents diploma with mastery in math until you graduate. That’s how you know it won’t directly influence how your applications are viewed by admissions. Again, talk to your GC and make sure they agree you are taking the most rigorous courses (and in fact rigor will be greater if you don’t take a first year foreign language and instead take something higher level)
I took the highest level of Mandarin available in my school already. Typically, only seniors take it (4th year Mandarin students). However, I took a placement test my first year of high school and got placed in a class higher than the level relative to grade. I currently have 4 credits of Foreign Language. If I were to complete the 6 credits (that’s what is required to graduate with the Advanced Regents Diploma), I would have to take a first-year foreign language class which is what my counselor set me up for. Alternatively, I could swap that out for an AP class which would probably add more rigor to my schedule than the freshman language course TBH. I plan to do just that. Consequently, in this case, opting away from the Advanced Regents Diploma adds more rigor than not opting.
I’m really confused. For advanced designation, you need 3 credits in foreign language. That would be 3 years. I don’t understand how your school is measuring credits? http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/gradreq/diploma-credential-summary.pdf
Regardless, I agree that it seems to make the most sense for you to take a class you are more interested in and that is more rigorous anyway rather than a level one course in yet another foreign language.
In my school, 6 credits is 3 years of work. But yes I think so too.