<p>Next year, I'm debating on whether to take Spanish 3 Honors or an AP elective like AP Computer Sci.
My dean said that it's crucial to take a third year of foreign language to go to a top school (I'm looking at Cal Tech or other tech-institutes), but I know it'll bring down my HPA again.
I'm not looking to study anything language related, so I don't know why it's even necessary.
Is a third foreign language a big indicator in getting into a school? Or would they rather see a harder elective, related to the subject I'm planning on studying. </p>
<p>Most colleges would like to see you get up to Level 3. For some reason they think it shows “culture” and “initiative”. Just study and focus enough so it doesn’t bring down your GPA. Then you’ll still have time to take AP Computer Sci.</p>
<p>@HeisAidanD I think what they mean is that it counts as an honors course which is worth less than an AP, so depending on the other classes they’re taking even an A can lower your average. If that’s not what you meant my bad!</p>
<p>@Gatortristan Oh that makes more sense. :P</p>
<p>@Gatortristan Yup, that’s what I meant. @HeisAidanD Sorry if I was unclear. Thanks for your answer though. That makes sense 
I guess I’ll just have to tolerate another year of Spanish, haha! </p>
<p>Actually, top schools, such as CalTech, expect 4 years or an AP score. Anything under 3 years would require a darn good explanation (such as “the high school doesn’t offer more than 2 years and there’s no community college within 20 miles”).
Foreign language is considered a “core” class, along with English, Math, Social Science, and Science. (Top colleges’ adcoms will check that you have one of each for every year of HS, or doubled up on something to compensate any 4th level or AP “missing” from the bunch.) This “core5X4§double ups” is actually the first thing they look at, as it indicates rigor of curriculum.
CS is considered an elective, which can be good to have but not as necessary to demonstrate intellectual versatility, curiosity, and breadth of knowledge such as having all cores demonstrates.</p>