For my senior year next year, I can either take computer science or French.
I probably want to major in computer science in university, and I am aspiring to go to Stanford to do it. I have been learning French since I was in junior kindergarten, but I will probably rarely use it outside of the classroom (just like now) and computer science will, without a doubt, affect me more than French will.
The primary reason that I wish to take computer science for my senior year is NOT because I will learn something new, since most of my programming knowledge was actually learned on my own, but instead, because I wish to be near computer science people. I might meet new people that I find out enjoy the same hobbies that I do, etc. - that sort of thing, sort of like going to a university for a certain major because you know many people there have the same major as you, and therefore, similar interests.
Now, the reason that I am also thinking of taking French next year, is because that I need to take it next year in order to receive this French diploma, which basically says that I am fluent in French, etc., etc. and my guidance counselor says that if I do not take French next year, then universities will not have a clue that I am any good in French, or can even speak a word in it.
Is it better for my application if I take computer science next year instead of taking French, to get in as a computer science student?
So, please, this is serious now; what do you guys think I should do?
<p>Considering you want to go to Stanford (one of the best CS schools in the country), you should take Computer Science. If you want to show your skills in French, you should probably just take the French SAT II. By the way, is the CS class AP?</p>
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<li><p>First, if one was more advanced "honors" or "AP" the advice would be to take that class. But that doesn't seem to apply here.</p></li>
<li><p>You haven't given us any sense of how competetive the admission is for the colleges/universities you want to go. It may be a moot point if you arent applying to the most competetive ranks of schools.</p></li>
<li><p>Assuming you are applying to the most competetive schools: Most of these schools will have a language requirement. These schools would know your competency in a language based on your SAT II (Subject Test) score. You should plan on taking this exam. </p></li>
<li><p>If you are already fluent in French then odds are youd do well on this exam and place out of language programs at most schools. If thats the case, go for Computer Science. If not, stick with French as you can always take Computer Science in college.</p></li>
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<p>Keep up on French over the summer and take the October SAT II--I think that is the only time they have foreign language with speaking. Then take the course you really want to take, computer science. My son is a senior at Stanford now, and I have to say, he never once chose to take a class because of how it would look to the colleges. He followed the requirements, of course, but beyond that he took the classes that really interested him. And it didn't seem to hurt him any.</p>
<p>Ge involved in any computer science activities you can--programming contests or whatever is offered up there. My son designed websites for a couple people for pay (along with his own, of course). Follow your passions, as they say. There's no way to predict whether or not Stanford will accept you, so don't take a class strictly for that purpose.</p>