The French Situation

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I was wondering if 2 years of high school honors french III and IV (I and II in middle school) and a 5 on the AP exam would be sufficient for ivy league schools and top science schools. My school offers four years, but a scheduling issue put me behind by one year (currently taking IV), and I don't want to have to take french next year. I know I wouldn't have the recommended 3 years of a foreign language, but would the AP exam score compensate?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance</p>

<p>Have you already taken the AP exam and made a 5? Surprisingly, it is one of the harder AP
exams.</p>

<p>Many schools count completion of French IV as “4 years of high school foreign language” (i.e. the level completed counts, rather than the number of years). A high score on the foreign language AP test is also sometimes accepted in lieu of high school foreign language. Check each school to be sure. But don’t forget to check the foreign language graduation requirements at the colleges you are interested in.</p>

<p>Note that something similar usually applies to math – completion of trigonometry and precalculus so that you are ready for calculus is usually seen as “4 years of high school math”. But if you are aiming for a highly selective school or a major that requires calculus, taking calculus in high school is a good idea if you complete precalculus before senior year (and a few super-elite schools specifically require it).</p>

<p>Rather than an AP score, if you haven’t already taken it, I would recommend the SAT II because they will see that before admission.</p>

<p>I’m a junior now, so I’ll have my AP scores this summer before I apply.</p>

<p>Is anyone worried about the new French culture added on top of the French language or no?</p>

<p>It’s certainly better than French Grammar.</p>

<p>Edit: 1337th post</p>