<p>I want to apply as a sophomore transfer (Fall 2013), but I'm confused about the foreign language requirement. My current west coast LAC doesn't have the requirement, so I haven't had college-level foreign language. I'd be applying as an econ major. I did take four years of HS language. thanks for the advice.</p>
<p>I transferred this semester, so hopefully my answer helps. At UVA you have to demonstrate competency at the 2020 level. If you start from scratch that’s four semesters. Now, I took 5 years in middle/high school. It did not count for anything because I didn’t take an AP exam. It is my understanding that certain AP scores exempt you up to a certain level. So, I had to take a placement test which exempted me from the first semester course. In other words, I have to take three semesters to finish. </p>
<p>Take a look at your particular language and decide if you want to take a placement test (If you score well you can test out of the requirement completely). Also, the engineering school doesn’t have the foreign language requirement as far as I know. There might be other examples of this but I am not sure (As far as econ, that is).</p>
<p>Econ is CLAS so you will have the requirement. If you had four years of a language in hs and it’s a language you’d like to continue in college to meet your requirement it is worth your time to review your skills prior to taking the placement test (available after an offer is made). Your placement score vs number of years in hs can vary widely depending on the student, quality of instruction in hs, etc. As I remember there is a practice test, but you may only take the actual test once. As noted certain AP scores can fulfill the requirement, as can certainly scores on SAT2s in FL. </p>
<p>My e’school son actually did take the placement test as requested by ‘mom’ in the event he changed his major and ended up with a FL requirement. Insurance. He’d had 5yrs FL but not AP, and tested out of three semesters, a few points shy of passing out of the requirement completely (possibly a product of not wanting to take the test…).</p>
<p>So, in other words, i can be admitted without the language proficiency, but I can take foreign language at UVA to satisfy the requirement? I was concerned that I had to have the proficiency prior to enrollment.</p>
<p>Yes, you can complete it while you are there. It is not a pre-req to admission.</p>
<p>Thanks. That’s one less stress factor!</p>