I’m a sophomore in high school who is applying to somewhat competitive colleges (Spellman, Howard, New College of Florida, UF) and I am taking a rigorous course schedule (several honors business classes, chorus, AP history, english and science and dual enrollment.) Do I need to take three years of spanish? I’m planning to major in sociology, politcal science or economics.
You can look at their websites for specific information. Almost all that I looked at, require 3-4 years.
Each college has different requirements/recommendations. If your colleges say recommended 3 years, I would do the three years.
Also note that colleges may have foreign language graduation requirements that are higher than their admission requirements or recommendations. Completing a higher level in high school may allow you to place higher in college foreign language and then complete the requirement in fewer courses in college.
In general I’d say 3 years looks better for competitive colleges. You can also look online to see if there is a list of required/recommended high school classes for each college on your list.
My daughter got into New College and UF and took two years of Spanish
3 years of Spanish always better than 2. Especially in a competitive situation, but if you take 2 it probably won’t be the dealbreaker. Plus everybody takes Spanish and nobody gets good at it. If you actually get fluent at it with your planned major, you can do a lot of things with that.
Three years since you’re aiming for selective colleges - and four if you’re aiming for more selective tan the ones listed.
Always take 'recommended ’ to mean ‘necessary’ for admissions.