<p>Vassar College recommends four years of foreign language. My problem lies in the fact that my high school schedule can only fit three years of foreign language because of other required classes. Is this going to be a major problem?</p>
<p>Hey daniellezvic. “While we do not prescribe a specific secondary school program, we expect applicants to have elected the most demanding courses available” This is from Vassar Admissions page. I think the key word here is “available”. Honestly, I don’t think 1 year short of Vassar’s requirement in foreign language will be a deal breaker. But, still, you could ask your counselor to explain the situation in his/her school reports. You could also explain this in the Additional Information section in your Common Application forms. If you have other issues like this, I mean issues that is out of your control and may influence your credentials (eg your junior GPA was low because you missed 10 weeks of school), you should also ask your counselor to explain it, and at the same time explain it by yourself. I hope this helps.</p>
<p>My daughter was accepted in the ED 1 round two weeks ago and she had only taken a foreign language in her freshman and sophomore year. She did finish three years of a language, however, because she was in the accelerated language track at her school. She was worried because she could not take any foreign language junior or senior year if she wanted to get all the AP courses she wanted. But she got in, so it is not set in stone that you need four years as long as you took the most rigorous courses available to you. Best of luck! It’s a great school.</p>
<p>Also, she addressed the reason for not having four years of a language in an essay she wrote for the “my space” option. It was not the focus of her essay but she worked it in.</p>