What does three (or more) years of foreign language mean for admissions purposes?

Applying to College
1

Hi all - When a college recommends three or more years of foreign language in HS, does that mean actually taking three or more years of foreign language or does that mean reaching at least level/year 3 in a language (even if that is accomplished in less than 3 years of HS study) or does it vary by college?

For example, if a kid takes Spanish before high school, then takes say Spanish 3 as a HS freshman (the same course a HS student would reach after three years of study in HS if started at Spanish 1), would a college say the kid has satisfied the “three years recommended” requirement? Or would that kid be expected to actually take three years of foreign language in HS, e.g. Spanish 3, 4, and 5?

We’ve received two different answers from two different HS counselors.

Thanks!

2

Schools look at the high school transcript only and look for 3 or more years of foreign language on it. Only those count.

3

It is usually the level that counts, not exact year. One may also take it at a community college that each semester is one level or not high school year equivalent.

4

Try emailing a couple of college admissions counselors and ask them.

5

Try to read the FAQ regarding foreign language in this forum too.

http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1802227-faq-foreign-language-p1.html

6

Shoot, thanks billcsho re: FAQs. So dumb that I totally missed that thread.

Thanks all