<p>commit to a similar rigor, either next quarter or summer. </p>
<p>Imagine this scenario - an applicant lists a heavy load of AP and honors courses for their senior year, but actually takes a very light load with no difficult classes. Since no transcripts or midyear grades are requested from most applicants, Cal might make an admisisons decision based upon the listed senior year workload. That is a clear case to rescind. </p>
<p>Another applicant lists a particular AP course but due to scheduling issues at her high school, can’t get in. Instead, the applicant takes a different AP or an honors course. Same work level. An simple explanation - couldn’t get registered in the planned class - coupled with effort clearly equivalent to the listed schedule, is enough to avoid being rescinded.</p>
<p>If the extracurricular requirements are new, much higher than was known when you submitted the application, and are sufficiently prestigious to be considered an equivalent in terms of attractiveness to a top college admissions board, then that explanation is enough, perhaps with some verification. Usually, however, it is the applicants who offer to take a similar level of difficulty as a substitute course, even if over the summer, who are given a clear pass. Often they are told when they speak to someone that it is all good, or get an email or letter to that effect. </p>
<p>Because you did not make such an offer, they may be waiting to see how you do - if you have a barely sufficient GPA then this issue may still result in being rescinded. The vague response you received suggests this. If, in addition, they had debated and finally selected you from a pile of borderline applications, it would be more serious than if you were a top choice with or without that language class. </p>
<p>If it were me, I would sort out what to do that would show good faith to work as hard, overall, as I had promised in the application, then send them a letter with that plan.</p>