Hey all, I was wondering if most colleges expect applicants to have several years of a foreign language under their belt. I've only taken two years of a foreign language and am worried this could potentially hurt my applications. Thoughts?
Many colleges do consider foreign language study to be an important part of a high school curriculum. They typically look for applicants who have taken at least two to three years of the same foreign language in high school, but the requirements can vary depending on the selectivity of the college. More selective colleges might prefer to see three to four years of the same foreign language, whereas others might be satisfied with two.
That being said, your two years of a foreign language will satisfy the admissions requirements of many schools. However, if you're considering highly selective colleges, they may find a longer study period in one language more compelling. Ultimately, admissions officers will review your application holistically, considering your coursework, grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
I'd suggest checking the foreign language requirements of the specific colleges you are interested in, as this information can usually be found on their admissions website. It's always good to consider the entire context of your application, and if it's strong overall, two years of a foreign language should not significantly hurt your chances.
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