I'm a bit worried because I chose ASL for my foreign language requirement in high school. I've heard that not all colleges accept ASL as a foreign language for admissions. Anyone know about this?
Most colleges and universities do indeed accept American Sign Language (ASL) as a valid foreign language. This trend has been growing in recognition of ASL's true nature as a unique language with its syntax and grammatical structure. Institutions such as Stanford, MIT, Yale, and others all accept ASL as a foreign language.
However, it's a good idea to check with specific colleges of interest. Admission requirements do vary among institutions. While most schools accept ASL, there might be some, particularly institutions abroad, that don't recognize ASL in their admissions requirements.
It's also worth noting that ASL is increasingly seen as a valuable skill, as it opens up another form of communication with the Deaf community and enhances one's cultural competency. It's not just about fulfilling a language requirement but also about demonstrating an interest in a diverse set of cultures and communities. For any colleges that might be on the fence about ASL, an essay or an interview could be an opportunity to explain why you chose ASL and what you've learned from it.
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