Language Requirement for College Admissions

Y'all, I'm feeling a little stressed about this. Do most colleges require applicants to have taken a certain number of years of a language in high school?

You're not alone in this, many students wonder about language study requirements for college applications. While it certainly depends on the specific institution, it's common for colleges and universities, especially the more selective ones, to recommend or require applicants to have completed 2-4 years of study in the same foreign language in high school. That said, foreign language isn't usually a hard requirement in the same way English or math is.

For example, the Ivy League schools generally recommend four years of the same foreign language. State schools may have lighter requirements - two years of study is common. Ultimately, the more selective the colleges you're applying to, the more foreign language study they're likely to expect.

Although the language requirement often isn’t as strict as those for other subjects, studying a foreign language is nevertheless important because it shows commitment and a willingness to challenge oneself. Plus, learning a new language exposes you to a new culture, and broadens your perspective, which colleges value.

Remember, these are broad trends and each college might have different requirements or expectations. Always make sure you review the specific admissions guidelines for the colleges you're interested in!

In any case, don't let this stress you. If you're concerned about not meeting language requirements, you might consider highlighting other aspects of your application that demonstrate skill diversity and cultural competency. For instance, if you've been involved in cultural clubs or undertook international service projects, these can exhibit similar skills and enthusiasm for global understanding as studying a foreign language would.