Length of Spanish Study for College Admissions?

Hello everyone, I've been studying Spanish in high school for a couple of years. Wondering, how many years of Spanish is usually recommended for most colleges? Should I continue it in my junior and senior year?

When it comes to language studies, many colleges highly value applicants who've studied a language for at least 3 to 4 years during high school. This not only demonstrates linguistic skills but also the dedication to a single discipline over a prolonged period, which admissions committees appreciate. To answer your question, you should definitely carry on your Spanish studies into your junior and senior years, particularly if you are targeting selective colleges.

However, do keep in mind that the importance can vary from school to school. Some colleges may have specific requirements or recommendations for the number of years dedicated to a foreign language study.

Just to provide a frame of reference, Harvard, for instance, suggests four years of a single foreign language during high school, while Stanford prefers three or more years. In contrast, a school like The Ohio State University doesn't specify any language requirements, while Washington State University requires only two years.

So if you're already enjoying and doing well in your Spanish classes, continuing the language into your junior and senior years could further enhance your academic profile for admissions. But be sure to balance it with your overall workload and other commitments to build a well-rounded application. If you feel that studying Spanish is taking away from other equally (or more) important pursuits—whether they be academic or extracurricular—then it's worthwhile to consider those options as well.