How Many Years of a Language do Colleges Usually Require?

Hey there, I'm coming up on my junior year class selection and was wondering how many years of a language do most colleges expect? I've taken 2 years of Spanish so far and I'm thinking about either continuing or starting something new. What do you guys think, should I stick with it or can I branch out?

Hi! Most colleges recommend or require at least two to three years of a foreign language in high school, but many selective colleges prefer to see a student take four years of a language. This means that you are already in a good position having completed two years of Spanish.

If you're genuinely interested in continuing Spanish or starting a new language, then it's worth pursuing. Expanding your language skills can demonstrate your commitment and passion for cultural understanding and learning new things, which colleges often appreciate. However, if your schedule is already packed with other rigorous courses and extracurriculars and adding another year of a language may be overburdening, you might want to evaluate the opportunity cost.

It's also worth noting that some colleges may have language requirements for their undergraduate students. For example, Columbia University requires students to reach a certain level of proficiency in a foreign language, even if they didn’t major in a language. Continuing with Spanish in high school may help you meet these college grad requirements sooner.

So, continuing with Spanish or branching out to a different language can both have benefits. It ultimately depends on your interest, your college ambitions, and your overall high school academic plan. Good luck with your decision!