Foreign language requirements for college?

Quick question: I've been hearing from some seniors that certain colleges require you to have taken a foreign language. Is it a real thing? What do most colleges typically require in terms of foreign language study in high school?

Yes, many colleges have foreign language requirements for admission. This can vary significantly from college to college, so it's best to check the specific requirements of each institution that you're interested in.

In general, though, many colleges expect applicants to have taken at least two years of foreign language study in high school, while others might recommend or require three to four years. For highly competitive colleges and universities, a greater emphasis may be put on the depth of your language study. For instance, if a college recommends two years of foreign language, a competitive applicant might have three or four.

Besides meeting admission requirements, studying a foreign language can also help demonstrate to colleges an academic breadth and can be an avenue for cultural exploration, which may help broaden your perspectives.

Furthermore, some institutions also have foreign language requirements for graduation. This means that even if you meet the admission requirement of the institution in terms of foreign language study, you may still be required to take additional foreign language classes in college, too.

So, while your specific requirement may depend on both your high school and college of interest, aiming for at least two years gives you a good basis, and more always helps. Remember, though, everything you do should fit into a balanced academic schedule - don't overburden yourself simply to meet an imagined ideal.