Hi guys! I'm currently a junior and I've been studying Spanish since middle school. But I'm curious about this - what are the most popularly studied foreign languages in American high schools right now? And do colleges have a preference when it comes to the languages we study?
In U.S. high schools, the most commonly studied foreign languages are Spanish, French, and German, in that order. Spanish tops the list due to its widespread use across the U.S. and its applicability in a variety of professions. Additionally, Latin, American Sign Language (ASL), and Chinese are gaining popularity.
Regarding college admissions, it's not necessarily the specific language you choose that matters, but rather your level of proficiency and commitment. Colleges tend to appreciate the sustained effort in learning a language over multiple years, as it demonstrates persistence, cultural awareness, and a willingness to engage in complex cognitive tasks. For example, your studying Spanish since middle school would be seen as a positive in your college applications.
However, it's also worth mentioning that having proficiency in less commonly taught languages (like Arabic, Korean, Russian, etc.) could make you a standout candidate, particularly if you intend to pursue studies or a career where that language could be applied. But it's not about just picking a unique language for the sake of being unique - it should line up with your interests and potential plans.
Remember, studying a foreign language also helps develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, which are highly valued in college admissions and beyond. So, just pick the language that interests you the most and dive deep into it.
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