How important are foreign language requirements for college admissions?

I'm trying to figure out my senior year schedule, and I'm wondering about foreign language requirements for colleges. I've taken two years of Spanish so far, but I'm not sure if I need a third year to be competitive in applications.

Do most colleges have specific foreign language requirements, or does it vary widely between schools? Also, will taking an extra year of foreign language give me a significant advantage, or should I focus on other areas like math or science? I'm planning to apply mostly to liberal arts colleges, if that makes a difference. Any advice would be appreciated!

The importance of foreign language study in college admissions can vary based on the institution. However, most colleges, particularly liberal arts colleges, appreciate seeing at least three years of foreign language study in high school. By sticking with Spanish for another year, you're demonstrating consistency and deeper engagement with the language.

That said, if you're trying to decide between continuing with Spanish or taking advanced classes in math or science, it might be helpful to consider your intended major or area of study in college. If you're leaning toward a STEM field, taking more advanced math/science courses could potentially be more beneficial. On the other hand, if you're interested in humanities or social sciences, continuing with Spanish might be a more significant advantage.

In the absence of a clear preference, one approach might be to preserve balance in your course load. If you have a robust offering of both STEM and humanities subjects, maintaining that balance by continuing with Spanish could be helpful.

As always, it depends on the specific liberal arts colleges you're interested in. You should check their admissions websites or contact the admissions department to get a better idea of what they prefer. Be sure to remember that, in the end, colleges are looking for well-rounded classes, composed of students with diverse interests and skills. So, make sure the subjects you choose reflect your genuine interests and not just what you think colleges want to see.