Foreign language requirement for college?

I've heard that colleges have a foreign language requirement, but I'm not entirely sure how it works. Do I need a certain number of years of a foreign language in high school? Or do I need to take a language course in college? Any clarification would be super helpful!

Many colleges indeed require a foreign language component, but the requirements vary depending on the specific institution. Generally, there are two types of foreign language requirements: one for high school and one for college.

In high school, some colleges expect applicants to have completed a certain number of years studying a foreign language. This typically ranges from 2-4 years, with more selective institutions often expecting a higher number of years. For example, a competitive college might require three or four years of high school language study while others may only require two. It's essential to check the admission requirements for each college you're considering to determine their expectations.

On the other hand, many colleges have a foreign language requirement for enrolled students, meaning that you'll need to take a language course or classes in college to fulfill the requirement. The specifics vary by school; some may require a certain number of semesters, while others operate on a proficiency basis, expecting students to demonstrate an understanding of the language through testing or coursework. The requirements also depend on the major you choose, as some degrees may have more extensive language requirements than others.

In summary, it's crucial to research the foreign language requirements of both the colleges you're applying to and the ones you plan to attend. Doing so will ensure you're fulfilling the necessary criteria for admission and graduation.