Does high school foreign language count for college credit?

I took several years of a foreign language in high school, and I'm wondering if those can count towards any college requirements or give me credit once I transfer. Anyone have experience with this or know how it usually works?

Foreign language classes taken in high school can sometimes meet college language prerequisites, depending on the specific policies of the institution you attend. The way this works is that high school coursework can meet language requirements or prerequisites but doesn't usually translate directly into college credits towards your degree. This means you wouldn't have to take entry-level classes or requirements in that language in college, and you can move on to other courses or more advanced language courses.

However, keep in mind that you typically need to have advanced to a certain level in your high school language classes, often the third or fourth year of study, for the course equivalent requirement to be met in college.

Another way in which high school foreign language study might "count" in college is through placement tests. Many colleges and universities have placement tests for languages, which are used to determine how many language classes, if any, you need to take to meet the college's language requirement. Therefore, your high school language study might not give you formal college credit, but it can help you place out of required college courses.

Moreover, studying a foreign language in high school can prepare you for AP or IB language exams, and scoring highly on these tests could indeed earn you college credit at institutions that recognize those scores.

Overall, it's best to check the specific policies at your prospective, or current, colleges, and possibly speak with an academic advisor if you are already enrolled. They are best positioned to give you specific details you need.