How many years of a language are required in high school for college admissions?

Hey, so I'm a little confused and could use some help. How many years of foreign language classes do colleges usually want to see on your transcript? I've heard some say two, but others recommend four for competitive schools. What’s the general consensus on this?

Hey there! I totally understand where the confusion comes from. Generally speaking, the minimum for most colleges is two years of a foreign language, but many competitive schools prefer to see at least three or four years, showing sustained interest and advanced competency. It really depends on the selectivity of the school you're aiming for. For instance, if you're applying to highly selective colleges, four years would strengthen your application. However, if you're reaching a point where continuing a language would impact your ability to succeed in other core courses, you might want to weigh your academic priorities. Also keep in mind, if you're pursuing STEM, for example, some schools might value additional years in math or science over a foreign language. It's a good idea to research the specific recommendations of the schools you're interested in. Hope this helps clear things up a little!