How Many Years of a Foreign Language Does College Require?

Hey guys. I'm a little confused about foreign language requirements for college applications. How many years of language study do colleges generally look for in applications? I'm aware it probably varies from college to college, but is there a general rule or expectation I should be aware of?

Generally speaking, most competitive colleges like to see at least three years of the same foreign language on high school transcripts, especially if you are planning to do a liberal arts degree. However, two years of study are a minimal base for many institutions.

One important thing to remember is that this shows sustained commitment, which colleges do appreciate. It can also demonstrate your interest in a global perspective, depending on how you discuss these studies in your application.

Some universities might have specific foreign language requirements. For instance, some selective schools expect four years of a foreign language in high school. You're right that it varies, so I advise you to check any specific schools you're considering to see if there are any definitive foreign language directives.

On a side note, if you don't have the luxury of the full four years of foreign language study (maybe you discovered your language love late in high school), don't panic. Other aspects of your application, like your essays, letters of recommendation, grades, and other scores, will also greatly contribute to your overall application package. Remember, colleges are looking at cumulative sets of experiences and they evaluate a broad variety of factors.

Hope this helps, and good luck with your college journey!