Foreign Language

I am currently a sophomore in high school. I have not yet taken a foreign language because priority is given to juniors and seniors. I realize that USNA looks highly upon foreign language classes. I plan to take a language junior and senior year. How much will the fact that I have not yet taken a language bring down my overall score, 3Q, etc.? Or will it at all?

Thanks.

USNA does not require language. Thus, in and of itself, not taking one won't hurt you.

USNA does want you to take core courses and stick with them. Thus, taking 4 yrs of a language shows you have stuck with it and that you took the highest level of that course in your h.s.

You can achieve the same thing with additional science or math classes, history or English, etc. The key is to make sure most of your load is "hard core" (the occasional sociology or music class won't kill you, but you should avoid having more than one "fluff -- in USNA's view -- course per semester).

Unless you want to take a language b/c you want that experience/knowledge and/or plan to continue that language at USNA, my advice would be to skip the language this late in the game and add physics or advanced biology or a similar course.

Most colleges require 2 yrs language....make sure you complete your language requirements with HS graduation and other colleges in mind...not just USNA.

usna1985 said:

Thus, taking 4 yrs of a language shows you have stuck with it and that you took the highest level of that course in your h.s.

Click to expand...

Will it detriment you in any way if one were not to stick with lang class (ie. will board look on it as failure to stick to things and not quit)...will only do 2 years (this and next year) because want to do another elective. Also, have this same question but in different matter with sports...quit football after 2 years (since I was getting nowhere) and forced to drop track cause doing lacrosse.