Spanish 4 vs Debate/Conditioning

N

Naval Architect Wannabe

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Apr 14, 2015
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In determining my senior classes, I'm having a hard time deciding what would be more beneficial for my elective block. I would prefer to take debate for my fourth year (a semester long class), and then finish with conditioning to continue in my getting ready physically for the Academy if I get in. However, I know Spanish 4 is considered a rigorous class, and it would look better if I finished out a four year program of foreign language classes instead of stopping at Spanish 3. Also, I was the state runner-up in debate this year so that is another factor to consider. I would love any advice you all have.
 
As I read your post I thought, "Go the with the one you really enjoy the most." Is it really possible that one has to choose between a fourth year of a Foreign Language and Debate? Do both if you can. At my DS's school debate was an after school project like football.

I think most 99% of humanity would suggest Debate, given your history and they would probably be right, for the purpose of getting into any competitive school like USNA.

I am myopic. I believe that foreign language study is important. (This has nothing to do with world peace and appreciating other cultures.) Learning a foreign language forces the student to think of different ways to frame concepts and ideas. It's not unlike studying higher math. From a purely practical standpoint, the rest of the world assumes Americans don't know other languages and they are correct. When you as an US Naval Officer or a corporate suit address a foreigner in his own language, you will put that person back on his heels faster than you can say Jack Robinson.
 
The real question is what are your other courses? If they are English, calc, physics and history, it really doesn't matter what you take for a fifth course. If you aren't taking (or haven't already taken) those at an honors/AP level, that is your first priority.
 
So if I'm taking AP Literature, AP Calculus, AP European History, and Physics (my school only offers normal physics), it shouldn't make a huge difference whether I take debate or Spanish 4? Also, in reference to cb7893, I unfortunately cannot take both due to the scheduling demands of the school.
 
You should be ok with either with your planned schedule. I would give a slight nod to Spanish 4 but either would be acceptable.
 
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