Language Credits - HS

[skr002]

Hey, I'm currently a Freshman heading into my Sophmore year next year. Today I had the chance to meet with my college counselor to signup for my classes next year and create a roadmap to graduation which helps me map out which classes and extracurriculars I'm taking. I'm currently studying Spanish for my World Language credit, it's only required that I take 3 years which I'll complete by the end of my Junior Year. My school suggests that we take all academic courses for the four years we're there but only requires three years credit for all classes except English (4 years). I do not like Spanish and am not very good at it, that's why I plan on opting out of the fourth year requirement to pursue another course, likely a government or history course, (I want to major in law). How will my opting out of a fourth year of Spanish reflect on an application?

 

[usmacadet2024]

Hey!

Honestly, if you want to major in law, it should not look bad on you to opt out of a fourth year of Spanish! Even here at USMA, they only require two semesters of a language to meet the requirement, and many cadets here only took two years of a language and still got into USMA with no issue. Focus on your required classes (especially STEM!) and keep up your grades - that's what they'll be looking for.

Best of luck!

 

[Army Vet & WPFF]

Hey, I'm currently a Freshman heading into my Sophmore year next year. Today I had the chance to meet with my college counselor to signup for my classes next year and create a roadmap to graduation which helps me map out which classes and extracurriculars I'm taking. I'm currently studying Spanish for my World Language credit, it's only required that I take 3 years which I'll complete by the end of my Junior Year. My school suggests that we take all academic courses for the four years we're there but only requires three years credit for all classes except English (4 years). I do not like Spanish and am not very good at it, that's why I plan on opting out of the fourth year requirement to pursue another course, likely a government or history course, (I want to major in law). How will my opting out of a fourth year of Spanish reflect on an application?

Dropping Spanish after 3 years is no big deal for WP - will not hurt you at all. Stay with 4 years of the 4 cores (math, science, English, history/social studies) with a sprinkling of honors / AP versions if it makes sense for you.

 

[jl123]

Not taking a fourth year of Spanish will not affect admission, but may be a factor in language placement if you choose Spanish as your required language. The greater factor for admissions will be what course you take instead of Spanish. Government/History is fine if your Math/Physics/Chemistry/English Composition record is solid.

The minimum language requirement is two semesters if you are starting at the introductory level. Validating a semester allows you an extra elective. You may want to discuss with a counselor/Spanish teacher at your school the likelihood of validating 1st semester Spanish if that is a consideration for you.

 

[St.Katherine]

Hey, I'm currently a Freshman heading into my Sophmore year next year. Today I had the chance to meet with my college counselor to signup for my classes next year and create a roadmap to graduation which helps me map out which classes and extracurriculars I'm taking. I'm currently studying Spanish for my World Language credit, it's only required that I take 3 years which I'll complete by the end of my Junior Year. My school suggests that we take all academic courses for the four years we're there but only requires three years credit for all classes except English (4 years). I do not like Spanish and am not very good at it, that's why I plan on opting out of the fourth year requirement to pursue another course, likely a government or history course, (I want to major in law). How will my opting out of a fourth year of Spanish reflect on an application?

Focus on Math (12th Grade Calculus), Physics, English.
In the application, there’s a prompt to click for each requesting evaluations from your teachers. There’s none for language(s). However, a separate entry(ies) for languages asking how acquired and level of fluency. You should have excellent rapport with teachers who are evaluating you. Be mindful of deadlines (test, homework, report, project) and don’t be late/miss any deadlines. The evaluator might write, “excellent test taking ability but miss turning in the final lab.”

 

[Greeneye22]

Focus on Math (12th Grade Calculus), Physics, English.
In the application, there’s a prompt to click for each requesting evaluations from your teachers. There’s none for language(s). However, a separate entry(ies) for languages asking how acquired and level of fluency. You should have excellent rapport with teachers who are evaluating you. Be mindful of deadlines (test, homework, report, project) and don’t be late/miss any deadlines. The evaluator might write, “excellent test taking ability but miss turning in the final lab.”

Agree