15 answers

Asked Feb 20 962 views

Do colleges like when you take 4 years of the same foreign langauge?

Hello, im a freshman in highschool and im building my schedule for next year (sophmore year), i really want to take spanish for all 4 years but alot of my friends are saying its dumb. I really want to get into a good college so i didn’t know if 4 years of spanish would help me! Thank you!!!

college school high-school foreign-languages spanish

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15 answers

Updated Feb 22

Xiaojie Johan’s Answer

Hi Maddie,

Thanks for asking. They do generally like 4 years of a foreign language as 4 years makes you competitive at even the top colleges. Of course, that is if you're applying to them. So, the one word answer is: Yes!

Best of luck!

Regards,

Johan

Thanks Johan! I appreciate it Maddie Feb 22

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Updated Feb 21

Paul’s Answer

Yes, if you take a lot of foreign languages, it helps with completing the general university requirements foreign language degree elements, at the university level.

Thank you!! Maddie Feb 21

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Updated Feb 21

Destiny’s Answer

Hi Maddie!

If you are able to I would definitely recommend taking Spanish all 4 years of high school and possible look into AP Spanish if your school offers it! I took 3 years of Spanish and had to finish my university’s language requirement which was much more difficult after not taking it for a couple years. Also like other posters said I would definitely try to learn as much as possible from the Spanish class it is a great language to know!

Good luck! I hope this helps!

Thanks for the advice. Maddie Feb 21

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Updated Feb 27

James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Maddie,

Devoting four years to studying the same foreign language during high school can significantly enhance your college applications. This dedication reflects your perseverance and commitment to mastering a new language.

Most colleges and universities value such dedication, as it indicates your willingness to invest time and effort in broadening your knowledge and cultural horizons.

While it may not be the ultimate determinant for acceptance, it can undoubtedly bolster your application and set you apart from other candidates. Consequently, if it aligns with your personal interests and objectives, committing to Spanish throughout high school is a valuable pursuit.

Stay blessed!
James Constantine.

Thank you! Maddie Feb 27

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Updated Feb 20

Karin’s Answer

Hi Maddie,

4 years of Spanish sounds wonderful. You'll be almost fluent, and if you keep practicing to improve your vocabulary and grammar, and maybe study a semester abroad you'll speak a second language very well.

Depending on what and where you are going to study and work, being biligual might be beneficial or even required in certain positions.

Good luck! Languages are fun!

KP

Thank you so much! Im planning on being a medical malpractice lawyer or a corporate lawyer! Maddie Feb 20

You are very welcome! Karin P. Feb 20

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Updated Feb 22

Julie’s Answer

Hello Maddie! I firmly believe that it's a wiser choice to gain proficiency and confidence in one particular language, rather than having a basic understanding of numerous languages so I'd say you're making the right decision.

Thank you Julie, im not interested in other languages so spanish is the only one id take ! Maddie Feb 22

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Updated Feb 22

Rameez’s Answer

I think it is a great idea to do all four years! If you do, make sure you focus on learning the language as much as possible so that you can write it on your resume and back it up. Knowing a second language is never a bad thing and colleges/jobs love when someone can speak Spanish. I took Spanish for three years and honestly regret not trying to become fluent and just passing the classes to pass. Take advantage of this great opportunity! One recommendation I would have is to also change your phone's settings to Spanish so you will practice on a daily basis.

Thanks Rameez, I’ll definitely try out your recommendation! Maddie Feb 22

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Updated Feb 22

Justin’s Answer

Hey Maddie!
Really great question! Taking 4 years of a language is always as a good idea as it can be very impressive to certain colleges and can be beneficial for testing out of any language requirement you may have. Personally, I planned on taking on four years in high school, however, I found an AP class that I wanted to take instead. I opted to take the AP course as it aligned more with my interests as well as the colleges I wanted to apply to only required 3 years. So while I encourage you to take four years if that is possible for you, I would first confirm the requirements for the colleges you want to apply to and consider any other courses you may be interested in. I hope this helps!

Thank you for the advice, Justin. Maddie Feb 22

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Updated Feb 22

Josef’s Answer

It definitely does help. Most colleges require you to take 3 foreign language credits in HS otherwise you have to take it in college. Additionally if you become proficient enough in the language you can claim your bilingual which looks great to colleges! They also like to see things such as committing yourself to a certain thing for multiple years. Long story short, it will help, but it isn't a make or break to get in a good college or not.

Thank you Josef for the advice! Maddie Feb 22

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Updated Feb 20

Hamza’s Answer

Hi Maddie!

In all honesty you can get into a good college regardless of the 4 years or not. What I do suggest is that if you take Spanish for 4 years, try your best to become fluent. This can even open study abroad opportunities for college and job offers later on in life that other students might not have.

Hope this helps!

Thank you!! Maddie Feb 20

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Updated Feb 22

Jeff’s Answer

Hi Maddie! I really like how you are thinking ahead and planning out your future already. But to answer your question, colleges definitely love 4 years of a foreign language. Not only does it show that you are stepping outside of your comfort zone to learn something completely foreign, but it also shows your dedication to what you truly enjoy learning. I feel like a lot of times people give up when they get too comfortable or too hard. And I also just want to mention that you shouldn't take 4 years of Spanish just for the sole reason of having it "look good" for colleges. You should take the class and not care about what anyone else says if it's something you are truly passionate in.

I truly love spanish so doing four years would make me happy! Thanks for the advice! Maddie Feb 22

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Updated Feb 22

Hector’s Answer

Hi Maddie! Being someone who is a Spanish native speaker I think learning another language is always a great opportunity. I have lived now in Florida and Illinois for my professional and know Spanish has helped me connect with the different communities as well. I also tutored students in the US for Spanish. What I always recommend as a piece of advice is to listen to music in Spanish. Music is always really sticky so if you get hooked on a song and try to learn you can definitely have a lot of fun as well!

Thank you, this is really helpful. Maddie Feb 22

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Updated Feb 22

Toni’s Answer

Hello Maddie! Just like many others in this discussion, I believe that dedicating four years to learning Spanish is a fantastic decision that will surely pay off in the future.

When it comes to colleges, they're not necessarily interested in the NUMBER of languages you know, but rather your proficiency in a particular language. So, I would advise you to focus on mastering Spanish over the course of four years, rather than trying to learn several languages but not being proficient in any of them.

I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Maddie Feb 22

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Updated Feb 21

Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Maddie !

Taking four years of Spanish is a smart idea. Yes, colleges would be very impressed that you are at an advanced level with a language studies subject. Choosing Spanish will also help you as a skill in life, also.

I would advise researching some colleges that you are thinking about for the future and just getting an idea of any language requirements there are. It may also be to your benefit depending upon what you plan to major in. The benefits of going forward with your plan are numerous !

It will greatly enhance your opportunities in the future for employment, and learning Spanish may even teach you about English, too. You could possibly get a part time job tutoring or teaching English to students that speak Spanish. There's really all positive benefits of this path of study. Just remember that it is you who are planning for your future and it is up to you to make the decisions for your courses and future education. There will always be people with opinions, but what counts is your ambition and interest in a subject. I say go for it !

I have left some links to some interesting articles that I hope will add to your plans and enhance your inspiration !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

TEN BENEFITS OF LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE https://www.etoninstitute.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-learning-a-foreign-language

TWENTY FIVE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN SPANISH https://www.middlebury.edu/language-schools/blog/25-reasons-why-you-should-learn-spanish

Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it. Maddie Feb 20

You are very welcome, Maddie ! Michelle M. Feb 20

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Updated Feb 27

Sydney’s Answer

The responses you've received so far are excellent, and I'd like to build on them. The key isn't necessarily spending four years studying a specific foreign language, but rather the level of proficiency you attain in that language during those years. SAT subject tests can be a fantastic tool to showcase your language skills, providing objective measures that universities use for admissions. However, I'd encourage you to broaden your linguistic scope beyond Spanish. While Spanish is undoubtedly beneficial, there's a higher demand for other foreign languages. Consider exploring the foreign language courses offered by community colleges in your vicinity. High schools often permit students to enroll in external language classes for languages not directly taught at the school.

Wishing you all the best on your language learning journey!

Thank you so much for the advice. Maddie Feb 27

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