Another language question

[Anonymous]

Just found out at bts night that DC's (current Jr) school will likely not offer a 4th year of language (not a common language). DC started in 9th, so will have 3 years but is interested in a few T10/Ivy schools that "highly recommend) 4.

I can't imagine a school would want them to take a 1 level of another language just to have 4. Any thoughts? Coming from a stem magnet and interested in a stem major, so would a stem class be good? Or something like AP Human Geo or AP Latin American history to compliment?

Would it be weird to contact a few AOs to ask about this? Or ask career counselor to do this (though public school counselor is so busy), after rush of senior apps of course.

[Anonymous]

If STEM major I would have them take another stem class to fill the spot to show movement towards potential major

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just found out at bts night that DC's (current Jr) school will likely not offer a 4th year of language (not a common language). DC started in 9th, so will have 3 years but is interested in a few T10/Ivy schools that "highly recommend) 4.

I can't imagine a school would want them to take a 1 level of another language just to have 4. Any thoughts? Coming from a stem magnet and interested in a stem major, so would a stem class be good? Or something like AP Human Geo or AP Latin American history to compliment?

Would it be weird to contact a few AOs to ask about this? Or ask career counselor to do this (though public school counselor is so busy), after rush of senior apps of course.

You're not going to like this answer, but my DC went to community college for a language like this. Both during the school year (got permission from his school and scheduled the language at the end of the day) and summer

[Anonymous]

Ask the language teacher if they can do an independent study in the language. Research a topic and write a paper in the language, or something like that. The colleges will know the highest level of language offered by the school, so I think you will have some flexibility if your child decides to skip a language 4th year.

[Anonymous]

Can your kid take that language independently, outside of school at a local CC or similar?

[Anonymous]

Can your kid take that language independently, outside of school at a local CC or similar?

This is what I'd do, specifically at a community college, because the cost will be reasonable and most schools will accept the credits. It may be a slight hassle, but actually will work out better for your DC.

[Anonymous]

Independent study or online. What language?

[Anonymous]

Regardless of whether DC pursues language elsewhere, ensure counselor recommendation notes the school stopped offering the fourth year class.

[Anonymous]

Is your DC in mcps? Is it possible they could take the class at another HS?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is your DC in mcps? Is it possible they could take the class at another HS?

No please stop saying this on threads. This is not a possibility for anyone.

[Anonymous]

There's always opportunities on applications to share additional information, such as "school no longer offered Italian during senior year."

[Anonymous]

It is fine. You can even explain what happened at the end of the common app if you are concerned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's always opportunities on applications to share additional information, such as "school no longer offered Italian during senior year."

This is exactly what I would do. Schools won’t hold it against you if out of your control. I would also add that it depends on what type of stem and which college within a university he is applying to. Many schools have different recommended HS courses for different colleges. Colleges of engineering almost always say three years (or less) even if the college of arts and science within the same university says 4. Even if a university only has general admissions and not to a specific college, the expectations are usually different depending on intended major.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, All.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is your DC in mcps? Is it possible they could take the class at another HS?

No please stop saying this on threads. This is not a possibility for anyone.

I’m that poster and I know a student who is doing this (for an engineering class that was dropped at our HS, not language) so not sure why you’d say not a possibility.