4 years of language

[Anonymous]

My kid is currently finishing ASL 3. He does fine in the class but does not enjoy it. I know the guidance is 4 years of a language. I also know that sometimes colleges don't consider ASL as a world/foreign language. Would you encourage your kid to complete the last year available or let them drop after ASL 3?

[Anonymous]

check with the colleges your kid is interested in. this is highly variable by college

[Anonymous]

What are their grades/rigor like? Are they likely to be targeting the most rejective schools? Unless they are, I would let him drop asl if he replaces it with another academic/core class (not fluff elective).

[Anonymous]

College and major specific. Research and learn.

[Anonymous]

I don't think it matters if their schedule is otherwise rigorous (ie, replace ASL with an academic elective).

[Anonymous]

Is that their only language? Sadly I’d tell them to keep taking it. Colleges are really weird about the language thing. I think it’s really dumb because most kids don’t learn a bough in HS language to be able to actually do anything and they forget it quickly. For kids that love it, it’s great. But for most it’s a waste of time.
I took two languages in HS…I loved it and took them both in college and still try to use them, but I’m not sure it was time best spent. I have almost no practical use for them and if it weren’t for Netflix would have almost no opportunity to use them.

[Anonymous]

It depends on the schools that he is applying to.

I would encourage him to continue if he hasn't had any issues with the class. If he decides to stop taking it, the poster above game a good recommendation to replace it with an academic course. I think this helped my one son (he took philosophy). He little brother didn't take it.

[Anonymous]

4 years in HS (not middle school) is a way to differentiate yourself. It is not the only way but it is one in a world of grade inflation.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think 4 years of ASL will help their candidacy. I’d do something else.

[Anonymous]

If he is aiming for highly selective schools, then go for the fourth year. If he is targeting schools like VT, UTK, FSU, Penn State, U think threw years should be ok.

[Anonymous]

FL needed for admission *is because* the college/university/specific major has a college FL requirement -- to graduate from college.

The college doesn't want the student to not graduate -from college- because they are ill prepared

[Anonymous]

There are endless posts on this topic. Use the search bar on the page and you’ll find them. It’s been discussed ad nauseam!

[Anonymous]

My ds is in a similar situation. Wants to drop language and double up on honors or AP sciences. My guess is that elite SLACs care about 4 years of language, if your student is interested in a larger R1 university, maybe this is a non-issue.

[Anonymous]

Do the research on the colleges/majors to which your kid may apply. Do the research !!