Foreign Language vs GPA

[Anonymous]

I would second the earlier poster's suggestion to check out Latin if it's an option depending upon why a child struggles with Spanish. Some kids have have trouble with the listening/spontaneous speaking, and as classes get taught more in the foreign language it makes for a bad spiral. Latin is not easier -- grammatically, if anything, it is harder and it is taught with a big history component in most schools. But it doesn't have the spoken component so if that's the problem some kids do very well in Latin who disliked Spanish. And I have never come across a college that didn't treat Latin as a foreign language -- if anything, because it is more unusual it is probably a plus in applying to college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I would second the earlier poster's suggestion to check out Latin if it's an option depending upon why a child struggles with Spanish. Some kids have have trouble with the listening/spontaneous speaking, and as classes get taught more in the foreign language it makes for a bad spiral. Latin is not easier -- grammatically, if anything, it is harder and it is taught with a big history component in most schools. But it doesn't have the spoken component so if that's the problem some kids do very well in Latin who disliked Spanish. And I have never come across a college that didn't treat Latin as a foreign language -- if anything, because it is more unusual it is probably a plus in applying to college.

And Latin is a big plus for vocabulary tests in school and on standardized tests since the root of English and romance languages is Latin based. I know four kids who elected to take Latin and did well but it did have much history associated with it.

[Anonymous]

OP again. If he switches to Latin the C's will remain on his transcript but maybe that is something to consider. MoCo does not allow the choice of whether the grades transfer or not..unless you fail the class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again. If he switches to Latin the C's will remain on his transcript but maybe that is something to consider. MoCo does not allow the choice of whether the grades transfer or not..unless you fail the class.

Check to see if your HS offers Latin. Our school offers the most languages in the county and dropped Latin a few years ago because of lack of demand. Not sure how many county schools offer it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again. If he switches to Latin the C's will remain on his transcript but maybe that is something to consider. MoCo does not allow the choice of whether the grades transfer or not..unless you fail the class.

I've heard this on this forum before. It's unfortunate that MoCo doesn't let a 7th or 8th grader give Algebra or FL a try and then choose to accept the grade or retake the class in high school. I don't see any benefit and lots of detriment.

[Anonymous]

VT alum here. If your kid only has 2 years of foreign language but otherwise has a solid application, they'll have to take foreign language classes while at VT, which are much more difficult than in high school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:VT alum here. If your kid only has 2 years of foreign language but otherwise has a solid application, they'll have to take foreign language classes while at VT, which are much more difficult than in high school.

That fact alone coerced my DD into a 3rd year of HS Spanish (and after much sweat and tears she eeeeked out a B!). We're still hoping it was worth it and she's accepted to Va Tech (she has about 3 more hours to complete the application).