Is there any downside to starting a new language in 9th?

[Anonymous]

My kid is joining private school in 9th. He took 2 years of Spanish in public but while 7th grade was decent, 8th was really crappy due to virtual learning..
He wants to start over in a new language for 9th (which is a viable option at this school and the old public grades--although As--will not be on the transcript. ).

Is there any downside in college admissions if a kid takes French 1 in 9th grade (for example) and starts down this track as opposed to taking a higher level of Spanish in 9th?

[Anonymous]

1. If this school offers AP or IB classes and exams, then it might be wise to continue with the language that's already been started so as to get the best score possible on the exam.

2. However, if your child has a strong preference, then go with the strong preference - they'll be more motivated.

[Anonymous]

No problem. My DC took up to level 3 in one language through 8th, then switched to a different language in 9th for four years. He also had Latin, so now he has three languages on the transcript (total of 16 years of study between the three).

One thing to consider is whether taking the old language will allow the student to get through AP level in the original language earlier and so have more electives in upper school.

The other thing to consider is whether he can start the new school at level 2 (repeating one year of the language) and have one class that is easier than the others, which may help with the transition and GPA.

[Anonymous]

Not at all.

I have known kids who started some new, rather obscure language in college. I admire his desire to love what he is learning!

[Anonymous]

So is he on track to take Spanish three? If so, I’d recommend he just take Spanish two. I would imagine the private school would allow it. Just blame virtual learning.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure what he's on transition to take in 9th. In public it's Spanish 3. I don't know how the private would place him.

The private does not offer AP or IB classes. He could take the AP exam exam on his own.

I am tempted to have him start over in a new language or even in Spanish. He will be challenged enough in other humanities classes. Math is his strong suit.

[Anonymous]

They won't necessarily know your kid took a language before 9th because it won't be on the transcript (you may need to ask for it not to be on there...)

But most of the top colleges want to see rigor across the board, that means AP in all classes, including languages. If you're starting a new language in 9th you'll only get to 4th year in that language by 12 and your kid will be applying against others who started in 6th grade, completed AP in 10th or 11th

[Anonymous]

I am tempted to have him start over in a new language or even in Spanish. He will be challenged enough in other humanities classes.

This is what my DD did. She enrolled in Spanish I in 9th grade, even though she'd already completed 3 years of Spanish in MS. They just need 4 years of a language aand she wants to take challenging courses in others subjects. Let him take what he's actually interested in studying.

[Anonymous]

We had a similar situation. My son moved from public school to private for high school. He already had three years of Spanish but we were not sure how he would align with the Spanish curriculum at the new school. He took a placement test (this is what most private schools do for new students) and they placed him according to his score. After about a week we asked for him to be moved down one level because while he was far more conversational than the other students, he was lacking in the necessary grammar skills. He's done very well and is still on an advanced Spanish track (his school does not do APs). Unless your son actually wants to learn to speak a different language, I'd keep him in his existing language and just bump him down a level if you need to. But a placement test should give the school, and you, an idea of what his skill and placement level should be.

My other son graduated high school (public) fluent in Spanish and was able to place into a higher level Spanish class in college. Biliteracy is a great skill to have these days. It took some commitment but it was worth it to him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They won't necessarily know your kid took a language before 9th because it won't be on the transcript (you may need to ask for it not to be on there...)

But most of the top colleges want to see rigor across the board, that means AP in all classes, including languages. If you're starting a new language in 9th you'll only get to 4th year in that language by 12 and your kid will be applying against others who started in 6th grade, completed AP in 10th or 11th

Nope. No one expects kids to have 8-12 APs.

[Anonymous]

My kid studied an obscure language before moving here. Started Latin in 9th grade since the other language wasn’t offered. Was totally fine.

[Anonymous]

I think you should let them pick what they want and if they want to start over, fine. If this forum has taught me anything, kids who do "everything" just for college admissions end of feeling so frustrated because they sometimes don't get into their dream schools, even though they apparently did everything you are supposed to do to make that happen.

The kids who are happier with their college admissions seem to be the ones that followed their interests and goals and let the chips fall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They won't necessarily know your kid took a language before 9th because it won't be on the transcript (you may need to ask for it not to be on there...)

But most of the top colleges want to see rigor across the board, that means AP in all classes, including languages. If you're starting a new language in 9th you'll only get to 4th year in that language by 12 and your kid will be applying against others who started in 6th grade, completed AP in 10th or 11th

Nope. No one expects kids to have 8-12 APs.

They expect it from Asian students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I am tempted to have him start over in a new language or even in Spanish. He will be challenged enough in other humanities classes.

This is what my DD did. She enrolled in Spanish I in 9th grade, even though she'd already completed 3 years of Spanish in MS. They just need 4 years of a language aand she wants to take challenging courses in others subjects. Let him take what he's actually interested in studying.

Agreed. If your child can start w level I honors and keep it up, it will actually look better on the transcript. Also if your school offers AP right after the level 3, your child still has a chance to take that as a senior. This will also give your child a chance to write about picking up a new language as a high schooler, the decision process to switch and why. It will show maturity and willingness to challenge oneself in not settle. There is a lot you can do with this situation. If your child truly hates Spanish and want to try something different, go for it.

I agree w the previous poster, doing ECs and taking classes just for college app sake is neither productive nor effective.

- mom of a senior

[Anonymous]

My kid started a new language in HS just because he was interested in it. Don’t know if that’s going to hurt him later but it’s what he wanted. My other kid only took two years of a language- gasp! And is attending college and got into various schools with merit aid. So don’t think it all has to be one way, OP...