DD took Spanish 3 in 10th, then quit foreign languages - in-state in PA - got into Penn State & Pitt, best private she got into was Kenyon, but without merit aid.

Anonymous wrote:Is it a problem if the highest available course in a child's language is taken in 11th grade?

No—maxing out rigor is the important thing.

Is it a problem if the highest available course in a child's language is taken in 11th grade?

My kid hated foreign language and wanted to take more science and tech classes. We had them email 4 or 5 schools they would consider (not Ivys or top SLACs - I think it was VA Tech, Perdue, WPI, GA Tech and one I can’t remember) and ask if it would hurt their chances for an admit as a comp sci or engineering major. All the schools except GA Tech said it wouldn’t matter. One said explicitly that it’s better to take the highest level STEM classes. GA Tech sent a reply that didn’t address the issue at all- clearly canned (or AI).

We know it will hurt chances at the highest level scho, but the chances of a T20 school were low anyway. It’s too bad that decision will probably take UVA off the table, but my kid really hated foreign language. I didn’t want them miserable the rest of high school anyway.

If she wants to leave every option open for top schools, have her continue. Realize it is not a guarantee of admissions anyway.

My tenth grader is looking at schools that are not the most rigorous and will stop FL after this year with 3 years. We are fine with that decision and he will have a lot of options. He won’t be applying to the top flagship and doesn’t want that.

If she’s not miserable, she should continue to take it. Many schools see it as a main subject and prefer to see 3-4 years in HS.

Anonymous wrote:If she stops it means she opens up a a slot for someone else at UVA.

I'm sure you meant that as a snark, but it is true for ALL of the top top schools. The Ivies and top SLACs want to see that the student has availed themselves of the most rigorous courses offered by their high school, which means, of course, exhausting the foreign language requirement. Google it

If she stops it means she opens up a a slot for someone else at UVA.

Anonymous wrote:depends on the major. if pursuing STEM, if 4th year foreign language is taken in 10th grade, it's ok to drop to make room for science and math.

That's not a blanket rule. Most top schools was to see four years plus the most rigorous courses taken in high school. Yes, you do read here occasionally about the odd person who wants to major in engineering and gets in without the four years, but that is rare and often a hooked applicant. talk to your college counselor. Most will tell you to stick with the foreign language

As long as her transcript shows her achieving level 4 of a language, she should be fine. Do her middle school language classes appear on her high school transcript? They do in my school district since they are taught as high-school level classes.

depends on the major. if pursuing STEM, if 4th year foreign language is taken in 10th grade, it's ok to drop to make room for science and math.

UVA wants to see four years in the same language. If AP or Honors is offered, take it.

It's not just about getting in - it's about getting out. Colleges/Universities have foreign language admission expectations for a reason. Foreign language is needed to graduate from college, in many majors.

Op, now is the time to get much more serious. Sure, you aren't going to know, for sure, what your DC will study but (imho) do some research. Now is a reasonable time .

A lot of schools want to see three years, and they may or may not count middle school years. If she has a preferred set of schools you may want to look at those.

My daughter will have 4 years of world language after 10th grade. She really does not want to take language for next year. She is a high achieving student, but we can't afford private universities so will likely be looking at the better state flagships. Unfortunately, she does not yet know where she would like to go or what she would like to study.

How much would it hurt her in admissions if she drops the world language now?