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

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

College and major specific. Research and learn.

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).

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

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?