Foreign Language -- Will this hurt me?

Carin
Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:21:02 +0000

I have a question about the ‘recommended’ four year of one foreign language for HYPSM and other top tier schools…

Take my scenario:

In 9th grade, I took Spanish 2 Honors.
In 10th grade, I’m taking Spanish 3 Honors.

I’ve been virtually aceing Spanish the past two years and it’s possible for me to skip to AP Spanish Language in 11th grade. The only problem is that our school doesn’t regularly offer AP Spanish Literature, so I’m risking the possibility of only doing a language for 3 years. My grade is much smarter than the others, so we have potential for having enough students skipping to AP in 11th grade and then filling up the spots for AP Spanish Lit. Of course I’d have to talk to administration and my guidance counselor, but if for some reason I can’t take a fourth year, would it be detrimental? It’s not as if I’m taking some easy Spanish course for a year or two - I’m not. I’m taking the most advanced Spanish we offer, excelling, and then skipping ahead. But regardless, what do you think I should do?