How important are language classes for admission?

carolyn
Wed, 30 May 2007 16:18:18 +0000

MikeMac, I generally agree with you, but I believe that what you quoted is the UCLA language requirement for GRADUATION from the University, not the UC system-wide requirement for Admissions. The UC system does in fact “recommend” three years of foreign language for admission. Only two years are actually required as a minimum, however. (see: www.ucop.edu/pathways). The more competitive the UC in terms of admission, the wiser it is to follow or exceed the “recommended” path for the system overall.

To the original poster: While having only two years of foreign language won’t in and of itself kill anyone’s chances, it never hurts to present the strongest admissions profile possible, especially if you will be applying to schools where the majority of candidates will have very solid admissions profiles. I agree with Jrock, however: it’s really up to your daughter to decide how confident she feels about her chances at the schools on her list, and whether she wants to take the summer course. However, before you sign her up for an online course, you might want to talk to her high school about whether the course can appear on her official transcript, and, if it won’t, do some research into how the online school is viewed by colleges.