I’ve had a counselor tell me that they understand that language is not always an easy thing to grasp so they don’t consider it as much, while others have told me that they think it’s as important as math, english, or science. The reason I’m asking is because I have all As in all of my classes… except my Spanish class, in which I consistently get B+s (even when I try my hardest). I know people say that officers like to see 4 years of language, but should I still do that if it is ruining my GPA or take it instead for 3 years and get an A in a challenging class that isn’t Spanish?
How much foreign language matters…or doesn’t matter…is going to depend a lot on your school and intended program.
Let me tell you a little horror story…
This topic is pretty familiar to me, because I had a kiddo who also had difficulty with foreign language, despite excelling in everything else. She took the minimum two years and figured that was good enough.
She figured she’d be safe going into microbiology.
And of course…she was wrong.
As it turned out…her college required four term proficiency in the same foreign language to get a biology degree.
She’d gotten low A’s in her two french classes with a LOT of effort…but didn’t remember enough French when she took her college placement test to test out of even the first semester. She had to start over from scratch.
So, then she figured…I’m a bio major…I should take something useful. I know! Latin!
HUGE mistake.
The first term of Latin was great…she learned a ton of useful things that she could apply to science reading…but the second term was insanely time consuming and difficult. Suddenly, she felt like a Classics major. She took it pass/fail and passed by the skin of her teeth. Four term proficiency was out of the question. Latin’s tough at UMich.
So, she switched to Spanish…and did well. Four terms of it. She worked twice as hard and had to give it more time than most of the students…but she passed, and she’s done now. Thank the Gods.
So yeah…it took her SIX classes to get her foreign language requirement slayed…as a Biologist.
So here’s the takeaway…
- Look at the program guides for your intended major. Know what you're up against. Plan ahead.
- If you will have to do a language for your major...take four years in high school. Very worth it. Even if your grades are not stellar...you will thank yourself later.
- if the program you're taking does not have any foreign language requirements...at any of the colleges you hope to go to...and you are CERTAIN of this......it would probably be ok to take two years and not worry about it.
Good luck!
I think it’s better to take 4 years. Everyone has a weakness or a “worst class”, and you’re right- languages are hard! But persevering and gaining more knowledge of that language will look better in the long term. A B+ is not an awful grade, I wouldn’t worry too much about it.
@MaryGJ, I’m sympathetic with your kid! Languages at Michigan were a nightmare for me. Regarding grades and college admission, I think colleges are slightly more forgiving of small grade slips in that area. One of my kids had solid grades except some lower grades in French. She got in everyplace she applied, including some top schools. But study for your standardized tests, that helps offset.
IMO, as much as they consider grades in English, math, etc., and more than they consider grades in gym and art. That said, a B+ will not make or break an application.
Don’t be so melodramatic; a D will ruin your GPA. As others have said, if the college requests 4 years or if the college has a FL requirement to graduate, you should take a 4th year in HS.
I have to laugh when I see people complaining how awful they did - B+!! A-!!! Give yourself a break!!! My son got a C in Spanish freshman year, a D sophomore year - that’s doing awful!!! He was encouraged to continue 4 years - we decided to drop it after 2 years because D’s weren’t going to impress any admissions counselor! As mentioned, it depends on where you’re applying. My son wasn’t applying to top schools but got into every school he applied to. Top schools will want 4 years, but I think B+'s aren’t a reason to stop.
From what I"ve heard admission officers say, foreign languages are considered to be an academic subject on par with English, math, science and social studies. That said a B+ is NOT a GPA killer.
The decision as it if you should take 4 years of foreign language or not will depend on the colleges you are targeting. Look online and each college lists recommended/required HS coursework of colleges you are interested in. If 4 years of foreign language is recommended/required by any college you are considering then I’d suggest you continue with Spanish. If you don’t meet the recommended/required HS coursework then your application will be at a disadvantage.
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What everyone else said. A B+ might knock you out of the running for valedictorian, but it’s not killing your GPA. Just suck it up and take the Spanish. It will help you more than hurt you in the application process, even if you continue to get Bs.
My son also struggled with Spanish in high school, and dropped it his senior year, one reason why he didn’t get into Brown. But when he got to Oberlin, he started taking Japanese and did really well in it for some bizarre reason. So maybe when you get to college, try another foreign language.