<p>The point of 4 years of foreign language is not necessarily to achieve a certain proficiency level, but to demonstrate an ability to learn in the subject. Just like kids are suppose to have 4 years of English, Math, and Science when applying to competitive colleges. The 4 years of science can be any combination of biology, physics, chemistry, etc. One year of High School biology, physics, or chemistry is as useful (or useless) as 2 years of mandarin.</p>
<p>If a kid has a good reason to switch foreign languages, then ending up with 2 years of Latin and 2 years of Mandarin will be fine for the college. The point is: It is better to meet the 4 year requirement than to have 3 years and punt because you don’t think the 4th year will have “benefits”. At a minimum, it might let him place into 3rd semester Mandarin in college if the college has a foreign language requirement.</p>
<p>I would rather explain in my application: I couldn’t take AP physics because it conflicted with my 4th year of foreign language.</p>
<p>The alternative is: I hope you don’t mind that I don’t have the 4 years of foreign language you like to see in candidates. I preferred to take AP Physics. It is a yellow flag, and could easily be interpreted as an excuse to skip taking another year of foreign language.</p>