<p>“An ideal four-year preparatory program includes four years of English, with extensive practice in writing; four years of math; four years of science: biology, chemistry, physics, and an advanced course in one of these subjects; three years of history, including American and European history; and four years of one foreign language.”
This is off the Harvard website. Since I came from India during my sophomore year I can’t have 4 years of spanish or an advanced science either. Now my question is- Can one get into any of the Ivy leagues without the picture perfect course selection they wish you to have? Has anyone in a situation like mine been accepted?</p>
<p>There are surely exceptions to the ideal course of study mentioned. In particular, “four years of one foreign language” has more to do with what level of proficiency you reach in study of a foreign language than exactly with how many years you attend a class in that language. If you are from India, and your home language (or language of primary education) is other than English, you already have experience as a language learner. </p>
<p>All these issues are evaluated in light of your local opportunities. The basic idea is to challenge yourself and not to take the easiest courses available to you, but the harder and more challenging courses. But if you move from one country to another, of course there may be differences in the school curriculum that constrain what you can study in secondary school. </p>
<p>Good luck in your high school course planning, and in your college applications.</p>
<p>bump…</p>
<p>What tokenadult wrote is probably right. I don’t think there is much more for anyone to add.</p>
<p>You don’t have to have a picture perfect application. I wouldn’t worry at all about the language as I’m sure you are fluent in something other than English, even if it isn’t commonly taught in US schools. You could conceivably double up with the science, but I don’t think it will be a deal breaker.</p>
<p>These qualifications are the optimal qualifications. Optimal qualifications, however, are only expected of those students who have had optimal opportunities. You had at least one disadvantage (at least, a disadvantage in this area); therefor, they had to adjust their standards, at least that much. Do not worry about this. The goal is to do the best you can with (key phrase ahead) what you are provided, and what you are able to get.</p>