I built my schedule for my senior year and it’s pretty unlikely that I’ll be able to fit in Spanish 4 without dropping classes that I really care about (advanced journalism, chamber orchestra, ap psych).
Even if I was able to take Spanish 4 next year, the language department just combined Spanish 3 and 4 classes last year, and I’ve heard from many 4th years that they spent the whole year at the same pace as the 3rd years, and learned very little new material. Also, the Spanish teacher just really isn’t a fantastic teacher, either (and comically, likes to focus more on Spanish pastries than the actual language).
So, I’ve come to the conclusion that taking other rigorous classes would be a better option when considering the academic benefits of the classes, but I’m concerned that colleges won’t view my failure to take a 4th year of Spanish the same way.
I guess I technically could easily drop chamber orchestra or ap psych, but I really do love these classes. I’ve been playing the violin for 8 years now, so it’d almost be like betraying a commitment if I did drop orch. Plus, I’ve always been fascinated with psychology, and I’m absolutely ecstatic to be able to finally actually be in this class so I can build off of my interest.
Is another year of lang worth dropping genuine interests?
I’m looking to apply to Columbia U, Northwestern, UCs, and other 30% and lower acceptance rate colleges.
Take a summer class at your local cc (taking college Spanish 3would be at least equivalent to Spanish 4). Or participate in an intensive summer program such as Concordia language village or Middlebury’s or others.
NO. Do what you love and it will show, thats what these colleges are looking for. If you take that spanish class, you wont like it and it wont help your chances. But hey, I’m imaginary, so do what you gotta do.
Agree with Elitekid. 4 years may be recommended but it is not required. Take what you enjoy and let this passion show through in your application/essay. You can always self study for AP Spanish.
I’m with wisteria. For my senior year, I dropped band after EIGHT years b/c I couldn’t fit in the other classes I wanted. If orch is very dear to you, drop either journalism or psych. I’d say Spanish 4 is more important than any of those three. That’s my opinion.
I think it partially depends on major. Some schools that recommend 4 years actually recommend less for engineering majors. For example Princeton recommends 4 years of a language, however at the information session they told us that for students applying to their engineering school, the language is not really considered.
Do what you love. Do what you love. Do what you love.
prestige is overrated (Harvard is not a golden ticket to happiness and success–whatever that is without your passion)
passion trumps prestige every time (passion and hard work are greater predictors of happiness and success than prestige)
you will find a great college with your record that shows passion. (Cookie cutter students don’t stand out by definition. schools can’t accept you if you look like the others.) Truthfully imho telling adcom that you followed your passion and attempted to hone your art or craft would probably make you a more interesting candidate than saying “I allow others to tell me what I “should” do and then I do what I “should” do all of the time, even if the shoulds come from strangers on the internet.”
your passion will help you find the right college for YOU not the right college for your parents and the CC community.
Do what you love. If you feel not having the fourth year represents a significant gap for a few schools there’s a place on the common app to explain stuff like that, or your GC could say something. But I wouldn’t bother - it’ll be obvious you have a full schedule.
I took 7 music classes in high school (band all four years, jazz band 11th and 12th, and AP music theory in 12th). Since my high school had a ton of graduation requirements (it’s a very well known STEM magnet school), I had to drop French after French 3 to be able to fit them in (I also took summer classes to free up space).
To me, it was worth it and I don’t believe it affected my admissions. Take the classes you’re interested in!
Different opinion here… IMO you should take all of the classes recommended by colleges you plan to apply to. There will be many well qualified applicants that have completed all of the recommended classes so not doing so can put your at a disadvantage. I do agree that you can consider Spanish 4 it over the summer if the other classes are so important to you.
I’d certainly suggest that you talk to your guidance counselor about this before setting your senior year schedule.
Columbia says 3 to 4 years of foreign language is recommended, so I doubt they’ll mind if you ditch the 4th year especially due to scheduling conflict. UCs and Northwestern say 2-3.
i agree with happy1. if they recommend it (Spanish IV), you should probably take it. but can you take it at CC?
and, is there a way that you can participate in orchestra even if you are not officially enrolled in it as a class? I bet the orchestra director would be happy to find a way for you to play, even if you can’t be at each and every rehearsal. after all you are a senior and the music probably just isn’t that difficult for you at this stage. Teachers are great, but music teachers are the greatest…
edited for clarity