Informal recommendations also can exceed both the college and HS requirements. That is common for foreign language. The HS may only require proficiency and particular college websites may indicate that only 2 or 3 years (or proficiency) is required, but our BS college counselors say the top college AOs actually highly value 4 years of a FL regardless. So do your research and/or talk early with your HS college counselors before pumping your kids up on all of the electives they can take junior and senior years.