Every Sunday for the past 6 years I’ve been going to Japanese school. I want to go to Ivy League school and most Ivy League schools look for 4 years of language. I need one extra space on my schedule for a class that I need for a graduation requirement. Will I still be competitive for Ivy League college if I only take Spanish for 3 years, even though I’ve been taking Japanese?
I would think so. It would also show that you are committed to something.
Is this an academic course that goes on your transcript? If not, then no, although you can certainly list it as an EC. If you know enough to ace the AP test, so much the better (unless you’re already a senior, in which case, the time has passed to benefit you on your application, but you could still get some college credit).
If there is legitimately only one space left, and it was not caused by you trying to jam in courses over and above any school’s recommendation (e.g. taking 6 science courses over 4 years), colleges will understand; have your GC address the issue on the Secondary school report.
If you score well on the AP or JLPT, particularly as a non heritage speaker, that might help. Check the colleges.
It may not help much if you are only at the equivalent of a lower level high school course.