Quick response to: do colleges want 2 or 3 years of a language?
Many colleges prefer or require at least two years of a foreign language, but it varies depending on the institution and the program of study.
Response to your inquiry in detail
Many colleges prefer or require students to complete at least two years of a foreign language as part of their undergraduate education. However, the specifics vary depending on the institution and the program of study. Some colleges may require three or more years of language study, while others may only recommend or consider language proficiency as a factor in admissions.
According to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, learning a second language has numerous benefits including improved cognitive skills, increased job opportunities, and greater cultural sensitivity. In fact, the Council states that “knowledge of languages and cultures other than one’s own is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for our nation’s social and economic well-being.”
A study by the Modern Language Association reported that for the 2013-2014 academic year, Spanish was the most common language studied at U.S. colleges and universities, followed by French, American Sign Language, German, and Chinese. The report also revealed that while language enrollment at the undergraduate level declined slightly, it increased at the graduate level.
Here is a table showcasing the most commonly studied languages in the US:
Language
# of Enrollments
Spanish
794,319
French
154,417
American Sign Language
102,137
German
81,146
Chinese
61,084
In conclusion, while the amount of language study required or preferred varies among colleges and universities, it is clear that learning a second language has significant benefits and is becoming increasingly important in our global society.
Some additional responses to your inquiry
The number of years of language that colleges want varies depending on how selective they are. Most colleges require a minimum of two years of a foreign language to be considered for admission. However, many colleges recommend at least three years of the same world language in high school. Some highly selective schools such as the Ivies may even want to see four years of a language. If your high school does not offer enough language courses, you can also take online classes or self-study for the AP exam.
However, most colleges require a minimum of two years of a foreign language to be considered for admission. Many colleges recommend at least three years of the same world language in high school for a student to be competitive in the admissions pool. Four years makes a student more attractive.
How Much Language Do You Need?
Most selective colleges and universities want to see at least two years of high school foreign language study.
Highly selective schools such as the Ivies often want to see three or four years of a language.
Video response to your question
Mrs. Harris explains that while foreign language is not a required subject for most high school diplomas in Nevada, it can be beneficial for enrichment or for applying to out-of-state colleges that require it. She provides examples of colleges that require two to three years of foreign language for admission, advises students to plan accordingly if they are interested in attending out-of-state colleges, and encourages them to track college requirements for foreign language using a spreadsheet. Ivy League schools are more likely to require four years of foreign language, while most colleges out of Nevada require at least two years of the same foreign language, depending on the school.
Do colleges really care about 3 years of language?
Answer to this: How Much Language Do You Need? Most selective colleges and universities want to see at least two years of high school foreign language study. Highly selective schools such as the Ivies often want to see three or four years of a language.
Similar
Does Stanford require 3 years of foreign language?
Answer: There is not a set of required courses for admission to Stanford, and our guidelines leave room for flexibility. For example, if you complete the most advanced level of a foreign language offered by your school as a sophomore, it is not necessary to take additional foreign language classes your junior and senior year.
Does Harvard require 4 years of language?
In reply to that: Four years of a single foreign language. The study of history for at least two years, and preferably three years: American history, European history, and one additional advanced history course.
How many years of a language is required for Ivy League?
Answer to this: Most Ivy Leagues require students to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language. Students should plan to take a minimum of two and a maximum of four years of a foreign language beyond their native language. Foreign languages that Ivy Leagues prefer to see include Spanish, French, and Chinese.
How many years of a foreign language do you need for college?
For many colleges, you have to take a certain number of foreign language classes in high school just to be able to apply. Usually, colleges expect you to take at least two years of a single foreign language. The second type of foreign language requirement is for graduation.
Should I study a second language after 2 years?
When a college recommends "two or more" years of a language, they are clearly signaling that language study beyond two years would strengthen your application. Indeed, no matter where you apply for college, a demonstrated proficiency in a second language will improve your chances of being admitted.
Do colleges care if you study a foreign language?
In general, colleges want to see foreign language proficiency, and they don’t really care which language you study. Most students, in fact, have few choices. Many schools offer just a couple of languages such as French and Spanish. That said, it can be a plus if your study of a foreign language aligns with your career goals.
Should you take foreign language courses if English is not your first language?
The answer is: If English is not your first language, you most likely won’t need to worry about foreign language courses as part of your college education. When a student from China takes the AP Chinese exam or a student from Argentina takes AP Spanish, the exam results aren’t going to impress anyone in a significant way.
How many years of a foreign language do you need for college?
The response is: For many colleges, you have to take a certain number of foreign language classes in high school just to be able to apply. Usually, colleges expect you to take at least two years of a single foreign language. The second type of foreign language requirement is for graduation.
Do high school students need to learn a foreign language?
Answer: Presently, 23 U.S. states do not require the two years of foreign language study that is required for admittance into many colleges. Therefore, an unfortunate number of high school students may mistakenly think that they do not need to take a language to get into their dream university—after all, their high school must know what it’s doing, right?
Should I study a second language after 2 years?
When a college recommends "two or more" years of a language, they are clearly signaling that language study beyond two years would strengthen your application. Indeed, no matter where you apply for college, a demonstrated proficiency in a second language will improve your chances of being admitted.
How do I choose a college if I have a foreign language?
As an answer to this: Foreign language requirements might be an important factor when choosing the right college for you, but of course they’re not the only factor you should consider. To look for colleges and universities that match your criteria, including size, program availability, location, and more, check out CollegeVine’s school-search tool .
