INCREASING STUDENT CHANCES OF GETTING INTO AN IVY LEAGUE WITH YEARS OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Before you read, keep in mind that the application process is indeed competitive. There are many factors that admission officers consider while reviewing a student's application. One factor we are looking at with this blog is foreign language. Maybe after reading this, you might want to change your schedule for the next academic year.

If you're considering applying to an Ivy League university or any other highly selective college, you may have noticed from many Common Data Set information that they often recommend or require three-plus years of foreign language in high school. But why is this the case? Why would taking more than two years of foreign language help the student’s college application pop out to admission officers?

For starters, studying a foreign language for four years demonstrates to admissions officers that you have taken a rigorous course load and are committed to learning about other cultures and ways of communication. It also shows that you have developed valuable skills, such as strong communication and critical thinking abilities. Keep in mind that some Ivy League may recommend just two years, but a good majority will consider a student with three plus years of foreign language over a student with two years during a competitive year of college applications.

Many Ivy League universities have a global focus and prioritize applicants who have international experience or proficiency in foreign languages. This is because they recognize the importance of preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world, where proficiency in languages other than English is highly valued. It also provides a wider thinking process that does impress the admission officers.

For example, in a 2018 report by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, it was found that "students who have studied a foreign language in high school consistently score higher on college entrance exams, and the longer they have studied a foreign language, the better they tend to do."

Furthermore, many Ivy League schools also require or strongly recommend that students take a foreign language course in college. Therefore, high school preparation in this area is particularly important.

So, if you're interested in applying to an Ivy League university or any other highly selective college, it's highly recommended that you take three-plus years of a foreign language in high school. Not only will it help you stand out to admissions officers, but it will also equip you with valuable skills and knowledge that will serve you well in your future academic and professional endeavors.

In summary, the reason why Ivy League universities recommend three-plus years of foreign language study in high school is that it demonstrates academic rigor, intellectual curiosity, and a potential for success in an increasingly interconnected world. By taking this recommendation seriously, you can increase your chances of being accepted into a highly selective college/university and preparing yourself for a successful future.

*Important Note*

You may have to sacrifice taking an elective course you’ve been wanting to take in high school. The art class, robotics class, debate class, and programming class you’re interested in taking will have to be placed in the back burner or you may not be able to take the class at all. What if there is a way to knock out the recommended years of foreign language and still take those desired elective courses you’ve been waiting to take? The short answer, there is a way.

Contact me to schedule a consultation to help you understand how to make this work.