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@Lizard567
0 answers, 0 votes
 • 4 years ago •
Admissions Advice

Language Requirements Top 20/Ivy

Is it true that you have to take a language all 4 years for certain Ivy/Top 20 schools or would taking an AP class in that language be equivalent to that? For context, the only language my school offers is Russian, and as a native speaker, I’m taking College/AP Russian junior year. Our school offers Russian Business senior year, but almost no one takes it, and taking it would restrict me from taking classes I’m passionate about like Creative Writing at our local college. What should I do?

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@YeshDatar
expert
156 answers, 281 votes
 • 4 years ago[edited]

This is definitely not true. You do not have to take four years of a language to be accepted into a selective Top 20 college. Indeed having three years of a language already shows a strong commitment to the subject. Additionally, you already seem to be taking very rigorous classes in Russian and hopefully have proven your capabilities in the class. This is great and admissions officers will note this! If your passion is creative writing, and you are, in fact, applying for this as a college major it would be advantageous for you to continue taking classes related to your major of interest!

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@DebaterMAX4 years ago

I’m not certain but if you are naturally bilingual as in you speak both languages on a day to day basis (English and Russian) you may be exempt from the foriegn language requirement. Though the Toefl Ielts duolingo May still be required. Also can you clarify if you are taking English classes? And just for some context almost all schools have a minimum of 2 years but recommend 4. Harvard is the only school to my knowledge that has no minimum known but recommends 4.

@DebaterMAX4 years ago

But for top 20 schools 3 years will suffice everywhere.

[🎤 AUTHOR]@Lizard5674 years ago

Thank you, @DebaterMax! To clarify, I’m a first-gen American but my family speaks Russian so it’s more of a second language, but I guess i’m just wondering if taking 3 years rather than 4 would be a dealbreaker for colleges like Harvard?

@DebaterMAX4 years ago

Ah sorry. The English language tests aren’t required as you are American citizens. 3 years is perfectly fine becuase as I have said Harvard is the only school that recommends 4 years of a foreign language with no minimum as most schools require 2 but want 3. Harvard is likely 99% need 3 years but wants 4 year. If Harvard isn’t on your list 3 years is perfect. If Harvard is on the list it’s not a dealbreaker but may be a slight negative.

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