World Language Requirements for College
How to Demonstrate a Global Perspective to Schools
Apr 14, 2009
In order to demonstrate a commitment to world focus, high school students are often required to learn a language other than English for college admission. This concept may be interpreted differently among the colleges, so students need to investigate all of the options available to them.
World Language Examples
Students may only be able to take world languages offered by their high school. In smaller schools the options can be quite slim. Examples of world languages offered at the high school level include Spanish, French, and German. Some high schools even offer Chinese and Japanese. All of these examples would acceptable for college admission.
Demonstration of Knowledge in a World Language
Typically, colleges will accept students who have taken at least two years of the same foreign language. Most students will complete this requirement during ninth through twelfth grade; however, students can take a first year in middle school and the second year in high school. The main idea to remember is that the sequence needs to include level 1, usually first year, and level 2, usually second year. Students can not take two years of the same level to qualify for the requirement.
In a sequence of two years, students are exposed to the following elements: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and culture.
Additional Ways to Demonstrate Foreign Language Knowledge
Some students are fluent in another language other than English. These students were typically raised in a non-English speaking country or were raised in a bilingual/trilingual household. Students who fall into this category can request to be tested via an assessment.
College Board offers both Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) for students to demonstrate their college level knowledge. Both exams have a world language component; however, the languages available are limited. Check with your school counselor for these opportunities in your area.
Colleges That Do Not Require a World Language for Admission
Some colleges do not require students to have world language exposure prior to admission. One type of school will allow students to fulfill one or more years at their college upon admission. Caution should be given to these colleges. These colleges may require students to take the classes at the college but not count the credits towards a diploma.
Other colleges may not require any fulfillment of a foreign language for admission. In the past some of these schools included SUNY Cobleskill (NY), Wilmington College (DE), Drake University, Kansas State University, Northern Michigan University, and Indiana University.
Additional Points on Colleges and World Languages
Here are a few items to consider on this topic:
- Two years of a world language implies that the two years are the same language. Students can not take, for example, one year of Spanish and one year of French.
- American Sign Language is acceptable at some colleges as a world language. Consult with a college admission counselor for more information.
- Some colleges will offer an placement test to assess proper registration at college. Ask the college if a test can be taken to demonstrate prior knowledge of a language.
Colleges want their students to have a global perspective, which includes the ability to communicate in a language other than English. High school students should include at least two years of a world language in their curriculum; however, exceptions can be made. Above all, students need to consult with admission counselors from the student's college list. The counselor can be the best resource on world language requirements and how to demonstrate the knowledge.
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