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I see that the top schools all require or "recommend" 4 years of a foreign language. But i only have three years of spanish due to scheduling conflicts and AP classes taken. However I am fluent in mandarin(chinese) and i might take the SAT II subject test to prove my proficiency. Will this compensate or am i screwed and should not even apply to the top colleges. Thank you, any feedback is appreciated.

By AFL on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 07:55 am: Edit

Those curricular "requirements" are far looser than many high school students realize. You should never pass up the chance to apply to a top-choice college when your transcript doesn't match up perfectly with recommended prerequisites because most are really just that---recommendations, not imperatives.

In your case, "Concerned," this is especially true because you have three years of Spanish AND fluency in Mandarin. While a strong SAT score in the latter won't hurt, if it's the language spoken in your home, it also won't do a lot to wow admission folks. A good score on the Spanish SAT II, on the other hand, would look muy bueno.

In any case, as you proceed through the application process, it's important to recognize that when your high school record differs GREATLY from what an institution suggests, you may be reaching too far (e.g, MIT hopefuls with only math through geometry won't have an easy road), but otherwise assume that there is flexibility in those course recommendations or "requirements."