Should I take an intensive latin course over the summer?

Question

I am a highschool freshman and currently take French, but I'd like to transfer into Latin II next year. For anyone who have taken intensive language courses, would you recommend this experience or not? How are grades transferred?

Answer 1

You are fortunate to have the opportunity, and I think it would be a wonderful idea.

I took an intensive Latin program (many years ago) when I was in high school, and enjoyed it immensely. It was a lot of work, but it was worth it.

I also had experience with French before I took Latin, and the French knowledge really helped with learning Latin.

The higher level Latin will also look terrific later on your college applications, but the greatest benefit will be in your enhanced understanding of English vocabulary. Incidentally, this will also help you achieve a higher SAT score, which in turn, will enable you to shoot for more prestigious colleges later on.

Bottom line: Great idea, go for it!

Answer 2

If you really want to learn, you should get a head start during the summer and since you will be taking it in the summer, there won't be other classes for you to worry about. It's difficult, but if you study, read, etc. I'm sure you'll do fine, but why change to latin? Colleges usually want up to the third or fourth level of a language to fulfill language requirements. So if you're going to do it, start this summer. Good luck.