foreign language requirement for college admissions.. help!?

Question

I'm a US citizen/Cdn resident enrolled in grade 11 in Canada.
I'm interested in applying to US colleges, but I've only studied one year of foreign language in grade 9 (french), and I do not plan on studying it again (partly because I'd have to go back to studying it as grade 10 french). I meet the minimum/exceed all the academic course requirements for most colleges, except for the foreign language.
Should I be concerned? Would it really matter if I had one year instead of two? I don't exactly have a way to take a foreign language again until next year. If I do take the foreign language, I'd be taking grade 10 french as a grade 12. I want to take more challenging university preparation courses in my grade 12 year.
What should I do? Will I be able to just pass by with one year of foreign language? I'm really worried because most schools I'm looking look for 2 years of foreign language. Are these requirements geared more towards kids in american high schools?

wow...... now I'm really stressed
thank you all for the feedback,
would it be that bad if I took ANOTHER foreign language (ie: chinese, japanese) instead of grade 10 french?

my guidance counselor know really little about college in the states. it's really quite pathetic actually. They didn't tell me anything about these requirements, and thankfully I have most of them already. I had to find these requirements from college websites myself, depending on my guidance dept would definately put me off track.

Answer 1

Most colleges do require two years of a foreign language but some do make exceptions. It would be best to contact the college that you are seriously interested in and see what they say. You could go to the library if one is available and check out some language tapes and learn some more on your own. Hope this helps somewhat.

Answer 2

2 years

Answer 3

Many colleges are now requiring 2-3 years in a foreign language in high school. And of course, they want "proof" in the way of transcripts.

I have a friend that grew up in Europe and she speaks English, French, German and some Italian. All learned due to living in the countries. Since she does not have any documentation, she feels she must take a language in High School so she can get into college. I told her just to challenge all the courses at a junior college and that will count also. She said, "What" And give up on my Spanish course?"

Answer 4

Most US colleges require 3 years of a language in high school. The grades need to be passing.

If you are fluent in a language, some colleges will give you a test. If you pass it, they will exempt you from the foreign language requirement. It doesn't hurt to ask.

I am curious as to why your guidance counselor (or the Canadian equivalent) did not tell you of the requirements since you are a US citizen. Did you let them know you were considering college in your native country?

Answer 5

It depends upon the school to which you are applying. Some will say that two years means two years, and that's that. Unfortunately, if that's the case, there isn't much you can do.
Some colleges might assume that since you are applying from Canada, that you are bilingual in French/English. If you are, make sure to let the admissions office know.

Good luck!

Answer 6

I'm in the same position. I'm thinking of getting my 2 Spanish credits online. Just search for high school credits online. Most websites send info to your school, allowing the credit to be added to your diploma. I hope you get into the college of your choice.

Answer 7

each college is different,,just ask the college you plan to attend