Should I Retake Spanish 2H in High School?

Many high school students find themselves in a similar dilemma: they have completed Spanish 2H in 8th grade and received an 'A', but are unsure whether to retake the course in their freshman year to meet college requirements that demand three years of foreign language study.

Background and Course Credits

In my experience, taking Spanish for six years - from 7th to 12th grade - is a commendable achievement. The first two years (7th and 8th grades) were counted as one high school credit, while the subsequent four years (9th to 12th grades) would net five additional credits. This made a total of six credits, which looked impressive on my high school transcript. Only if you won't receive any credits for 7th and 8th grade should you consider your personal academic goals and desires.

Understanding College Requirements

Colleges and universities often require at least three years of foreign language study. If you have already completed the equivalent of one year through 8th grade, moving on to Spanish 3 in your 9th grade year could be an excellent option. Continuing with Spanish 4, 5, and 6 in subsequent years would provide you with a strong foundation in the language and demonstrate your commitment to language learning.

Risks and Benefits of Retaking Spanish 2H

Retaking a course you already received an 'A' in can look suspicious to college admissions officers. It's essential to consider the following:

Receiving credit for the same class twice is not allowed. Your counselors, who are experts in academic guidance, would likely discourage you from repeating a course, especially if you already performed well in it. If you do not feel prepared for Spanish 3 Honors, it might be beneficial to take it in a less advanced level and then move to an honors version later.

Moving Forward with Spanish 3

Instead of retaking Spanish 2H, you should focus on advancing to Spanish 3. Completing three years of language study is viewed favorably by colleges because it shows dedicated and continuous learning. However, keep in mind that three years of classroom language acquisition are significantly less compared to the immersive experience one might have in a native-speaking environment.

The progression of language skills is an important aspect of college admissions. Continuously demonstrating growth and proficiency through higher-level courses shows your commitment to language learning.

Considerations for Future Success

While your current language proficiency is commendable, it's crucial to recognize that language acquisition can be a long and challenging process. College admissions officers understand that mastering a language requires more than just classroom instruction. If you were to face a similar situation again, consider this:

Achieving an 'A' in a language course in 8th grade might signal to admissions officers that you are not fully engaged in the learning process. Taking Spanish 3, 4, 5, and 6 will help you build a stronger foundation and showcase your commitment to excellence.

As you plan your academic path, it's important to look at the long-term goals. Focusing on advanced language courses and continuous improvement will make you a more competitive candidate in the eyes of colleges.

Remember, seeking to improve and continuously challenge yourself is a more strategic approach to language learning and a better way to present yourself to college admissions officers.

Good luck with your academic journey, and may you continue to excel in Spanish and other areas of study.