How Foreign Language Really Factors into College Admissions

Insights from IECA Contributors

Parents often ask: How much foreign language does my student really need for college admissions? Does it matter if the language was taken in middle school? Should a student continue the same language or try a new one?

Drawing on collective guidance from Independent Educational Consultants (IECA) and former admissions officers, here is a clear, practical framework families can rely on.

The Big Picture: What Colleges Actually Value

Colleges care far more about depth and continuity in language study than about sampling multiple languages. Admissions offices consistently look for:

• Sustained commitment to one language

• Progression to higher levels

• Academic rigor

• Cultural engagement and persistence

Foreign language is considered one of the core academic pillars of a strong college-prep curriculum, alongside English, math, science, and social studies.

Minimums vs. Competitiveness

Requirements

Most colleges technically require only two years of a foreign language.

Some systems (such as the University of California) allow middle school language to count toward meeting minimum requirements if it is validated by higher-level coursework in high school (for example: Spanish 1–2 in middle school, followed by Spanish 3 in high school).

Reality in Competitive Admissions

While two years may meet requirements, competitive applicants almost always exceed them.

Highly selective universities typically expect:

• Four years of the same language, or

• Progression to the highest level offered (Spanish IV, AP Spanish, IB, etc.)

At institutions such as UVA, UNC–Chapel Hill, Davidson, the UC system, and other highly selective schools, the most competitive applicants almost universally present extended language study.

Continuation Matters More Than Variety

A consistent message from IECA professionals:

Colleges value depth over breadth in language study.

This means:

Preferred:
Spanish 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → AP Spanish

Not preferred:
Spanish 1 → 2 → 3, then switching to a new beginner language senior year

Starting a new language late in high school is generally viewed as dabbling, not rigor.

Why Colleges Care

Foreign language study signals:

• Academic stamina

• Long-term commitment

• Cognitive complexity

• Cultural awareness

• Willingness to persist through challenge

Colleges want to see students engage deeply with learning — not just check boxes.

Middle School Language: How It’s Viewed

This is where families often get confused.

Some colleges and systems:

• Count middle school language toward requirements

• Validate it if higher-level coursework is taken in high school

However, many selective colleges still prefer to see:

• At least two years of language in high school itself

• Continued progression beyond introductory levels

Meeting the requirement is not the same as being competitive.

Common Guidance from Admissions Professionals

Across IECA contributors, the advice is remarkably consistent:

• Take the same language throughout high school

• Continue to the highest level available

• Choose Spanish IV or AP Spanish over a new beginner language

• Prioritize continuity and rigor

• Avoid gaps in language study when possible

When Dropping Language Can Make Sense

There are limited exceptions, such as:

• Double‑loading in science for pre‑med tracks

• Advanced math sequencing for STEM students

• Programmatic constraints that make continuation impossible

Even in these cases, strong academic replacements should be clearly visible on the transcript.

Strategic Guidance for Families

If your student can continue the same language:
→ They should.

If Spanish 4 or AP Spanish is available:
→ That is the strongest choice for admissions.

If scheduling is tight:
→ Summer coursework or online options can preserve rigor.

If a student stopped early:
→ Use application context sections to explain, but recognize it may affect competitiveness at selective schools.

Parent Takeaway

Foreign language is not just a graduation requirement — it is a signal of academic seriousness, perseverance, and intellectual depth.

For students applying to competitive colleges:

Continuation matters more than variety.
Depth matters more than sampling.
Progression matters more than minimal compliance.

When in doubt, the strongest admissions strategy is simple:

Stay with the same language and take it as far as possible.

This is one of those areas where clear planning early makes a meaningful difference later — and families are wise to be thoughtful about it.

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (School Choice & More): Application Opens February 4

I want to make you aware of an important update regarding Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) — the new state school-choice funding program — as the family application portal is scheduled to open on February 4.

This is a brand-new program, and there has been a great deal of interest statewide, so my goal here is simply to help you understand how it works, what to expect, and where to find accurate information.

Overview of the Program
Education Freedom Accounts allow eligible Texas families to receive state funds to support approved educational expenses, including:

• Tuition at participating private schools

• Homeschool curriculum and instructional materials

• Approved tutoring services

• Educational therapies and related services

Funding amounts vary by student circumstance, with additional funding available for students with qualifying special needs.

Application & Lottery Process
Because demand is expected to exceed available funding in the first year, the state has indicated that:

• Families must submit an application once the portal opens

• If applications exceed available funds, a state-run lottery will be used to determine awards

• Priority categories may apply (as defined by the state), followed by a general lottery

Submitting an application does not guarantee funding, but families must apply in order to be considered.

Private School Participation (Greater Austin Area)
Private schools must separately apply and be approved by the state to accept TEFA funds. Participation is voluntary, and schools are being approved on a rolling basis.

Rather than relying on informal lists, I strongly recommend using the official state school search tool, which is updated as schools are confirmed:

👉 Official TEFA School Finder:
https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/

This tool allows families to search by city or school name and is currently the most reliable source for confirmed participating schools in the Austin and greater Central Texas area.

Many schools are still finalizing their decisions and approvals, so it is normal for participation lists to evolve over the coming weeks and months. You can also simply ask the school of interest too—what their plans are in regard to this program.

Homeschool & Tutoring Families
Importantly, families who homeschool — or who plan to supplement schooling with tutoring or educational services — may also use TEFA funds for:

• Approved curriculum and instructional materials

• Tutoring and academic support

• Certain educational services aligned with state guidelines

This makes the program relevant not only for private-school families, but also for homeschoolers and hybrid learners.

Next Steps for Families

• Review program details at https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/

• Mark February 4 as the expected opening date for applications

• Monitor the official school finder if private school participation is important to your planning

• Understand that this is a new program, and adjustments and clarifications are likely as implementation unfolds

Texas Community Colleges Can Now Offer BSN Programs — A Major Win for Nursing Education

Texas, since the passing of 2021 HB 3348, has taken an exciting step forward in expanding access to nursing education: community colleges in the state are now authorized to offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. Through legislation passed in recent years, institutions such as Dallas College have received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and accrediting bodies to launch BSN programs that begin welcoming students — including online and hybrid options designed to increase capacity and affordability.

In addition to Dallas College, other Texas community colleges like Lone Star College and Austin Community College have expanded their bachelor’s offerings, including RN-to-BSN pathways, building off state authorization that allows community colleges to grant applied and nursing baccalaureate degrees.

This is terrific news for aspiring nurses and for Texas healthcare systems, as it creates more affordable, accessible routes to a four-year nursing degree right in local communities — helping to grow the pipeline of highly prepared professionals.

Why This Matters: A National Nursing Shortage

Across the United States, demand for nurses remains strong as healthcare needs grow and seasoned professionals retire. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the RN workforce is projected to grow through 2032, with about 193,100 openings each year due to workforce exits and expanded care needs.

Yet despite this demand, nursing schools nationwide continue to struggle to scale enrollment. A recent Hechinger Report analysis highlights how competitive and constrained nursing education programs remain, with many qualified students unable to gain a seat due to limited faculty, clinical placements, and classroom capacity.

This bottleneck isn’t just about numbers — it reflects structural challenges in nursing training that have built up over years, including high requirements for clinical experiential learning and faculty with advanced credentials. It’s one reason innovative solutions like expanded community college BSN programs are so significant.

Expanded Pathways: Meeting Students Where They Are

The move to authorize community colleges to offer BSNs complements other efforts across the country to diversify and strengthen nursing pipelines. These include:

• RN-to-BSN and bridge programs that help associate degree holders advance their credentials.

• Online and hybrid BSN offerings that serve working adults, rural students, and others balancing life and education.

• Apprenticeship and workforce integration models that connect education directly to employment while students are still in training.

These pathways help make nursing education more flexible and attainable, which is vital given the scale of demand and the projected opportunities for nurses in diverse settings — from hospitals and clinics to community and public health roles.

What This Means for Students and the Healthcare Field

For students considering a nursing career, this expansion means:

• More choice and more affordable options for earning a BSN without needing to relocate or enroll in an expensive four-year university.

• Stronger connections between education and career opportunities, with community colleges often deeply embedded in local healthcare markets.

• A pathway to professional advancement, since many employers — especially hospitals aiming for Magnet status — increasingly prefer or require nurses with BSNs.

For the healthcare system, expanding BSN access at the community college level helps address capacity constraints in traditional nursing programs and chips away at workforce shortages that affect care delivery and patient outcomes.

A Moment Full of Opportunity

Nursing remains a dynamic, rewarding field with strong job prospects and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. As Texas opens more doors to BSN education through community colleges and the national conversation continues around expanding nursing education capacity, now is a powerful time to consider or support a pathway into nursing.

Whether you’re a prospective student, educator, or healthcare leader, these developments help chart a course toward a stronger, more resilient nursing workforce — one that’s better equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.