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College Admissions & Dual Language Credits

Participation in the Dual Language (DL) program is a rigorous, high-value pathway that supports college readiness and progress toward the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy.

You do not need to leave the Dual Language program to meet high school graduation requirements or to be eligible for college. The information below is designed to help you plan your high school journey informedly while remaining in the DL program.

Understanding Your Language Arts Credits

Post-secondary institutions (colleges and universities) set their own admission requirements. Please note how Spanish Language Arts (SLA) and English Language Arts (ELA) credits are recognized depending on where your student plans to apply.

1. Oregon Public & Most Private Institutions

The majority of our college-bound students attend public Oregon universities, where SLA credits are considered fully equivalent to ELA credits.

  • Recognition: Fully recognized as Language Arts credits for both high school graduation and admissions at all Oregon public universities, community colleges, and most private colleges.
     
  • Action Needed: None. If your student is only applying to in-state public universities or community colleges, your SLA credits automatically count. (Note: For Oregon private colleges, we recommend verifying their specific requirements).

2. Out-of-State Universities & Colleges

Out-of-state institutions do not uniformly accept SLA credits as equivalent to ELA credits.

  • Action Needed: If your student plans to apply to colleges outside of Oregon, you must research their specific language arts credit requirements.

Researching College Requirements

To assist with your planning, we have compiled the requirements for the top out-of-state systems and universities that Hillsboro School District (HSD) students frequently apply to:

  • BYU-Idaho
  • BYU-Utah
  • Montana State University
  • University of Southern California
  • Washington State University
  • The University of California (UC) System

Click Here to Review Out-of-State Admission Requirements

Options & Next Steps

What if a college doesn't accept SLA credits as ELA?

If a university your student wants to attend does not recognize SLA credits for their English requirement, you have options! You can satisfy the requirement without exiting the Dual Language program or losing the path to the State Seal of Biliteracy.

 Click Here to Review Course & Pathway Options

We Are Here to Support You

While admission requirements vary widely, we are confident that the high school Dual Language program prepares our students for exceptional post-secondary success.

If you have questions or need assistance planning your schedule, please connect with your school's:

  • Dual Language Administrator
  • School Counselor
  • Career and College Center