Latin Doesn’t Have to Be Intimidating
Mark Zuckerberg, Oscar Wilde, Thomas Jefferson, and Winston Churchill all have one thing in common: they studied Latin.
Latin has long been considered a prestigious and even essential subject in U.S. private schools, favored by many families. Its appeal goes beyond its status in Ivy League admissions; Latin offers cognitive benefits that can significantly shape a student’s future development.
To explore the advantages of studying Latin, we’ve enlisted the head of the Classical Department at a renowned U.S. boarding school to share an expert’s perspective on the subject.
1. What are Classical Studies?
Classical studies explore the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, focusing on their history, literature, philosophy, art, and language. In U.S. high schools, this typically refers to the study of Greek and Latin. Many students opt for popular AP courses like AP English Language and Composition, and AP World History to apply for college hoping to increase their application competitiveness. Latin and Greek remain niche options for most students. They are not available everywhere, though they are typically offered at the top 10-30 private schools.
2. Why Students Should Study Latin?
In U.S. high schools, classical studies typically refer to the study of Greek and Latin languages, along with the literature, history, and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome. While these courses offer deep insights into Western intellectual traditions, they remain niche and are often only available at selective private schools. As a result, many students turn to broader humanities courses—such as AP English Language or AP World History—that are more widely accessible and still demonstrate strong reading, writing, and analytical skills on college applications. However, these AP courses are not direct substitutes for classical studies, which offer a distinct focus on the ancient world and its enduring influence.
3. Latin’s Advantage in Ivy League Admissions
Latin holds significant weight in the eyes of admissions officers at prestigious U.S. universities. For example, a Penn admissions officer noted that applicants with an interest in classical studies have a 19% acceptance rate, compared to a 14% rate for general applicants. Similarly, admissions officers from the University of Chicago and Harvard have argued that Latin sharpens abstract thinking and serves as a key to modern languages and interdisciplinary studies, making it a valuable asset for students aiming for top schools.
4. How to Leverage Latin and Classical Studies to Boost Your Ivy League Application
Demonstrate Academic Depth
To stand out in your Ivy League application, show your commitment to Latin and classical studies by going beyond a few courses. Admissions officers value academic depth in evaluating a student’s learning ability, so consider these steps:
- Take the AP Latin exam or enroll in university-level Latin courses through dual-credit programs.
- Take diverse classical studies courses, including Latin, Greek, ancient Roman and Greek literature, classical art, and archaeology.
- If advanced courses are unavailable, pursue independent research and write papers analyzing Latin works.
Showcase Leadership through Extracurricular Activities
Ivy League universities value creativity and leadership in extracurricular activities. Extend your passion for classical studies beyond the classroom by:
- Participating in various Latin and classical studies competitions, such as the National Latin Exam, Certamen, John Locke (theology and philosophy categories), The Concord Review, and so on.
- Creating a Latin or classical studies club at your school and organizing related activities such as debates, drama performances, poetry readings, and myth storytelling to showcase your leadership skills.
- Looking into niche extracurricular projects, such as summer archaeology programs hosted by universities or research institutes, field visits to Greece or Rome, or independent projects like translations, poetry, and novel writing.
Demonstrate Personal Growth in Your Application Essay
Your college application essay is a powerful tool to showcase personal growth. Use your classical studies experience to answer these questions:
- What challenges did you face in learning Latin, and how did you overcome them?
- What actions have you taken because of your Latin/classical studies journey that surprised you?
- How has Latin/classical studies changed your worldview, enriched your understanding of the world, or provided new insights?
Boost Your Application with Strong Recommendation Letters
Strong recommendation letters can elevate your application. Consider these options:
- Classical Studies Teacher: The teacher’s recommendation can emphasize your academic strengths, language skills, and curiosity about the subject.
- Competition/Research Mentor: If you’ve engaged in classical studies research or competitions, ask your mentor to write a letter highlighting your research abilities and contributions.
Latin Online Classes With Instructors From Top High Schools
5. Recommended Classical Studies Programs at U.S. Universities
Prestigious U.S. universities increasingly prioritize the humanities, with programs like Stanford University’s “The Future of Classics Initiative” promoting classical studies alongside STEM disciplines. These universities offer exceptional classical studies programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Here are some of the top programs known for their distinguished faculty, research opportunities, and comprehensive offerings in ancient languages, literature, history, and philosophy:
University Name | Classical Studies Program Features |
Harvard University | Features one of the world’s most renowned classical studies departments, specializing in Greek and Latin literature, ancient history, and classical philosophy. Students have access to extensive resources and study abroad programs. |
Princeton University | Known for its rigorous language training and interdisciplinary focus, specializing in linguistics, archaeology, and classical reception. The program is complemented by Princeton’s Classics Journal reviews and other research initiatives. |
Stanford University | Famous for combining classical studies with digital humanities and contemporary analysis, offering courses in classical literature, philosophy, and ancient Mediterranean history. It actively promotes the humanities within a STEM-oriented institution. |
University of Chicago | Valued for its theoretical methods in classical studies and best known for the Committee on the Ancient Mediterranean World, the school offers top-tier PhD programs in classical studies. |
Yale University | Offers comprehensive courses in Latin, Greek, classical literature, and archaeology. Yale is known for its cross-disciplinary research, leveraging its extensive manuscript collection and ancient document archives. |
University of California, Berkeley | One of the leading public universities in classical studies, excelling in Greek and Roman philosophy, ancient history, and linguistics. Berkeley collaborates closely with departments focused on ancient history and Mediterranean archaeology. |
Columbia University | Located in New York City, it provides students access to major libraries and research centers. Columbia’s program offers rigorous core courses in classical literature and is well-connected to archaeological and ancient history studies. |
Brown University | Known for its flexible curriculum and interdisciplinary approach, Brown focuses on Latin, Greek, ancient drama, and comparative literature. It is home to the Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World. |
6. How to Plan Your Latin Studies for High School Success
In most high schools, core subjects like English, history, and science follow a set course sequence. For example, many private schools require students to start with foundational courses such as Biology or English 1 in 9th grade, regardless of their prior knowledge. However, the rules are more flexible for mathematics and languages, where students can skip ahead based on their ability.
Latin is one subject where this flexibility can be highly advantageous. Students who study Latin before entering high school may be able to test into higher-level courses, giving them a head start. Here are two main ways students can skip levels in Latin:
- Intensive Summer Study – Complete a year’s worth of Latin content during the summer to prepare for higher-level courses.
- Self-Study During the School Year – Dedicate spare time during the school year to studying Latin, allowing students to skip ahead by mastering the content at their own pace.
Using these strategies, students can start in more advanced Latin courses in 9th grade, such as Latin 2 or even Latin 3. They may also take higher-level courses like AP Latin later.
This approach accelerates students’ language studies and frees up time to pursue other challenging subjects, such as AP Physics or AP Calculus. A well-rounded transcript, including both advanced humanities and science courses, will make students stand out to top U.S. universities and enhance their college applications.
At Aralia Education, we understand that Latin is not merely a second foreign language choice—it’s a key that unlocks new opportunities and helps students lay a strong academic foundation for future success. To support students in their Latin journey, we’ve created a comprehensive, long-term learning program integrating language improvement, competition preparation, and college application readiness.
Our program begins with a strong academic focus and then incorporates preparations for competitive exams and strategies to bolster college applications.
6-Level System
Each level is designed to align with the curriculum of the top 10 private schools in the U.S. and the difficulty levels of the National Latin Exam (NLE).
Level | Learning Goal |
Level 1 | Foundations in Latin – Complete the Latin 1 course and prepare for the NLE Beginner/Elementary exam. |
Level 2 | Core Grammar and Vocabulary – Complete the Latin 2 course and prepare for the NLE Intermediate exam. |
Level 3 | Reading and Interpretation – Complete the Latin 3 course and prepare for the NLE Intermediate Reading exam. |
Level 4 | Prose Analysis and Composition – Complete the Latin 4 course and prepare for the NLE Advanced Prose exam. |
Level 5 | Poetry and Literary Techniques – Complete the Latin 5 course and prepare for the NLE Advanced Poetry exam. |
AP Latin | Exam Preparation and College-Level Latin Mastery – Prepare for the AP Latin exam and NLE Advanced Reading exam. |
Students who wish to deepen their studies further can also submit papers for publication in Propelia’s Classical Studies Magazine.
Our Teachers
Our Latin instructors bring a wealth of experience in academic instruction and competitive coaching. With a proven track record of guiding students to excellence, they combine deep subject expertise with strategic mentorship—preparing students to master the language and excel in high-level competitions and academic pursuits.
