What does it mean when a college says that their early action isn't restricting?

With so many types of ways to apply, it can be confusing. 

Early action is when you can apply early and find out your results early. If you are accepted early action, then you are accepted, but are not committed to attending that university, like early decision.

Restricted early action means what I said above, but you can only apply to other early action programs. You are not allowed to apply to any early decision programs, since they are binding (require you to attend if admitted). Georgetown University is an example of a restricted early action.

Unrestricted early action means that you can apply for other schools early action and early decision. They are not limiting you from applying to other schools early.

Do colleges and universities consider the difficulty of your courses taken in high school?

Yes, absolutely. Schools prefer students who challenge themselves. I have students who sometimes ask if its better to stay in regular classes vs. moving up to honors or AP, because they know they can maintain a better GPA. The truth is, many schools consider the difficulty of your courses just as much, if not more than your GPA. That being said, if you are getting C's and D's in an honors or AP class, you should either get a tutor or talk with your guidance counselor about whether those classes are too difficult for you.

How many years of world languages should I take in high school?

Do I have to take another year of Latin? How many years of a foreign language do I have to take? 
These are questions that I often get asked when it is time to select classes for the following year, especially if it is a junior picking out their senior year classes.

The answer, unsurprisingly, is it depends. It depends what kind of school you want to apply for and what you want to study. If you are applying to elite schools, top 20 to 30 in America, then yes, you should take four years of a foreign language. Most schools require at last two to three years of a foreign language and recommend three to four years. Some schools even have a foreign language proficiency requirement you need to meet in order to graduate college.

Overall, if you are trying to be the most competitive applicant, then I recommend four years. However, if you are learning a language that you are not particularly interested in, but there is the option to take a class that is related to your intended major, then that might be worth swapping out.

To truly understand a school's requirement as it related to foreign languages, you can check the school's website, or check out the Applying section, then Academics & GPA on College Board's school profile. They'll show you how many years are requested and required.