Why 'waste time' with languages? I can rattle off a few reasons: the goal isn't to teach only subjects that people enjoy, but to help create productive and responsible citizens of not only our country, but of the entire world. Particularly in this age of globalization, it's increasingly important for people to have knowledge of languages other than English.
Further, the earlier one starts with language education, the better one is at learning _all_ languages later in life. It also makes traveling vastly easier.
It's also usually the case that by learning the language of a people, you begin to have a much better understanding of their culture. Even for people who have no intention of leaving the borders of the United States, it's becoming harder and harder to count on English being spoken in all parts of the country.
Or, shorter: because it makes you a better person. Screw getting into college.