<p>I’m making this thread for anyone who wants to talk or chat about the academy… All topics are open for discussion… I just want to make this thread and get some fun discussions going… to start it off… What is one of the toughest classes cadets have to go through at the Academy or hardest initiations that the cadets have to endure?</p>
<p>lol isn't that what this whole forum is for? hence all the other individual threads.</p>
<p>lol flyingfalcon I just like badgering you :) you know I mean no harm, when you gonna start getting on AIM again? Nice starting topic though, Go VOLS!!</p>
<p>Core chemistry is probably the hardest class you'll have early on. Some huge percent of my class went on acpro (academic probation) for that class.</p>
<p>I'm looking forward to validating Chemistry if I get in, that would be a load off my shoulders!</p>
<p>If i get in (lol)i probably wouldnt validate any classes... even with a year of college undermy belt. Even if some of the first classes are just what it was like before, im sure its going to be even hard -- still being the same material.</p>
<p>I think anything to make life at the academy REMOTELY less insane would be helpful, not jumping on all the hard classes right away.</p>
<p>surfnkid, have you seen any cadets struggling with Core Chem than have scored a 4 or 5 on the AP exam? What seems to be the material most are having trouble with?</p>
<p>It seems like Chem is always the most difficult course for Freshman...at my school, RPI, we had the exact same problem with our Core Chemistry class being unusually difficult.</p>
<p>I heard from a cadet at the academy that the Chemistry class was one of the hardest in the nation by the Princeton review... Is that true?</p>
<p>What topics are covered in Chemistry??? Would be nice to compare my AP class to the USAFA's chemistry...</p>
<p>Wow, a lot of questions about chemistry, but first, I'll comment on something unrelated (I don't like talking about chemistry anyway...). </p>
<p>"I think anything to make life at the academy REMOTELY less insane would be helpful, not jumping on all the hard classes right away." --snipper</p>
<p>I think people overestimate the time crunch here. It certainly is difficult, but it's not life-shattering hard. I certainly don't study all day. I have time to watch a movie every now and then or read a book or even sleep in. This is harder to explain than I thought it would be. If I trully spent every moment of the day studying and doing "cadet stuff," I could probably do better than I do, but I would also go insane.</p>
<p>"I heard from a cadet at the academy that the Chemistry class was one of the hardest in the nation by the Princeton review... Is that true?"</p>
<p>I heard this also, but I can't confirm if it is true. </p>
<p>"surfnkid, have you seen any cadets struggling with Core Chem than have scored a 4 or 5 on the AP exam? What seems to be the material most are having trouble with?"</p>
<p>I'm not sure, but most of these people would probably validate the standard core chem and get into an advanced placement core class. This class is only one semesters long (instead of two) and is more lab-based. I can't give you any specific areas students struggle in. I struggled most at the beginning, before I was acclimated to the Academy demands and when still thought I could cowboy my way through any class in flying colors. At prog (the middle of the semester) last spring, I had a D in the course. This semester, I think I should have a B+ or even A. It just takes time to adjust. </p>
<p>If you want to look at the subject covered, our textbook is by McMurry/Fay, fourth edition, simply labled "Chemistry." ISBN # 0-13-140208-0. We cover the entire book excepting only two or three chapters. Try looking up the book online for a chapter listing, this would give you a pretty good idea of the subjects covered. The final chapters include some intimidating-looking stuff like nuclear, organic, and bio chemistry.</p>
<p>Thank you for the name of the Chemistry text. We'd been asking about that. Do you think it would be a good idea to get a copy of the copy and do some advance reading?</p>
<p>"Do you think it would be a good idea to get a copy of the copy and do some advance reading?"</p>
<p>What class will your son/daughter be entering? If they are joining the class of 2010 i would definatley reccomend to just enjoy all of your time before you get here. Don't waste your time trying to learn something that you will probably forget during basic. I tried to enjoy my last month of freedom as much as i could before i got here and I am very glad that i did. It also didnt hurt me at all academically. My recommendation is to just enjoy your time at home.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice (and sorry for the typo - "copy of the copy"). I'm sure you're exactly right, but we probably won't mention it to our son. We'll probably be pounding academics into him until he leaves for BCT. That's why they call us "parents". And since when is studying Chemistry not "enjoying your freedom"?</p>
<p>"Since when is studying Chemistry not 'enjoying your freedom?'"</p>
<p>As soon as it was made mandatory. :) Just kidding...had to razz you for that one. Best of luck to you and your son. I'll be seeing him June 29th. RTB all the way!</p>
<p>Oh, and as far as academics...so the crunch isn't THAT bad...good to know. Depends on your definition of "bad" though. ;)</p>
<p>Advanced reading??? Wow... I dont think I ever will "advance read" into my next classes. That's pretty extreme... almost sounds "hobbit-like."</p>
<p>Sure, advanced reading certainly isn't neccessary, but I don't think it's a bad idea. It would give your son/daughter a head start and a jump on that brutal adjustment period I went through the first half of the fall semester. One thing to think about is the possibility of the book changing and having to buy another $150 book. This is unlikely though, since the book is new this year and should be the same next year.</p>
<p>You know it's going to be weird to see red on the 4-digs next year, but I guess it's the same with every new class...</p>
<p>Chemistry is chemistry...it dosen't change from book to book. If you son can get access to a college level chem book at his school it should be sufficent.</p>
<p>Hey falcon by the way.. Have you heard from the Academy yet??</p>
<p>I have my appointment and have accepted if that's what you mean.</p>
<p>My username on here is a bit inaccurate now.</p>