<p>The AP test sign up deadline is coming up soon, but I have not yet sign up for any because I believe you have to "validate" those scores once at the academy. But, do I have to take the AP test and then take the validation test? Or can I simply just try take the validation test without taking the AP? And which classes can be validated?</p>
<p>Also, computers. Do you buy them at the beginning of the year or should you bring your own?
I've hear $2000 as a number thrown around for the cost to cover incidentals and what not at the beginning of the year. Is this figure accurate?</p>
<p>I agree with Mombee- take the AP exams. If nothing else, it will be good practice for taking the validating exams at USNA. </p>
<p>At one point candidates had to upfront several thousand dollars to cover the cost of initial uniforms and computer issue, prior to arriving at USNA. It was a financial hurdle for many families, and starting with the Class of 2011, the fee was “waived” and rolled into what is called an “ace” loan that is automatically granted to each plebe on arrival to USNA. The loan is paid back over the course of your time at the Academy. </p>
<p>there is no need to bring your own computer to USNA- you will be issued one configured to the specifications requested by USNA.</p>
<p>According to some current Mid’s we talked with at CVW - some got validated based only on the AP exam (didn’t have to take a placement test) and some on the placement test. Some did not do so well on the placement test but validated anyway based on their AP test score. </p>
<p>Get a couple of the manuals for both SAT and ACT tests. Learn how to take these tests… not just the subject matter.</p>
<p>Each test is very different. Become good at completing the practice tests. Buy more books if you finish the first set. Taking the practice tests, even if you are certifiable genius, pays off immensely - through confidence, keeping a pace, never having to read the directions, and so on.</p>
<p>Then, when you get your scores, if you aren’t satisifed, retake them again. The Academy takes your best score on each part of each of the SAT and the ACT, no matter which came first or last. SO, it is well worth trying to improve where you think you can.</p>
<p>Ours nom improved his scores on both quite alot the second time.</p>
<p>Study those SAT/ACT books. Practice practice… especially the math parts.</p>
<p>I am definitely going to take AP Calc Bc, but is there any reason to take the Spanish or Comparative Government AP? Will I be taking these courses while at the Academy? I could see a history course but not Spanish. Will passing scores open up any classes later on during my stay?</p>
<p>A language is only required for those taking Division-III majors…
History is a core class taken by everyone.</p>
<p>Much will depend on what major you decide on- validation of courses [depending on where your major falls in terms of D-I,II and III] “MAY” open up room for other course work, or a lighter schedule come firstie year. Some Mids validate enough early on and, together with a high enough OOM, get selected to start graduate school in the spring of their firstie year.</p>
<p>Two things. First off, I would love to start grad school during first class year. About how many core classes would I have to validate to be able to do this, assuming I make everything work out while at the academy? </p>
<p>Secondly, I was talking to some of the coaching staff at the school, and they told me that credit was not given for AP test scores, even a 5. They said only the validation test could get one out of classes. This is different that what I have heard on this forum. Which is correct?</p>
<p>What are the scores for physics? It just says “Test administered for Physics 1 and Physics 2.” And for history, does that mean that two AP history classes are required with 5’s on both of them?</p>