<p>Anyone know what calculators we're going to be required to have? I have a TI-82, but have a feeling I'm going to have to get a new one.</p>
<p>I would imagine that a TI-89 or higher will be required because of the engineering/math focus.</p>
<p>Don't worry about the calculator. You will be issued one. You can bring one on I-Day to use in the validation exams but you will receive one along with your computer, books, etc when the academic year begins.</p>
<p>The class of '08 was issued a TI voyage 200 (in August, after plebe summer), along with their computer. Bring your own calculator for your validation exams, but you will not need it otherwise.
CM</p>
<p>Cool! I didn't know that you would be issued one. The validation exams are just like for Advanced Placement, right?</p>
<p>Validation exams determine class placement. You can take a validation exam in whatever you think you are qualified for. You don't have to have taken an AP class to take the validation exam. In your "permission to report" packet, which you receive (in May?) after you send in your commitment to attend paperwork, the Academy will ask you to go online and register for the validation exams you wish to take. They will have sample questions. The class of '08 validated more courses than any other class before it. The most important classes to try to validate are chemistry and calculus, because they are the killers to take. </p>
<p>All of this, including the upfront money you must pay (about $2400) and your loan (of about $6000) will be explained in the packet. There was talk of changing some of the financial requirements and pay-back schedules, but that's what was in place for '08.</p>
<p>Did you get your appointment already?? If so, congratulations!
CM</p>
<p>Thank you. Yes I did get my appointment. Just have some (more) paperwork to get turned in (Police Record Chek). I come from a very small high school (22 people in our graduating class), so there were no AP classes available. Is there any point to me taking the exams? I am taking Calculus I and Chemistry right now, so I'll have a year of both classes before I go in.</p>
<p>It will not hurt to give it a try, you have nothing to lose. You probably will not validate chemistry because chemistry I (HS) will not give you enough background, but could have a good shot at calculus if your high school program is strong.</p>
<p>Did you get the permission to report packet, or is the Police record check paperwork in the initial acceptance of the appointment packet?
CM</p>
<p>No I haven't gotten my permission to report packet. I imagine I will get that once they receive the Police Record Check; hopefully it will have more information. June 29th is the day we have to report for plebe summer, though.</p>
<p>My son ('08) got his packet in (I think) May. "Many" more pieces of paperwork to complete. Be sure to keep a copy of the immunization forms and take them with you to I-day. Other stuff can be filled out again if it gets lost in transit, but medical is impossible to replace immediately on I-day if it is discovered that it was lost. Get a passport before you leave for the Academy. It takes about 6 weeks to get it, so do it no later than Spring Break. That way you have it and can take it with you. You never know when it may be useful.</p>
<p>Now sit back and relax, and enjoy the balance of your senior year!
Again, Congratulations!
CM</p>
<p>Thank you again. When did your son receive his offer of appointment? I have not received the immunization forms yet. Just wondering, but what would I need my passport for?<br>
Thank you for all your help!</p>
<p>Immunization forms are in the permission to report packet, along with many,many others.
When you are on summer cruise, if your ship stops in a foreign port, you may not disembark unless you have a passport. Also, you may have other travel opportunities if you have a passport.</p>
<p>The Permit to Report packets are usually mailed in the second half of April. I believe that they try to send them out in bulk once the majority of appointments are made and accepted. It is a lot of paperwork for them to process and it is easier for them to handle it once the admissions process is winding down.</p>