<p>Hey guys, I just had a few questions on validating classes/AP tests for USNA.
1. How exactly does it work?
2. If you have high enough AP scores (4/5) will that count as a validation?
3. If you do validate a class, do you just skip to the next level of that subject?
4. Do AP tests even have any weight on the academic part of my application?
5. Will USNA care at all that I had my AP scores sent to them on the test day?</p>
<p>Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>That chart will tell you what validation tests you will take during Plebe Summer and which AP Tests are accepted and the score required to validate.</p>
<p>You will need to have the AP's sent from the May testing your Senior year. (My Mid did not send scores other than that time so I cannot comment if you should do it before - check to see if your AP scores are on your high school transcript - some schools include them - ours does, but you still will need to have the official report sent from College Board once you have accepted any college choice.)</p>
<p>Yes - if you validate Calculus II you will start in Calculus III...</p>
<p>How would this work concerning college grades?</p>
<p>Would an 'A' from a community college validate? B? Would anything from a community college validate?</p>
<p>^^^^^
You will be able to validate college classes if you pass the validation test and/or interview for each particular course.</p>
<p>for some of the courses i think you also have to submit a syllabus from the course as well</p>
<p>My d has already taken two years of HS chemistry, has great chem grades and top AP chem test score. Problem is, she's a rising HS senior, and there are no other chem classes. (She will be taking a bunch of other AP and honors classes). If (as she hopes) she receives a USNA appointment, would you recommend that she try to validate out of freshman chem, or take it again? She's thinking about chem as a major.</p>
<p>Testing during the first 2 weeks at the academy serves to validate some out of certain classes, but also serves to place others in the correct level course work....</p>
<p>most plebes will have taken chem a year or two before arriving...
a 5 on an AP course will validate out (or at least give the plebe that option).... but you can learn more from the USNA links posted above re: course validation testing.</p>
<p>If you are able to validate out, there are pros and cons to doing that...</p>
<p>some will argue that validating out gives you the opportunity to move forward with class work and thus, opens up more electives (or a ligher class load) during upperclass years. validate out of enough of them and it opens up the possibility for graduate work the final semester of firstie year.</p>
<p>Some will say that, in itself, is a good thing, while others will suggest taking the course anyway (repeating it) to position yourself with a better grade is something worth considering...... </p>
<p>we have also heard of mids who have pushed ahead, only to find themselves unhappy being in upper-class heavy classes....and others who found themselves "falling behind" early on....</p>
<p>yet there are others that have sailed right through.... </p>
<p>counter that with yet others that will suggest taking the higher level course that first plebe semester adds additional academic stress on an already stressful environment....</p>
<p>The bottom line is that there is no one correct, or easy answer....
pluses and minuses to each...</p>
<p>but as for now, suggest the following:
1. take HS courses that are of interest to you (you daugher)
2. do well
3. apply and get the appointment
4. take the validation tests
5. pending the results, weigh the options open to you at that point and make decision then.</p>
<p>Best of luck to your daughter!</p>
<p>
[quote]
a 5 on an AP course will validate out (or at least give the plebe that option).... but you can learn more from the USNA links posted above re: course validation testing.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>
[quote]
<a href="http://www.usna.edu/acdean/candidateinfo/USNACourseValidationPolicy.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.usna.edu/acdean/candidateinfo/USNACourseValidationPolicy.htm</a>
Tests administered for Chemistry 1 and Chemistry 2. Biology AP=5 or IB>6 validates Biology 1.
[/quote]
There is no option for AP scores to validate Chemistry or Physics.</p>
<p>Plebes who validate out of CalcII will find themselves placed in sections of CalcIII and Differential Equations (both youngster level courses) that are "Plebe Only." This is also true if you validate EnglishI and take Western Civ second semester, your Western Civ section will be designated Plebe Only.</p>