Validating Classes for Plebe Year

Good morning everyone,

To those of you still waiting, I wish you all the best. I got my appointment 2 weeks ago for the class of 2017.

I had a few questions regarding plebe year, academics, and validating courses. I'm hoping to get some insight from anyone- particularly Midshipmen who have been through Plebe year before.

I'll be going to USNA after doing 2 years of college as a civil engineering major. Therefore, I've taken a lot of the classes that are required at the Academy - especially the harder ones such as: calc 1-3, differential equations, chemistry, physics 1-2, statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials. I'm concerned with what I can do/what I should do when it comes to class registration for plebe year. In particular -

1. How does the validation process work? Will the Academy take my college transcript into consideration during the validation process?

2. If I can validate any of these classes, should I? I know plebe year is a handful, but it might make it easier if I take the normal plebe academic load because I have been in those courses before.

3. I hear Ocean Engineering is the closest major that USNA has to civil engineering. Is this true? Has anyone taken any OE courses? How is the department?


If there's anyone on this forum who has gone to USNA after a year or two at college, I would greatly appreciate it if they could share their experience with me, with regards to academics. Any other input is appreciated as well, thanks!

Congratulations on your acceptance.

My 2/C was part of a group of "High Validators" plebe summer. The 50 or so in that group were pulled aside for special counciling. Have no fear, the NA will know who you are and get you into the right level.

If offered, validate as many classes as you can. Doing so will allow a greater degree of flexibility in majors and classes all through your 4 years. My 2/C is dual majoring in Physics and English with a language minor. Probably would not have been possible without validating a number of classes.

Can't speak to OE but I doubt it's very close to a traditional CE program.

Validate as many as you can. It opens up lots of slots for electives. As osdad says it makes the course schedule a lot easier.

cpkousky said:

I'll be going to USNA after doing 2 years of college as a civil engineering major. Therefore, I've taken a lot of the classes that are required at the Academy - especially the harder ones such as: calc 1-3, differential equations, chemistry, physics 1-2, statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials.

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Sheez! You're that far along in an engineering major?

I'm wondering why you decided to attend USNA and start all over with a 4-yr program? Doesn't your college have an NROTC program where you can get a scholarship and still finish up in 2 more years? Just wondering, because that's an inordinate number of high level courses that take you about two-thirds (if not more) through the entire curriculum.

Memphis9489 said:

Sheez! You're that far along in an engineering major?

I'm wondering why you decided to attend USNA and start all over with a 4-yr program? Doesn't your college have an NROTC program where you can get a scholarship and still finish up in 2 more years? Just wondering, because that's an inordinate number of high level courses that take you about two-thirds (if not more) through the entire curriculum.

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I know it sounds like a radical decision to start over at USNA, and I had to think it over very thoroughly before I decided to apply. This is actually my third time applying, and last year I was wait-listed.

The thing is, I'm actually currently a contracted Air Force ROTC cadet, so I already have a scholarship and am lined up for a commission in the USAF. I was close to not even applying this year because I am happy with the way things are going in ROTC. Deep down though, I've always preferred attending the Academy and commissioning as an officer in the USN. I have been working hard for the past two years with that in mind - while keeping my options open- and it is something that I still want to pursue despite having to start over as a freshman. Actually, I am on a five year track for AFROTC, so starting over at USNA would only require me to graduate a year later than I already would have.

In the end, my brother will be going next year. My father, grandfather, and great-grandfather have gone, and I have plenty of family in the Annapolis area - so USNA is like a second home to me. Attending is the choice I want for myself, and I have a lot of support from family and friends who want the best for me. I understand how one may wonder why I want to go - hopefully I explained the context of the situation though! Thanks!

osdad said:

Congratulations on your acceptance.

My 2/C was part of a group of "High Validators" plebe summer. The 50 or so in that group were pulled aside for special counciling. Have no fear, the NA will know who you are and get you into the right level.

If offered, validate as many classes as you can. Doing so will allow a greater degree of flexibility in majors and classes all through your 4 years. My 2/C is dual majoring in Physics and English with a language minor. Probably would not have been possible without validating a number of classes.

Can't speak to OE but I doubt it's very close to a traditional CE program.

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Thanks for the response! I'm glad to hear that there are advisors that will help me with my situation. So from what you wrote, I'm assuming that I have a pretty good chance in getting a double-major if I validate my classes? That would be awesome. What classes did your 2/C validate? And was the course-load manageable for the double-major? I'm assuming it was if they were able to get stuff validated.

cpkousky said:

Thanks for the response! I'm glad to hear that there are advisors that will help me with my situation. So from what you wrote, I'm assuming that I have a pretty good chance in getting a double-major if I validate my classes? That would be awesome. What classes did your 2/C validate? And was the course-load manageable for the double-major? I'm assuming it was if they were able to get stuff validated.

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There are many mids who have a year or more of college under their belt. The more classes you validate, the more potential options you'll have. Masters (through a local university) begun as a senior, study abroad without losing time/credits, double major, language minor as an engineering major, etc. Advisers will work with you to select classes and get you to where you want to be.

Congratulations and best of luck in your new venture!