1) How do I know if I should try to validate single variable calculus and enroll in the Advanced Core Mathematics Program ?
You should seriously consider this program if you have already taken, or are currently taking, Calculus I, II, or III at the high school or college level.
2) Can I validate single variable calculus but not enroll into the Advanced Core Mathematics Program?
No. There are two primary core mathematics tracts at West Point: the Advanced Core Mathematics Program and the Core Mathematics Program. Students enrolled in the Advanced Core Math Program receive single variable calculus validation credit and take three math courses as part of their core math requirement (MA153, MA255, & MA206). Students in the Core Math Program must take four math courses to satisfy their core math requirement (MA103, MA104, MA205 & MA206).
3) I have heard the West Point is difficult enough without taking advanced courses. What are the benefits of the Advanced Core Mathematics Program?
The immediate benefit of enrolling in the Advanced Core Math Program is the ability to satisfy your core math requirement in three semesters, essentially allowing you to take an additional course while at West Point. You may choose to begin courses within your major a semester early or possibly take an additional elective you are interested in. The second, and most important, benefit is that you will be exposed to topics not covered in the Core Math Program such as advanced vector calculus and differential equations. This is particularly important if you are considering a math, science, or engineering major as you will be better prepared for the advanced classes you will take in your second, third and fourth years.
4) How are students selected for the Advanced Core Mathematics Program?
Acceptance into the program is based on your Summer Validation Exam score, your SAT/ACT Math scores, any AP Calculus scores, and any college level calculus grades.
5) What is the Summer Validation exam?
The Summer Validation Exam is 110 minutes long and tests your comprehension of single-variable calculus concepts (typically topics covered in college Calculus I & II courses) without the use of technology (i.e. graphing calculator). The exam is offered during Beast Barracks (typically in early July) and signifies your intent to enroll in the Advanced Core Mathematics Program. Therefore, you must take this exam in order to be considered for the program.
6) Does taking the AP Calculus BC exam offer any advantages over the AP Calculus AB exam with regards to validation?
The Calculus BC exam covers several topics not tested in the Calculus AB exam. These topics include integrals in polar coordinates, sequences and series, as well as some additional integration techniques (such as integration by parts and integration by partial fractions). We will cover all of these topics in your first semester, so studying for and taking the Calculus BC exam would give you a definite advantage in the program.
7) If I take the AP Calculus BC exam will my AB sub-score be equal to an AB exam score?
Yes, your AB sub-score is treated exactly the same as an Calculus AB exam score.
8) What is considered a "good' AP Calculus exam score?
With regards to our program, we typically consider a 4 or 5 on the AB Exam or a 3, 4, or 5 on the BC exam to be acceptable.
9) I wasn't planning on taking either AP Calculus exam - can I still take the validation exam and be accepted into the Advanced Core Mathematics Program?
Yes. Although we strongly encourage our students to take an AP Calculus exam we understand that this is not possible in every case. Students with no AP Exam scores on file can be accepted into the program based on their Summer Validation Exam score, their SAT/ACT Math scores, and any college level calculus grades. Historically, students accepted into our program without an AP Calculus exam score performed very well on the Summer Validation Exam.
10) How can I get more information?
You can email MAJ Stash Florkowski with any additional questions.