Honors Programs?

jarvin

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I've heard that the academy places 'ahead' cadets into honors classes of the regular core curriculum? How does a cadet go about and being placed into these honors programs? Do my AP scores factor in the decision of which type of classes I can participate in. Also if you were put into an honors program, would you be put into all honors classes, or a given number of classes in which you have proven proficiency?
 
AP test scores go out the window when you enter basic... you'll take placement exams throughout basic and your score against your classmates' scores will determine what classes you get placed in... AP classes help you get in, and could help you on the test, but have no factor on what classes you get placed into
 
I was told that honors classes are not taken into account when configuring your Academy GPA (or the equivilant). As in, taking an honors class will not provide a boost to your GPA. If this true? If it is, it seems to take away the encentive of taking the harder and higher up classes.
 
as far as i know, honors classes dont do anything for you except give you more of a "challenge". you're just taking a harder class. As for me, i did great in high school and all academics here are a "challenge" for me so i have no use of taking honors classes.
 
Your GPA may be reconfigured according to your high school and it is possible to lose points from AP classes BUT the academy does still look at your schedule and definitely takes into account whether or not you have taken the hardest courses available to you.
 
This is what I remember from researching this in the past. Honors classes will help with grad school and they are actually somewhat easier and more enjoyable. I think someone once said that their honors class was graded on a curve based on the non-honors class. This may faulty reasoning, but I enjoyed AP classes in high school much more than the required ones, so if possible, I would like to take the honors classes at the Academy.


Your GPA may be reconfigured according to your high school and it is possible to lose points from AP classes BUT the academy does still look at your schedule and definitely takes into account whether or not you have taken the hardest courses available to you.

You misread the original post. Also, nobody will "lose" points from taking AP classes. :confused:
 
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You do not choose to take honor course's unless you have been invited to take them by the Academy. They choose you, you don't choose them
 
Son, a C4C, was invited to an honors class this semester and it's his favorite so far at USAFA, says it's full of cool, smart cadets and he seems to have fun in the class. If you get invited, go.
 
It is also best to go honors because you always have the chance of dropping down if it is too challenging. It is best to try hard, place high, then drop down instead of not trying, placing low, and losing the chance.
 
Are you guys talking about the Scholars Program at the AFA? Or something else?
 
Yeah that's it, the Scholars Program. I really hope to get into it. Hopefully I don't fall asleep during placement. (Happened to me during SS when we were doing briefings and during some of the classes).
 
Here is what the Handbook says about the Academy Scholars Program:

"Approximately 60 of the top academically qualified cadets of each new class (based on their entering academic composite and fall progress GPA) will be identified shortly after their first progress report in the fall. They will be offered the opportunity to volunteer for participation in the program starting their second semester. The goal is to have approximately 45 cadets formally enter the program. A cadet will be considered for removal from the program if his/her GPA drops below 3.5."

Remember that at the USAFA grades of 93-100 are 4.0 but grades of 90-92 are 3.7 (different from some universities where 90-100 is a 4.0) so it is harder to make a 3.5.
 
If given the chance, take the Scholar's program. It is a far better curriculum and you will make good friends who you will follow and take classes with in the program. My room mates as a 4 dig wished they were in it looking at my work vs. there's. Still the case even now as a firstie.

Roman - I believe you are quoting information I gave a year or two ago. Those are accurate statements. xtxmanx also has it right.

eagle36 and I are both in the program. We have both loved it and recommend it highly.
 
This is what I remember from researching this in the past. Honors classes will help with grad school and they are actually somewhat easier and more enjoyable. I think someone once said that their honors class was graded on a curve based on the non-honors class. This may faulty reasoning, but I enjoyed AP classes in high school much more than the required ones, so if possible, I would like to take the honors classes at the Academy.




You misread the original post. Also, nobody will "lose" points from taking AP classes. :confused:


Indeed you are correct. If a moderator could delete my post I thought this discussion was on high school honors. :redface:
 
Are you able to get in the program later? If you just missed it after first semester?

If your GPA goes above a 3.5 will you be invited to join?
 
The handbook says you can request to be admitted to the program if you were not initially asked. You have to take a set number of Scholar classes to graduate with the Scholar designation. I don't know how late you could join the program and still get all the classes scheduled. Not saying it can't be done but just that I don't know. Also, maybe you can take the some of the classes and just not get the designation - I don't know if that is possible or not either.

I only have a C4C that was invited to the program and is taking one class this semester to try it out.
 
Another small benefit of honor's...it says on your diploma that you were honors level if you do it, correct, which may be good for grad school/resume purposes?
 
Just place into the Scholars program AFTER Scholars Chem 110. Phew, that was the most "fun" I've had academically here.
 
Speaking of that chem, I was wondering what it is like compared to regular chem. I am currently in community college taking chem1, but I am unsure whether it is manageable having that challenge with the rigors of school.
 
I found chem frustrating not because the material was exceptionally challenging, but the grading was extremely unforgiving. There aren't a lot of hw assignments to demonstrate your knowledge, so everything is relied on GRs, and getting one problem wrong can result in a devastating grade.
 
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