Advantages to taking advanced classes

WestPointer2014

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What are the advantages to taking advanced classes? If they don't enhance your GPA or have a booster, how could anyone who cares about their service selection want to take a harder class where there's a good chance they'll get a worse grade? If anyone could clarify here...
 
What are the advantages to taking advanced classes? If they don't enhance your GPA or have a booster, how could anyone who cares about their service selection want to take a harder class where there's a good chance they'll get a worse grade? If anyone could clarify here...

Some people care about challenging themselves academically and enjoy learning. :wink:
 
For my oldest son, AP classes got him a free semester at an outstanding state university. He was able to place out of lots of English classes, history classes, and maybe statistics (can't remember). Very helpful financially and it is one of the criteria top schools with lots of top-tier applicants look at.

It can also give you a good idea of your readiness for college-level material!
 
Is the original poster asking about AP classes beforehand (to try to figure out whether the risk of a lower grade in a harder class is worth it for the application), or about validating courses at USMA?
 
Sorry if I wasn't clear. I am not talking about AP exams, I'm asking about the impetus to lower your GPA and thus your probability of getting the branch you want such as infantry, aviation, etc. AF, is it really worth it if you don't get your service selection and do those advanced classes affect you positively in any way?
 
Sorry if I wasn't clear. I am not talking about AP exams, I'm asking about the impetus to lower your GPA and thus your probability of getting the branch you want such as infantry, aviation, etc. AF, is it really worth it if you don't get your service selection and do those advanced classes affect you positively in any way?

Like I said, it helps you further yourself. I have a few friends who think the normal class is rather boring and want to take advanced courses because they are legitimately interested in the subject. Advanced classes also prepare you more for the next level class. It is what you make of it.
 
Sorry if I wasn't clear. I am not talking about AP exams, I'm asking about the impetus to lower your GPA and thus your probability of getting the branch you want such as infantry, aviation, etc. AF, is it really worth it if you don't get your service selection and do those advanced classes affect you positively in any way?


Bottom line is that any university that is considsered in the "most competitive" category will be interested in what level courses you have taken in high school. If your record clearly shows that you did not take the most challenging classes, that your high school had to offer, then your chances to obtain an admissions offer is going to be significantly less. The competition is fierce at a place like the USMA. They want those students who have taken the hardest classes AND gotten good grades in those classes.
 
Bottom line is that any university that is considsered in the "most competitive" category will be interested in what level courses you have taken in high school. If your record clearly shows that you did not take the most challenging classes, that your high school had to offer, then your chances to obtain an admissions offer is going to be significantly less. The competition is fierce at a place like the USMA. They want those students who have taken the hardest classes AND gotten good grades in those classes.

He said he was talking about advanced classes at USMA, not high school.
 
Got it....I think....the concept of choosing between "normal" and "advanced" classes to earn a college degree is confusing to me. Are we talking about electives outside of the requirements for your major?
 
Got it....I think....the concept of choosing between "normal" and "advanced" classes to earn a college degree is confusing to me. Are we talking about electives outside of the requirements for your major?

I don't know about classes having to do with your major but out of the core Plebe classes I know of 3 that have an advanced version (History, Chemistry, and Information Technology). You don't really choose but are placed in them according to how well you do.
 
I suppose it would help you get accepted to and prepare for grad school if you're interested in going
 
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