Plebe Chemistry Validation Test

Hey everyone!

I'm looking into validating everything I possibly can before plebe year because my major will really fill up my schedule and I want to validate plebe chemistry if possible. I got a 5 on the AP last year and I know that I have to take a test in order to get the validation credits. Does anyone know the details on that test? Also, I just finished up AP Physics B and I'm going to start reading over my chem book from last year to brush up, what topics should I cover for the test?

USMA2016 said:

Hey everyone!

I'm looking into validating everything I possibly can before plebe year because my major will really fill up my schedule and I want to validate plebe chemistry if possible.

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My understanding that for chemistry the test just determines if you are in the advanced track or the regular. (And stacks you with similar capability students).

So to my knowledge does not eliminate courses, you still have to take two. (I'm looking for the reference on this, they just changed the website and I can't find the page. ) DS dealt with this, but policy does change.

The advanced class does do some neat stuff, I got to see some of the projects at PPW. The Chem profs also are pretty cool. We have heard from some cadets that advanced is much harder, so YMMV.

Make sure and send your AP scores to USMA, it's part of the validation decision along with the tests!

The USMA webpage for AP/Validation is broken, once they fix it I'll post the link.

That's odd, I have a friend at west point (c/o '14) who validated plebe chemistry and every other thread on here regarding validation says that validating chemistry, while difficult, is possible. Are you sure you can't?

USMA2016 said:

That's odd, I have a friend at west point (c/o '14) who validated plebe chemistry and every other thread on here regarding validation says that validating chemistry, while difficult, is possible. Are you sure you can't?

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Was operating from memory, we need to wait for the link to show back up!

An old SA post stated: "Chemistry: possible to validate or get into advanced chem with AP score and a high score on plebe placement test." Others have advised not to validate as it put you at a disadvantage in the 2nd chem.

So who knows, maybe you can. Just one data point: DS made a 5 on AP Chem, did not validate. Went on to make A+ in chem 1st semester, and has an A running now. The word is it's tough to validate, and his experience backs it up.

It's also one of the courses they will move you at 6 weeks period to harder/easier section based on performance. You have to have an A- to stay in advanced, and for some courses if you have an A+ they will move you to a harder section.

I've posted this before... if you are serious about validating you'll want to be in top shape and close to a USMA type schedule for R-day..... consistent feedback is that many cadets do poorly on validation due to just being wiped out physically and sleep exhaustion. Some fall asleep during the test!

That's probably the one area you can influence now to hedge your bets during BEAST. This does not mean up at 5:30 AM, just not sleeping in till noon. DS stayed on a 6:30 AM (or 7) schedule and ran each morning after HS grad, and felt it paid off bigtime compared to some of his squaddies. Once behind in sleep it's apparently hard to catch up. That's the advice he's giving to incoming friends from his HS.

Off topic, but you'll also run your APFT for score during beast. so there are many reasons to be in shape. (sez an parent who could not pass an APFT most likely)