Validating Classes

USNA2017

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2012
Messages
37
I was confused about how validating classes worked at USNA.
I've read that NA takes AP Scores for certain classes but I've also read that they do not do that and only let plebes validate classes after taking their validating tests.
How exactly does this work?
Thank you
 
Validation

Exactly right, validation is not automatic, you will have on line tests as well as tests during Plebe summer to validate. You may be surprised at the difficulty of the tests.

** Very important to note that if you validate one level,you will be placed in the next higher more difficult level sooner. This is not like civilian college where you obtain credit and can graduate sooner, you just take higher level classes.

* I would say the biggest unknown for midshipman is the enormous time constrants associated with non- academic responsibilities that limit your time to simply dig in and spend extra time on difficult classes.

Words of Wisdom, don't get hung up with the ego of testing out of every class you can or being consumed with concern over not testing out. The benefit might just be a higher GPA in your first semester at the Academy if your taking a few less brutal classes.

Regards, Plebe Parent:smile:
 
Recommend validating all classes you're able to. What Longhorn says is basically true - it won't let you skip taking some level of Calc plebe year (for example) you'll just take a higher level, but in some instances you can get out of one altogether. My DD validated Chem and didn't have to take any. But most importantly, it allowed a greater degree of choice in all years including allowing enough flexibility to dual major.
 
http://www.usna.edu/acdean/candidateinfo/USNACourseValidationPolicy.htm

Chinese is not listed for some reason, but Chinese is tested during Plebe Summer. Calc I is tested online via CABS.

In addition to this, validation can be requested on an individual basis by speaking to the chair of the department.

Validate everything you can. If you got a 5 on the AP test, definitely validate.

For example, the Chemistry final last semester was so much easier than the Chem AP test; if you crushed the Chem AP test you will waste your time taking SC111/SC112. Same with Calculus; if you crushed Calc BC, validate Calc I and II.

Sure, you could get easy As. Boost your GPA and whatnot. And I could major in Chinese as a native speaker and have the easiest four years possible. But what's the point of that? You'll open up the door to so many opportunities if you validate: study abroad, VGEP, double major, or simply taking more electives that interest you, rather than sitting through a class you've already taken and being thoroughly bored.

If you can pass the validation test, unless it was some kind of fluke, it means you can succeed at the next level and you'll probably be wasting your time if you're not placed in the next level.
 
So I took AP Calculus BC last year and got a 5. I just called to send my scores to Naval Academy. Would I still need to take the validation test during plebe summer for Calc 1 and 2? I took the online test and was wondering if I should just touch up some subjects that I might have forgotten a bit on. I wanted to review more on chem and physics so the less time I have to focus on Calc, the more time I have on Chem and Physics haha
 
So I took AP Calculus BC last year and got a 5. I just called to send my scores to Naval Academy. Would I still need to take the validation test during plebe summer for Calc 1 and 2?

You'll probably still take them, because they don't really separate the folks who validate through AP from the rest. Good time to enjoy some AC. With a 5 in BC and decent online scores, you should validate Calc 1 and 2.

So I would focus on Chem and Physics, unless you want to go for Calc 3 too.
 
Recommend validating all classes you're able to. What Longhorn says is basically true - it won't let you skip taking some level of Calc plebe year (for example) you'll just take a higher level, but in some instances you can get out of one altogether. My DD validated Chem and didn't have to take any. But most importantly, it allowed a greater degree of choice in all years including allowing enough flexibility to dual major.

Yep.
 
You'll probably still take them, because they don't really separate the folks who validate through AP from the rest. Good time to enjoy some AC. With a 5 in BC and decent online scores, you should validate Calc 1 and 2.

So I would focus on Chem and Physics, unless you want to go for Calc 3 too.

Agreed. DS had a 5 on the AP for BC calc and validated his first year of calc. Regardless of how well you do on the online test, you will have to take validation tests during PS.
 
Back
Top