AP tests in relation to validating classes

ca2midwestmom

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I'm looking for opinions related to DS taking AP tests in May in relation to validating classes as USMA. The four AP classes he's currently taking -- Biology, Environmental Science, Statistics, US Government -- will not validate anything based on what I've read and are not related to his anticipated major. Does it make sense for him to take the AP tests in May?

He has taken the AP tests for European History (earned a 4), US History (earned a 4) and Calc BC (earned a 3, with an AB subscore of 5). My understanding is that he needs a "5" on the history tests to validate, but a "5" on Calc AB may validate Calc 1. He has taken dual credit College Chemistry + Lab and College Physics with A's in both. And he's currently taking Calc 3 in high school.

The tests are $89 each and have to be registered and paid for in the next couple of months. This is a no brainer if he were to attend a civilian college.

Most likely he will major in History at USMA. His listed major for civilian colleges/ROTC scholarship is Chemistry.

Thoughts?
 
AP

Keep Plan B in mind. Take the APs unless the financial aspect is a burden. I have a BS with a history major from WP. If I was smarter, I would have done computer science or engineering (got MBA and Master's in Computers later). You get plenty of history at WP without it needing it as a major. What does your DS want for his Master's Degree? That should pick the major at WP.
 
Financial is an issue but I would figure it out. And yes, I have thought of the "what ifs"...and if he had to switch to Plan B. I've also expressed my concerns about a History major and the opportunities once he leaves the military. Right now he's 17 and is thinking career military, but there are always the what ifs there too.

Not coming from a military background, is getting a Master's a requirement to advance in rank? At what point would WP grads start their Master's -- immediately after graduation/receiving their BS, or within 1-2 years?

Thanks for your input.
 
Master's

2% of the graduating class can attempt a Master's program right after WP (very unusual except for Rhoades Scholars/Med School/etc). Mostly a new 2LT will go to a branch qualifying school after graduation (3-13 months) and then be a Platoon Leader and staff officer for 1-3 years. Then advanced course for 3-5 months and another tour as a staff officer and company commander. After this tour is when most people would go to Grad School and then do a utilization tour (West Point, ROTC, R&D, Sr Staffs, etc).
 
Master's

An advanced degree is not necessarily required, but really is to make LTC and above.
 
I'm looking for opinions related to DS taking AP tests in May in relation to validating classes as USMA. The four AP classes he's currently taking -- Biology, Environmental Science, Statistics, US Government -- will not validate anything based on what I've read and are not related to his anticipated major. Does it make sense for him to take the AP tests in May?

...

The tests are $89 each and have to be registered and paid for in the next couple of months. This is a no brainer if he were to attend a civilian college.

...

Thoughts?


I agree with Stevewar2 to keep Plan B in mind. If they would help his Civilian college experience (assuming something happens and he cannot show up on R-Day), I would recommend he take them. Don't take for granted that his Plan B college is no longer applicable since anything can happen making him ineligible on June 30. OTH, not taking them just means he will 'repeat' those classes at college = no harm, no foul.

Validating is not only taking the APs, it also includes taking the validation tests at the academy. So (for example) Chemistry and History require both a 4/5 on the AP test plus a "pass" on the placement test given during BEAST. Per my DS, one exception is AP Physics C which if a 5 is earned on the AP test, and you can show the class had a laboratory component, will validate first semester Physics at the academy - no test required. Of course, YMMV.
 
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