Academic Background System

USNAhopeful2018

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Oct 25, 2013
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What exactly is the ABS, I was told to complete it in my PRT packet. How much time do I have? How much will it affect my career at USNA? What is it like?
 
My DS started working on the Academic Background info last night. From what I gather, it is questions related to what classes you took/are taking in HS and related grades to help in determining which validation tests you should take during plebe summer. This also includes online Math placement exams to further hone in on which calc class you should take or validate.

There is a letter from the Associate Academic Dean in the PTR that explains the ABS and, from what I saw, the interface is pretty straight forward and easy to follow. The background info is due "as soon as possible but certainly before I-Day".

Have fun!
 
A lot of the academic background questionnaires are optional.

Even if one could place out of a few basic classes, would it be beneficial to take the basic classes and inflate his/her GPA?

When it come to service selection, does Navy take into account the level of difficulty of classes you take?
 
On a side note, does the USNA care if parents help out with filling out paperwork in the PTR?


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Also, does the online calculus test determine which calculus class you are placed in, or can you send in AP scores instead (I won't receive these scores until mid-July however)?


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On a side note, does the USNA care if parents help out with filling out paperwork in the PTR?


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My DS did eveything on his own. He had some questions about insurance and Navy Federal but other than me making the appointment for his shots, he did it himself.
 
Is it an issue if my mother filled out certain parts of the PTR? I came home without knowing it was mailed in, and my mother had already done a great deal of the packet.


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Just my opinion but I don't think it matters who physically puts pen to paper. However, you (the appointee) have to sign many of the forms so it is up to you to make sure all information is correct.
 
I'm not heavily interested in validating classes (except english). Of course, I would love a lighter load, but I want to make sure I am ready for the information I will experience. I want to study either mechE or aeroE, so I feel that I need the extra background in calculus, physics, and chemistry. And honestly, I don't feel like my high school's AP courses are teaching me everything I need to know to the extent that I need to know it. (I should not have a 99% year average for AP calc and AP chem. I consider myself intelligent, but I'm no einstein.) In my experience, jumping ahead to higher college classes always cause problems for friends of mine. I want to know and understand everything, even if I have to start at the basics.
 
Validating Classes

There are lots of opinions about this topic. Someone from our state did not validate a single class of purpose and graduated 30th at USNA. Others tell you to validate as much as you can to give you a lighter load or give you an opportunity to study abroad or give you an opportunity to get a VGEP (start Graduate School) your last semester. I think it is up to the Plebe. I personally leaned toward starting at the basics but my DS decided to validate some classes and not others. So far he has done well.
Hope this helps...
 
my son started too advanced in math, he skipped and also went into honors. He worked very hard to maintain a good grade (a lot of time!). He asked to move down (or at least off honors) for second semester plebe year (athletics really conflicts). they wouldn't let him move down. Maybe because he is sticking with a type 1 major...Im not sure why...but they told him "no". So maybe if your borderline its best to not go up....but that is just an opinion.
 
I very confident in my calculus abilities, which is why I'm considering at least starting out in calc II. I'm not sure whether I'm ready for calc III. I just wanted to know if anybody had any advice for the online test.


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So in terms of remaining competitive for service selection, doing well in basic classes would be preferable to doing so-so in advanced courses?

No recognition in terms of class ranking is given to those who take more advanced courses (or majors)?
 
I would sure hope so! I plan on studying engineering, and I know it is going to be a tough road. I don't want to feel slighted for attempting something "more difficult".
 
Things such as Trident Projects, VGEP, and other items out there are considered during Service Selection. That is why they do not just in Order of Merit, it is like admissions, they look at the whole person. They want to ensure personality, skills, accomplishments, etc are a match for that warfare community. Marines and SEALs really look at this. Do you have the mental, physical, emotional ability to lead Marines or Sailors in that warfare community? They really look at this. My class had two prior Marines who were not selected for USMC, because Marine Leadership did not think they had earned the right to lead Marines as officers.

Bottom line... just take the tests and see where the cards play out. We used to take these tests a few weeks into Plebe Summer where most of us fell asleep and Calculus was so far from our brains at that point we didn't care what happened on the tests. Just do your best, work hard and great things will happen.
 
Say if you do well on the calculus 1 test, and the Academy determines you are ready for calculus 2, do you get the option to choose which course you want to take?

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If anyone has information about this and could help me, I took both parts of the Calculus 1 validation test two days ago. How/when will I know if I passed them?
 
Are you taking the AP tests or do you feel you did well enough on the validation exams? Because you will be able to see your ap scores, so if you want, you can validate off of those.


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Are you taking the AP tests or do you feel you did well enough on the validation exams? Because you will be able to see your ap scores, so if you want, you can validate off of those.


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I haven't taken the AP test yet but I do feel that I did well the validation test but I don't know how I will find out.
 
I haven't taken the AP test yet but I do feel that I did well the validation test but I don't know how I will find out.

Typically you test/validate the 1st couple of weeks of PS even though you took the online math tests now. In the summer, if you pass one level you test for the next. I don't think you'll hear anything until those validation test have been given.
 
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