Re-applicant Freshman College Schedule

My DS is a college re-applicant just getting started at Georgia Tech. He's taking Calculus I, Chemistry I, English Composition I and Naval Sciences (he has a NROTC scholarship).

He is majoring in Nuclear Engineering and has met with his academic adviser. When DS asked about taking another course, his adviser laughed and said 'I'm here to help you succeed, not commit academic suicide.'

DS has read the reapplcaition FAQ on the USNA website and talked to his admissions counselor about reapplying. So, now he's worried that USNA will frown on his 'light' course load. Of course, GT would let him take another course (after all, 'it's his funeral'). He has posed the specific question to his admission counselor at USNA, but we would appreciate the experienced perspective of the long-time members of this forum. Thanks

I've taught and advised at GT and I understand why his advisor would issue that blanket advice. If DS feels he's capable of adding a history/government course, he should go ahead and do that. He should ALSO monitor closely his performance in those courses, because part of his purpose this semester is to gain admission to USNA. Also, GT prides itself on the difficulty of its curriculum, but freshman chemistry is freshman chemistry and calc I is calc I. As long as he makes sure he does what it takes to pull "A"s, add another course. And make sure that he approaches his instructors during office/student hours!

I had the same question for USMA but since I have IB/AP credit for English, I was given the choice. I think it depends on if he has prior credit as well that he can show to USNA.

What can he handle? Might be a tough call.
Our DS (a reapplicant and a class of 2020 Plebe now); took Calc I, Chemistry I Physics , English/Writing, Naval Science (he was N-ROTC too), Russian and a Current Events type class for first semester. It was 21 credit hours. He wanted to mirror a plebe like curriculum; he wants to go Aero/Engineering. Gulp. I mentioned something about where the source of the Severn River comes from however, he forged on.....
Not sure how many hours a Plebe carries but that was one heck of a semester. He also ran all the re-app stuff down virtually by himself. Here is what he said:
-College is unforgiving; it is challenging especially STEM curriculum,
-There are a lot of distractions. Many, many distractions...
-If you don't manage your time you will die.
-His N-ROTC time was fantastic - very supportive environment.
-Knock out super good grades; get the A's, know the material because you will be tested at USNA if you get in.
-Get to know your professors early and ask for help sooner rather than later.
-The re-app effort took more time than he estimated. No one reminded him to do anything so DW and I watched from a distance. We did help with transportation to his MOC and Senator interviews (he sold his car before he left for school).
-He has tested out of at least 5 classes as of his last call. Two more were pending. I understand you get more flexibility in your schedule later in 2C and 1C years assuming he will not run out of tears. Master the material!
Don't forget second semester classes too - a lot builds off the first semester material.

He is currently slogging through Plebe summer with a bunch of other sweating Plebe's and we are looking forward to hearing a few stories next week. I just want to know who yells better; a Gunny Sargent or a detailer.
Good luck!

MittenMan said:

....I just want to know who yells better; a Gunny Sargent or a detailer.

Click to expand...

Surely your tongue is firmly planted in your cheek. Gunnys merely have to lift an eyebrow, and your insides should turn to water. Detailers just wish they could do surgical liparectomies like Gunny.

Go to the Chuck Norris Facts site. Replace "Chuck Norris" with "Gunny."

LongAgoPlebe: Thanks for the first hand advice. DS added another class that's required for his major.

BTW, we've been very happy with GT. FASET was well done and helpful. The NROTC unit has been great - very supportive, very professional. DS is excited about the orientation program next week and is ready to get started. We'll see how he feels about it after a couple of days at Ft. Benning (in August)...

Thanks again.