Validation Atmosphere

wannabe2013

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
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Nov 20, 2007
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Whats it like being in classes with upper-class? Do you still have to act plebe-y to them? And especially if you're in some kind of group working together and yet still in Bancroft?
 
In most cases, even if you validate one or more classes, you will still be in class with other Plebes. This semester my Plebe did have one elective class with Mids from a wide range of years. She was in at least one project group with upper class, and it has been fine.
 
Nobody cares in class. I validated about 20 hrs (thank you NAPS) and it was no big deal. A little tougher once or twice getting homework info (now that it is all on-line, probably an unrealistic complaint today). Plus, you're in class with YOUNGSTERS, who REALLY don't have anything to say to Plebes.
Do your best in the validation exams. I fell asleep in one and had to take Chemistry!
Good Luck,
No downside to Validation
 
The title of this reminded me of a question I had earlier: what's it like taking the validation tests? I heard it's just terrible because you're so tired from training, and doing all the Plebe Summer-type things that wear you out. Do they take that and factors like time (as in, I took calc III last semester, and I'm not sure how much I'll remember by July) into account or are the tests like ones you'd see at a semester final? I'm guessing the latter, and I have a feeling I'm not going to validate all the classes I'd like to.
 
could anyone provide info on what exactly a validation test is? is it a test where you're basically placed academically to see if you need the basic classes? or get a head start in a certain area because you had taken classes before hand?
 
Depends on your personality and theirs. I'm in Arabic right now with some youngsters, and while I don't sir and ma'am them in classes, and do joke around with them and chill with them in class, outside of class it's right back to the sir and maam stuff. You will sort of get a feel for what they want after two or so weeks.

There is no downside to validation though, it gets you ahead and you can take more classes that you want during your plebe year.
 
navy1314 - yes, validation tests are like USNA's equivalent to the AP tests, so if you already took a class in high school (i.e. calculus, US Gov., chemistry, etc.) that Plebes are usually required to take, you don't have to retake them. You can get on with your major or fill in other required courses so you'll have more free time in your 2/c and 1/c years.
 
It WAS a long time ago, but we LOVED validation tests. The rooms were air-conditioned at a time Mother B was not. So for two or more hours we were out of the heat, out of the sun, not running around, not marching, and no one yelled at you. :smile: However, you're right that people fell asleep.

I've heard that, today, they try to ensure that plebes get "sufficient" sleep the night before so they are well-rested for their tests. Obviously, only current or recent mids can tell if that is true. In any event, even in my day, lots of people validated lots of subjects, tired or not.

The worst case is that you have to "repeat" material you already know. While boring, that should mean an easy "A" grade -- so not a terrible downside.
 
It WAS a long time ago, but we LOVED validation tests. The rooms were air-conditioned at a time Mother B was not. So for two or more hours we were out of the heat, out of the sun, not running around, not marching, and no one yelled at you. :smile: However, you're right that people fell asleep.

I've heard that, today, they try to ensure that plebes get "sufficient" sleep the night before so they are well-rested for their tests. Obviously, only current or recent mids can tell if that is true. In any event, even in my day, lots of people validated lots of subjects, tired or not.

The worst case is that you have to "repeat" material you already know. While boring, that should mean an easy "A" grade -- so not a terrible downside.

Best 3 hours of sleep I had all summer!
 
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