Highschool classes

hockeypunk9199 · Sep 4, 2009

What are the required highschool classes you must take for the academy. ive taken two years of honors french and have it again this year but i was wondering if it would be better to take another science now instead of french.

usna1985 · Sep 4, 2009

USNA recommends the following: 4 years of math ending in Calculus; Chemistry w/lab; 4 years of English, 3-4 years of history.

Additional courses that are desirable: Physics, Biology I and II w/lab, 4 years of language. As an aside, Statistics will NOT help you for USNA as an alternative to other courses above.

Obviously, AP courses are desirable. Not everyone must complete this curriculum; some folks only have Pre-calc as a senior; some don't take Physics, etc.

As for whether you take French or a science course, it depends on your overall curriculum. If you have a strong science background in h.s., a 4th year of language may be ok. If you are weak in math and science, then I'd take science, providing it is a "hard core" science (chem, bio, physics -- something with a lab).

lil3laiin3laiin · Sep 5, 2009

For senior academic schedule I was wondering if its okay to have two free periods in the fall and three free periods in the spring? I'm taking AP Calculus B/C, AP Bio, AP English Lit., and Government (no AP Govt. because of schedule conflicts with AP Calc) but I have two free periods. In the spring I only have AP Calculus B/C, AP Bio, and AP English Lit. (I took AP Macroecon as a sophomore) Is it okay that I have those free period or should I fill those periods because some people have told me that having free periods reflect senioritis?

navalacademy12 · Sep 8, 2009

should i take AP psychology or go to spanish 4?

usna1985 · Sep 8, 2009

lil3laiin3laiin said:
For senior academic schedule I was wondering if its okay to have two free periods in the fall and three free periods in the spring? I'm taking AP Calculus B/C, AP Bio, AP English Lit., and Government (no AP Govt. because of schedule conflicts with AP Calc) but I have two free periods. In the spring I only have AP Calculus B/C, AP Bio, and AP English Lit. (I took AP Macroecon as a sophomore) Is it okay that I have those free period or should I fill those periods because some people have told me that having free periods reflect senioritis?

USNA doesn't know how many "free periods" you have. What they do know is whether your courseload is typical for a senior. It's been awhile since I was in h.s.

but I think most people take 4-5 courses each semester. Your courseload seems a bit light on subjects, although the content and AP help. What about a higher level language or another course that is educationally rigorous?

At USNA, you'll be expected generally to carry 5 rigorous courses each semester. Not saying you MUST do it in h.s. as well, but you may want to be used to it.

usna1985 · Sep 8, 2009

navalacademy12 said:
should i take AP psychology or go to spanish 4?

My rec is Spanish 4 -- shows persistence w/a language. Psych won't get you anywhere w/USNA. Sorry but it's true.

Memphis9489 · Sep 9, 2009

lil3laiin3laiin said:
For senior academic schedule I was wondering if its okay to have two free periods in the fall and three free periods in the spring? I'm taking AP Calculus B/C, AP Bio, AP English Lit., and Government (no AP Govt. because of schedule conflicts with AP Calc) but I have two free periods. In the spring I only have AP Calculus B/C, AP Bio, and AP English Lit. (I took AP Macroecon as a sophomore) Is it okay that I have those free period or should I fill those periods because some people have told me that having free periods reflect senioritis?

I doubt they're looking at your "free periods" as much as they're looking at the courses you are taking and how well you are doing in them. Academically, it's not so much what you're NOT doing, rather, what you ARE doing.

lil3laiin3laiin · Sep 12, 2009

usna1985 said:
USNA doesn't know how many "free periods" you have. What they do know is whether your courseload is typical for a senior. It's been awhile since I was in h.s. but I think most people take 4-5 courses each semester. Your courseload seems a bit light on subjects, although the content and AP help. What about a higher level language or another course that is educationally rigorous?

At USNA, you'll be expected generally to carry 5 rigorous courses each semester. Not saying you MUST do it in h.s. as well, but you may want to be used to it.

I finished all levels of Chinese at the local community college but I think I will be filling one of my free periods with leadership. hopefully i will be able to get the one of the only 2 remaining spots, senior vp or senior secretary. But thank you for the advice. As for courseload that is only my academic courseload. I go to an arts high school so I have another 4 classes for arts but I will definitely talk to my counselor about any other classes I can add to my schedule. Thank you again!