AP Enviromental Science Validation

C

chewyoatmeal

5-Year Member
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Jan 16, 2010
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Hello again everyone,
I already have an appointment so I figure an AP test is irrelevant at this point in time unless I could use it to validate a class sometime later. Is there any class like AP environmental science at West Point(I assume not, but I have learned that it never hurts to ask with the army)? Or would I just be wasting 86 dollars?
 
I have the SAME EXACT question and nobody's been able to answer it since forever :frown:

Its the same deal with AP US Gov...I have to hurry up and figure out if its worth my time and money taking the AP tests for these classes...
 
My recommendation would be to take the tests if you feel you have a great shot at passing them. You never know what your future will bring. Maybe you get there and after some time decide it's not right for you. By having the AP credits you could always use it elsewhere just in case that day ever came.
 
Am thinking of self-studying to take some APs...for academies only (I know, "You never know what your future will bring."), but what should I bother with taking the test for or not out of the following:

AP Psychology
AP Computer Sci
AP Phys C (if already taken AP Phys B)
AP Stat
AP Bio
AP Enviro Sci
 
AP computer sci is very difficult. Unless you have an extreme knack for programming in general I wouldn't even bother trying to self study it.

From what I hear taking the AP test and getting a 4/5 will not validate you immediately but it will influence it. I'm sure you've heard of the tests they give during beast? To validate a class you need to do well on that test AND score highly on the AP test... That is what I have heard.
 
Just thought I'd bump this with some information I found on the candidate portal.
1) How do I know if I should try to validate single variable calculus and enroll in the Advanced Core Mathematics Program ?

You should seriously consider this program if you have already taken, or are currently taking, Calculus I, II, or III at the high school or college level.

2) Can I validate single variable calculus but not enroll into the Advanced Core Mathematics Program?

No. There are two primary core mathematics tracts at West Point: the Advanced Core Mathematics Program and the Core Mathematics Program. Students enrolled in the Advanced Core Math Program receive single variable calculus validation credit and take three math courses as part of their core math requirement (MA153, MA255, & MA206). Students in the Core Math Program must take four math courses to satisfy their core math requirement (MA103, MA104, MA205 & MA206).

3) I have heard the West Point is difficult enough without taking advanced courses. What are the benefits of the Advanced Core Mathematics Program?

The immediate benefit of enrolling in the Advanced Core Math Program is the ability to satisfy your core math requirement in three semesters, essentially allowing you to take an additional course while at West Point. You may choose to begin courses within your major a semester early or possibly take an additional elective you are interested in. The second, and most important, benefit is that you will be exposed to topics not covered in the Core Math Program such as advanced vector calculus and differential equations. This is particularly important if you are considering a math, science, or engineering major as you will be better prepared for the advanced classes you will take in your second, third and fourth years.

4) How are students selected for the Advanced Core Mathematics Program?

Acceptance into the program is based on your Summer Validation Exam score, your SAT/ACT Math scores, any AP Calculus scores, and any college level calculus grades.

5) What is the Summer Validation exam?

The Summer Validation Exam is 110 minutes long and tests your comprehension of single-variable calculus concepts (typically topics covered in college Calculus I & II courses) without the use of technology (i.e. graphing calculator). The exam is offered during Beast Barracks (typically in early July) and signifies your intent to enroll in the Advanced Core Mathematics Program. Therefore, you must take this exam in order to be considered for the program.

6) Does taking the AP Calculus BC exam offer any advantages over the AP Calculus AB exam with regards to validation?

The Calculus BC exam covers several topics not tested in the Calculus AB exam. These topics include integrals in polar coordinates, sequences and series, as well as some additional integration techniques (such as integration by parts and integration by partial fractions). We will cover all of these topics in your first semester, so studying for and taking the Calculus BC exam would give you a definite advantage in the program.

7) If I take the AP Calculus BC exam will my AB sub-score be equal to an AB exam score?

Yes, your AB sub-score is treated exactly the same as an Calculus AB exam score.

8) What is considered a "good' AP Calculus exam score?

With regards to our program, we typically consider a 4 or 5 on the AB Exam or a 3, 4, or 5 on the BC exam to be acceptable.

9) I wasn't planning on taking either AP Calculus exam - can I still take the validation exam and be accepted into the Advanced Core Mathematics Program?

Yes. Although we strongly encourage our students to take an AP Calculus exam we understand that this is not possible in every case. Students with no AP Exam scores on file can be accepted into the program based on their Summer Validation Exam score, their SAT/ACT Math scores, and any college level calculus grades. Historically, students accepted into our program without an AP Calculus exam score performed very well on the Summer Validation Exam.

10) How can I get more information?

You can email MAJ Stash Florkowski with any additional questions.
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I assume the other classes are similar.
 
cjs said:
My recommendation would be to take the tests if you feel you have a great shot at passing them. You never know what your future will bring. Maybe you get there and after some time decide it's not right for you. By having the AP credits you could always use it elsewhere just in case that day ever came.
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I know its impossible to predict the future but I can't find any reason to believe that I would somehow dislike it there or be unable to follow the curriculum. I went to SLS last summer and loved the campus, the atmosphere, and all the faculty I was able to meet. What I've heard is that after your first year there (which is apparently the most miserable), everything becomes a lot easier. So no, I don't think I would waste energy+money taking the tests for a reason like that and I dont think its really healthy to be thinking that way either :\ I feel that I will be successful at WP and am just trying to see if the AP tests are worth the trouble. If it happens to be that AP Env. and AP Gov are classes that I don't even need to take, I've really just wasted more than $120. Or, if I fail to pass the WP administered tests and am unable to validate. Even if I do well on the AP tests, I'll probably be taking the WP tests almost 3 months after I stop studying. Thats a long time to be able to retain so much information. I've already spent $200+ on previous AP tests that I've taken so long ago (back when I never knew I would be applying for WP) that it'll probably impossible for me to do well on the WP tests and I don't relish the idea of wasting more money and time.
 
Chockstock, I really like your confidence about succeeding at WP. It is so important and will carry you so well as you strive for your personal goals. We've had several family discussions regarding taking the AP tests. Personally, I would save the bucks, skip 'em and rely on the WP tests; however, that is not the direction my guy wants to take. He's taking 3 AP courses but is choosing to take only 2 AP tests (calc and statistics). From our discussions I think he wants to do it out of pride of accomplishment. The third? We don't feel the teacher is lacking in teaching techniques appropriate for AP level coursework and is not adequately preparing the class for achievement on the tests so he's skipping that one. Even though he'll pull an "A" in the course, he'll just chaulk that course up to having learned a lot but not enough to compete favorably in a nationally-scored exam. Just another perspective for you to consider. :eek:)
 
Oh, well I guess I'm different from your son :biggrin: taking the AP tests have always been motivated solely for trying to validate classes in college - getting a 4.0 in the class is enough of an accomplishment for me :smile:

Yeah, money is the main issue. I don't want to fork over that much money and see it go to waste. I guess I might try a hand at the WP tests, but like I said, if the classes aren't even going to be required for me there, there wouldn't be any point for me to take it.
 
BAJohnson said:
AP computer sci is very difficult. Unless you have an extreme knack for programming in general I wouldn't even bother trying to self study it.

From what I hear taking the AP test and getting a 4/5 will not validate you immediately but it will influence it. I'm sure you've heard of the tests they give during beast? To validate a class you need to do well on that test AND score highly on the AP test... That is what I have heard.
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Yeah, I thought so about Comp Sci...I looked at an AP book one time and it was bunch of gibberish to me.

As for the ACMP thing, is their any way you can validate this?...for example, I will be taking AP Calc BC junior year (test out of MA153?), Calc 2 (college level) my senior year (test out of MA255?), and self-study AP Stat (test out of MA206?).
 
wHave you taken Java? Without it APCS is impossible. That being said Java is also a difficult class to self study as it is basically learning a new language with tons of rules and limitations. That being said I imagine APCS looks incredibly good on a course list.

From the quote I posted I don't think you can validate anything except the first semester math course. Maybe there are exceptions but I think you'll probably have to go to the admissions office for that.
 
BAJohnson said:
wHave you taken Java? Without it APCS is impossible. That being said Java is also a difficult class to self study as it is basically learning a new language with tons of rules and limitations. That being said I imagine APCS looks incredibly good on a course list.

From the quote I posted I don't think you can validate anything except the first semester math course. Maybe there are exceptions but I think you'll probably have to go to the admissions office for that.
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Yeah...have pretty much figured out APCS impossible for me.
 
Questions:

To be considered to validate Physics, would you have to take AP Phys C or is B okay enough?

Will AP Psych test be considered to validate PL100?
 
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