A Typical Academic Year at the Academy

derangedcobra

derangedcobra

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Good afternoon!

So, the time is coming to register for college classes. My plan is to spend one year at college, and reapply to the academy this year.

Time and time again, I’ve been told one of the best ways to prove myself academically to admissions is to mimic the course load of a 4th year cadet. To that end, I’m wondering: what is a typical freshman cadet’s course load, and how could I possibly apply that to my college?

Any help regarding this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
 
For first semester—. calc— chemistry—English— Make sure to get to know your professors in Calc and English, so that you’ll be able to get letter of recommendation from each of them.
 
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Six or seven classes (without PE) is standard (although first semester might only be 5). I would recommend calc, physics or chem, English, history, and a comp sci or language class. Basically, stick with the basic core of classes. Emphasize STEM, with some English/history to help develop your writing and communication skills. Don't just take easy/fun classes. Intro engineering courses would work, as well.
 
Thank you to everyone for your replies!

I just went to my college orientation and talked to my advisor about how I could best mimic the schedule of a cadet.

We concluded that it might be best to take 5 classes this semester: German, English, Calculus 1, a Behavioral Science (Likely a Psychology class regarding human adjustment) and American History.

For the second semester, we decided that Calculus 2, the next term of German, Computer Science, Chemistry and then Physics would be a good course of action.

Additionally, I will be partaking in College ROTC while I do this. Along with staying active in my school's community and the city around me, I intend to continue working my day time job and working out on a rigorous schedule.

However, I find myself hesitating on a few classes. For example, I have already met the requirement for my college regarding language, as I have taken 2 years of Latin in high school. Not to mention, I have passed prior AP exams that would allow me to even skip American History, English courses and Computer Science altogether.

I'm at a crossroads for if I should take the classes or move on to ones with greater credits that would allow me to be ever further on track for an AA or even ROTC Scholarships in the future, or stick religiously to the academic schedule of the academy. Any ideas?
 
I'm no expert, but as a mom of a cadet, I would have advised my DS to move Chemistry to first semester. The reason is that when you apply to USAFA, you will need to provide first semester transcripts. Second semester will be too late to show USAFA proficiency in a Doolie year required class for admissions purposes. As far as language, I think that is a personal preference. You will have to take a language at USAFA, so it won't hurt, but it may not help.
 
USAFA wants to see courses similar to the freshman year. That doesn't mean it has to look exactly like it. You will want to validate as many courses as possible, as it will make every year at the academy easier. Taking AP courses and spending a year in college allowed me to validate enough such that my most strenuous semester over my four years would be considered average or even light for the average cadet.

Speak to your ALO about this, and it wouldn't hurt to reach out to USAFA academic advisors and ask. Their word is more valuable than mine. But in my opinion, do not repeat courses. If you have the AP credit to validate (at USAFA) those respective courses, don't take them again. However, replace those courses with high-level non-"fluff" courses. If you don't want to take English again, replace it with behavioral science or material engineering or something USAFA would want to see. That means you shouldn't replace it with basket weaving and you probably shouldn't just leave that empty spot empty.

And plan for the future should USAFA not pan out the second time around. As a civ college freshman, I took five and six courses per semester, respectively. That's a good goal to start with and it's about what you'll see at USAFA (5 classes per semester). I only ever took courses that would contribute to my aerospace engineering major. If you're planned for a course that doesn't fulfill a degree requirement, you shouldn't do it either.
 
crymsonwynters said:
USAFA wants to see courses similar to the freshman year. That doesn't mean it has to look exactly like it. You will want to validate as many courses as possible, as it will make every year at the academy easier. Taking AP courses and spending a year in college allowed me to validate enough such that my most strenuous semester over my four years would be considered average or even light for the average cadet.

Speak to your ALO about this, and it wouldn't hurt to reach out to USAFA academic advisors and ask. Their word is more valuable than mine. But in my opinion, do not repeat courses. If you have the AP credit to validate (at USAFA) those respective courses, don't take them again. However, replace those courses with high-level non-"fluff" courses. If you don't want to take English again, replace it with behavioral science or material engineering or something USAFA would want to see. That means you shouldn't replace it with basket weaving and you probably shouldn't just leave that empty spot empty.

And plan for the future should USAFA not pan out the second time around. As a civ college freshman, I took five and six courses per semester, respectively. That's a good goal to start with and it's about what you'll see at USAFA (5 classes per semester). I only ever took courses that would contribute to my aerospace engineering major. If you're planned for a course that doesn't fulfill a degree requirement, you shouldn't do it either.
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Don't you need the English course for the letter of rec from the English professor? It was my understanding that, as a college re-applicant, you could not go back and use your high school English teacher for this requirement.
 
hopefulmom182 said:
Don't you need the English course for the letter of rec from the English professor? It was my understanding that, as a college re-applicant, you could not go back and use your high school English teacher for this requirement.
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It could be different these days but as far as I'm aware, I just went back to my high school English teacher. Did not take college English and still did fine.
 
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