Advanced placement tests

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proudpop2

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Feb 16, 2016
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Hey everyone- just curious if there is any benefit to my DS taking AP tests at high school this spring in advance of USMA this fall? the tests costs $92 each (and he maybe looking at 4-5 tests) but just wondering if there is any value at the academy to these tests?

I understand that placement tests are given during/after? CBT? It is possible my DS would like to get a double major at the academy so not sure if the AP tests potentially help to that end? as always thanks for any feedback
 
proudpop2 said:
Hey everyone- just curious if there is any benefit to my DS taking AP tests at high school this spring in advance of USMA this fall? the tests costs $92 each (and he maybe looking at 4-5 tests) but just wondering if there is any value at the academy to these tests?

I understand that placement tests are given during/after? CBT? It is possible my DS would like to get a double major at the academy so not sure if the AP tests potentially help to that end? as always thanks for any feedback
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AP exams are not required and are only one factor in evaluating placement. However, they can be useful if the placement tests are borderline and you want to get into an advanced section or validate a course. Because of the extensive core requirements, opportunities to double major are very limited without validating courses.

Another benefit to taking AP tests is just in case USMA doesn't work out, for whatever reason. They will help with the transfer process and validating courses at another college.
 
proudpop2 said:
Hey everyone- just curious if there is any benefit to my DS taking AP tests at high school this spring in advance of USMA this fall? the tests costs $92 each (and he maybe looking at 4-5 tests) but just wondering if there is any value at the academy to these tests?

I understand that placement tests are given during/after? CBT? It is possible my DS would like to get a double major at the academy so not sure if the AP tests potentially help to that end? as always thanks for any feedback
Click to expand...

We were told by USNA that AP credits aren't applicable so my DS isn't taking them. Check with your liaison but during the many admissions sessions I sat through, it was repeated that AP credits are considered.
 
momofmod said:
We were told by USNA that AP credits aren't applicable so my DS isn't taking them. Check with your liaison but during the many admissions sessions I sat through, it was repeated that AP credits are considered.
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Sorry! are NOT considered.....typo my apologies.
 
You will not receive college credit for AP classes at WP. However, you can take a placement test and see if you can validate what you know and that may give you more upper level classes. There are pros and cons to doing this. It's a good option for some and not a great idea for others. And as another already stated, if you don't remain at WP, those AP credits may come in handy at another school. There are lots of future unknowns here.
 
I think ji123 is correct in that the AP Test scores could come into play if your Plebe is on the fence regarding the placement exam they administer. The other points - (1) what if he leaves USMA then the tests probably count where he would transfer (2) double majoring is often discussed and rarely implemented especially without validating courses (3) the AP Exam is probably good prep for the validation exams. My DD is at USNA and validated 8 courses. She essentially is a sophomore academically and it opens up a lot of opportunities than most people won't ever even be made aware exist.

USMA or any SA does not have it in their best interest to validate students unless they feel confident. They do not want the students to be placed in the wrong class especially since everyone is there for 47 months.
 
momofmod said:
We were told by USNA that AP credits aren't applicable so my DS isn't taking them. Check with your liaison but during the many admissions sessions I sat through, it was repeated that AP credits are considered.
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To clarify, my response was regarding placement and validation, not admissions. To my knowledge, USMA does not factor in AP exam scores in building the WCS for admissions decisions.

USNA may be different, but the academic departments at USMA consider AP scores, if they are available, in making placement decisions.
 
jl123 said:
To clarify, my response was regarding placement and validation, not admissions. To my knowledge, USMA does not factor in AP exam scores in building the WCS for admissions decisions.

USNA may be different, but the academic departments at USMA consider AP scores, if they are available, in making placement decisions.
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The AP tests aren't administered until May I thought. I agree, taking and doing well in AP courses is important.
 
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