AP Computer Science

paigufan

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2014
Messages
7
Hey all! This year (junior) the only AP I'm taking is Computer Science. My average is an A-, but I did not register for the AP exam. How do AP tests work with the service academies? Just as they would for civilian colleges? Also, is it a bad mistake that I won't take the Computer Science AP test? I won't mind taking an introductory course in Computer Science at USNA/USAFA.
 
It won't affect your admission if that's what you mean. They are treated similarly to the way a civilian college would handle them (at least to my understanding)
 
Taking AP CompSci will set you up for validation in IC211: Object-Oriented Programming. This is a major course for Computer Science and Information Technology majors, and a free elective for Group 2 and Group 3 majors (Group 1 majors don't have free electives). Note IC210: Intro to Computing covers C++, not Java.

It's not an automatic validation, but if you can pass the AP test with at least a 4, you should be able to pass a validation test at USNA. It's pretty much a comprehensive final exam with a practical programming portion, and if you score 80% or higher you will validate. CS Department policy is the same for all classes, by the way (80% on exam validates), so if you happen to know any programming languages you might want to brush up a bit. Class notes and syllabi for IC210 and IC211 are online, if you'd like to see if you have a shot. Heck, if you're really motivated, you could probably pick up a bit of C++ between now and plebe summer and validate IC210 along with IC211.

From an admissions standpoint, I have no idea. It's an AP course, so you have that going for you. I do think it's a good class to take, along with stuff like AP Calc/Chem. Even if you're not looking to be a CS or IT major, Cyber seems to be a difficult course, and prior programming knowledge will help you not suffer like your classmates for plebe and 2/C cyber.
 
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