AP courses

[tangosierra14]

Hi, I am a high school sophomore who wll begin taking AP courses next semester. My question is , does Annapolis view some AP courses favorably as compared to others? I know that math and science are valued, but for example calculus vs. physics or chem vs. bio?

 

[nuensis]

If you have to choose, definitely Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics over Bio. It's best if you get Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics sometime in high school; if your schedule does not allow for all of those classes, I would suggest taking some summer school or community college classes.

AP courses in general are valuable, as they demonstrate aptitude, motivation, and hard work. They're often as close to college-level courses as a high school student can get without going to college, and success in these courses will show admissions that you will be able to handle the difficult curriculum at USNA better than the next guy.

 

[111195]

Hi. First off, good job getting started early! Preparation is very helpful in this process. I'm a junior and have been preparing since 7th grade! AP courses are definitely a good idea. You have 3 years to fill up on AP courses so you don't have to set in stone that you will not take some specific class. I would suggest taking AP Chem your senior year because Chemistry is a very difficult subject at the academy and having it fresh in your mind will be beneficial. AP Calc is a good idea because it shows you're mathematically ready for the academy (most applicants who are sent to NAPS are sent to prepare for Calculus).

To give you an idea, this is what I did:
Sophomore Year- AP Euro, Chemistry, Spanish 3, Hons Eng, Hons Pre-Calc
Junior Year- AP US, AP Physics C: Mechanic, Spanish 4, AP Calc AB, AP Lit
Next Year-AP Gov, AP Comp Sci, AP Chem, AP Spanish, AP Calc BC, IB Lang HL

I would suggest taking AP Computer Science if your school offers it. If you have any questions about what I've said please do. I spent a lot of time planning my schedules each year just as you are and each person has different demands and situations. Good Luck!

 

[AFAcandidate]

Taking them AP classes is good but don't overload yourself.

I made that mistake

My grade in AP chemistry is something between the number 10 and 12.

 

[1964BGO]

One of the advantages of starting early is that you should improve the probability of getting all of the AP courses you should; eg, calculus, chemistry, physics, and a strong grammar and composition course. Also, you need to begin studying for and taking the SAT and ACT exams; the SA's are going to look for excellence in these scores, so plan on taking the exams more than once unless you ace them the first time up. My mantra on this is: Familiarity tends to breed better scores. Best wishes to you.

 

[111195]

I completely agree with 1964 BGO. Take the SAT as many times as you can afford to. I'm lucky to have my grandparents pay for them. There are many free SAT resources out there and the collegeboard website has daily questions as well as some practice tests. The more you familiarize yourself with how to take the test, the more equipped you will be to get a better score. Best of luck to you!

 

[osdad]

Concur with 1964. Taking too many AP courses but not doing well in them could hurt more than help. Also, make sure you leave time for sports, band, theater, community service, student gov't, or wherever you're interest lies. The NA is looking at the "whole person" not just academics.

And most importantly, leave time to enjoy HS. Your interest in attending the NA may change as you grow but you only get to be a teenager once...(as they say: Youth, wasted on the young. )