Ap credit?

[Montanaparent]

Can cadets get credit for AP classes and use that class slot to take something else? For example APCalculus for an engineering major?

 

[valtroid]

You take placement tests over swab summer for calculus and that's how they can validate. Those placement tests are all they look at, not AP scores.

 

[trackandfield08]

Can cadets get credit for AP classes and use that class slot to take something else? For example APCalculus for an engineering major?

Unless things have changed, you cannot validate a class based on having taken an AP course or an AP test alone. Incoming swabs will take math placement tests, english tests, and the option to take an exam to validate chemistry (I chose to sleep and write a letter during this exam as I stood no chance of validating). AP scores may be taken into account when determining what course a cadet will take. I will say, if your DS/DD feels they are strong enough in certain subjects, validating is extremely useful. Yes, it makes your course load a little harder (relatively speaking) but it also opens up opportunities to take other classes you might not be able to take if you don't validate. For what it's worth, I took a slew of AP courses in high school and validated nothing. I had a fairly successful academic career with plenty of opportunities including advanced research/an internship and an incredible international opportunity.

 

[AppDad]

The USCGA 2014 grad has more recent experience, but in addition to Calc I used my 5 in AP History to get out of that class. It freed up space my senior year to take a class at Conn College across the street.

BTW, my wife is a Conn College grad and we just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. So AP classes pay off... ;-)

 

[trackandfield08]

I did a little more digging in last year’s cadet handbook: https://www.uscga.edu/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=1486

Pages 8-10 provide a little more information on courses, placements tests, and validation.

 

[Haveaniceday]

FYI - The Validating tests in most subjects are given at various times during SWAB summer when the cadets are exhausted. I think math, chemistry and English are mandatory tests that help the staff place the cadets in the appropriate class. Photos of cadets taking the Chemistry validation test several years ago showed about 30% with heads down on their desks trying to get some rest, which depending on your chemistry knowledge, may have been the best use of their time . The point is, USCGA is set on a 4-year major plan and unlike a regular university, there are no minors to add to a major, so don't feel pressure to skip ahead. Certainly, if you have had the class, especially at the AP level (or college) and done well, take the validation test (if nothing else it is a few hours away from the cadre) then discuss the results with your adviser to make the best choice for you. Even if you successfully validate, you don't have to accelerate, it is a individual choice.

The first semester of any college is challenging. After Swab summer, many will be nursing aches and pains from the physical exertion, combined with the 5 course minimum academic core subject load, swimming/PE class, mandatory sports, mandatory military training, and your new job within your Division/Company, throw in a little homesickness a few room/uniform inspections, and a new roommate not of your choosing and you get the idea.

Even if you had Calc 1 in High School, the academy probably covers it a little different and the last thing you want going into Calc 2 is to have "holes" in your Calc 1 knowledge base. If you are a "high pass" on the test, you are more likely to validate and be successful in the next class, if you are a "low pass" talk it over with your adviser and get their feedback, they see lots of cadets and can provide expert guidance on where you fit in.

All cadets take 1 semester of Physics and 1 semester of Chemistry with a requirement to take one additional semester of either based on their major. Also, I think everyone takes at least Calculus 1.

From experience, recommend admitted students refresh math skills before they attend. Math is needed for both Physics and Chem, as well as math class of course, and seems to be a source of angst for most. USCGA as part of SWAB summer has a math teacher hold several classes for all to prep them for the academic year.

Thanks to trackandfield08 who provided the official guidance above.

Good luck!

 

[oldsalt1998]

My DS would of been able to validate Calculus 1 but was told by just about every Cadet he talked to that if you could not validate Calculus 2 also that it was not a good ideal. I believe he is going to try to validate Physics this semester after talking to other Cadets and the professors. But no they did not accept any AP credit but was good to have incase we had to go to the plan B option. A note we also realized that a lot of universities would not take AP credit when looking into it .

 

[mamabear2023]

A graduating cadet, bound for pilot school so I'm assuming they were a pretty high-achieving student, told my DS, who took Calc 3 this past semester at a local college, that the benefit to NOT validating is that you'll have an easier time with one or more of your courses, which makes life easier in general. It also gives you an even stronger foundation for later courses. So, that's something to consider.

 

[TexasAggie204]

A graduating cadet, bound for pilot school so I'm assuming they were a pretty high-achieving student, told my DS, who took Calc 3 this past semester at a local college, that the benefit to NOT validating is that you'll have an easier time with one or more of your courses, which makes life easier in general. It also gives you an even stronger foundation for later courses. So, that's something to consider.

We have heard this (do not validate Calc, etc...) from our kids that attended SA's as well as civilian colleges...Good Advice!