Do candidates have to send their AP scores if they turn out low? DS is worrying that if he doesn't test high enough in AP Calculus B/C, that will automatically prevent him from trying to test out at the Academy using the ABS and/or plebe summer testing. Does anyone know? Even though I think we both feel that if you can't do well on the AP test you probably can't validate on the online and in-person tests anyway...but one never knows!
Are AP scores optional?
- Thread starter kit kat
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I'm taking the AP Calc BC exam tomorrow and will be sending my score (2 scores actually for calc 1 and calc 2). I already validated Calc 1 (Calc AB) using the ABS. I think giving the academy all the info they ask for will be most beneficial, as this will help them place us in the courses that suit us best.
The website states that AP scores trump ABS tests for validation. There is no mention that a low AP score will not allow for validation via ABS testing. One problem with waiting is that the AP scores do not come out until July. If you wait until they come out, then you have to send in a separate request to College Board, which means that USNA would not receive them until possibly August. Would that make it too late for them to count for validation? My son requested all scores to be sent. An added bonus is that it is 'free' by requesting on test day.
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I don't know, but think about this for a moment .... When our daughter is warming the 88 ivorys playing Chopin's Waltz in A minor for the Umpty Umthed time ... it's never perfect, but it sure sounds sweet. There is always some new Phrasing or Timing you can work in ... give it that little extra expression.
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The same goes for Mathematical and Writing expression .... there is always some new Twist, Pathway to a Solution, or Topic that you missed in the last Run.
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I say take Calculus I followed by Calculus II followed by Calculus III at the USNA .... You will learn more"Whats" and more "Hows" than you did before .... And you will learn it the USNA way too.
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I don't know, but think about this for a moment .... When our daughter is warming the 88 ivorys playing Chopin's Waltz in A minor for the Umpty Umthed time ... it's never perfect, but it sure sounds sweet. There is always some new Phrasing or Timing you can work in ... give it that little extra expression.
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The same goes for Mathematical and Writing expression .... there is always some new Twist, Pathway to a Solution, or Topic that you missed in the last Run.
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I say take Calculus I followed by Calculus II followed by Calculus III at the USNA .... You will learn more"Whats" and more "Hows" than you did before .... And you will learn it the USNA way too.
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With all due respect, @kit kat is not asking if her DS should validate, but how. The 'if' debate was handled in a previous thread.
That's the reason I will likely decline my calc I validation and start in Calc I at USNA
Think twice before taking advice on an anonymous forum. USNA will equip you with academic advisors, who are experts in this and will suggest to you what is best for you.
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Lots of ways to strategize validating. Search through the forums. When I asked my Plebe, who was home over break, if he would have done anything differently, he specifically stated he would have tried to validate Calc. Originally he thought taking it entry level would be beneficial, but ultimately he decided he would have validated on a do-over.
Some validations allow you to skip the class, freeing up your schedule a bit subsequent years. Some validations place you in a different, harder level of the class (chem, for example).
So imo, it depends on the student. And is a personal choice. Plebe year is tough!
Some validations allow you to skip the class, freeing up your schedule a bit subsequent years. Some validations place you in a different, harder level of the class (chem, for example).
So imo, it depends on the student. And is a personal choice. Plebe year is tough!
@justdoit19 Validating Calculus I will put you in Calculus II first semester and Calculus III second semester right? This means you will be finished with Calculus plebe year, instead of half way through 3/C year? If this is correct then you will have this block open?
Is Chemistry different in that all MIDN are required to take 2 semesters regardless of validating?
Is Chemistry different in that all MIDN are required to take 2 semesters regardless of validating?
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I have no idea. Honestly. If I were you, I would go to first source information on usnsa.edu. I don’t have that link but have seen it.
My point really, is that validating/not validating is a personal choice. And in DS’s case, he chose to NOT validate Calc, but would have if he had a do-over. BC it means a skip, and lightens his load, vs being placed in simply a ‘harder’ version of a class.
He advised his younger bro to try and validate Calc to free his schedule a bit, and advised him to not validate chem, Bc he would be put in a tougher chem class. And plebe year chem is difficult as is. But again, it’s a personal choice.