Calculus or Boy's State?

[MemberLG]

Yes. That would definitely be a bad thing [no math classs senior year] .

All depends on. Basic evaluation is made with first 6 semester transcript and depends when the file gets reviewed, the 7th semester transcript might not even be considered. If a candidate's standardized math score is high and he or she took some sort of Cal class junior, I think not taking a math class senior year will have minimum impact on the admissions decision.

Of course, it will probably hurt during the first year math at West Point.

 

[cb7893]

I recommend you apply to Boys State and go if given the chance. I think it is an important differentiator. If you get into Boys State, I would look for an online Pre-Calculus class through a local junior college or other outlet (center for talented youth, etc.).

DS #2 did pre-calc online through local university. Worked out fine.

 

[cb7893]

Yes. That would definitely be a bad thing.

...to not take 4 years of math.

The motto of DS #1's HS calc teacher was, "you get better at math by doing math."

I would suggest that Boy's State vs. Math is not a binary proposition. It seems as though Boy's State is more valuable for the purpose of admissions. I would submit that the math would be more valuable for the purpose getting through, particularly if you are pursuing a STEM degree. Calculus is the great separator of wheat from chaff at the college level.

 

[ca2midwestmom]

Would not having a math class senior year be a bad thing?

Not taking a math class senior year because you've taken everything your school offers is different from not taking a math class senior year because you don't like math / want to take art/drama instead, etc.

There are candidates who doubled up on math during high school and took everything their school offered (AP Calc, AP Stats). Not taking Calc in high school may not be required for admission, but it will certainly help once you get in college.

 

[845something]

Make no doubt in your mind that the 7th semester transcript is reviewed as is the final/8th semester transcript. Academic qualification is contingent upon 1) continued performance and 2) meeting the deadlines - so if you fail to get in your 7th semester transcript before the file completion deadline, you risk becoming disqualified/incomplete and having your file closed. If your transcript does not have 4 years of math on it (barring extenuating circumstances like completing all of your HS's curriculum), you risk becoming disqualified.

Additionally, rank in class usually updates with the completion of the 7th semester...admissions will see who has senioritis and it may cost them an appointment if their grades/rank drops significantly (a real case where there are a lot of A students with tightly packed GPAs. I've seen individuals fall from top 5 in their class to 30-something after earning a B-, which in turn had a significant impact on their Academic assessment). Failing grades are another story unto themselves.

Bottom line: your entire academic record matters. Your character matters. Your health matters. Mess up any of them before R-Day and you could find your appointment withdrawn.

 

[fern2019]

Make no doubt in your mind that the 7th semester transcript is reviewed as is the final/8th semester transcript. Academic qualification is contingent upon 1) continued performance and 2) meeting the deadlines - so if you fail to get in your 7th semester transcript before the file completion deadline, you risk becoming disqualified/incomplete and having your file closed. If your transcript does not have 4 years of math on it (barring extenuating circumstances like completing all of your HS's curriculum), you risk becoming disqualified.

I do have extenuating circumstances as I've completed all of my school's curriculum. The reason I don't have a math class this year is because the AP statistics class is not offered anymore, and I've already taken everything else. I am pretty sure I am already academically qualified, I was just worried if my qualification could be revoked.

 

[Dixieland]

Bottom line: your entire academic record matters. Your character matters. Your health matters. Mess up any of them before R-Day and you could find your appointment withdrawn.

This is excellent!

 

[845something]

Fern-you need to make sure that is clear to your RC. Often it is when they see calculus in the junior year and often times those transcripts will have 8th grade algebra on them as well (showing 4 yrs of HS level math). A quick note to your RC should do the trick, and better now before your 7th semester transcript arrives.

 

[billyb]

Calculus is the great separator of wheat from chaff at the college level.

Ain't that the truth! I didn't take calculus in HS and boy did I pay for it at USMA. Almost everyone else had and I was totally lost while most others were going through review of what they had already done.

Take Calculus in HS!!!!!! (and as high a level of Chemistry and Physics as possible) This has absolutely nothing to do with admissions, but everything to do with surviving the academic rigors of the first 2 years at USMA.