Chemistry or Physics for reapplicant?

[Goldenbadge]

I was wondering if USNA would prefer me to take chemistry my freshman semester in college, as that’s what a plebe would be taking, over physics. I’d like to do physics as it’s a requirement for NROTC and is also taken at the academy but am wondering if chemistry would be viewed more favorably by admissions. Thanks

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

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My analysis says take Chemistry before Physics if you are going to Re-apply to USNA as a 1st year college student

Here is the reasoning Unless you test out of Chemistry after your Reapplication is successful … A High Uncertainty

1. Plebes take 2 semesters of College Chemistry … I hear that the USNA Plebe Chemistry is harder than State-U

2. Youngsters take 2 semesters of College Physics

Conclusion: Take Chemistry at your State-U before You take Physics
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[Capt MJ]

I was wondering if USNA would prefer me to take chemistry my freshman semester in college, as that’s what a plebe would be taking, over physics. I’d like to do physics as it’s a requirement for NROTC and is also taken at the academy but am wondering if chemistry would be viewed more favorably by admissions. Thanks

Previous Candidates & College Candidates

Previous Candidates and College Candidates page for Admissions at USNA.edu. Updated Fri Apr 18 04:37:25 EDT 2025.

www.usna.edu

 

[justdoit19]

Team Chem, AKA Plebe Killer.

 

[Physicsguru]

When I advise students, my suggested priorities are:
1. Requirements for the major
2. Graduation requirements
3. Other required courses for program/scholarship
4. Electives

Take the courses your major at the university requires. If you're in an engineering program, for example, you'll need to take calculus based physics. Above all, though, make sure you take calculus if you place for it.

My recommendation is take Chemistry and Calculus in your first semester, then Calc II, Chem II (if needed for your major), and Calc based Physics I.

 

[usna1985]

You have to take both Chem and Physics at USNA. If you're reapplying, I'd take the one in which you expect to earn a higher grade and / or the one that will help you graduate on time from your current college. An A in Physics trumps a C in Chem. If you expect to do the same, then agree on Chem over Physics.

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

You have to take both Chem and Physics at USNA. If you're reapplying, I'd take the one in which you expect to earn a higher grade and / or the one that will help you graduate on time from your current college. An A in Physics trumps a C in Chem. If you expect to do the same, then agree on Chem over Physics.

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College Physics assumes that you have taken a college level Calc 1 & 2 … and it is taken concurrently with/or after Vector Calc 3