Can someone point me to a link or provide information as to if there is any type of program that allows incoming fourth class cadets to place out of certain classes? I had thought I read somewhere that there was a testing process you could go through at the academy to do this, but I can't seem to find that information. Thanks.
From my understanding there are validation tests that are given during Swab Summer, but maybe someone more in the know can chime in here.
Yes, sometime during swab summer they are tested for placement and can also validate classes. However there are a few school of thoughts regarding this. While validating classes at "regular college" is a good idea, doing so at USCGA can have it's down falls. 4/c year is a very stressful year filled with not only academics, but mandatory physical fitness and military training. You can't opt out of any of them to study more because you are taking a harder class. Plus taking a class that maybe an easy "A" now may help later on when they are struggling through a tough class. Validating a class also puts you in classes with upper class, which for a 4/c can be intimidating not to mention lonely due to the fraternization rules. And last but not least, it's not like you can graduate early, why make your life tougher then it's already going to be!!
I'll give you the other side of the coin on that one. You got to where you are by pushing yourself and striving to do more than the people around you. Don't rest on the success of just getting in and being there. Continue to do the things that have led to success in the past. I look at it as a "shoot for the moon, even if you miss you'll land amongst the stars" situation.
Of course, some times people shooting for the moon land at the front gate, with a ticket home. I did honors chemistry my 4/c year. It was more in depth than regular chemistry, but it was all 4/c. Honestly, there's not MUCH movement if you test out/in certain classes. As an upper class I had one or two courses that involved a 3/c cadet or two. Understand if you're in class with upperclass, while you are in a different setting, things are still expected of you. Our very special 3/c had a bit of an issue with pissing his 1/c off in class. Yes, it upset the cadets, but instructors, often, have also "been there" and don't have much patience for it. That said, I've also taken classes with cadet a year or two ahead of me. I liked it. The academic buildings do have a different feel to them, and the main focus is learning. It's for a free-for-all experience, but it's certainly not Chase Hall.
The only reason I ever saw anyone leave for academics was because they didn't have the work ethic or never figured out how to get the right academic help (which is readily available). They would have had the same result no matter what classes they were in. The same could be said for taking leadership positions as an upperclass cadet. Everyone is going to graduate and be an Ensign but skills and confidence you gain help you out in the long run.
Thanks, everyone, for the comments on both sides of this issue. Good points made by all - another reason why I really appreciate this forum!
