concerned 2020 appointee

cats&abs

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I have accepted a nomination to USAFA!I am extremely excited about attending, but I am concerned about the academic rigor. As a high school senior, I have have taken neither AP Calc nor Computer Science. I am worried that I will not be ready for the mathematics at USAFA,and I would be grateful for any suggestions as to how I should prepare. I was also wondering how much homework fourth-years generally have. Thanks!
 
First of all, congratulations! Its a big honor to receive a nomination! As for academics, my advice is to not sweat it! You have done everything you can to prepare for the academy and trying to learn CompSci or Calculus right now would be like cramming before the exam. But instead of cramming right before the exam, you have a 6 week Basic Training in between!

Maths at the Academy are very difficult, but with hard work, anyone can make it through. In my opinion, academics are more tailored to test how hard of a worker you are, rather than how smart you are. I've seen people with perfect scores on the SATs and ACTs struggle to maintain a passing average in Academy Academics, purely because they were lazy. Then I've also seen people who could be best described as mediocre academically excel, because even though they are not naturally gifted, they worked super hard. Ultimately, academics at USAFA are designed to be tough test your determination and train your time management, skills needed to be an officer in the greatest Air Force in the world!

C/O 2017

Edit: As for homework: To put it shortly, you will have a lot. More than you did in highschool and more than any of your friends will have at a civilian institution (I went to Syracuse University for a year before the Academy). Also, you will continue to have a lot at least until your Junior year. Things tend to slow down Senior year as the senioritis kicks in ;).
 
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The Academy saw something in you, that you may not at this time, that told them you could succeed, or you would not have received an appointment.
Perfect ACTs do not always equal great at academic classes or studies. Some folks "study" and prep for SATs/ACTs to increase the scores instead of just depending on what they have learned in school.
In my day, there was no such thing as ACT/SAT prep classes, books, etc. and yes, PCs were not "invented". Try using a slide rule instead of a calculator!
I digress.
Believe in yourself and work hard. Many people will be there to help - other cadets, instructors, etc.
 
I have accepted a nomination to USAFA!I am extremely excited about attending, but I am concerned about the academic rigor. As a high school senior, I have have taken neither AP Calc nor Computer Science. I am worried that I will not be ready for the mathematics at USAFA,and I would be grateful for any suggestions as to how I should prepare. I was also wondering how much homework fourth-years generally have. Thanks!
Try not to be concerned... My son is a 2C at USAFA, had Precalc as his highest math in high school, and earned an A and B in Calc 1 & Calc 2 at USAFA.
 
I have accepted a nomination to USAFA!I am extremely excited about attending, but I am concerned about the academic rigor. As a high school senior, I have have taken neither AP Calc nor Computer Science. I am worried that I will not be ready for the mathematics at USAFA,and I would be grateful for any suggestions as to how I should prepare. I was also wondering how much homework fourth-years generally have. Thanks!
Accepted a nomination or appointment?
 
If you are willing to put in the work, and don't have too much pride to ask for help, there are plenty of resources to help you. Fellow squad mates, the QRC, most teachers will go to extreme lengths to tutor you. (A lot of my teachers will give you their cell phone numbers and tell you to call or text with any questions). So, just make sure you get help when/if you need it.
 
You'll be tested during the first few days of BCT to see where you stand regarding Math (and other subjects) placement. So, you'll be where you need to be. Get help immediately, at the first hint of trouble, so you don't fall behind, because it's not going to get any easier.

If you got an appointment, they think you can handle it. Relax!
 
I have accepted a nomination to USAFA!I am extremely excited about attending, but I am concerned about the academic rigor. As a high school senior, I have have taken neither AP Calc nor Computer Science. I am worried that I will not be ready for the mathematics at USAFA,and I would be grateful for any suggestions as to how I should prepare. I was also wondering how much homework fourth-years generally have. Thanks!

If you go to USAFA Admissions and download the catalog there is a "FAQ" section. It gives great information on the help available if you are struggling.

There is a ton of good info in that section.(Sorry I could not share the link using my phone)
 
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