Course Selection (Civilian College)

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GoArmy22

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Nov 29, 2016
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I was enrolled in 17 credits worth of courses.. until today.

One of my AP scores validated a Govt course that I registered for. I am now enrolled in Eng, Math, Govt (not the one I exempted from), ROTC, and an IR course. I am taking Physics in the Spring.

Now that I have an empty slot for a class, are there any courses that would be good for reapplication and/or prepare me for West Point if I got in?
 
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GoArmy22 said:
I was enrolled in 17 credits worth of courses.. until today.

One of my AP scores validated a Govt course that I registered for. I am now enrolled in Eng, Math, Govt (not the one I exempted from), ROTC, and an IR course. I am taking Physics in the Spring.

Now that I have an empty slot for a class, are there any courses that would be good for reapplication and/or prepare me for West Point if I got in?
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Chemistry or move Physics from Spring to Fall (assuming you meet the math prerequisites for Physics). Generally, the most important courses from an admissions standpoint and for preparation are: English Composition, Math, Physics, and Chemistry.

For your specific case, look at your previous academic record to see if you need to demonstrate proficiency in one of those subject areas more than the others. If your high school performance was about equal in physics and chemistry, take the one in Fall in which you think you will perform best - Fall grades will be the last final grades the admissions committee sees.
 
Update: I was able to fit in a non-lab Physics course, but I will try to take a Chem lab in the Spring. Thank you all for your help.
 
GoArmy22 said:
Update: I was able to fit in a non-lab Physics course, but I will try to take a Chem lab in the Spring. Thank you all for your help.
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I am not familiar with the rigor of non lab physics courses - to the extent possible within scheduling constraints make sure it is at a level of rigor commensurate with your math and science ability, but also shows that you are challenging yourself.

USMA will be looking for evidence that you will be able to handle their STEM chemistry and calculus-based physics courses as a plebe/yearling. All cadets take (or validate) the same Chemistry I/Physics I required to go into engineering and science majors, regardless of their intended major.

Good luck!
 
Take a challenging schedule that will support you in case you do not get in and do well. You will get a bunch of different opinions but there is not one prefect solution. My DD took nothing close to a plebe schedule during her year of college as she tested out of most first year courses and got in. She had Two Biology Classes (one lab), a Chemistry class with lab, Intro to Bio-Tech, ROTC and even fit in a history of dance class.

Any classes you take in the spring semester will not be seen by the admission's committee but they may help prepare you for your first year at the academy.
 
I really wanted to take lab Physics because I feel comfortable with it (way more than Chem), but my advisor told me not to take a lab science with a math so I tried to work around that. I'm not sure why, but if I find that I can push myself more I'm going to ask her if I can take a lab Physics instead before the deadline to change classes arrives.
 
What you take in the spring will have no bearing on your admission. They will look at your fall schedule and fall grades. You will go before the board after your fall grades post, assuming your file is complete at that point.
 
mom3boys said:
What you take in the spring will have no bearing on your admission. They will look at your fall schedule and fall grades. You will go before the board after your fall grades post, assuming your file is complete at that point.
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This is true, but your RC may ask to see your spring schedule and consider its composition and rigor if there are other possible question marks about your file. DS's RC requested his fall classes as soon as he was signed up for them and also requested the classes he intended to take in the spring. My point being, you can't take 12 hours or 3 art classes second semester. :)
 
Run this by your RC...don't ask random internet strangers when there is an expert willing to advise you.
 
How poorly will it reflect on me if I have no science, math, or English? I met my English requirements with AP Credits and, because of when my registration was scheduled, the fast paced math and science classes were either full or conflicted with ROTC. It's not worth my time to take algebra again in college or biology for non STEM majors--especially when my majors don't have a math or science requirement.

I'm not slacking; I've got max number of credits they'd let me take, 18. All my classes work towards my majors with the exception of my three ROTC classes and my Chinese language class. Plus I intend on being very active in clubs and other leadership activities on campus.
 
It will reflect poorly. They want to see you do well in college level face to face classes that mimic what you'll take at West Point. No science, math, or English? You can fix this during drop add. My son had to do individual PT for ROTC because the only math class he could get conflicted with ROTC PT time...and academics trumped it. It was a battle w/ the two departments. PLEASE contact your RC and have this discussion w/ him. DO NOT plan your future based on advise from random internet strangers. I cannot emphasize this enough. Even though we know what worked for our kids, you need to consult an expert (that is how we planned my son's year at UNG...a conversation w/ the RC).
 
@BSCAR No one knows how it will reflect without talking to your RC. It sounds like you are in a difficult situation as you do not want to be a STEM major but need to demonstrate you can handle a STEM type schedule. You also need to balance what works for you if you change your mind or do not get in the second try. You do not have the mimic a plebe schedule but you need a challenging schedule that shows you can handle the academic rigor of the academy. Send your RC a note and ask to have a conversation about your first year of college. Discuss your goals and how you can approach meeting them and still keep your file competitive.
 
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