Course Validation Policy

[anne99]

DS is looking at the Course Validation Policy page on the USNA website and he said that there is a column that reads "Validation via AP or IB scores" which we both thought was not an option. Should he be sending USNA his AP scores before Plebe Summer or will they test him anyway? He didn't want to bother admissions with questions right now so I told him I'd ask here.

 

[serendipityRN]

DS had his AP scores sent to USNA. The senior year scores arrived around the first week in July. While you can't use AP scores for every subject, they do count for validating quite a few classes so your DS should use them if he can.

 

[USNA_Dad2019]

Yes, send scores ASAP! My DS validated 4 classes with his AP scores, and in the case of Calculus it was a combination of AP scores and validation exams.

 

[anne99]

Thanks, he just sent them in yesterday. He will most likely only receive validation for Calculus AB. He still has to take the Calc exam?

 

[ktnatalk]

If I am not mistaken, plebes can pull their AP scores at their academic advising session during Plebe Summer.

 

[NavyHoops]

Yes he will. The matrix is clear on the website on how to validate courses. Calc I believe is an AP score and validation exam.

 

[anne99]

Yes he will. The matrix is clear on the website on how to validate courses. Calc I believe is an AP score and validation exam.

Got it. So it's "AND", not "OR".

 

[DesertCaliMom]

DS' school doesn't have AP, but he concurrently enrolls in a few classes each semester. You can validate that way, too.

 

[ktnatalk]

For 2020, there was a letter from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Permit to Report package. It asked appointees to take questionnaires and some tests via the "Academic Background System (ABS)" to allow placement in Calc I or higher level courses before reporting. They will take a couple hours to finish and you can take portions of them at a time.

 

[Mdub71]

The wise suggest that signing up for validations exams, especially those you don't feel confident on, will give you some nice nap time during plebe summer.

 

[Cerberi]

DD validated 8 classes and all validations were concurrent with both an AP score and the validation test. I also think the math assessment that came out as part of the Permit to Report carried some weight in determining which/if any math courses.

Chemistry I/II seem to be the traditional 'difficult' classes at USNA. If you can validate them - it is nice plus you don't have the labs that go along with them.

Mdub71 is exactly right - sign up for every exam - you get to sit/sleep in an air conditioned room and it is really pass/fail with no repercussion for not passing.

It is not a big deal if you don't validate anything - it's a 47 month program and you can't graduate early.

 

[reapplicant_2017]

Does anyone know what the policy for previous college classes? I know that USNA doesn't accept transfer credit, but would you be eligible to take certain validation exams if you've previously taken the same class equivalent (e.g. Calculus I or Chemisty I), even if you don't have AP scores to accompany them?

 

[USNAredrock]

I don't sit my calculus or English AP exams until May, and my scores don't come out until July. Will they still be looked at for validation?

 

[NavyHoops]

Does anyone know what the policy for previous college classes? I know that USNA doesn't accept transfer credit, but would you be eligible to take certain validation exams if you've previously taken the same class equivalent (e.g. Calculus I or Chemisty I), even if you don't have AP scores to accompany them?

College classes won't transfer as mentioned. The validation policy stands. Read it. It's tells exactly how a class can validated. Honestly it's not the end of the world to retake some if this stuff. It can make life easier.

I don't sit my calculus or English AP exams until May, and my scores don't come out until July. Will they still be looked at for validation?

Yes. USNA does this every single year and knows most won't have their scores when they report. You will meet with your ac advisor in Plebe Summer. They will help you navigate this.

Best advice is read the USNA website policy. It answers a lot of these questions. It's not the end of the world to not validate something. You won't be graduating early. Yes it opens options. VGEP only allows around a dozen a year and that is more than grades. I can't tell you how many people didn't qualify for programs like this because they didn't have the right grade in PE or conduct. Remember, it's more than academics at USNA.