Would taking classes involving metals machining, welding, sheet metal work, and things of that sort be helpful in my application to USMA? I have a very packed class schedule, so if I can take this and it helps, that would be awesome. This sort of thing interests me, but I have so many classes that I would like to take with two years left of high school that I need to figure out what to prioritize. Thank you for any input you can give.
Future class choices
- Thread starter BravoTL
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From what I have seen here and experience of DD, the SAs mostly look if you have taken the hardest courses offered at your school. This includes Calculus, Chem, Physics etc. So not sure if taking these would add a lot of value. If you have time on your hand, go extra mile in STEM courses. Those can add good value to the application.
Others who are more experienced may offer more perspective.
Others who are more experienced may offer more perspective.
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SAs really like candidates who take the hardest classes their school has to offer, especially in the areas of STEM and English. Success in those classes signals a strong likelihood that you’ll be able to handle the SA curriculum. Now, if you also have the time and inclination to take those other classes, have at it. But they won’t help you like an A in Calc or Chem or English.
Those classes will not help your application. They may or may not hurt depending on the the rest of your coursework.
If you are an exceptional student and have already taken the most advanced levels of Math, Science, English, History, etc. that your school offers, you are probably fine taking one of those courses.
However, it is best to show strength in college prep courses. For example if you have already taken regular Physics, it would be better to take AP Physics rather than Welding. And it is always best to complete as much Math and English Composition as possible.
As always, your RC is the official arbiter of what will help your application.
If you are an exceptional student and have already taken the most advanced levels of Math, Science, English, History, etc. that your school offers, you are probably fine taking one of those courses.
However, it is best to show strength in college prep courses. For example if you have already taken regular Physics, it would be better to take AP Physics rather than Welding. And it is always best to complete as much Math and English Composition as possible.
As always, your RC is the official arbiter of what will help your application.