How important is senior course rigor

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Mar 13, 2021
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Right now I have the option between Earth/
Space science honors (Easy) and AP physics c mechanics (hard) for my science class. Please let me explain the situation and then give your opinion.

I am not smart. I have a 4.0 GPA/ 4.5 GPA but I am simply not smart. I do not naturally understand math like some people do. I am taking AP Calc and if I take physics it would be like taking 2 hard math classes. I wanted to know the extent of how important it is to have a completely loaded schedule. This is my schedule right now

1. Leadership Skills Development
2. AP Calc AB
3. AP physics C.
4. Study hall
5. Duel enrollment Strategize for academic success (easier class than it sounds)
6. AP Literature
7. Duel enrollment Principles of Aeronautical/ Unmanned Vehicles
8.Econ/Gov honors

My question is should I take AP physics instead of Earth space and give up my mental sanity for senior year.

Here is the unique thing, I want to be clear that I am not smart. I have to study really hard to get good grades because I have a horrible memory and don’t naturally understand thing. What I’m trying to say is that I’m a decently slow learner.

But the question is not “will I do good in physics). Simply put I will get an A+ in physics if I take it. My body does not allow me to rest until I am completely done with work. That has and will cause me to have a few late nights however I will certainly succeed.

So ultimately taking the class will not negatively effect my GPA but I will certainly not be able to enjoy my senior year as much. Any suggestions directly related to the relevance of how it will effect my application to the CGA.

Can 1 harder science class make all the difference. Is it worth a few sleepless nights or is 1 class to small a feature. Thanks!!
 
You may want to reconsider your definition of smart. You sound like a really smart kid who has learned to work hard for your goals. Be proud of that! If you were my son, I would consider dropping down to an English honors class instead of AP and take Physics, or do you have the option of taking an honors physics class? Your first semester at the academy has you taking 19 credits which include Physics and Calc. It will be helpful to have seen the material before. Remember, there is more to your application than academics.
 
My daughter has said the same thing about herself. She says, "Everyone says I am so smart, but it is really just that I study a lot and work really hard. It does not come easy for me." She knows kids who barely have to study, and that just isn't her. She took many AP classes in high school, and she said taking AP Chem and AP Calc AB and BC in high school really helped her during her first year at the Academy. However, she also chose to drop out of an AP class into a lower level midway through her junior year (even though she had one of the highest grades in the class), because the teacher was awful and she was spending every bit of free time on that class. She decided her mental health (both from the work load and from the teacher) was more important than keeping one more AP class. It was definitely the right decision for her, and it didn't hurt her. I'm not sure how that looked on her transcript, but she was prepared to defend her decision if questioned.

Without knowing how strong you are in other areas and what other science classes you have already taken, it is tough to say whether that one class will make a difference. If Honors Physics is an option, that would be a good choice. Math and Science classes are important to the Academy, but that is just part of the equation.
 
Right now I have the option between Earth/
Space science honors (Easy) and AP physics c mechanics (hard) for my science class. Please let me explain the situation and then give your opinion.

I am not smart. I have a 4.0 GPA/ 4.5 GPA but I am simply not smart. I do not naturally understand math like some people do. I am taking AP Calc and if I take physics it would be like taking 2 hard math classes. I wanted to know the extent of how important it is to have a completely loaded schedule. This is my schedule right now

1. Leadership Skills Development
2. AP Calc AB
3. AP physics C.
4. Study hall
5. Duel enrollment Strategize for academic success (easier class than it sounds)
6. AP Literature
7. Duel enrollment Principles of Aeronautical/ Unmanned Vehicles
8.Econ/Gov honors

My question is should I take AP physics instead of Earth space and give up my mental sanity for senior year.

Here is the unique thing, I want to be clear that I am not smart. I have to study really hard to get good grades because I have a horrible memory and don’t naturally understand thing. What I’m trying to say is that I’m a decently slow learner.

But the question is not “will I do good in physics). Simply put I will get an A+ in physics if I take it. My body does not allow me to rest until I am completely done with work. That has and will cause me to have a few late nights however I will certainly succeed.

So ultimately taking the class will not negatively effect my GPA but I will certainly not be able to enjoy my senior year as much. Any suggestions directly related to the relevance of how it will effect my application to the CGA.

Can 1 harder science class make all the difference. Is it worth a few sleepless nights or is 1 class to small a feature. Thanks!!
I recall a few discussions about this sort of thing with my kids. In the end, the way I recall them approaching it was to consider whether that extra AP course, in your case Physics, would likely result in lower grades across the board, or would it likely just wind up with them getting one lower grade? If they thought the only course where their grade was likely to suffer was the "physics" class, then they'd take on the sleepless nights. On the other hand, if they felt that the course would suck up so much effort that their other courses would suffer too much, then they would not take the class - in the end, they felt it was worth it to show the SAs that they took the most rigorous schedule they could take. No way for us to know how you will/should answer the question. But, one imperfect grade that shows you challenged yourself will likely not harm you.

And, I agree with all of the comments that suggest this should not be a huge issue. Your GPA and academic history, no matter what you decide on this looks strong and is not going to be the thing that results in rejection. Not taking AP physics is not all that likely to be something that changes your future.
 
I appreciate all your advice. Unfortunately I already took physics honors last year however I do like the idea of taking an easier English class and going with physics. Thanks for the help!!!
 
You sound just like my DD. She spends a lot of time studying and the SAT/ACT are definitely a struggle. She is also taking AP physics since it looks really good for these STEM schools. She’s taking calculus now to lighten the load. My older DD, recent West Point grad didn’t have a “senior”year as she also had a full load, leadership and sports. Her friends we’re having fun but for my DD that didn’t happen but it really paid off as she’s graduated and has a job she loves. Finding a balance is key but earning an appointment to any one of the service academies definitely is a sacrifice for most especially during your senior year.
 
First, congratulations of what you have accomplished, a great GPA and 3 challenging APs you are eligible for senior year.

Can you do it including AP Physics Mechanics? Of course you can, but you are asking should you do it, that is a question only you can answer. I think you are asking the right questions and weighed the pros and cons well. AP Calc AB and AP Physics Mechanics are best when taught together as they complement each other.

If you took AP Chem as a Junior, I would say it is ok to pass on AP Physics as you have a strong STEM transcript with AP Chem representing the sciences. Some applicants will be stronger, but not many.

Many will say it is a whole person concept to gain admittance, and that is true, but each applicant has their unique primary strength ie; academics, sports, leadership, etc. You are playing the odds as admissions is a jig-saw puzzle and they need a variety of pieces (applicants) that stand out in a primary area and are generally good in the other key areas. Like a strong sports candidate that also is reasonably well academically and leadership wise. It is important to have an area were you are a clear star, but it is also important not to have a significant weakness. All that is to say, what is the rest of your story? One option if you are trying to get in primarily on academics and other areas are week, take AP Physics. If you are more well rounded or have a stronger sports or leadership story, then you can go the easier route with less risk.

In the end, it is somewhat of a lottery. If you get in or not, you will never know why specifically.

I think the interview and essays are very important and can provide a significant advantage if approached correctly, so start preparing for those now. I believe files are read by at least three admissions members, some of them faculty so it is a real chance to tell your story.

Your choices have got you this far, so I would tell you to trust your judgment and whatever you do will work out.

Good luck!
 
Taking a rigourous set of courses, Senior HS year, will definitely help your application. It will also prepare you for Plebe and possibly some 3C courses. USCGA values people that work hard-you do! Worth pointing that out to Admissions. How can you best do that?
 
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Update!!
I was able to take a science class with a difficulty level between AP physics C and Earth space honors. I’m now taking AP environmental science
My son (a current swab at USCGA) really liked that class (AP Environmental Science). His teacher was truly amazing, one of those people who inspires a love of whatever subject they're talking about. For what it's worth, he took AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 only as far as Physics courses go. Other APs were AP European History, AP Language and Composition, AP Psychology, AP Language and Composition, AP Calculus AB, and AP Spanish Language/Culture. Glad you found your sweet spot in terms of rigor!
 
Right now I have the option between Earth/
Space science honors (Easy) and AP physics c mechanics (hard) for my science class. Please let me explain the situation and then give your opinion.

I am not smart. I have a 4.0 GPA/ 4.5 GPA but I am simply not smart. I do not naturally understand math like some people do. I am taking AP Calc and if I take physics it would be like taking 2 hard math classes. I wanted to know the extent of how important it is to have a completely loaded schedule. This is my schedule right now

1. Leadership Skills Development
2. AP Calc AB
3. AP physics C.
4. Study hall
5. Duel enrollment Strategize for academic success (easier class than it sounds)
6. AP Literature
7. Duel enrollment Principles of Aeronautical/ Unmanned Vehicles
8.Econ/Gov honors

My question is should I take AP physics instead of Earth space and give up my mental sanity for senior year.

Here is the unique thing, I want to be clear that I am not smart. I have to study really hard to get good grades because I have a horrible memory and don’t naturally understand thing. What I’m trying to say is that I’m a decently slow learner.

But the question is not “will I do good in physics). Simply put I will get an A+ in physics if I take it. My body does not allow me to rest until I am completely done with work. That has and will cause me to have a few late nights however I will certainly succeed.

So ultimately taking the class will not negatively effect my GPA but I will certainly not be able to enjoy my senior year as much. Any suggestions directly related to the relevance of how it will effect my application to the CGA.

Can 1 harder science class make all the difference. Is it worth a few sleepless nights or is 1 class to small a feature. Thanks!!
Do you like physics? Have you enjoyed tackling physics problems? What I’ve always “lectured” (my DS’s word) my son was, don’t do things as a means to an end, do it because you like/love doing it and enjoy the progress.
 
@jerrysdad ya I took physics honors last year and got all As in it however the class was extremely uninteresting to me and I have no desire to learn it. As someone who wants to go into engineering even if I don't get into the academy I know I will take more physics at some point but I guess that will be a problem for another day.
 
@jerrysdad ya I took physics honors last year and got all As in it however the class was extremely uninteresting to me and I have no desire to learn it. As someone who wants to go into engineering even if I don't get into the academy I know I will take more physics at some point but I guess that will be a problem for another day.
Do you like chemistry? CGA also values chemistry. Also, have you taken this year’s AP physics exam and got a decent score? Say you scored 5 in this year’s AP Physics, I really don’t think you need another physics course to prove yourself.
 
Do you like chemistry? CGA also values chemistry. Also, have you taken this year’s AP physics exam and got a decent score? Say you scored 5 in this year’s AP Physics, I really don’t think you need another physics course to prove yourself.
I have only taken physics honors my JR year so their was no AP exam. I also took chemistry honors my sophomore year but really didn’t enjoy it either. Again I know I will have to take it at some point. I personally have an interest for biology/ nature so I think AP environmental will be good.

Reading about the CGA civil engineering program it appears to have a lot of environmental study’s so it certainly couldn’t hurt have to have that under my belt.
 
I have only taken physics honors my JR year so their was no AP exam. I also took chemistry honors my sophomore year but really didn’t enjoy it either. Again I know I will have to take it at some point. I personally have an interest for biology/ nature so I think AP environmental will be good.

Reading about the CGA civil engineering program it appears to have a lot of environmental study’s so it certainly couldn’t hurt have to have that under my belt.
My son also only took honors physics (he is a transfer student, not permitted by his new school to take AP physics). However, I encouraged him to take the AP Physics exams to prove his ability. I’m glad he listened to his old man and scored 5.

You’re right that CGA offers env. engr. in the dept of civil and env. engineering. To pre-position yourself academically, I would put more weight on physics (mainly as a tool to train your reasoning ability so to get you ready for college level courses such as fluid mechanics), chemistry, and biology (the microbiology part, not necessarily the ecology part). AP environmental offered at high schools would be too comprehensive and thus shallow. Hence, without understanding all the details of your background and circumstance, also based on my understanding that CGA values physics and chemistry, either AP Physics or AP chemistry would be good.
 
If schools don't have AP Physics or AP Chem, I strongly suggest the Honors classes. The GPA boost and rigor would serve your student well
 
If schools don't have AP Physics or AP Chem, I strongly suggest the Honors classes. The GPA boost and rigor would serve your student well
Take what you can. My daughter felt disadvantaged to not have access to AP or honors classes. They just simply were not offered at her high school.
 
Take what you can. My daughter felt disadvantaged to not have access to AP or honors classes. They just simply were not offered at her high school.
I respectfully suggest mentioning that to your admissions officer. Your daughter shouldn't be unfairly prejudiced because her transcript doesn't include AP/honors through no fault of her own. Best of luck.
 
I respectfully suggest mentioning that to your admissions officer. Your daughter shouldn't be unfairly prejudiced because her transcript doesn't include AP/honors through no fault of her own. Best of luck.
If I recall correctly, the admissions office does know - when transcripts are sent, the school has to send a profile that lists things like how many AP/Honors classes are offered, how grading is done (i.e. 4.0 scale, honors or AP bump up, etc). I believe for fairness all extra weighting is stripped from an applicants GPA by the admissions office. Our high school does not do class ranks, so they provide something to address that as well. Of course it never hurts to talk to your admissions officer. :)
 
Take what you can. My daughter felt disadvantaged to not have access to AP or honors classes. They just simply were not offered at her high school.
From my understanding, sometimes CGAS may be offered to kids when they have a strong application, but they have not had the option to take AP/Honors courses. They may be offered CGAS to give them the chance to show that they can handle the higher level STEM classes. A student in this situation would be given different consideration from a student that simply chose not to take the upper level courses when they were available to them.
 
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