Need help deciding on classes

[Swimmergirl2029]

Hello all,

I am currently a sophomore and in 3 weeks we are registering for classes. So far I have decided to take AP chemistry, AP pre calc, AP US history, and Orchestra. I am conflicted between what English class I should take. For a little bit of context, I have a very small amount of flexibility in my day as I am gone for about five hours for swim practice pretty much right after school so having a lot of time for homework and other extracurriculars is difficult. I am conflicted on whether to take core english or take AP Lang. I am not a big fan of English and I also want an aerospace engineering degree which is why I am prioritizing taking the harder STEM classes. Along with that note, I also do not know which elective I want to take. Any suggestions especially for engineering?

I finished last semester and freshman year with a 4.0 taking the hardest classes I could and I want to try to maintain that. I am also a member of NHS and am going to run for an officer position for next year. I also work part time as a lifeguard during the school year and full time mostly over the summer. I have been on the varsity swim team for 2 years and will be a captain next year. For my club team we have 3 hour practices and it is a long commute which is why I don’t have much time in the evenings. Do I need more extracurriculars?

The Naval Academy has been my dream since 4th grade, so I want to be able to do everything I can to achieve that dream.

I have reached out to my B&GO a few times over the past month and have not heard anything so I am turning to the forums for some much needed advice. Anything is appreciated. Thank you all!

 

[Academician]

I would recommend keeping your schedule balanced as the three AP courses will be challenging. I would take an English course that is a "college preparatory course in writing." It does not need to be an AP version.

In the meantime, look at your résumé beyond swimming to look for opportunities to lead and to engage with others. You'll need some 'free time' to accomplish some of these items. Also, are you preparing for the CFA? It is not too early to start your preparations. Finally, look at taking the SAT or ACT in the late spring or summer. I tell my students to "take it early and often." You'll need to time to prepare for the tests.

By the way, the BGO is likely focused on current seniors. However, I suggest sending him/her your résumé and then update your BGO periodically with your latest news. She may very well reach out when she has time in the coming months.

I hope this advice helps!

 

[A1Janitor]

I would take regular English first. Take AP English your senior year.

You are doing well. Contact the school about girl’s state opportunity. I assume as an accomplished swimmer, your CFA will be fine. Start running when you can.

Of course, start working on SAT/ACT.

 

[Heatherg21]

I don't know many people that could say they loved their English class. I can say that the better you get at being a good writer, the better.

As an aerospace major, I can assure you my DS writes a crap ton of papers. You will write a lot at any SA if you are admitted.

 

[WT Door]

It looks like you’ve got the STEM part covered. The Naval Academy recommends four years of high school English be included in your course of study whereas two years of a foreign language is recommended. Effective writing is an integral part of being a college student and officer. As you continue your quest, become familiar with the usna.edu website. Here is a snippet: https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Apply/General-Advice-for-Grades-9-12.php#tenth. Good luck in achieving your goal.

 

[A1Janitor]

My son got 100s in English in high school - but he was a horrible writer. I read a recent paper he did and I was stunned. He got so much better.

USNA has excellent resources available. So candidates shouldn’t be afraid if they aren’t great writers.

Also - office hours aren’t just for mids struggling. My son sought assistance from professors for advanced concepts in classes he did well in.

 

[SnootyHen]

I know this is not specifically what you asked but we're a swim family here too (3 boys are all swimmers, I am a swim official, swim coach and president of our club as well as the HS boys team mom). My candidate is a swimmer and a runner and most of his volunteer and leadership experience is with swimming and running (he teaches lessons, guards for PE and lessons, and works with a youth running club, is out club's athlete representative to the house of delegates, etc). While he is extremely busy with club swim, HS swim, HS XC and polo on top of classes and volunteering, he has been consistently asked what he does aside from running and swimming. It is frustrating because those things consume so many hours that there isn't much left. But it seems like they hear "swim" and look at all of those things as just one thing and want to see something else too. So while you still have a little time before applying, if you can, find a volunteer opportunity that is not related to swim. I fully realize more than most people how hard that is. Trust me, I get it!!!! But if you can, find something to do that isn't related to swim so you have a better answer when asked than my son does.