Plan B College Courses

[coasttocoast]

Alright, so I'm selecting my courses for my plan B based on the MES course schedule. Looking for thoughts and opinions from folks who have gone to 4-year colleges and went on to USCGA, or anyone in the same boat.

So far, as an undeclared major, I have:
First Semester: Physics I, Chem I, Algebra and Trig, Composition, and Personal Finance.

Second Semester: Physics II, Chem II, Calc I, The Science of Maple Sugaring (stoked for this), and __________(undecided 4 credits).

I would really like to take advantage of the school's liberal arts opportunity for non arts majors to take Ceramic. (It really excites me and this may be the only time I have this opportunity). However, would it be too unrelated/ looked at poorly?

I am also considering Geographic Information Systems or Intro to International Studies. What else should I be considering that will help me be successful at the Academy/beyond and what have folks done in the past? I will not be validating anything to ensure I get a strong foundation.

 

[Physicsguru]

Look at your plan B and see if they have a major similar to MES, then take electives toward that program. This way if you don't get accepted you'll still be on a path toward a major you're interested in.

 

[CGAdad]

#1 focus on getting the best grades you can (think high GPA). Other suggestion is Intro. History or Poli. Sci. on Government.

 

[coasttocoast]

Look at your plan B and see if they have a major similar to MES, then take electives toward that program. This way if you don't get accepted you'll still be on a path toward a major you're interested in.

#1 focus on getting the best grades you can (think high GPA). Other suggestion is Intro. History or Poli. Sci. on Government.

Thank you both!

 

[devildolphin24']

I also agree on history or political science/government class. My recommendation would be government as it seems that all cadets, regardless of major must take government. Also I think a foreign language class sequence would benefit you a lot, if you are able. Based on experience, foreign languages seem to mesh very well with the humanitarian aspect of CG, and I believe admissions would appreciate this aspect in your application. This of course is just a personal recommendation for re-application to USCGA, nothing super set; you ultimately have your goals, so focus which matters most to you, and I wish you the best

 

[coasttocoast]

I also agree on history or political science/government class. My recommendation would be government as it seems that all cadets, regardless of major must take government. Also I think a foreign language class sequence would benefit you a lot, if you are able. Based on experience, foreign languages seem to mesh very well with the humanitarian aspect of CG, and I believe admissions would appreciate this aspect in your application. This of course is just a personal recommendation for re-application to USCGA, nothing super set; you ultimately have your goals, so focus which matters most to you, and I wish you the best

I agree, thank so much!

 

[ekb1398]

I might be an outlier here but I say take the Ceramics course! Like you said, it might be your only opportunity, and it's not like you're sandbagging your entire schedule. All the other classes you listed seem right on the money for what you should be taking. Nobody will begrudge or hold against you one class you took to indulge personal interest, and it might even be looked upon favorably because it shows a different side of you and your interests. If you did want to keep it strictly "for the Academy," a government class wouldn't be bad, but I think (not an MES major so not 100% positive) that GIS is a class that is for 2/c at the Academy, so doing well in that class would show ability to do well at a higher level in the major. All three are good options in my opinion.

 

[coasttocoast]

I might be an outlier here but I say take the Ceramics course! Like you said, it might be your only opportunity, and it's not like you're sandbagging your entire schedule. All the other classes you listed seem right on the money for what you should be taking. Nobody will begrudge or hold against you one class you took to indulge personal interest, and it might even be looked upon favorably because it shows a different side of you and your interests. If you did want to keep it strictly "for the Academy," a government class wouldn't be bad, but I think (not an MES major so not 100% positive) that GIS is a class that is for 2/c at the Academy, so doing well in that class would show ability to do well at a higher level in the major. All three are good options in my opinion.

Super helpful, thank you!