Planning For Classes-*LONG POST, but please Read*

Melitzank

5-Year Member
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Sep 11, 2012
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NOTE: This is very long, and I`m sorry, but this is something I`m struggling to figure out.

I`m the type of person who likes to have a plan set, so while I`m only a sophomore, I`m trying to decide now what classes I should take junior and senior year. I`m trying to decide on taking more AP classes and math/science classes vs. Journalism. Now, it`s my dream to get into USNA, but if I don`t get in, I want to study journalism in college, so I want to get a lot of journalism classes in too. Unfortunately, the way my school works, we can only take 4 classes a semester, 8 classes for the whole year, so that puts a limit on the classes I can take.

Another thing that I regret is that I took Algebra 1 in 9th grade, and ended up getting put in the year long class, so I have the 2nd part of Algebra 1 this semester, and then made a smart choice and am taking Honors Geometry next semester instead of waiting until junior year. I`d "double up" again junior and senior year and take two maths each year, but next year I have to get Spanish 3 in, and also have to take science, and my AP classes are all year, so they take up a lot of room. Sorry if this is confusing, so I`ll just post all of my classes I`m taking/planning to take. I`d max out on a lot of AP and math classes to help my chances, but I`m going to have to require at least one waiver to get in to USNA, so I`m trying to have a back-up plan.



Freshman Year
Intro to Media-A
Gym/Health-B
Algebra 1-C :unhappy:
Spanish 2-B
Honors World History-A,A
Honors Biology-A,A
Honors English-A,A

Sophomore Year (Current Year)
Algebra 1 pt. 2-A (So far, and I`m working EXTREMELY hard to keep it this way, because I know another B or C in a math class could ruin my chances)
Honors English-A
Honors Earth Science-A
AP W. History pt. 2-A,A (I know I`ll keep an A all year)

These classes are for next semester, and I`m predicting what I`ll get:
Gym/Drivers Ed 10-A
Journalism 2-A
Honors Geometry-A
And then AP History

Junior Year
Algebra 2/Trig (I think)
AP U.S History
AP English
Spanish 3
I want to do Journalism 3, because that`ll get me Editor of the School Newspaper, which will look good on my USNA application, and it`s also what I love, but I`m also trying to decide whether or not I should do an AP science class, probably Chemistry, or just regular Chemistry.

Senior Year (Really not sure here)
AP Government
AP English
Pre-Calc
And then, either:
AP Physics
Journalism

OR:
AP Physics
Calc

OR:
Physics
Calc
Journalism 4

Would the extra AP class senior year help? In your opinion, for senior year, should I do option 1, 2, or 3? Which would be more beneficial? And would you change anything else in my junior year?

Right now, my GPA (Weighted) is 3.7, so the AP classes will help out. I also have the option 12th grade to do dual-enrollment college classes for English and History, and they`re only a semester, so it would be beneficial to my schedule, buy then I don`t get the extra point to my GPA. But on the upside, I WOULD get a lot more classes, and could fit in everything I wanted. Which would USNA favor: AP or College Dual-Enrollment?

I`m SO sorry this was this long, but this is someting I`m trying to figure out,:confused: and my guidance counselor isn`t helpuful at all. Thank you!
 
I am a sophomore as well. From what I know, you need to get a forgin language in. You should start this year so you can at least get 3 years in before you graduate. I would take a summer math course as well because you should be in calculus senior year, because you can't just skip Pre-Calc (which you should do next year). Take as many AP courses as you can, and you'll be fine. What state are you from?
 
Thanks. Yes, I`ve already taken Spanish 1 in 8th and Spanish 2 in 9th. I`m from Virginia which is very competitive. luckily, I live in a district where only 25 (tops) apply each year.
 
Any time, if your school offers Latin, I would strongly recommend that you take two years of that, although it says the minimum years of a forgin Lang. is two years, you should do at least three. Plus the academy LOVES people who take latin,what my BGO said, because it is the base to all langs. You should be fine, but how did you find out how many people applied? Did you call you MOC, because I would love to find out how many did in my district.
 
I`m taking Spanish (3 years altogether, required for us to graduate with an advanced diploma).

Actually, that`s just a rough estimate...probably even less in reality. There was a guy who graduated USNA class of 2012 who went to my high school, but I think he was like the first one in a long time, if ever to go to a service academy....we live in a rural area, and most kids don`t even attend college.

How`d you find out who your BGO is? I know you find out when you apply, but how`d you already find out?
 
That's good that you live in an area that there is not much competition. I went and talked to my guidance counselor about it, and I sent him an email introducing my self and told him my plans. Usually they are excited and willing to help out. But I would defiantly talk to your counselor because he can also help you choose the correct classes and have some valuable insight for you.
 
I wouldn't make the assumption that since only 25 from your area apply that it's not too competitive. If its more than 10 (the max a MOC can nominate) then those candidates are going to fight like hell for those slots. Further, even if it is just 10, ultimately it comes down to 1 acceptance in most cases. You need to fight for this like it's the most competitive district in the nation. Good luck! :thumb:
 
AP courses etc

I would focus on doing well on the courses I take, more than whether it is an AP course or not. Make sure you do not overload and sacrifice GPA or community involvement. Take AP where it makes sense. Sometimes the AP courses just lay on the work, but as far as really teaching you anything different or better, they are not worth the extra time. Look at algebra in the sense that it is a tool you will use in chemistry, physics and yes calculus. It is worth the effort to learn it because before you are done you will learn it. Learn to use it well, it will make things much easier later so seek understanding. I would try to get as much physics and calculus as possible, as it will help your first year at the academy. Get good grades, be a good-well rounded person, and be involved. Your commitment to journalism and progressing to editor would be excellent (a fourth year is your call). Try to be physically fit and/or on an athletic team.

If you have looked at the application, you can see the sort of things that they are looking for. It is good you are looking ahead, it is a lot. Best wishes.
 
Ah, thank you for that, kinnem. I overlooked the fact that it will still be competitive. Yes, I will work very hard. Than you!
 
Thank you, SonNo2of4! I appreciate the words of wisdom! I`ll definitely consider that. I am on the track team, which not only keeps me in shape, but also puts something under the sports category.
 
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