Question for current AFA cadets

I remember a parent posting that her son validated into Calc III because he earned a 5 on his AP Calc BC test [perhaps Calc AB as well?] and passed the validation test.
 
Okay, so it is possible to validate. But, does that mean I would have to take the AP Calc BC and earn a 5 to even be eligible to attempt validation?

And, which math class comes after Calc II? Calc III? Stats? Diff EQ's (I think this is typically after Calc III, not sure)?
 
It would be extremely frustrating considering you may never use calculus again!!! :eek: :wink:
 
How tough would it be to test into Calc II? I am in Diff Equ right now, but want to start with an easier class my first semester. I would rather go back and take something I am familiar with than dive into something new during my first semester. How in depth are the validation tests and, if you know, what do they focus on? Many schools have different content or at least different order throughout their calc trilogy.

Later,

Brian
 
you take a test in beast to validate math regardless of AP scores..

its not that hard to validate calc 1 if you've already taken it. Same for calc 2.

if you are not too comfortable with math i recommend starting out with calc 2
 
So is it better to validate or not? I've heard to take it easy on the placement tests to avoid validating classes, otherwise one could be placed in sophomore classes, making first semester very difficult. Obviously I don't want to fail the placement tests, but like many have said, there are so many other things to focus on. So, should one purposefully do poorly on the tests? After all, freshman year is hard enough as it is.
 
Just to add to the previous...

If you do validate a few classes, but not enough to make a double major realistic, what do you do to replace the classes that were validated? Do you just take more classes that you don't need?
 
Just my opinion; nothing more. The main advantage to testing out is for double majoring or to have slots to take classes that relate to your major when the time comes. Whether you test out of a class or not, you're going to be taking the same amount of classes/credits as those who don't test out of a class. That doesn't chance. But for what it's worth, there are a lot of people who are getting degrees in engineering or one of the sciences; or wanting to apply to med-school, grad-school, etc... that didn't test out of any classes. So it's totally up to what classes you want to take. If you hate a particular class, but know that you are good at it, and you can test out of it; then that would make it where you wouldn't have to take that class. But you're going to take something else. So test out if you know what type of other classes you might want. Again, just an opinion.
 
If you validate, and do not want to progress into the next level, can you withhold your placement? I know I probably can validate chem, but everyone still has to take chem (I think I heard that it is just more compressed). So would it not be easier to just take the 2 semesters of chem as an easy load?
 
Here's a couple year old post I did about validating. I still feel the same way. Some standards have changed and I'll try to make it accurate to the best of my knowledge now.

hornetguy said:
I highly, HIGHLY validating as much as you can. It lowers your course load later as a cadet, and I personally think that the upper level classes are both taught better and more conducive to doing well. I am a chem major and the problems that my 4 digs bring to me blow my mind at just the nonsensical nature of what they are trying to teach. Many times I just can't help them. That has happened in Calculus as well. Again, I HIGHLY encourage trying to validate everything you can.

The tests below do not require an additional test while here and an AP score of 4-5 on most will validate you:
English 111 (AP lit or lang)
Biology 315

If you took AP language (first english AP) and received a 4 or higher, then you do not need to take the literature exam, either one is good for credit here. I don't think you can validate history. And AP physics C is the only tests that can validate physics here.

Also, the honors classes are a lot of fun. My physics 110h class made trebuchets. My physics 215h teacher last semester explained so many things like LCDs, high performance speakers, and a huge list of things based on the concepts. The semester before me built magneto hydrodynamic drives and raced mini boats with them (which would travel at 20cm/sec). Can't do that in regular classes. Also, the grading curve in honors was based on the regular class. So, the top 2/3s of honors physics got A's and the rest got Bs (30 people). The top twelve? (ten for sure) validated the exam which was nice.

Here's what I validated at USAFA if anyone has specific questions:
Calc 1 and 2 (5 on AP calc BC)
Two semesters of chemistry (5 on AP chem) [Can only valiate one semester as of class of 2012]
Japanese 131/132
Biology 215 (5 on AP Bio) [now 315]
English 111 (3 on Lang and 4 on lit)
Computer Science 210 (while not involved in the validation, 5 on AP comp sci AB) This was good for fulfilling my "Academy Option" requirement.
Unarmed Combat I and II (tentatively)

And with these came these classes:
honors advanced calc 3
honors physics 110 and 215
honors comp sci 110

Even with my language minor, no 7 class semesters. That is the NORM even WITHOUT a minor.
[Because I decided to apply to med school and grad school, my firstie loads went from 6 and 5 classes to 7 classes both semesters. I have periods 1-7 everyday now! Doh! Thanks Anatomy]

For validating. I will qualify, I did go to a very difficult high school. I can say that in truth. As in over 95% go to college, valedictorian at Harvard, other top ten peeps at other Ivies, and just about every AP course was offered there. The norm on the AP exams were above a 3. I had an easier time as a freshman here at USAFA than I had during high school. Including an average of 2-3 hours more sleep a night despite being a 4 dig. So, yes, validating may not be the best for everyone, but hear me out:

You can drop back down a level if you think you won't be able to handle it. You get into Calc 3 and in a few lessons you are already drowning, so you drop back down to calc 2; can't go the other way. However, you can drop calc 3 at ANY time, including lesson 39 of 40 and it will be erased from your record. You can then retake it (if your major requires) or flat out not take it if you major does not. Most people that fail a class the first time around get a B or better the second. Why take Calc 2 and possibly struggle to do well when you could just take Calc 3 twice, if necessary, and get a B or better? Chem 222 which is the class you take if you validate the first 2 semesters of chem counts as a whopping 9 credits (because it also includes the two semesters you just validated), but only chemistry majors are actually required to take it. raimius will tell you it is not easy, and if you are not chemistry inclined, it is indeed harder (not as hard as core in my opinion based on the material I saw classmates doing). But, I believe it is also droppable, albeit it must be done earlier. [I'm keeping this in here, but the new standard is one semester can be validated and you take 110S. I think Dr. Hicks teaches it (he's my biochem teacher) and he may suck your life away, but it will at least be interesting, relevant, and only ONE semester!]

However, I absolutely, without a DOUBT recommend validating English 111, Bio 215, computer science, and physics as they have no class you must take after completing them. (English 211 is sufficiently different from 111 to warrant saying this).

This is one of my biggest things for future cadets, so if you need ANY clarification, keep asking. More people NEED and SHOULD be educated on these topics.

I felt like jumping classes helped deal with the burdens. When my room mates had to spend 30-45 minutes each night on calc or chem and couldn't do everything else, I felt better not having to spend that same time daily due to the nature of the courses ahead of them.

I know so many people are coming on here and think that not validating will lead to an easy A, that is NOT an accurate thought. Freshman chem and calc are the PRIMARY reason 4 digs and 3 digs are on academic probation. Remember, MOST of these people came in with AP chem and calc under their belts, and so many still ended up on probation or doing very worse than they thought. I won't point out people, and won't expect them to identify themselves, but some CCers and SAFers on here went on ac pro or not doing as well as they thought despite the credentials that most have! PEOPLE, I REALLY AND TRULY FEEL STRONGER AND MORE SURE ON THIS THAN ANYTHING ELSE I CAN PROVIDE FEEDBACK HERE ON CC OR SAF.

Also, validating will not mean you are stuck in classes with upperclassmen. I took calc 3 and chem 222 with fellow freshman. We all knew each other and it was easy to find help among us when we needed it.

It also says something to me when my old room mates would curse their decision not to attempt to validate and go to advanced classes as they compared what I had to do to what they had to do. Even cadets here wished they would have tried to advance quicker.

You would think that common thought would dictate taking a second time would help. To be honest, half the stuff that 2010 did in calc/chem looked about as familiar as Chinese to me. They have dumbed down chem for 2011 and got them a better book, but I still think the material is worthless.

bulletandpima said:
So you are suggesting that if you get a 4/5 on AP you should validate and go one level higher? Out of curiosity, why are they having problems if they took AP and passed?
Click to expand...
IRONICALLY, it is for the reason I stated above. The time needed to do well in those classes is not readily available to a 4 dig, unless you are REALLY good at time management, which most are not (I learned once I got here).
Click to expand...
I hope this posts helps to answer some questions.
 
So, there is only one thing I'm not exactly clear on.
I am not exactly sure HOW you validate a class yet. Do you just take a test showing you're proficient? Show that you've scored high on AP tests for that subject? Or is it something else?
 
English and Biology can be validated with AP only.

Chemistry, Calculus (1 and 2), physics, languages, and computer science require a test during basic training (physics is between basic and the school year). Score well enough and you validate.
 
To validate english, what score do you need to earn on the AP test? And which one? I'm currently taking AP Language and Composition. Would a 4 or 5 on the exam validate English or do I need to earn a 4 or 5 on the AP English Literature exam as well?
 
I agree - and it's very hard to bookmark. Seems any time I try to save a link it just takes me back to the homepage.

Roman - thanks for the link!
 
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