ROTC student - what classes do I take?

R

rd2849

Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2016
Messages
23
My son is attending SDSU/ROTC this fall and I wanted to confirm the course load he should take for the first semester. The classes that he is planning to take are Naval Science, Calc, Physics, English Lit and History. My question is this...Does he take an entire year of Physics? And is there any other classes he should take his first semester, or is 15 units enough? Thanks in advance for your help!
 
I was a prior MIDN in Navy SSMP (An ROTC-like program that commissions Reserve Officers out of the Maritime Academies). I took Applied Calculus, Chemistry 1 w/Lab, English Composition, and two major classes pertaining to the Merchant Marine. I also had Military Lab on Mondays, PT on Wednesdays, and Rifle Drill on Fridays. Your DS's schedule looks fine. It closely resembles Plebe Year. Doing well (A's and B's) shows USNA you can hack it in a college setting. ROTC is always a good addition as it shows a desire to serve, regardless of branch. I took only 15 units my 1st semester and I found that to be manageable. With respect to taking a full year of physics, you could go either way. USNA only looks at fall grades when reviewing college applicants, but USNA requires its students to take Physics 1 and Physics 2. Each are a semester course. It also wouldn't hurt to get a background in Chemistry. Calc and Chem are known as "Plebe Killers." Have your DS check if he can fit intramurals or a club sport into his schedule.

Lastly, I will say that since your son is ROTC, he is eligible to receive a nomination through ROTC in addition to his respective Members of Congress.
 
NROTC will require him to take 2 semesters of Calculus and 2 semesters of Calculus based Physics. I would recommend an English Composition class sometime his freshman year. I don't recall if NROTC requires it but it will help him out in his other courses. If he gets credit for his Naval Science class then his course load looks fine, otherwise I'd consider adding three more hours (or maybe not and pick up the pace second semester).
 
It looks fine. Did he take Chemistry in high school? Was it AP? USNA might look at that again.
 
NavyHoops said:
It looks fine. Did he take Chemistry in high school? Was it AP? USNA might look at that again.
Click to expand...
He took Chemistry in High School. Accelerated and not AP. He will take a full year of this his freshman year. Thanks!!!!
 
Usnavy2019 said:
I was a prior MIDN in Navy SSMP (An ROTC-like program that commissions Reserve Officers out of the Maritime Academies). I took Applied Calculus, Chemistry 1 w/Lab, English Composition, and two major classes pertaining to the Merchant Marine. I also had Military Lab on Mondays, PT on Wednesdays, and Rifle Drill on Fridays. Your DS's schedule looks fine. It closely resembles Plebe Year. Doing well (A's and B's) shows USNA you can hack it in a college setting. ROTC is always a good addition as it shows a desire to serve, regardless of branch. I took only 15 units my 1st semester and I found that to be manageable. With respect to taking a full year of physics, you could go either way. USNA only looks at fall grades when reviewing college applicants, but USNA requires its students to take Physics 1 and Physics 2. Each are a semester course. It also wouldn't hurt to get a background in Chemistry. Calc and Chem are known as "Plebe Killers." Have your DS check if he can fit intramurals or a club sport into his schedule.

Lastly, I will say that since your son is ROTC, he is eligible to receive a nomination through ROTC in addition to his respective Members of Congress.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for your help and input!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top