Senior Schedule Question

BBF2003

BBF2003

USAFA C/o 2025
Joined
Sep 18, 2019
Messages
166
I'm beginning to schedule my classes for senior year. I consulted my ALO about which classes would be better than others in terms of preparedness for the academies. He told me that the academies cannot see my 7th and 8th semester transcripts, and that I should take the ones that are the most fun, easiest, and the ones I'll get As in. This sounds a bit too good to be true, and I wanted to double check if this is true before I schedule anything final. Thanks
 
benfoster0 said:
I'm beginning to schedule my classes for senior year. I consulted my ALO about which classes would be better than others in terms of preparedness for the academies. He told me that the academies cannot see my 7th and 8th semester transcripts, and that I should take the ones that are the most fun, easiest, and the ones I'll get As in. This sounds a bit too good to be true, and I wanted to double check if this is true before I schedule anything final. Thanks
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Whether the SAs “can see them” or not probably shouldn’t guide your decision making process. Preparing yourself the best that you can should. With that in mind, classes heavy in STEM focus - calculus, physics, chemistry, etc. and the harder the better - will best prepare you for the academic rigor you will find at the SAs. Just my 2 cents.
 
I'd second the above comment. Most of the kids I've talked to that will be in my class took Calculus (AP or non-AP) and either AP Physics or AP Chem. I've taken 6 APs in high school and 4 of them were STEM courses (Chem, AB Calc, Stats, Enviro Sci). That said, I've never taken a Physics class and I was okay. I would also recommend taking a harder English class that helps develop writing skills if that's something you're weaker at though, because you definitely want your essay to be a strong piece of your application. Good luck! Hope to see you in the class of 2025!
 
If you're going to follow your ALO's advice, then take the classes you're interested in taking, by all means. But if your main goal is to attend an academy, you might consider taking the classes that would set you up well for a STEM-focused school. Maybe find a balance.
 
okboomer said:
Whether the SAs “can see them” or not probably shouldn’t guide your decision making process. Preparing yourself the best that you can should. With that in mind, classes heavy in STEM focus - calculus, physics, chemistry, etc. and the harder the better - will best prepare you for the academic rigor you will find at the SAs. Just my 2 cents.
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Great point, thank you.
 
gabby1723 said:
I'd second the above comment. Most of the kids I've talked to that will be in my class took Calculus (AP or non-AP) and either AP Physics or AP Chem. I've taken 6 APs in high school and 4 of them were STEM courses (Chem, AB Calc, Stats, Enviro Sci). That said, I've never taken a Physics class and I was okay. I would also recommend taking a harder English class that helps develop writing skills if that's something you're weaker at though, because you definitely want your essay to be a strong piece of your application. Good luck! Hope to see you in the class of 2025!
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As of now, by the end of my high school career, I will have taken 5 APs (Biology, US History, Economics, Computer Science and Chemistry). I plan on taking Honors English next year, not AP. For me, Honors English is a challenge, and I don't think it would be wise for me personally to take AP English. That being said, my senior schedule looks like this:

Honors Pre-Calc (school doesn't offer AP)
Honors English (offers AP, however English is not my strong suit)
AP Economics
AP Computer Science
AP Chemistry
Jazz Band

In your opinion, will this schedule prepare me for academy academics [fingers crossed I get there :)] ?

Thanks in advance.
 
First of all, you can't always compare one SA to another in terms of Admissions process. Thus, advice for USAFA may or may not be relevant for USNA.

Second, USNA does ask some candidates for 7th semester grades. I believe it asks all candidates for 7th semester courses. Taking a bunch of "fluff" courses to get easy As won't be impressive in either of those scenarios. Also, it won't set you up for a "solid" major at any college or university, let alone a SA.

Most importantly, what does it say about you as a person if you take the easy way out? Chances are it's not going to hold you in good stead at a SA or in life.

The above said, once you have 3-4 core courses (English, math, science, history, advanced language), there's nothing wrong with taking something you really love in that last spot. So, if music theory or psychology or finance appeals to you -- go for it!
 
Even though you may not be asked to submit transcripts for senior year as part of the application process, you have to list which classes you are registered or will register for in grade 12 as part of your application and this will be reviewed and confirmed by your guidance counselor via email between admissions and your guidance counselor. So, your 12th grade courses will be a part of your application.
 
I have gotten this question three times in the last week from rising Juniors and my advice was very similar to @usna1985. You need to maintain the advanced college level preparatory schedule and continue taking challenging courses but make sure you keep some balance. You need the basics (English, Calculus, Advanced Science) but should look where your passions lie. Take AP European History because it sounds like fun and you want to learn more about that area of the world not because it will look better on an application. Having one or two non-advanced class every year will not have a negative impact on you application and you are more likely to do well in classes that you are passionate about.
 
I am slightly surprised by the advice offered by your ALO. Our son was asked to submit his senior year schedule and his 7th-semester transcript. He was offered appointments and will be asked to submit his 8th-semester transcript.
My gut says that you should prepare yourself for the future you want to have and if that is at a SA or other 4-year college than you should take the courses that will put you in the best position to do well at those institutions. Challenge yourself.
 
usna1985 said:
First of all, you can't always compare one SA to another in terms of Admissions process. Thus, advice for USAFA may or may not be relevant for USNA.

Second, USNA does ask some candidates for 7th semester grades. I believe it asks all candidates for 7th semester courses. Taking a bunch of "fluff" courses to get easy As won't be impressive in either of those scenarios. Also, it won't set you up for a "solid" major at any college or university, let alone a SA.

Most importantly, what does it say about you as a person if you take the easy way out? Chances are it's not going to hold you in good stead at a SA or in life.

The above said, once you have 3-4 core courses (English, math, science, history, advanced language), there's nothing wrong with taking something you really love in that last spot. So, if music theory or psychology or finance appeals to you -- go for it!
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I couldn’t agree more. You also can validate certain courses at USNA so there is that as well. Add in, if you don’t get accepted to a SA, I am sure you have other universities you are applying to. My son is taking (in my opinion) really tough classes next year (APcalc III, Differential Equations, AP Eng, AP Economics, AP chem, and other stuff I can’t remember.). I think having an elective or two that is something fun is great, but keep your foot on the gas.
 
If it helps you at all, I am in the same situation as you, and I am taking another 4 AP classes and one elective. I have been told to always keep a strong schedule in terms of applying to any school, and I feel like taking difficult classes will prepare you best for that.
 
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