Senior Year Courses

Skyhawk565

Applicant Class of 2026
Joined
Nov 27, 2019
Messages
24
Hello, I am a current Junior (co 2026 Candidate) and was wondering if I could have some help deciding which senior year courses to take to better prepare myself for USAFA and help my application packet.
This year, I have taken AP Calculus BC, and am currently enrolled in multivariable calculus for mathematics. Next year, I have a choice between enrolling in AP Statistics or Differential Equations and Linear Algebra
For science, I am currently enrolled in AP Physics C and have taken AP Biology (4 on the exam), and Honors Chemistry. Next year I have the option of either taking AP Chemistry or doubling up on science classes and taking Ecology and Genetics.
Any advice or opinions on what the admissions committee would look favorably upon or courses that will better prepare me for USAFA would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
 
I would recommend you take Computer Science, if you possibly can... I am a Class of 2026 Candidate as well, I know that class will probably help you in some way. Personally, I'm not sure how good you are in math, so I can't give you any advice to that specifically, but as far as Sciences go, I would recommend you most definitely take AP Chemistry, that way you have a strong foundation, plus in my personal opinion, I don't think it will benefit you much to taking Ecology and Genetics, unless your major will be related to that

Good Luck
 
I would recommend you take Computer Science, if you possibly can... I am a Class of 2026 Candidate as well, I know that class will probably help you in some way. Personally, I'm not sure how good you are in math, so I can't give you any advice to that specifically, but as far as Sciences go, I would recommend you most definitely take AP Chemistry, that way you have a strong foundation, plus in my personal opinion, I don't think it will benefit you much to taking Ecology and Genetics, unless your major will be related to that

Good Luck
Thank you! The computer science courses will depend entirely on my schedule, but I am currently leaning towards taking AP Chem.
 
Um....I think you're good.

Seriously, you have plenty for your application. Don't let the application aspect affect your decision - you are already at or above the classes a high achiever in HS has access too.

Choose the classes that you are most interested in. You will have Stats at USAFA so taking AP Stats may help. But if you are going to pursue a STEM degree that requires Diffy Qs, then that might be a better bet for you since that is more difficult than Stats and seeing it once before you get there would be helpful. If you score well on AP Chem, you can validate it and just jump to Chem 200 (again if you are a STEM major that requires it). Keep in mind, you will be given a couple math placement tests to determine where you start out in math at USAFA.

Honestly, the application/admissions committees will be impressed with your classes as it is. You have probably maxed out the points you get for classes on your app as it is. Assuming you have good grades in them and score well on the AP tests, you will be in really good shape academically. I don't know the rest of your resume, but I'd be inclined to focus on the other aspects of your application...though something tells me you you are also a Captain of two sports, and Class President....

Bottom line, you should choose the classes that are things you want to learn. You have an amazing foundation and are well prepared not just for admissions, but more importantly your college career. Make sure you thank your teachers and also appreciate the access to classes you have - most kids don't get the chance to take that kind of schedule in HS so be thankful.
 
Um....I think you're good.

Seriously, you have plenty for your application. Don't let the application aspect affect your decision - you are already at or above the classes a high achiever in HS has access too.

Choose the classes that you are most interested in. You will have Stats at USAFA so taking AP Stats may help. But if you are going to pursue a STEM degree that requires Diffy Qs, then that might be a better bet for you since that is more difficult than Stats and seeing it once before you get there would be helpful. If you score well on AP Chem, you can validate it and just jump to Chem 200 (again if you are a STEM major that requires it). Keep in mind, you will be given a couple math placement tests to determine where you start out in math at USAFA.

Honestly, the application/admissions committees will be impressed with your classes as it is. You have probably maxed out the points you get for classes on your app as it is. Assuming you have good grades in them and score well on the AP tests, you will be in really good shape academically. I don't know the rest of your resume, but I'd be inclined to focus on the other aspects of your application...though something tells me you you are also a Captain of two sports, and Class President....

Bottom line, you should choose the classes that are things you want to learn. You have an amazing foundation and are well prepared not just for admissions, but more importantly your college career. Make sure you thank your teachers and also appreciate the access to classes you have - most kids don't get the chance to take that kind of schedule in HS so be thankful.
I most definitely agree with @BuckeyeDad20. You will most likely already stand out, to the classes that you've already taken. Especially considering since you are just in your Junior Year. You still have one full year, of classes to attend.. Just keep working on all your courses, especially on the AP Exams. Do well on your CFA, and your SAT/ACT, then I think you are personally a strong candidate
 
@BuckeyeDad20 put it best... there's nothing for me to say except for probably to take a couple nights off next year, you've only got one year left so enjoy it while you can!
 
Great advice from everyone!
Excellent progression @Skyhawk565 !
Making assumptions and so here goes: agree on taking AP Chemistry, make sure Comp Sci if not already, AP Stats and then
Look at the core curriculum vs. AP placement for the other subjects. Notice which APs validate and which ones may not be that useful, depending on your major.

Other advice:
Go through your HS course materials and organize them really well. Tell your parents you want some nice binders. Label them with post it notes so if and when you may want them as resource material, they are easy for your parents to find and send to you. My DD wanted her Chem and Calc notes, and said they were excellent resources. Plus this will help jump start cleaning your room in general.
 
Oh yeah, to add on what @HCopter said, I've started making google sheets containing my volunteer hours, tracking nom LORs, and my resume. Helps keeps things in one spot so when it comes time to submit everything it's all there.
 
Yes excellent advice from everyone! Assuming weighted and unweighted GPA are in the excellent range, I totally agree, as everyone has said, that you are good on the courses taken. From our experience and what we have learned along the way (my DS is currently waiting for the decision), academics are clearly important but don't forget to put your best effort into all the other areas admissions will evaluate you on. I have been so impressed with what so many candidates have stated as their academic stats which makes me think the overall picture must be what is important. Though my DS scored above Academy's academic averages stat-wise (4.8WGPA/1420SAT/14thHSrank), we are going on the assumption that most "well-rounded" --e.g. proven leadership ability, varsity sports credentials, CFA scores, interview results, etc., etc. -- win the day.
 
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