Senior year high school course selection Q’s

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Jabor3

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Not enough space in the schedule senior year for all the classes that could possibly be helpful for preparation to be a midshipman at USNA.

Going beyond the minimum stated requirements on the USNA website with some questions to help make tough choices:

AP Physics or AP Chemistry or both? Is one more helpful than the other?
Is it worth it to take AP Calc BC or is AB enough and then use that slot for something else?
English is tough too. AP Lit is 2 credits / full year (that’s 25% of course space in the schedule!). Or just regular English class and add AP Research.
Speaking of AP Research-this seems to be really unclear if it’s helpful. Maybe research and papers like this would help a lot. Or maybe it’s better to take that AP Calc BC class or free up a slot to take AP Chem (full year).

Also, what about Comp Sci? How important is it to arrive at USNA understanding some comp sci? (Not talking about typing & word processing here).
 
The best advice we consistently got from people “in the know”: Take the hardest classes your school has to offer, and excel at them. The SAs really like candidates who challenge themselves to the fullest. Some basic thoughts:

AP Calc, AP Chem, AP English — yes, yes and yes.

If you have to choose, probably AP Chem over AP Physics. Chem at USNA is known as a “plebe killer.” You’ll want to be ready.

AP Computer Science is OK if you can swing it.

AP Research…probably meh.
 
Speaking from experience, AP Calc AB and BC are definitely moderate in difficulty level with AB being the basic foundations for BC. I don't really suggest doubling up on math unless it is truly a strong subject for you. It's ok to take AB and then try to validate that course if you get into USNA. Just my 2 cents
 
If I were you, don't take AP research, it's mostly a self-paced course (sort of). It all depends on whether the student is able to effectively finish their research paper with passing quality by the deadline. To add to that, you'll have a 15-to 20 minute presentation that your teacher will grade. The research paper alone is 75% of your grade. Right now I have peers in my class who haven't even touched on their research paper and it's due in 2 months. It's only worth taking if you are going for the AP Capstone Diploma or the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.
 
Definitely take AP Chem as a minimum (I'm taking both AP Chem and Physics this year, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend taking Physics too unless you are actually interested in it, it's definitely my hardest class this year). For AB or BC, as @ParachutePanda said, there's nothing wrong with taking just AB (you can also take AB but self-study the BC portion and take the BC test, if I remember correctly).
 
Make sure you take a full year of: English, Science, Math, Social Science. A language too if you plan to apply to other selective colleges. AP research doesn't fall into one of these categories. My DS did fine with AP Calc AB. AP Chem is a definite. AP Physics wouldn't hurt if you're thinking STEM anywhere.
 
Jabor3 said:
Not enough space in the schedule senior year for all the classes that could possibly be helpful for preparation to be a midshipman at USNA.

Going beyond the minimum stated requirements on the USNA website with some questions to help make tough choices:

AP Physics or AP Chemistry or both? Is one more helpful than the other?
Is it worth it to take AP Calc BC or is AB enough and then use that slot for something else?
English is tough too. AP Lit is 2 credits / full year (that’s 25% of course space in the schedule!). Or just regular English class and add AP Research.
Speaking of AP Research-this seems to be really unclear if it’s helpful. Maybe research and papers like this would help a lot. Or maybe it’s better to take that AP Calc BC class or free up a slot to take AP Chem (full year).

Also, what about Comp Sci? How important is it to arrive at USNA understanding some comp sci? (Not talking about typing & word processing here).
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I haven't been in high school taking AP classes for over twenty years. However, I'm finishing my PhD and will be a mathematics department USNA professor soon, lots of Navy experience with academic selections, etc. My thoughts FWIW:

- Much of my answer depends on what you think you want to major in. Computer science, data science, or operations research? Try and fit in the comp sci class as any time spent gaining an understanding of coding, algorithms, recursion, etc, is valuable. If you're looking at English or political science, AP English is likely more valuable.

- Also, you want to be as competitive as possible so based on your aptitudes and the nature of these classes at your high school, choosing one where you have increased confidence in doing well is important. BLUF: An A in AP physics looks better than a B in AP chemistry or vice-versa.

- In the end, there's no definitive right answer here. You're doing the right things, taking AP classes, and building your competitiveness. Focus on getting the best grades you can. When your friends are up playing Call of Duty or Elden Ring, you should be studying 4 out of 5 times (gotta have some fun, hence the 1 out of 5 ;) ).
 
In addition to all the great advice already given, I suggest look at the USNA validation process. While taking the above classes will certainly set you up to be a competitive candidate and then be prepared for SA academics, the game changer is being able to validate classes. One way to validate out of certain classes by obtaining a certain level of AP exam score. I believe at USNA you must obtain a 5 on most AP exams to validate. Also not all AP are accepted or are "1 for 1". Lastly keep in mind you can validate certain classes by taking exams during Plebe summer. Heck you can even validate some of the PE classes by taking evaluations at the start of the semesters.

The reason validation is a game changer is it opens up flexibility in your class schedule. My DS validated five core classes which could allow him to "double major", take lighter class load 2nd/1st years, take classes of interest that he would not normally have space to take, take a semester abroad and not have to overload or take summer class, be a candidate for VGEP, etc. Again these are all doors that are open to all incoming MIDN's but the doors become wider with validation.

In DS case, he ended up taking five AP classes his senior year (in addition to the three he completed earlier) one of which was an online AP course to help bolster his academics and for self growth. Despite getting a 5 on the exam, that AP course (human geography) was not used to validate any classes at USNA. Did taking that AP class bolster his resume? We will ever know.

So ask yourself, are you taking the hardest classes you can while maintaining high grades, leadership/volunteer/athletic activities, etc. to make a well rounded candidate and be prepared for the USNA?
 
These responses are helpful. So far have:

AP Chemistry (2 credits)
AP Physics Mechanics of Motion (1 credit)
History 12 Honors (required; 1 credit)
AP Calculus AB (1 credit)

That leaves 3 credits.

Need either English 12 Honors (1 credit) or AP Literature (2 credits) for the English Requirement though. Thinking of going for AP Literature because text analysis and poetry doesn’t come easy; still get all A’s but it’s been a lot of work. Maybe AP Lit would kind of get over that hump and be most helpful since the USNA Admissions website says this is important too.

Strongly leaning away from AP Research based on what’s been advised here. That means not getting the Capstone Diploma which might be hard for about 10 minutes on graduation day next June. ;) Seems like a pretty good trade if it’s better preparation for USNA.

That leaves 1 credit. I’m not hearing a strong case for AP Calculus BC which surprises me. Maybe AP Physics Electromagnetic Theory. Or a 5th year of language. Or AP Micro. All would be interesting.

Keep advice coming. All very helpful and appreciated.
 
MidCakePa said:
Take the hardest classes your school has to offer, and excel at them. The SAs really like candidates who challenge themselves to the fullest.
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USNA_STEM_Prof said:
In the end, there's no definitive right answer here. You're doing the right things, taking AP classes, and building your competitiveness. Focus on getting the best grades you can.
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^ This.... review the USNA.edu Admissions website and hit all the prerequisities .

This is one of those questions that really can't be answered on SAF -- there are so many opinions, but so much variation on classes offered at different schools.

Reminds me of one my law partners telling the story about his son applying for one of the well known, highly competitive schools -- someone asked whether it was better to take AP Calc and get a B, or regular Calc and get an A, and the answer was "Take AP and get an A"

Seriously, every school is different -- and USNA Admissions does get some information about the Courses the school offers. The goal is to be as competitive for Admission as possible - that means taking a challenging , STEM based course load, and doing well !
 
USNA_STEM_Prof said:
- In the end, there's no definitive right answer here.
Click to expand...

USNA_STEM_Prof said:
Much of my answer depends on what you think you want to major in.
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All great advice. But OP, keep in mind that you may very well change your mind on your major. My son is a perfect example. He was all about engineering ever since elementary school. After taking a certain class during his plebe year, he realized his passion is space, and became an astro-physics major. He loves it.

The good news is, absolutely none of your choices are bad. Best of luck to you!
 
Any AP stem course is better than an AP humanities course. Getting a 4 on either AP Calc exam validates a certain calculus class. You can take the physics validation test over plebe summer. They also offer the chemistry validation test over plebe summer where you would take only one semester of chemistry if you validate. Taking computer science won't help you that much, and you wouldn't be able to validate any computer science courses.
 
Jabor3 said:
Not enough space in the schedule senior year for all the classes that could possibly be helpful for preparation to be a midshipman at USNA.

Going beyond the minimum stated requirements on the USNA website with some questions to help make tough choices:

AP Physics or AP Chemistry or both? Is one more helpful than the other?
Is it worth it to take AP Calc BC or is AB enough and then use that slot for something else?
English is tough too. AP Lit is 2 credits / full year (that’s 25% of course space in the schedule!). Or just regular English class and add AP Research.
Speaking of AP Research-this seems to be really unclear if it’s helpful. Maybe research and papers like this would help a lot. Or maybe it’s better to take that AP Calc BC class or free up a slot to take AP Chem (full year).

Also, what about Comp Sci? How important is it to arrive at USNA understanding some comp sci? (Not talking about typing & word processing here).
Click to expand...
A couple of things to consider:
1. One of the officers speaking at DD's CVW this year said he validated Calc when he was a MID, but took the class anyhow to boost his GPA (something to consider if you plan to apply to competitive grad school in the future that requires a high GPA).
2. My DD actually tutored (Calc) one of the guys who lived across the hall from her host during her CVW visit. He took AB Calc in high school. She is taking BC this year and was ahead of him. Of course, it's only a data point of one...so take that with a grain of salt.
 
From what I understand with the AP Calc, it's either AB or BC, not both (don't know from experience because my school had nothing for me after taking AB:p). If your school does AB counting as 1 credit and BC counting as 2 credits that makes sense, but I don't think you would take them concurrently. AB covers about 75% of the material of BC, and BC has the same base level stuff plus some goodies like polar coordinates and sequences and series :bang:

Personally I think it would set you up well to take your time on AP Calc AB and really get an understanding. People who started with BC tell me it is pretty rushed. That way once you get to the upper levels, you understand what the Fundamental Theorem actually means and all of that, setting yourself up for success in Calc 2, 3, Diff Eq, and Calc Based physics.

In my opinion, literature is not what will set you apart as a fantastic student. AP Lang might show success in the English Language and composition, but literature is something that is likely fairly low on the USNA priority list.
 
Swimmergirl2029 said:
What are peoples thoughts on AP English literature?
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I think it comes down to your teacher and how they pace the course, personally, I did not select the course due to the teacher's mundane personality. I'm taking AICE English Literature next year and AP English Language this year.
 
Computerman21 said:
Any AP stem course is better than an AP humanities course. Getting a 4 on either AP Calc exam validates a certain calculus class. You can take the physics validation test over plebe summer. They also offer the chemistry validation test over plebe summer where you would take only one semester of chemistry if you validate. Taking computer science won't help you that much, and you wouldn't be able to validate any computer science courses.
Click to expand...
If I remember correctly USNA only validates certain calculus classes ONLY if you were able to achieve a 5 on the AP exam.
 
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