Steps to a Double Major or Major and Minor

[Wardaddy44]

I would be interested in pursuing either a double major with computer science and cyber science or a major and minor with cyber science and maybe robotics. I understand that there are certain steps to be taken early on to accommodate for extra classes, but I'm not sure exactly what those are. I've heard you can validate classes if you are willing to take the hit on your GPA but I'm wanting to know if it's worth it.

 

[VelveteenR]

You can validate classes without taking a hit to your GPA (that is a myth). Getting as many classes out of the way up front is what frees your schedule best for double-majoring.

Ironically, your GPA can take a hit if you think you can slide through a course where you feel you already know the material and don’t put in the requisite effort or you are too bored to put in that effort. Conversely, the challenge of new material (that you are ready for) can be the spur to that exceptional effort. Our son validated every possible Plebe course with no hit to his GPA, even earned an A+ in Jedi math. He thought he would be bored stiff repeating material. He majored in EE with a concentration in robotics and competed on the Cyber team. This covered all his interest bases.

Only you and the academy can determine your best academic path, but don’t try to shortchange yourself by trying to finesse your GPA when you are ready for more challenge.

 

[DrMom]

A lot of cadets do this and the CS Major is designed to go with the Cyber Security minor...you have to target your electives.
Validating classes helps too. Be sure to take the tests at USMA to validate as many classes as you can Chemistry, Physics, even Statistics if you are good at math. Don't be afraid of doing well on the Math placement test if you are the sort of student who is very good at Math (so IB HL or AP CALC BC)
My oldest took the validation test for Stats and validated the class having only had IB MATH HL.
So reach for the stars...and know that it will work out. You will get more detailed guidance on the majors and the minors and how they will be structured for your class once you are there.
If your GPA is not what you would imagine it would be, then you can always step back and lower your expectations a bit...but really, pursue your dream.

 

[VelveteenR]

^^^This.