Technology at usma.. laptop, calculator etc.

wnal0311

5-Year Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2012
Messages
64
Are we allowed to bring and use our own laptop instead of purchasing a new one at WP? Is it critical that we bring our own scientific calculator such as a ti-89 for future use at WP including using it for validation tests?? Thank you.
 
If you bring your own laptop you won't be able to have internet access according to Sawndog in the thread "Technology at USMA" so it would be better to get the laptop from WP.
 
You will need to think about what you will use it for and how. For internet access you will need to bring a mobile "hot spot" and then, because of the walls of the barracks, depending on your location, you may not have a great connection. But if its just for gaming (not connected to internet), or music and movie library storage, then bring it.
 
Great Info thanks!. and should I use about 100$ just to buy a ti-89 to use on the validation test?
 
Great Info thanks!. and should I use about 100$ just to buy a ti-89 to use on the validation test?

no. If I remember correctly, you are only allowed to use the cheap TI-34's and they will provide them for you. For the academic year, you will only be allowed to use the 34's for the first three semesters at least, so you really don't need to buy a new/expensive calculator.
 
Just saved me some money right there. :thumb: And this is unrelated but I live in California and it would cost alot for my parents to come visit me at WP and I was wondering how plebe parent weekend compared to A-day. Are the parents allowed to tour the campus on A-day? and which event would you say was better? Thanks
 
Just saved me some money right there. :thumb: And this is unrelated but I live in California and it would cost alot for my parents to come visit me at WP and I was wondering how plebe parent weekend compared to A-day. Are the parents allowed to tour the campus on A-day? and which event would you say was better? Thanks

A-Day is unique because you will have been gone all summer and this will be your first real opportunity to relax with friends and family for the weekend. Parents can tour the campus (with you escorting them), but I don't think there are any planned activities for parents outside of the parade. Plebe Parent Weekend, on the other hand, has plenty of activities/tours/presentations for the parents.

If I could only pick one, I would say A-Day just because the feeling of seeing your parents after finishing Beast was pretty amazing. Plebe Parent Weekend, while probably more entertaining to my parents, didn't really mean that much because I had already gone home a few times by that point. Additionally, you'll leave for spring break as soon as the weekend ends and have plenty of time to see your family at home.
 
What is the validation test?

During beast, you will take a series of tests to see if you can test out of classes or move on to more advanced classes.
Seen on another thread: "USMA does not use your AP scores alone to validate classes - they do their own testing in conjunction with your AP scores...and it is not up to individual professors. There are tests which you will take during beast to see if you are eligible to validate. Based on THAT test, PLUS your prior achievements in that subject you will be offered the opportunity to validate. BUT....keep in mind that you will not be "getting out" of anything - you will NOT lighten your load - you will still have a FULL load of classes and the classes you will be offered will be the follow on, upper level classes. Deciding whether or not to take these classes is entirely up to you, but you have to weigh taking those higher level classes against surviving Plebe year. Consider carefully....."
 
During beast, you will take a series of tests to see if you can test out of classes or move on to more advanced classes.
Seen on another thread: "USMA does not use your AP scores alone to validate classes - they do their own testing in conjunction with your AP scores...and it is not up to individual professors. There are tests which you will take during beast to see if you are eligible to validate. Based on THAT test, PLUS your prior achievements in that subject you will be offered the opportunity to validate. BUT....keep in mind that you will not be "getting out" of anything - you will NOT lighten your load - you will still have a FULL load of classes and the classes you will be offered will be the follow on, upper level classes. Deciding whether or not to take these classes is entirely up to you, but you have to weigh taking those higher level classes against surviving Plebe year. Consider carefully....."
oh okay I was worried for a little bit there I for some reason was thinking it was something more crucial like "validating" your acceptance to west point and not just placement test.
 
keep in mind that you will not be "getting out" of anything - you will NOT lighten your load - you will still have a FULL load of classes and the classes you will be offered will be the follow on, upper level classes. Deciding whether or not to take these classes is entirely up to you, but you have to weigh taking those higher level classes against surviving Plebe year. Consider carefully....."

Not always true. Valdating often means a second semester class gets bumped up to first semester (not any more difficult), which opens up room in your schedule. Validating other courses might allow you to start a different oprogram early. For example, because I validated chemistry, I was able to start my language plebe year.

Validating pretty much anything except math just helps you skip a semester of high-school level busy work and will open up your schedule for things like double majoring, study abroad, etc.
 
There goes my plan of bringing my new calculator with me. I personally don't see te need to bring your own laptop since you will have to purchase the laptop they tell you to. The use of a hotspot with your personal computer seems a little far fetched since the signals will be touchy all the time. I would just follow what they(USMA) recommend.
 
There goes my plan of bringing my new calculator with me. I personally don't see te need to bring your own laptop since you will have to purchase the laptop they tell you to. The use of a hotspot with your personal computer seems a little far fetched since the signals will be touchy all the time. I would just follow what they(USMA) recommend.
That is how I feel too. I was thinking ahead and wondering that too. I hope things work out for you. Yeah, what is the point? You can put everything on a disc and transfer it.
 
Hey cadets for the class of 2017!
If you accepted your appointment on your candidate profile, please read "Instructions For Applicants Offered Admission" because it tells us all about the calculators, there's a few options!
 
That is how I feel too. I was thinking ahead and wondering that too. I hope things work out for you. Yeah, what is the point? You can put everything on a disc and transfer it.

I don't know this, but I'm quite confident you are not allowed to install just anything on a USMA compliant laptop. Security issues.
 
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