Top AP Courses?

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Ssamerica

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Jan 15, 2020
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Iḿ going into my senior year and have taken
AP Chem
AP Calc AB
AP US History
AP Comparative Gov
AP English Language

What are some other crucial AP classes that WP admissions will look highly upon?
My options include:
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Computer Science A
AP Physics 1
AP Physics C
AP Biology
AP Environmental Science
AP Calculus BC
AP American Gov

Also, I remember hearing about the "Big 5¨ AP classes, but cannot remember any.
 
Not exactly on topic, but related: are there AP tests for which WP will give a cadet credit if they get a 4 or 5?
 
West Point MIGHT validate the following classes for you if you have received a 5 on the AP exam AND perform well on the placement tests during CBT:

Chemistry
Calculus I, rarely II
US History
Computer Science / IT
Physics

You will not validate out of many classes, but rather be sorted into an advanced section of a class. Tread lightly with course validations--don't be like me and end up in Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Physics, and Advanced Calculus II all first semester. English you will not validate out of, history they will just put you in a different regional history. I did not take a Physics placement test and got a 2 on AP Physics 1, and still ended up in the advanced section because of my math placement. I validated Calculus I and IT... am going to try to get out of taking American Politics since I received a 5 on the AP gov exam.

Advanced classes generally give more extra credit, however the classes themselves are more difficult and you are expected to learn more of the material on your own.
 
Though it is not stated, computer science is a good class to have as well. CSP will give you fundamentals of computer science (i.e. internet functions and types of storage), while CS A will be more focused on coding than computer interactions.
 
I would highly recommend taking Computer Science A. Getting into a programming language now will help you a lot down the road. BC Calc is helpful because it will offer you a challenge/help with Math validations. Other than that, I would recommend taking whatever you would like. Those are the only two classes that I can see truly helping you for validations. NOTE: Make sure you continue to take challenging English classes. You will find that English at USMA is one of the hardest classes to get a good grade in. Brush up on your skills now.
 
Muggle127 said:
Not exactly on topic, but related: are there AP tests for which WP will give a cadet credit if they get a 4 or 5?
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WP uses test scores and AP performance and test scores to place you out of some courses and place you into higher level classes. You still have to generally take the requisite number of hours for the degree. Any and all AP is good, but try not to over-do. Although getting yourself out of your comfort zone is okay and encouraged. Make sure you are spending quality time on extracurriclulars too.
 
My understanding is that Calc BC is first AND 2nd semester (college) calc whereas Calc AB is just first semester Calculus spread out over one year. So, the first 1/2 of BC would just be a review of AB. There is much to be gained from review for sure, but he was told to take EITHER AB or BC but not both. BC from the get go is if you think you can handle college-paced Calc (Calc I and Calc II in 1 yr). My DS opted to take Calc AB and then dual enrollment 2nd semester Calc. his first semester senior year. Not sure if DE is an option for you?

He also took Chemistry dual enrollment. Advantages of DE for STEM classes are that semester grades are available in mid Dec well before the Jan 31 deadline. Something to think about.
 
AP classes are most important for the core subjects: Calculus, Chemistry, English Lit, English Comp, US History, Physics. Focus on those if you can. For example, don’t swap Comp Sci for English Lit if you can help it. Or don’t swap Human Geo for Chemistry, if you can help it. The core matters most when it comes to admissions.
 
MidCakePa said:
AP classes are most important for the core subjects: Calculus, Chemistry, English Lit, English Comp, US History, Physics. Focus on those if you can. For example, don’t swap Comp Sci for English Lit if you can help it. Or don’t swap Human Geo for Chemistry, if you can help it. The core matters most when it comes to admissions.
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Is foreign language not considered a core subject in the eyes of admissions? Where’s that in the master plan?
 
Depending on your future major then choose the AP classes. Whatever AP class you will take, make sure you get a 5. My yuk did not take any placement test during CBT instead he used that time to sleep. However during the reorganization week, he showed his test scores to the Computer Science and German advisors, they changed his classes to advance levels which actually shorten his time for both majors. If he would go to Germany for one semester during his cow year (2020-2021), he will finish his German major and the rest of 1.5 years he only needs to concentrate on Computer Science major. So take the AP class that will help you in the future since you already have some AP classes down.
 
The most important subjects in which to demonstrate proficiency for admissions and for success at USMA:
  • Math
  • English Composition
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
 
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