USAFA Technology Restrictions

G

GarrisonUltimate

Member
Joined
Feb 13, 2021
Messages
20
Although I have not yet received an appointment, I still would like to do future planning in the case that I do get accepted into USAFA.
(All of these questions pertain to Doolie year)
1) Could I bring my own calculator to the academy with me? I am currently in calculus and my TI-84 is starting to lose its hold on reality so I plan to buy a new calculator soon. I am looking at an upper-end calculator right now as no matter where I go to school I will be in the advanced math and science courses throughout college and want something that will be helpful. I just cannot find any information about this online but I would assume I can.

2) What is the policy regarding the usage of smartwatches at the academy. I got an apple watch for Christmas and would like to know how much I can use it and what restrictions there would be.

Thanks
 
You will get a calculator there. I wouldn't invest in a calculator as one that has too many functions, like the TI-84, may not be allowed. You can have an apple watch after basic. Not during basic.
 
GarrisonUltimate said:
Although I have not yet received an appointment, I still would like to do future planning in the case that I do get accepted into USAFA.
(All of these questions pertain to Doolie year)
1) Could I bring my own calculator to the academy with me? I am currently in calculus and my TI-84 is starting to lose its hold on reality so I plan to buy a new calculator soon. I am looking at an upper-end calculator right now as no matter where I go to school I will be in the advanced math and science courses throughout college and want something that will be helpful. I just cannot find any information about this online but I would assume I can.

2) What is the policy regarding the usage of smartwatches at the academy. I got an apple watch for Christmas and would like to know how much I can use it and what restrictions there would be.

Thanks
Click to expand...
The appointment packet states that you’ll be issued a scientific calculator prior to the start of classes in August. But if you are taking classes that require a more advanced calculator, you can either purchase it there or have one brought or sent during Parent’s weekend. If you’re needing to replace your calculator now, I’d do that with the advanced one and have that sent to you. (My DS has already said that he needs/wants his calculator sent to him.)

For BCT, you can take a rubber or soft plastic sports watch (no metal). I’m not sure about after BCT.
 
I disagree with @hopefulmom182 - I HIGHLY recommend you go ahead and get an advanced one now so you can get familiar with it (I'd say get a TI-89 or better) if you plan to do a STEM major. You'll be issued a scientific calculator (honorlator) that you'll need to use for most core classes, but you'll definitely want a good nice one for your major's courses. The majority of advanced classes allow you to use such a calculator and having one you already know well will pay dividends. I had my parents bring mine at parent's weekend.

As for the apple watch - definitely not during basic, probably not until after recognition freshman year, but that will likely depend on squadron specific rules and the current status of your freshman class (sometimes things will be more restrictive than others). Very possible you could have it after parents weekend
 
1. Check out page 24 of last years appointee handbook. It says you will be issued a standard calculator for lower level courses. For upper level courses, you can either purchase one at the academy, or have it shipped to you/brought to during parent's weekend.

2. On page 23, it says no metal watches. I am not certain, at all, if I'm correct, but I would assume this includes apple watches.


[EDIT] The watch restriction I quoted is only for BCT. I am not aware of the other restrictions after BCT.
 
Peter2025 said:
1. Check out page 24 of last years appointee handbook. It says you will be issued a standard calculator for lower level courses. For upper level courses, you can either purchase one at the academy, or have it shipped to you/brought to during parent's weekend.

2. On page 23, it says no metal watches. I am not certain, at all, if I'm correct, but I would assume this includes apple watches.


[EDIT] The watch restriction I quoted is only for BCT. I am not aware of the other restrictions after BCT.
Click to expand...
Speaking of, any recommended watches? For BCT and beyond?
 
Most, if not all squads will not allow you to wear a watch during BCT. After bct any watch you feel comfortable wearing is fine.
 
Bigrod said:
Most, if not all squads will not allow you to wear a watch during BCT. After bct any watch you feel comfortable wearing is fine.
Click to expand...
Any idea why no watch? I get for Jack's valley but asa runner knowing my pace can be comfortable for any kind of runs
 
They don’t want you to know what time it is throughout the day is the biggest reason. They will wake you up when they need you, you’ll know it and when it’s finally time to go to sleep you’ll be worn out enough you don’t care what time it is.
 
Would a TI-Nspire work? My school requires that all students have one, so if I do actually get into USAFA, would I be able to use that calculator or not?
 
Bigrod said:
They don’t want you to know what time it is throughout the day is the biggest reason. They will wake you up when they need you, you’ll know it and when it’s finally time to go to sleep you’ll be worn out enough you don’t care what time it is.
Click to expand...
Ah that makes perfect sense thank you!
 
dav1y said:
Would a TI-Nspire work? My school requires that all students have one, so if I do actually get into USAFA, would I be able to use that calculator or not?
Click to expand...
You will be issued a calculator for your lower level classes. After that, you can have a better calculator shipped to you by your family or purchase it at the Academy. As for specifics, I believe it normally depends on the class.
 
dav1y said:
Would a TI-Nspire work? My school requires that all students have one, so if I do actually get into USAFA, would I be able to use that calculator or not?
Click to expand...
Probably - what are you planning on majoring in? What calculators may or may not be allowed will vary strongly by department, so if you have a decent idea you might be able to get a better sense of how much you'll use it by adding that info. However, in all STEM departments, it'll definitely be useful for homework, just not necessarily tests.
 
USAFA10s said:
Probably - what are you planning on majoring in? What calculators may or may not be allowed will vary strongly by department, so if you have a decent idea you might be able to get a better sense of how much you'll use it by adding that info. However, in all STEM departments, it'll definitely be useful for homework, just not necessarily tests.
Click to expand...

I'm hoping to go into Aero Engineering specifically, but any type of engineering, in general, would be my main goal.
 
Having taken Calc 1-3, Diff Eq, and Linear Algebra here in the last 2 years I can tell you there is no need for a personal calculator. Either you’ll be using the honorlator as mentioned above or you’ll be using the more powerful MATLAB on your computer.

I haven’t used a personal calculator once in my math classes here and I could count on two hands the number of times they (personal versions) have even been authorized resources on tests.
 
If you want to wear your apple watch after basic you can. I personally don't have one but my two roommates and many other doolies wear them. The only time you wouldn't be allowed to wear it is during training
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top