Validating Courses

[Oxford22]

Could someone provide a little insight into course validation during beast? When does it occur? How do the tests compare with AP exams for example? Is there incentive to score well above passing, or is passing sufficient for validating the class? Is it worth validating classes you have taken but do not particularly enjoy, and perhaps retaking classes you like (should you wish to validate a large amount of classes)? Thank you.

 

[Dixieland]

Current cadets have posted lots about validating. I suggest you use the forum search engine for "validate" and only specify a search in the USMA section (advanced search). Be on the lookout for posts by vampsoul---I think I remember she explained a lot. Other current cadets have chimed in as well.

 

[BillSL]

I hope these answer your question!

There are two official links I'm aware of on this topic
http://www.dean.usma.edu/AP/
[URL="http://www.dean.usma.edu/departments/math/courses/ma255/acmp_info_page.htm"]http://www.dean.usma.edu/departments/math/courses/ma255/acmp_info_page.htm[/URL]

And also this post from a cadet:
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showpost.php?p=191835&postcount=7

The short version: AP's scores are used by faculty as one source of data in your validation decisions. 4+ appears to be where they start to help in most cases, but even 3's are considered for some. And for a few classes, it appears that very high AP scores (5) can result in direct validation.

You will still have to take a full load, you just get to take classes required later or in some cases advanced tracks, etc.

But read the websites as they are quite specific. Remember, all of this is subject to change, but previous years should give you an idea of what to expect.