Are these classes impressive to a competitive college? I will be going into 11th grade, and these are the courses I’ve selected. What do you think I should change, and is this an overall good lineup? I’m looking to go to Penn State, The US Naval Academy, West Point, or other colleges of similar status. How good are my chances of getting in? Currently have a 3.7 unweighted GPA, 4.2 weighted GPA, and have not taken the SAT yet. Well, here are the classes:
AP Computer Science principles
AP Physics 1
AP US Government/Politics
Honors Precalculus
Honors English III
Computer Aided Drafting I
Honors Computer Aided Drafting II
Honors Financial Lit and Economics/Financial Lit and Economics
Honors Mythology/Mythology
Personal health
Study hall
Gym
Total credits: 7.0 (would be 7.5 without study hall)
I have done up to Spanish III, but I’m not so great at it. Would you suggest I take Spanish IV, or would it be similarly beneficial to take German I, since that is the language I originally want to take. PS Thanks for the comment
AP Physics 1 is algebra-based, so does not require calc. Calc is only needed for AP Physics C
Three years is sufficient for the colleges on your list. Don’t take German I unless you plan to also take German II. But note that some colleges, including the Service Academies, have a foreign language requirement to graduate. Note that, at least for West Point (should you be get an appointment), the choice of FL is often driven more by what they need vs. what you want. Since war with Spain and/or Germany is unlikely, the cadet will likely be steered in another direction.
The “choices” were Arabic, Chinese, or Russian. Our son was voluntold he wanted to take Russian.
And no one can chance you for a service academy as no one knows how you compare to others in your district who are competing for a nomination from your congressperson and senators (the first gate in the application process) in the year you apply. To see how you compare to the incoming classes at the academies, you can take a look at class profiles from each. Here are links to USMA and USNA, for example:
You do not list any ECs or sports participation, though you may be involved in many. Note that over 90% of the incoming classes at both USMA and USNA are varsity, lettered athletes with many also being team captains. All five of the federal service academies place a premium on physical fitness and team participation. Your application will need to emphasize both as well as leadership skills.
I also recommend that you start reading on the serviceacademyforums.com board (CC for military applicants) where you can learn about the process and get all your questions answered by current and former military personnel.
