<p>I was told some time ago what it was, I want to say it was FORTRAN, but I can’t remember.</p>
<p>FORTRAN seems like it would be too antequated to be used by USAFA (?). Programs like C++ or Java would make more sense as an introduction to Computer Science language…I know that West Point uses Java…maybe USAFA does too? Just a guess…</p>
<p>Java would be very, very nice, but I heard they didn’t.</p>
<p>EDIT: Did a quick search and saw what I was told: PASCAL. They use PASCAL, and I know that’s what I was told.</p>
<p>Bummer…agreed, Java would be very nice…oh well, I hope Pascal is at least learnable. Of course, any programming experience in any language will be helpful. I guess that’s the challenge in the course–most people have to learn a completely new language, not just refresh on the one that the AP Test uses…</p>
<p>Comp sci isn’t an impossible class (chemistry takes many more victims). One thing that makes it difficult is that the help policy (who you can get help from) is usually limited to only comp sci instructors for that class, as opposed to anyone. This means that people who would normally go to a classmate with problems or who don’t start until the night before it’s due find themselves in trouble. I had never taken any kind of programming class before and I passed.</p>
<p>Has anyone taken Organic Chem yet? I took AP Chem last year, and I do not want to take it again, easy or not. My teacher was incredible and the AP exam was a breeze at worst. I know its not recommended to skip any courses, but I really want to skip this one.</p>
<p>You don’t have to take orgo unless you’re a chem major (or something related like bio-chem, possibly bio, etc.)</p>
<p>I don’t know why they said not to skip courses, unless you don’t think you are ready for harder ones. I would skip courses if I could. The only thing I’ll be able to place out of is English though. 
The programming language is a unique USAFA language called Raptor. It’s unlike anything else, it uses flow charts. I have no idea why they use it, I think it would be way more useful to teach C++ or Java, but I think that comes later if you do something with computers. Also, you’ll have your hands full anyways with just regular chemistry here. A lot of people get into troubke because of it.</p>
<p>Hornetguy-chem’s my specialty too. Had an awesome AP teacher who was also my basic chem teacher the year before.</p>
<p>same thing here, are you pursuing chem further? I would take it cause I want a Chemical Engineering major. (I know they don’t offer it, I’m thinking it as a Master’s if I still want it later) If so, then we might see each other in Orgo.</p>
<p>No desire to go too far into chem here. I realize it’s a hard program, but my heart has been set on astro. since I was born.</p>
<p>What about calculus at the academy? I took the BC exam, got a 4BC 5AB scores although i started with Calc II at my college (technically i could have started at calc III). And i am glad for it…i am really fighting my way through it. I think i may come up on top, just barely. I plan on taking calc III next semester in hopes ill never have to see its bloody face again. My goals are Computer Hardware Engineering (Calc II max) or Meteorology (Calc III max) so i am pretty glad im doing it. Plus i wont have to take it at the academy if i go :-P</p>
<p>I thought the academy didn’t offer transfer credit?</p>
<p>But snipper could validate out. Was that what you meant, snipper?</p>
<p>That’s where those who have attended college or have AP Calc are really fortunate. Good Job, snipper! May the Calc Gods smile on you! ;)</p>
<p>Does USAFA not offer for any AP credit? (just wondering, I’m only applying to USMA and USNA) I think they told us at the Naval Academy that “for a select few courses, people with 5s could receive credit” - ie automatically validate the course?</p>
<p>Technically yes. If you go to the catalog page 40 it shows a list of AP/IB credits you can get.</p>
<p>I am not sure about transfer credits. My philosphy this year was if i get into the academy and my credits transfer - best case scenario. Get in but no credits - no problemo. Have the experience/exposure so the class would not be as difficult. Dont get in…well…yeah.</p>
<p>I’ve <em>heard</em> that you can opt out of a max of three freshman courses. For some, the AP credit is enough, others you have to take a test when you first arrive and do well to get credit. On the down side, you have to take the next highest course immediately. </p>
<p>Here we go: <a href=“http://academyadmissions.com/academics/curriculum/index.php[/url]”>http://academyadmissions.com/academics/curriculum/index.php</a></p>
<p>As it’d been eluded to, you can validate out of having to take a few classes, either by doing well on the placement tests you take during BCT or in some instances transfer credits/AP scores (usually only 4s and 5s accepted and they’re picky as to which ones they even allow). Regardless of how many classes you get out of, though, you will have a full load of classes during your whole time here; if you’re not aking certain classes, you’ll be taking other classes in their place. It does make it a <em>little</em> easier though, as sometimes you can take classes you have more interest in than a couple of the core ones if you validated out of them.</p>