Academic FAQs for New Cadets Answers to commonly asked questions about USMA academics Academic FAQs for New Cadets Answers to commonly asked questions about USMA academics Breadcrumb academics dean academic FAQs for new cadets academics-sidebarnav MENU Academic Program Majors & Minors Annual Theme Enrichment Opportunities Internships Study Abroad Scholars Program Service Academy Exchange Program Departments Learn What to Expect as You Prepare for Academic Life Beginning your academic journey at the United States Military Academy (USMA) is both exciting and challenging. West Point’s academic program is designed not only to prepare you for success in the classroom but also to help you grow as a leader, problem-solver, and critical thinker. Understanding your course options is an important first step toward navigating the wide range of opportunities available.This set of questions and answers provides clear, straightforward guidance on what to expect when it comes to academics at West Point. Our goal is to give you the tools you need to focus on making the most of your education while developing the skills and knowledge to lead in the Army and beyond. Explore academics at West Point Questions About Courses, Schedules, and Grade Do prior college courses transfer to USMA? Do they count for validation? New cadets typically receive the last day of add and drop functions during each Reorganization USMA does not transfer prior credits from other institutions of higher education. Official transcripts with a grade of B or better from other colleges will be reviewed for validation of courses. Cadets who validate courses may choose to take additional electives or request consideration for the advanced course in the respective subject. The final decision for validation of courses is determined by the appropriate department. Advanced Placement (AP) test scores are used by academic departments as one piece of information to determine advanced placement or validation for new cadets. USMA also provides its own testing to determine placement in the standard course, the advanced course or validation of the course. Learn more about validation and AP courses What courses will I be enrolled in for my first "plebe" year? Plebes are enrolled in Freshman English, Chemistry, Math, Psychology or Introduction to Computers/Information Technology, and History. There are also courses in military science and physical education.West Point's Academic Program requires cadets to complete both an interdisciplinary core curriculum and an academic major of their choice. Academic fields range from science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to social sciences and humanities. Learn more about the Academic Program in the Red Book When will I choose a major? During the first semester of your first year - when you're a plebe - you will learn about and explore all USMA majors through the Major Fair and meetings with faculty, staff, and academic counselors. All plebe cadets will then select a major during the spring semester.Explore the majors and minors offered at USMA. Learn more about choosing a major What determines the best mathematics course for me? The Department of Mathematical Sciences will test all plebes for math course placement during Cadet Basic Training.Cadets enter the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) with different math backgrounds. To successfully begin work in their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses, incoming cadets must arrive with the knowledge of certain mathematical skills and concepts. The Fundamental Concepts Exam (FCE) is designed to test those skills. All cadets are required to pass the test and demonstrate mastery of its topics before moving on to higher math courses. Explore Fundamental Concepts Exam When will I receive a final class schedule? New cadets typically receive the last day of add and drop functions during each Reorganization Week. Explore the academic calendar When will I receive progress or interim grades? You will receive an informal grade after each graded event, and then formally at the 6-, 10-, and 15-week periods.Cadets can view grades any time (electronically) via the Cadet Information System (login required). Learn more about grading processes Where do I get help if I'm struggling in courses? Academic assistance and advising is a key to success at any institution of higher learning, and USMA is no exception in providing many opportunities. You should always start with your course instructor for additional instruction and assistance. You can always seek more help and guidance from the Chief Academic Counselor in the Operation and Registrar’s office, room 112 in Taylor Hall. Cadets are all invited to the Center for Enhanced Performance (CEP) where skilled instructors help you better prepare for classes, take better notes, and prepare for additional instruction. CEP is located in Jefferson Hall on the first floor. Additionally, each cadet company has company-level tutors and mentoring by upperclassmen. Learn more about academic counseling When are finals scheduled? Finals, or term-end examinations, are typically scheduled for the third week of December and May. Explore the academic calendar Will my final grades be sent to my parents? Yes, if that is your choice. On the cadet’s website (Cadet Information System), cadets can list the names and addresses of those to receive a copy of their grades. It is the cadet’s responsibility to enter the information. Parents will receive a copy of final grades three to five weeks after the term ends. Will I have opportunities for graduate programs and graduate scholarships? You will have opportunities to apply for a variety of graduate programs and scholarships.USMA cadets have had outstanding success with prestigious scholarships, including medical school scholarships as well as the Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Rotary, Fulbright programs (and more!). Learn more about the Scholars Program Nondiscrimination Policy: The United States Military Academy is fully committed to policies of nondiscrimination in all programs. Evidence of practices not consistent with these policies should be reported to the Equal Opportunity Office.