United States Military Academy

Advanced Placement (AP) test scores and previous high school or college academic records are reviewed by the academic departments to determine whether a cadet is eligible for validation of certain courses. Many departments use examinations and personal interviews, in addition to screening academic records, to assist in their evaluation. When the process is completed, a cadet may be offered the opportunity to validate a course. Once validated, the decision to take the course is entirely the cadets to make; cadets should keep in mind, however, that they may have to replace the validated course with another course. The significant aspects of validation are that it is voluntary, and that while it excuses a cadet from taking a course, it does not reduce graduation course requirements. Validated courses will be reflected without credit hours on the transcript. However, the credit hour content of validated courses is recognized as contributing appropriate disciplinary content towards meeting programmatic rigor for accreditation purposes.