TOW#30: Letter to a New APELC Student

Dear New APELC Student,

You've probably heard many things about this class, good and bad. But don't worry, you can do it! It's not as terrible as it seems.

Ok, so first, the best thing about this class is that the work load is pretty small. You may have a reading section due here and there. BUT, I warn you, do not neglect the assignments. For example, there may be an assignment where you have to read a section and then annotate it. This seems like nothing and you think that you can b-s it. Wrong. Make sure you really read it and understand the purpose. Sometimes you may need to read it a couple of times and this really helps! If you don't listen to this advice, you are going to cry during the assessments that we have once every end of the marking period.

Secondly, put effort into your TOWs. It may seem like a hassle and easy to write whatever since it isn't being graded, but it is really good practice for essays in the AP test and Timed/Take-Home Essays.

You are also going to do grammar with Ms. Pronko, which may not sound exciting but it is pretty fun because Ms. Pronko is awesome. In the end of the year, you may have a grammar final towards the end of the year, but "unfortunately" for us, we didn't have one.

In the AP exam, you not only have the essays but the multiple choice. The format looks like the SAT, but it is much harder. My advice, start working on it a little now. There is plenty of practice online. We didn't get to practice as much as we wanted to because of the crazy scheduling (snow days). This isn't urgent, but if you want to get a head start then go for it.

The essays are a bit tricky. You may be frustrated and panic at first because you may have been a straight A student who received a 3 (73%) on your summer essay. But don't worry! I nearly passed out too. But you'll learn. Set up meetings with Mr. Yost or Ms. Pronko for help.

And finally, relax! If I made it through this class, believe me, so can you. The class is really fun in general and Mr. Yost is really funny.

Good luck this year! You can do it! And even if times are hard, just keep going.
And remember, "It's just school."-Mr. Yost

Former APELC student,
Chaeyeon Lee