First things first, you should be prepared to work hard and really learn this year. If you've never taken an AP class before this one, it is important to remember that the content and expectations are at a college level which, believe it or not, is a lot more challenging than a high school class. You will have big assignments, labs, and assessments that will be more difficult than what you have taken before.
But on the other hand, you should be excited because you obviously took this class because you have in interest in biology or a biology-related career, and it's super rad to learn more about what you're passionate about. Whether this class further peaks your interest in biology, or turns you off of it, it is a valuable experience and it will be worth your time, effort, and tears to continue on with the course.
Some Advice:
1. DO YOUR WORK!
- Your life will be much easier if you get your work done. This may seem obvious, but sometimes, it gets hard.
2. Get your work done ON TIME.
- Once again, it may seem obvious, but procrastinating is the worst idea you could have in this class and you will end up stressing hardcore over things that could've been avoided. You will end up getting much better grades on the things that you really spend time on, and time that wasn't spent rushing to get it done.
3. Don't get overwhelmed by big and scary words, or words that you don't know.
- There will probably be times that you will feel like you're trying to read Mandarin Chinese because you don't understand any of the words being used. That's okay. The more you expose yourself to scary science words, the more you will understand at least the general idea of what you're reading. Just don't give up, and give it your best shot.
4. Study for the AP test more than a couple of weeks in advance.
- You should study for the AP test in several periods throughout the year because you will not retain anything by cramming. It is literally impossible to cram for the AP test, and that is not a challenge.
5. Take the AP test!
- You will literally be paying under $100 for a test that could save you THOUSANDS of dollars in college.
- THOUSANDS.
- Don't be scared of doing poorly; it could be worth every penny.
6. Have fun!
- Don't look at the course as a whole in a negative light just because you find it hard or it stresses you out.
- Participate in discussions and ask about anything (biology related) that you think Mr. Landry could answer. The off-topic discussions were some of the best and most productive days in class.
- Laugh at Mr. Landry's jokes. He's funny and he deserves to be appreciated.
Note: If Mr. Landry is mean to you, that means he likes you. Feel free to throw some insults right back at him. :)
Have fun in class! Make lots of memories and give it your best!
- Meagan
