Advice

Helpful Advice for Current 2009 - 2010 A.P. Composition Students from Former Classes of 2009 and 2008 A.P. Composition Students:

This class is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! ~ Kelly-Anne Zayan, Class of 2009

The summer assignment isn't as bad as you think it will be.

The summer homework sucks, but you have to prove that you know how to do work. ~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

The Summer Reading Project is NOT OPTIONAL. Do not believe anyone who says otherwise. ~ Arielle Bryant, Class of 2008

Although it is probably possible for you to slap together your summer projects in only one weekend, do not try and attempt this. Get it done early in the summer. That way, not only do you have no homework and nothing to worry about but your parents will probably be off your case a bit more as well. ~ Sara Weiss, Class of 2008

If all you are going to do is complain, switch out of A.P. Composition because you will hinder Mrs. Erickson and your classmates from enjoying each day.

Don't drop out. If you do, you're a quitter and will go no where in life. ~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

Mrs. Erickson gives you everything you need to succeed in this class; it's up to you to take advantage of it. ~ Jessie Palmatier, Class of 2009

Be sure to read all material.

A.P. stands for answer the prompt. ~ Molly Belisle, Class of 2009

Mrs. Erickson is really rather comical. ~ Danielle Lovay, Class of 2009

You know when people say, "Be true to yourself and stand up for what you believe in, and always be yourself" (cliche)? That concept stands true here. Your experience in this class is going to be determined by what you put into it.

~ Danielle Lovay, Class of 2009

When your class starts to feel more like your family than like your peers, you know you've done something correctly.

~ Danielle Lovay, Class of 2009

Mrs. Erickson is going to be one of those teachers you can come to when you need help, so get to know her.

~ Danielle Lovay, Class of 2009

Don't join the cheaters club.

Don't stress over the little things. ~ Jessie Brooks, Class of 2009

Pass back papers as often as possible!

Put green tuesdays in your phone calendar.

Do not use cliches in your "academic writing."

Socratic seminars are not the place for shyness!

Do not, by all means, stress over rhetorical terms. ~ Joe Attard, Class of 2009

Don't ever get behind or have missing assignments. ~ Jessie Brooks, Class of 2009

Remain open-minded at all times and enjoy the ride.

Be prepared to read many, many, many depressing pieces.

You need all the extra credit you can get for some cushioning. ~ Jessie Brooks, Class of 2009

Mrs. Erickson may give you a pop quiz over the books you read.

Don't expect your grade to magically go up if you are doing badly. ~ Jessie Brooks, Class of 2009

Read the material, otherwise the Erickson radar will hone in on you.

Do not even try to do homework for another class while in A.P. Comp.

Answer the prompt. If you don't, you're wasting your time. Completely. ~ Joe Attard, Class of 2009

Okay, so this advice makes the class seem hard and miserable - it is NOT. ~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

Annoying Mrs. Erikson is fun, but she can think up insults as quickly as you can.

If you use the apostrophe incorrectly on a possessive its, you deserve to be smacked.

Don't ever get in an argument with Mrs. Erickson. She will always prove you wrong. ~ Jessie Brooks, Class of 2009

First semester is a little overwhelming, although your load will lighten second semester.

Relax. Take a deep breath. First semester is terrible, but second semester makes up for it. ~ Jessie Brooks, Class of 2009

Whatever you do, if it means staying up until four o'clock in the morning, read the material.

Know your prepositions. If you don't, you're going to have to memorize all of them for credit. ~ Joe Attard, Class of 2009

Talk in socratic seminars. Iif you do, it will help your grade. Iif you don't, it will hurt your grade. ~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

If you're doing everything right, your A.P. Comp. class will feel like a family, not just your classmates. ~ Jessie Palmatier, Class of 2009

If an assignment or quiz seems utterly ridiculous and/or impossible to achieve, it's probably extra credit.

Always do the extra credit. You never know when that cushion in your grade will be flattened by a pop quiz.

~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

Learn how to speak and memorize in latin. This may sound odd now, but you will soon understand and regret it.

Don't freak out on Mrs. Erickson about an assignment being blank or red on zangle. Her face will most likely turn red. ~ Jessie Brooks, Class of 2009

No matter how boring, read the material. Otherwise you will feel like a moron while everyone else discusses the topic.

It's a tough class, but it's more involved than any other class you'll have, and you'll appreciate it in the end. Good Luck!

~ Danielle Lovay, Class of 2009

Check the calendar regularly. Do whatever it takes--make it your homepage if you have to, but always check the calendar!

~ Jessie Palmatier, Class of 2009

Actually read all of the pieces assigned. If you don't your classmates will become irritated with you during group discussions.

~ Molly Belisle, Class of 2009

When you turn in an essay, don't expect to see it graded for a a while. And bugging Mrs. Erickson will not speed up the process.

~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

Read everything assigned. Mrs. Erickson receives pleasure from giving quizzes to students who did not read the assinged pieces.

~ Joe Attard, Class of 2009

Mrs. Erickson really is someone you can go to if you need anything. Get to know her and appreciate that, if you care, she cares. ~ Jessie Palmatier, Class of 2009

You may want to learn your prepositions and rhetorical terms because they will aid you in using elevated language in your essays.

As for academics - do NOT put this class on the back-burner. It is the furthest thing from a blow-off class you've yet to experience. ~ Danielle Lovay, Class of 2009

Be open to discussion! Hold on to your opinions, but be willing to listen to others. What you think is not what everyone else thinks. ~ Joe Attard, Class of 2009

Even if the whole class hates you for setting the point value high in socratic seminars, never shut up because the extra credit is helpful.

~ Molly Belisle, Class of 2009

Mrs. Erickson thinks more quickly than you do, so when it seems like a good idea to get into an insult match with her, it's probably not. ~ Jessie Palmatier, Class of 2009

Manage your time and do not stress out about little things. Enjoy your senior year and this class, it will be an enjoyable hour of your day.

~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

Annotate...everything. It may seem stupid and pointless at first, but if you continue to do so it will gauruntee you to become a better writer.

~ Joe Attard, Class of 2009

For the perfectionists: don't fret. This class has countless assignments worth millions of points. When you fail one, it will not ruin your 4.0 GPA.

~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

Always, always, always do your best. If Mrs. Erickson knows that you are trying your hardest, she will generally give you the benefit of the doubt.

~ Jessie Brooks, Class of 2009

Do not commit the sins listed on the know/no list unless you want to be fried by lightning (Also known as her grade book. Fear the green or purple ink).

Essays will be graded hard. You will spend hours writing it. And your paper will come back with more red than black ink. It is okay - that is the process. ~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

Talk as much as you can during the Socratic seminar days. Even if you don't think your point to make is important, it will be really beneficial for you in the end. ~ Jessie Brooks, Class of 2009

I recommend participating in as much extra credit as possible - bring in paper for Green Tuesdays, pass back papers and check the board for the quote of the day.

The pop quizzes over reading are detailed. You need to read deeper, and pay attention to details if you want your score to show that you read the book and not just Sparknotes. ~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

The whole online calendar thing may seem obnoxious at first, but with the large number of assignments and projects, it is EXTREMELY HELPFUL. Utilize the web! ~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

Be active. Sitting back in class and merely listening is not beneficial and will not help your A.P. Exam score. Participating in conversations is the most beneficial way to learn. ~ Joe Attard, Class of 2009

No matter what happens, always do the homework readings. If, however, you don't do the homework readings, you will most likely have either a pop quiz or activity on it the next day. ~ Jessie Brooks, Class of 2009

Manage your time. The assignment may not be due until next week, but you may want to start it today - often times it will be more complicated or time-consuming then you expected. ~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

This class will prepare you for college more than any other class you'll ever take. Pay attention and do the work, and you'll feel slightly less overwhelmed about the whole college thing. ~ Jessie Palmatier, Class of 2009

Enjoy and take advantage of the opportunity at hand. A.P. Comp. is a great class and Mrs. Erickson gives you the opportunity to learn things you can take and apply them to your life at college. ~ Joe Attard, Class of 2009

Make sure you pay attention to due dates. Mrs. Erickson assigns homework from months in advance to a couple days in advance, so figure out a way to keep it all straght (such as using your planner). ~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

If and when your grade starts hovering around the D range, fear not; Mrs. Erikson hands out extra-credit like it's rotten milk and she can't bear to keep it anymore (Yes, I am sorry I am bad at creating analogies).

Perfectionists beware: you will do poorly on some of the assignments, particularly the pop quizzes. But don't worry about it--there are so many points in the class that a twenty point quiz will probably not even affect your grade. ~ Jessie Palmatier, Class of 2009

This is your last year of high school, and as you get closer to college you will realize that Mrs. Erickson is giving you all of the tools to be successful in college and life in general, it is your job to do the work, learn the matieral, and better yourself as a student.

~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

Do NOT try to keep everything. When papers are passed back (by overachieving classmates) be sure to critically determine what you ACTUALLY NEED and what you don't, otherwise you will have a binder larger than any textbook you have ever seen (and it will break). ~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

Always do the homework. If you don't, then you might as well not come to class because you will not benefit from the activities or discussions - you enrolled in an A.P. class for a reason: to take the test, and receive college credit, so do the assignments, learn the matieral, and you will ace the test. ~ Ashley White, Class of 2009

If you think you can write really well to the point of professionally, or if you believe you can furnish an excellent paper effortlessly, no offense, but you're dead wrong. Your first essay will come back looking like an art project with all its red lines and whatnot, but don't be discouraged. It gets SO much easier. ~ Danielle Lovay, Class of 2009

This is a college level class, Mrs. Erickson expects college level behavior from all of you. This means you will have fun, but the content is a higher level along with the work load. So when it is time to dig in and work, please do so - for your benefit. You will learn many techniques, ideas and styles that will advance your level in all classes, not just A.P. Comp. ~ Kelly-Anne Zayan, Class of 2009

This class is going to be worth an inconceivable amount of points, so if something doesn't come back with the score you'd like, it's not worthy of an anxiety attack nor cause for a scene (as those are both embarassing for yourself and the people sitting around you, and Mrs. Erickson will just laugh and shoot you down). I definitely, however, would not advise skipping an assignment.

~ Danielle Lovay, Class of 2009

TAKE THE AP EXAMS! I took both; the preparation Mrs. Erickson gave our class made the A.P. exams look like chocolate cupcakes with pink swirly frosting - aka, really simple! Mrs. Erickson prepares you so well for the A.P. exams, you will blow through the actual exam. The tests and essays we took/wrote in class were way harder than anything on the exam. ~ Kelly-Anne Zayan, Class of 2009

Buy a very large and sturdy binder to stay organized.

Create sections in your binder for grammar, rhetorical terms, essays and Socratic seminars.

Do not use the front pockets of the binder because they lead to lost papers and stress.

Turn in papers on time even if they are not worth many points because all of them count.

While reading socratic seminar pieces write down anything you believe could come up in conversation.

Talk in socratic seminars as much as possible.

Take A.P. practice exams seriously; they affect your grade.

Participate in all extra credit, whether it is passing back papers, green Tuesdays or taking practice A.P. tests.

Do not procrastinate; when assigned homework, do a little each day so you are not working all night.

Check the calendar frequently; you could even print it off to be prepared.

Study for all tests, even rhetorical terms, and make flash cards.

Read all of the assigned pieces because, if you do not, it will come back.

Be ready for random quizzes over anything.

If you do not understand a piece the first time, read it again.

Take the advice Mrs. Erikson gives you and apply it wherever you can.

Complete all the readings.

Learn to use the calendar.

Check the calendar all the time. ~ Sam Cencer, Class of 2009

Try not to miss class; you'll fall behind.

Be open to new ideas about different topics.

Remember to ALWAYS answer the prompt.

Study the rhetorical terms. They're easy grades.

Have a planner to keep track of ALL the due dates.

Nothing in this class is hard if you allow enough time.

Participate in reading discussions; don't be afraid to talk.

Don’t blow off grammar packets. They are easy points! ~ Alex Dinello, Class of 2009

Listen to Mrs. Erikson; she knows what she's talking about.

The class is very structured; you just have to apply yourself. ~ Rachel Herr, Class of 2009

Read a little each night when large pieces of reading are assigned. ~ Sam Cencer, Class of 2009

A.P. Comp. is very challenging but it will help you be a better writer.

Take risks and ask questions. Challenge yourself and your classmates.

Any work done without thought put into it will not receive a decent grade. ~ Rachel Herr, Class of 2009

Get used to memorizing. Read the novels closely; pop quizzes cover details.

ALWAYS answer the prompt. If you don't, your grade will suffer immensely. ~ Allyse Rammage, Class of 2009

If you're given a chance to re-write something, you should probably re-write it.

Start assignments early to get a jump start, that way you won't feel overloaded.

Work hard. Not only will your grade improve but you will enjoy the class more too.

DO NOT fall asleep in class. Since it's not allowed, Mrs. Erickson will point you out.

READ THE CLASS CALENDER. It makes your life a lot easier with a lot less hassle.

Do not wait to the night before to start your assignments because it will fail you everytime. ~ Rachel Herr, Class of 2009

Check the calender often. All the information is always provided for you by Mrs. Erickson. ~ Rachel Herr, Class of 2009

Don't procrastinate. When a lot of assignments are coming up, get a little bit done at a time.

Read the assigned readings, even if you don't have time, squeeze it in. It makes things easier.

READ!!! If you don't read you won't understand anything in the discussions or learn anything.

Learn how to correctly write a precis. This is very helpful when starting essays for the A.P. test.

Study the rhetorical terms. They come in handy during the A.P. exam and when analyzing pieces.

Have fun (this class is a lot of fun, and worth the work that goes along with) and try not to stress out.

Check the on-line class calendar religiously, because you never know when a new assignment will pop up.

Second semester is more laid back than first semester, so don’t stop working hard and stick with the class. ~ Alex Dinello, Class of 2009

Do as much extra-credit as you can early in the year. Do not wait until the last minute to improve your grade. ~ Alex Dinello, Class of 2009

Take Mrs. Erickson ’s advice on writing; don’t try to “stick it to her” by blatantly ignoring the “No/Know List.”

As a senior taking this rigorous and restless class I think it is best to say... Do not underestimate Mrs. Erickson!

Participate in socratic seminars, but don't just repeat or agree with what others previously said in the discussion.

Annotate readings for discussion; you can easily find quotes and information to keep the class discussions going.

Write out all assignments that are due in a planner or something to stay organized so it seems less overwhelming. ~ Sam Cencer, Class of 2009

Become friends with the people in the class because assignments are easier when they can be worked out in a group. ~ Sam Cencer, Class of 2009

Designate a "Smart Alec" of the class and have him/her frequently make snotty remarks to add cheer to each discussion. ~ Kelly-Anne Zayan, Class of 2009

Sometimes the work seems like a lot, but you'll get through it. Just remember to actually try, because its easier that way.

Time management is crucial. Organize your time wisely and efficiently so you can complete the assignments and still have fun.

Don’t get discouraged if you fail the early practice tests. They get easier over time (or are curved more, whichever comes first). ~ Alex Dinello, Class of 2009

Don’t be afraid to speak up in the class. Contrary to popular belief, people actually enjoy hearing your wonderful voice now and again.

~ Allyse Rammage, Class of 2009

Do your homework, be on time for class, and grace yourself in Mrs. Erickson's presence and you will leave the class a new man or woman.

Enjoy this class because it goes by fast. You learn so many important skills for other classes and college, take advantage of the opportunity.

Give yourself plenty of time to read the books given throughout the year. It is not fun to stay up until two o’clock reading your assigned pages.

~ Alex Dinello, Class of 2009

Annotate Socratic Seminar pieces a lot and think about questions the leaders might ask in advance so you are more prepared during discussions.

~ Alex Dinello, Class of 2009

Have fun! As with all classes, this is what you make of it. So participate, put effort in and enjoy what you learn and joke about along the way.

~ Kelly-Anne Zayan, Class of 2009

Actually read the books. They are interesting and it will make you feel well-read and appear more intelligent having those books under your belt.

This is not a class in which you can breeze by; you have to do the work to understand, and you have to, ultimately, understand to pass the class.

~ Rachel Herr, Class of 2009

A.P. Comp. may be one of your most challenging and demanding classes, but you will become more prepared for college and you will learn so much.

~ Alex Dinello, Class of 2009

Procrastination will be your biggest enemy in this class. I advise listening to Mrs. Erickson and not waiting until the last possible minute to start writing a paper. ~ Allyse Rammage, Class of 2009

Designate one person to bring in food weekly - it brightens everyone's mood and is simply delicious. Bagels from Panera Bread are always a good option. ~ Kelly-Anne Zayan, Class of 2009

Be prepared for a few all-nighters. Despite efforts to not procrastinate, chances are you will end up waiting too long to begin a few assignments. You'll regret this.

Print off readings from class and carry them around with you, so that anytime you have a free moment you can read the current Précis or Socratic Seminar piece.

Read all assigned readings, whether it is Socratic seminars, books or a piece for a precis. It will only make your life easier, and Mrs. Erickson knows if you do not read them.

When Mrs. Erickson tells you to read something, it may be best that you read it. There is nothing beneficial about pretending to know about a piece of writing read by the class.

The calendar is your best friend. Check it daily, twice or three times a day. Surprise extra-credit will pop up, and you will have time to try to plan out your attack on assignments. ~ Allyse Rammage, Class of 2009

Use the information with which Mrs. Erickson provides you, because, if you use it the right way, you will sucessfully be able to analyze and construct composition without guidance. ~ Rachel Herr, Class of 2009

The atmosphere in A.P. Comp. is very relaxed and open. Share your ideas and do not be afraid to listen to others. Having sufficient reasoning for your thoughts is the only backing you need. ~ Kelly-Anne Zayan, Class of 2009

If you are shy, start participating in class discussions because it helps everyone understand. Even if one of your ideas seems obvious to you, someone else may be able to build off of your opinion. ~ Alex Dinello, Class of 2009

Try to finish A.P. Comp. assignments over the weekend. They are on the calendar way in advance, so take advantage of your time so you don’t have to scramble to get them done during the week. ~ Alex Dinello, Class of 2009

When Mrs.Erickson says "be ready to discuss this piece in class," she means, "if you don't speak up and discuss this piece right now you'll be getting a quiz on the material worth half of your grade!"

Make use of the online calendar and be sure to write assignments down to keep track of everything. Stay organized. This will ensure that you get things done on time and save yourself a lot of stress.

Do not expect you already know how the class will be. This is a very time consuming and particularly tiring class. A.P. Compostion will require a lot from you as a student but it will all be in good measure.

Get over yourself and listen to other people's opinions. Don't be a bigot, and refuse to listen to others because you think that your way is the only way to go. That isn't going to get you anywhere in the world.

Do the work! It will NOT benefit you to come unprepared to class and sit out of the discussion - the discussions are for you to learn. The more you decided to put in, the greater understanding you will have. ~ Kelly-Anne Zayan, Class of 2009

With novels and long works, do not just read and then forget. It really does help to remember the names of characters and particulars about the plot. You will want to know these things for discussions and quizzes.

Pertaining to Socratic Seminars: Speak up! Share your thoughts and earn points, it's REALLY that easy. Just don't, like, omg, like, say 'like' like often. It sounds so unrefined and uneducated - and you loose points for it. ~ Kelly-Anne Zayan, Class of 2009

Complete the assignment before it is due. When Mrs. Erickson gives you an assignment, do it that day or the next. She will only continue to give you more assignments over time, so in order to not be overwhelmed, do not procrastinate.

Be prepared to have fun in the class. Despite the horror stories you hear about the sleepless nights, boring readings and terrifying writing assignments, A.P. Comp. is possibly the best class I have ever taken and definitely prepares you for college. ~ Allyse Rammage, Class of 2009

Please make Socratic Seminars interesting. Do not just repeat what someone else said in a slightly different way. If you are going to say something, use your own idea. Expect the selections to be long - that way you don't have to complain about the length of the piece during each seminar.

Try to look beyond the surface and common prejudices. Gay people write good books. Feminists write interesting stories. It's not about who the author was, but about the strength of the piece and the message being sent. If you didn't know anything about the author, it wouldn't matter in the first place.

On Socratic seminar days, listen to what your classmates have to say. If your comment is going to be a simple repetition of whatever concept the person before you brought up, don't say it. Explore the concept, but don't parrot back what the other person has just said. It is possible for you to form your own ideas.

Do not procrastinate with assignments. If you are given one assignment, do not expect that you will not get any more before that one is due. At many time throughout the year, you will be given an assignment due several days, or even weeks, later but then will be given several other assignments that are due before the one. Don't put off things until the last minute!

If you want to take the most out of A.P. Composition, you need to prepare yourself for a lot of reading, writing, and crying in the corner. I can personally tell you that Mrs. Erickson is a blood-thirsty wolf than aims below the belt (sorry Mrs. Erickson); but, in the end, you will find yourself thanking her for the things you despise most about her. I feel that I have more control over my writing and I feel that I can take much more out of a piece of literature.

SPEAK UP! ~ Sara Weiss, Class of 2008

Bring in couches! ~ Kelly-Anne Zayan, Class of 2009

Have an open mind. ~ Sara Weiss, Class of 2008

The calendar will become your new best friend. ~ Arielle Bryant, Class of 2008

Organization and discipline are beyond important. ~ Arielle Bryant, Class of 2008

Take advantage of ALL of the extra credit, seriously. ~ Sara Weiss, Class of 2008

Mrs. Erickson can tell when you write essays last minute. ~ Jon Graves, Class of 2009

Designate someone to bring food for the socratic seminars. ~ Jon Graves, Class of 2009

Try to stay organized even if that means having two folders. ~ Jon Graves, Class of 2009

It really does get easier in the second semester, so don't give up. ~ Arielle Bryant, Class of 2008

Find a couple of couches and your class will have double the fun! ~ Jon Graves, Class of 2009

Participation is a big part of the class so sleeping in class is ill-advised. ~ Arielle Bryant, Class of 2008

If you don't want Mrs. Erickson to like you don't do your homework. ~ Jon Graves, Class of 2009

Do not let yourself lose track of assignments; "due dates are closer than they appear." ~ Arielle Bryant, Class of 2008

Have fun and enjoy the discussions, that is what you get the most out of from the class. ~ Aleea Laird, Class of 2008

Take the oppurtunity to do test corrections on the practice A.P. tests; they really do help! ~Krystyna McCollum, Class of 2009

Get an e-mail address for only A.P. Comp. stuff or make sure you set a filter on your current e-mail. ~ Sara Weiss, Class of 2008

This class is taught like a college course so the more self-sufficient you are the better off you will be. ~ Arielle Bryant, Class of 2008

Believe Ms. Czapski when she tells you that the A.P. exam is easier than the practice tests. It really is. ~ Aleea Laird, Class of 2008

Do not slack off in this class. A couple nights of relaxation are not worth trying to bring up your grades later.

~ Arielle Bryant, Class of 2008

Actually read the novels assigned in class. Sparknoting them online is only cheating yourself. They are really great novels, read them! ~Krystyna McCollum, Class of 2009

Get very acquainted with sarcasm and thinking on your own. The class is set up to be interactive and Ms. Czapski does not like to lecture. ~ Arielle Bryant, Class of 2008

Take everything in this class seriously. Performing well in A.P. Comp. can save you around a thousand dollars, as well as a lot of time - that is, if you pass the A.P. test. ~Krystyna McCollum, Class of 2009

Use your planner and the online calender to find out when things are due; sometimes Mrs. Erickson changes the dates and you end up doing something before you have to. ~ Jon Graves, Class of 2009

Buy a very wide binder for this class; the amount of paper received is unbelievable, but you’ll want it to reference in essays and prepare for the A.P. Exam. Keep everything! ~ Sarah Fraser, Class of 2008

Don't be the person in socratic seminar who always says, "I agree, it was really effective in making the point." Clearly, you didn't read the piece and shouldn't be particpating. ~Krystyna McCollum, Class of 2009

Pay attention to detail when you read the novels chosen for the class. Even if you read the book, you may do poorly on the comprehensive quizzes if you don't pay attention to the small things. ~ Aleea Laird, Class of 2008

Remember that this class is helpful. It is going to be tough. It is going to seem way too long, but you will have some memories, some laughs, and a lot of knowledge by the time the class is finished. ~ Arielle Bryant, Class of 2008

Be able to form your own opinion. Also, be able to logically back those thoughts up. Yes, people may not agree with you. But it is very annoying when trying to have an analysis session on a piece when nobody will talk.

Read all the pieces Ms. Czapski assigns and be prepared to respond during the discussions. Discussions where no one responds to a piece results in more work than it would have been to just read the piece in the first place.

Work days in A.P. Comp. rarely happen, but when they do, work like mad. It is amazing how quickly the homework can pile up in this class sometimes, and having hours dedicated to work is a gift from above. ~ Sarah Fraser, Class of 2008

Do your reading! Most of the pieces read in A.P. Comp. are pretty short. The longest I ever read was a certain amount of chapters within two weeks or so. If you just learn to manage your time effectivly, you can get it all done fast.

~ Katie Hepfinger, Class of 2008

Don't complain to Ms. Czapski. Unless it was a life or death situation, which it probably wasn't, don't complain to Ms. Czapski about your printer not working, or forgetting your paper at home. Everything is your responsibility, not hers.

~ Katie Hepfinger, Class of 2008

Study the Rhetorical Terms. Those terms lay the foundation for your annotating and literary knowledge. Not only will they help you understand literature and texts better, but they'll win you a good score on your numerous rhetorical terms tests.

~ Katie Hepfinger, Class of 2008

Even if you’re a master of procrastination and multi-tasking, it won’t fly in this class. Ms. Czapski can sense rushed work by reading the first paragraph of an essay. Unless failing and being singled out in class is your style, allow plenty of time to create quality work. ~ Sarah Fraser, Class of 2008

DO EXTRA CREDIT! It's pretty much impossible to fail Ms. Czapski's A.P. Comp. class with all the extra credit she gives. It ranges from merely passing out papers to doing a video project. The possibilties are endless. So just suck it up, and do some extra work here and there. ~ Katie Hepfinger, Class of 2008

Regarding Socratic Seminars, when it is your turn to lead, come up with more questions than you will ever think necessary. You might think a dozen or so questions are enough, but you’d be surprised how quickly a discussion can die without constant feeding of new ideas. ~ Sarah Fraser, Class of 2008

Make sure you study for rhetorical terms tests and really know the words. It doesn't seem like a lot of points at the time but they add up and it will help your grade if you continually do well on them. The same goes for "Quack:" pay attention to the movie and come to class early to recieve extra credit. Don't miss easy points. ~ Aleea Laird, Class of 2008

No matter what other homework you have, always complete the reading for this class. Don’t try to skim the reading before class or simply ask other students what happened. Plot summary does not help at all when engaging in class discussion. If you don’t read, Ms. Czapski will know; she has a sixth sense for these things. ~ Sarah Fraser, Class of 2008

Never attempt to do other work (especially math) during class, even if you think you’re being discreet about it. For that matter, never attempt to engage in any sort of activity other than the discussion at hand; Ms. Czapski will see your calculator, watch you scurry to read last night’s homework, and she hears any and all side conversation. ~ Sarah Fraser, Class of 2008

Even if a piece is the most boring piece in the world, introduce out-of-the-box ideas to keep the discussion going and make it interesting. Even if you aren’t sure of an answer, say what you’re thinking and it may lead to bigger ideas. This skill is most useful during Socratic Seminars, when discussion can lag if no one says anything. ~ Sarah Fraser, Class of 2008

TALK! When it comes to A.P. Comp., you need to talk. Talking and discussing is a major component of the class and you can't really afford not to. Not only will you hear what other people think and believe, but you might even discover some interesting opinions that you never knew you had. Plus, participation points are always good. ~ Katie Hepfinger, Class of 2008

Ban the word “like” from your written and verbal vocabulary. Ms. Czapski will throw things at you if you use it one too many times. Ban other “words without meaning” from your vocabulary; it’s surprising - when you don’t use general words in your vocabulary, your writing significantly improves, making your more ready for college-style writing. ~ Sarah Fraser, Class of 2008

Rhetorical terms can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Take time to study for the weekly tests, they become easy points you’re going to need. Also, keep studying the terms past the mid-term exam, they come in handy when taking the A.P. Exam; terms show up on the multiple choice tests and you need to know them to write the essays. ~ Sarah Fraser, Class of 2008

Make the A.P. Comp. calendar on the internet your home page. There are some things that Ms. Czapski doesn’t remind you of, and it’s all on the calendar. During the second semester, when multiple things are due on the same day, glancing at the calendar can help keep everything in line. Ms. Czapski also adds school-wide events on the days they happen, so check the calendar every single day. ~ Sarah Fraser, Class of 2008

Never forget when it's a quack day!

Arrive in class early for Quacktivities so you can earn extra-credit. ~ Alex Dinello, Class of 2009

Follow the advice. This sounds ridiculous, and some of the other pieces of advice seem absurd, but they’re all true. In order to really learn and prepare for the A.P. Exam in May, you must bring your A-Game to class everyday. This class isn’t just about learning how to analyze writing; it’s about preparing for college, keeping on a tight schedule, and giving your all. If all this advice is followed, I can assure you of having a fun and successful year in A.P. Comp. ~ Sarah Fraser, Class of 2008

Don't ever pretend you are stupid as a way to attract boys because eventually you will be that stupid. ~ Molly Belisle, Class of 2009

It is your LAST YEAR in high school, take advantage of what you can learn this year; things are only bound to get more difficult. Manage your time, learn how to work better with others, ask questions, and basically everything else people generally tell you to do.

~ Sara Weiss, Class of 2008

On a more general note, don't let your personal life influence your academic life. Things may be awful, but if you just stop caring, you don't have anything anymore.

First: Do not make scratch noises with your mouth and hand during class, EVEN IF NOTHING IS HAPPENING. Mrs. Erickson will threaten you. Not fun.

Real main advice: Talk during Socratic seminars. You learn more about yourself during these than you ever thought you would. Trust me. If you do not have an opinion on evolution, feminism, racism, eating food out of garbage, or wars in space, you will. Usually that opinion will just be the opposite of a person you dislike (not really, but sometimes…).

Also, make sure you check the calendar. But only to find out the days for watching movies. Those are the days you go to class earlier than usual to get the really whole-heartedly amazing pink pillow with the armrest things. Yeah, best pillow.

Something else: You will probably be taught some grammar (GREMMAR) rules. As you can see, after you finish this class, you might still need them, but you will not want them. Just read this page again. I used second person, words in all caps, sentence fragments, and a preposition is what I am about to end this sentence with. Take that grammar!

Watch what you say loudly with Mrs. Erickson around. It will probably end up on the quote board.

Lure Mr. Wabel to class with promises of donuts or bagels. Then you can stall the whole hour talking about who-knows-what. Most likely about Mrs. Erickson’s strange infatuation with Dave Eggers.

Play Scruples.

Pray you have someone in your class who will easily freak out, especially during discussions. It makes class more fun when you can keep a freak-out tally on the board and have something to strive for during boring analyses of pieces nobody read.

Finally, enjoy this class. It will probably be the most fun you will have in a high school class, and that is no exaggeration. It may be tough, but if you stick with it and actually try to be involved, you have fun. ~ Tanner Gallant, Class of 2009

The A.P. Comp. Advice Jingle

To live through A.P. Composition, plenty you will need.

With guidance from my silly poem, more likely you'll succeed.

Every day of senior year you'll yearn to procrastinate.

Let that get the best of you, your life you'll truly hate.

When you feel lazy just make sure you do your work.

For if you're un-admitted you will surely go berserk.

When assigned a piece of lit. in class make sure you read it well.

For if you fail to do so, your poor grade will go to heck.

Memorize your acronyms, your terms, and Composition guide.

I personally neglected such, and therefore my good grade quickly died.

Take advantage of extra credit no matter how apathetic.

You may need to take some time but an 'E' is just pathetic.

Throw in your words of wisdom in every class discussion.

Don't mind if you sound ridiculous, less points equals destruction.

Be respectful, conscientious, punctual and tact.

You'll do well, I've got faith in you! A.P. Compton is where it's at!

Dear incoming A.P. Compton students ~ You are in for a real treat this upcoming year. A.P. Comp. is not just for anybody. By finishing the summer assignment, you have already proven that you are willing to work. Believe me, you will be doing a lot of work. Be prepared to have homework every week, and be prepared to read. This class is tough, as the answers will not be given to you by the text or by Mrs. Erickson. However, you have the tools to excel, you just need to harness them. First off, analyze the text, not the piece of writing. The author makes certain choices when writing, and you must know what those choices are, and why the author chose to make them. Next, make sure you participate in class discussions. It not only shows that you are doing the work and willing to state your thoughts and opinions, but it also makes you very likable. You will grow to love your classmates, and by the end of the year you will become much more than students sharing the same hour and teacher; you will become a family. A.P. Comp. will be a lot of work, but it will also be a lot of fun as well. Take this oportunity to express yourself, and tell Mrs. Erickson who is boss. Just make sure you complete all the work to the best of your ability, do not procrastinate, and most of all, enjoy the class. A.P. Comp. is what you make of it, so do not miss out on this great priviledge to study college-level material and have fun in the process.

Hello my underclassmen. I, as a just-previous senior, am obliged to guide you through the darkness that we call high school. There is nothing I can do besides giving you advice, so here it is. Stay on top of things. Always keep a planner, always know what is due when, and always know what you're doing in class. Master the material of the day so you don't have to waste time another day relearning it. Time is a valuable thing. Learn how to manage it wisely. You must prioritize and build a sense of responsibility. It's a part of growing up and high school isn't a bad place to start these habits. Never let anything bog you down. Always be positive, and you will shine. Make many friends, never prejudge, and never, ever bully anyone in any way. By bullying, you're just showing how weak and stupid you are. By being a generally happy person, people around you will act the same way, resulting in a Utopian society. That is all I have for you my underclassmen. Good luck, and I bid you farewell.

More to come at a later date...