Dear Future APELC Student,
Currently, you are probably really nervous. You have most likely heard that this course is impossible to get an A in, that it is so much work, and that papers are graded so harshly. However, I'm here to tell you that while the class will definitely be a bit of a challenge, it is not impossible. In fact, there are many things that you should be prepared to do in order to strive for an A in this class. First, I would highly recommend starting work as soon as it is assigned! Mr. Yost/Ms. Pronko will normally give assignments, such as papers, about a month in advance. Use this to your benefit! Go to Ms. Pronko's room before school or after school to try and get some feedback on a rough draft. I would normally share it on google doc with her or even send her a quick email asking when would be a good time to pop in. Mr. Yost has weekly office hours, which is a great way to stop in for a few minutes and ask for help or a quick read of your rough draft. Ultimately, you do not want to wait last second with assignments. Use the amount of time they give you efficiently. Another tip would be to put effort into your work. I know in some classes, you are able to not take notes or read and still participate in class discussions or pass a test. This is not a class you want to do that in! The reading and note making assigned is for your benefit, so make sure you do it and don't just write down random things. You'll thank yourself especially during the unit tests when some questions will pertain to specific notes mentioned in the Language of Composition textbook. Also, with symposiums, you want to make sure you read and understand the texts. If not, Mr. Yost/Ms. Pronko will be able to realize because when you participate in class discussions, you won't be referencing the text as much and will not be able to go in depth. Lastly, DO YOUR TOWS. Surprisingly, I know a number of students who don't do their weekly TOW, which to me just doesn't make sense. First of all, it is an easy 10 point homework assignment, and will bring down your grade if not completed. Second, in the long run, it actually will help. Week after week, you'll notice that the way you analyze texts gets better, and you are able to explain strategies much more effectively. Overall, you will be just fine, but don't think that this is a class where you can do no work because, trust me, only hard-work will get you an A.
Good Luck!
- Nina Kapoor
