AP Guide

By The Samohi StaffScience Classes:AP Biology- Much of what you learn in the class answers everyday curiosities about life. After taking the class, I learned a lot about the world around me and also how to study efficiently. What worked best for me was actually understanding the material, not just memorizing it. I would recommend this class to anyone who is willing to put in the work because although it is tough most of the time, the wealth of knowledge is worth it. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 12.6% Cal- 8.3%AP Chemistry - AP Chemistry is a rigorous yet extremely rewarding class for those with an interest in physical science. Labs are frequent, for each unit you are expected to print out the pre-written notes (say a prayer for your printer), tests are given monthly and there is daily homework. Both Ms. Lipetz and Ms. Snyder are amazing teachers and while there will be a lot to learn, they will surely prepare you. You will create close “bonds” with your classmates and chem memes will get you through titrations. 10/10 class. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 19.5% Cal- 16.1%AP Environmental Science - APES is a challenging, yet empowering course to take if you’re interested in the environment. The tests are difficult, but as long as you know ALL of the information on the notes, they are doable. The homework load directly depends on the way you perform on the test; if you get an A on a test you are exempt from the next unit’s homework. Also, Mr. Gaida is a gem. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 9.1% Cal- 24.7%AP Physics C - Do you want to know why things happen around you at every second of every moment? Take physics. It will blow your mind. But know - if you’re not someone who understands everything the moment it is taught to you (which I am not),  it will definitely kick your a$$ at times. Make sure you can do derivatives and integrals. Those are really important. Also, both teachers are super-duper smart (I had both in a year) and have lots of office hours for stressed-out over-achievers! 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 21.2% Cal- 30.0%Language and Elective Classes:AP Spanish 5 - AP Spanish Language and Culture, is an incredible class in which students have the opportunity to read, write and learn in Spanish. The class has a steep learning curve as often it is a student's first time writing full essays, reading and learning completely in Spanish; however, Ms. Bautista will never leave a student behind and puts huge effort into assuring that every student completely comprehends each concept. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 62.7% Cal- 22.3%AP Spanish 6 - In this class, we read and analyze around 35+  different pieces of literature in Spanish al by different authors from a variety of time periods and nationalities. Usually in class we will read the text together and work to analyze it. Quizzes test our understanding of the text, including rhetorical devices used and the structure of the literature. The hardest part is understanding the literature because it usually used outdated or very advanced vocabulary, but SRa. Wethern does a good job of clarifying any confusion surrounding the text. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 11.1% Cal- 7.6%AP Language and Composition - AP Lang is a great first AP for students wanting to challenge themselves linguistically. The curriculum is taught towards the exam and you are trained to write rhetorical analysis, argument and synthesis essays. Much of the material covered in this class will show up on the SAT and ACT. The workload mostly consists of keeping up with your reading. As long as you do your work throughout the year, you’ll be prepared for the AP test. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 12.2% Cal- 10.0%AP English Literature and Composition - AP Lit is one of the few AP classes that actually resemble a college course. As far as workload, expect daily reading assignments broken up only by lengthy essays at the end of each book. Despite the quantity, though, AP Lit is rarely a source of undue stress. In-class discussions are interesting, assignment deadlines are reasonable and most of the literature is genuinely engaging. Highly recommended for all but the most STEM-oriented students. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 20.3% Cal- 6.1%AP Japanese - AP Japanese is the last step towards mastery of the Japanese language. Ms. Kariya has spent many years teaching the course and has provided a very laid back environment for learning Japanese. Japanese at this level mainly revolves around learning Kanji, vocab, culture and grammar rules. This class prepares student to travel to Japan and is a wonderful experience overall. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 3.8% Cal- 51.2%AP Studio Art - AP Art is a chance for students to explore a diverse range of mediums that would otherwise cost hundreds of dollars if not for the wonderful Ms. Bouse. Every Friday there are group critiques where you can get feedback from your peers and enjoy delicious potluck. Entry to the class is selective and requires the submission of a portfolio. The last day to apply for the 2019-20 year class is March 8.  2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 6.9% Cal- 18.1%History Classes: AP World History - The class will cover events spanning from the first civilizations in Mesopotamia to 21st century metropolises. Efficient study habits and a determined mentality are a must for success. The curriculum forces students to think about events with a wider perspective and understand the dynamic interplay of politics, economy, culture and religion over a myriad of societies. Preparing for the AP exam includes breaking down overarching themes into subsections and developing skills for evidence-supported essay writing. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 7.6% Cal- 8.6%AP United States History - The APUSH curriculum includes a large workload between the chapter reading and supplemental information. Despite this, if you stay on top of your work and do the extra credit, it is relatively easy to keep an A. There is a learning curve on mastering the types of writing assignments, but as long as you know your information, they’re no big deal. For any history junkie, or just someone looking for a challenge, it’s worth the effort. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 28.6% Cal- 11.5%AP Government - This class focuses on learning about our government through the constitution and bill of rights. Current events make up a large portion of class discussion and every student watches a sunday morning talk show to stay up to date. There is a fair amount of homework, but if you have taken an AP history before, it won’t be anything new. Chapter notes are required, but there is no specific format as long as they are complete. Both teachers are very passionate. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 13.9% Cal- 11.4%AP Econ - I enjoy taking the class. It is usually not too hard to comprehend, and I am genuinely interested in the course. However, this is the hardest class to get an A in that I’ve taken at Samo. One of the most challenging parts about this class is homework. In AP Econ, almost all homework is graded for accuracy. We usually have about 30-90 minutes of homework a night and there is no late work accepted. For tests, we usually have a multiple choice and FRQ. Lectures are done via powerpoint. If you decide to take AP Econ, you should expect to have to learn everything on your own in your own time. If you have questions on the material, don’t expect your teacher to know the answers. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 69.4% Cal- 18.0%AP Psychology - AP Psychology offers an in-depth look at the human psyche, the literal methods to our madness and who we are on a fundamental level. The class is lecture-based with frequent videos shown intermittently to help put a face to discussed-phenomenons. Homework-wise, you’re assigned weekly articles that relate to the content covered in class. Tests are specific but if you study, you will be fine. Mr. Thun is both exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about the class and you will find yourself drawing parallels between what you learn in class and your life daily. It’s one of the few classes I’ve taken at Samo that I walk away from feeling as though I’ve truly gained something from class and I would definitely recommend it to all incoming-seniors. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 23.2% Cal- 22.1% AP Human Geography - AP Human Geography is the best class for an overachieving underclassman looking to start their AP classes early. As the class is very memorization-based, it is important to go into the course with a genuine interest in the material. There is not a lot of homework, but the tests are difficult, so don’t let yourself fall into the trap of not doing any work outside of the classroom. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 13.3% Cal- 21.1%Math Classes: AP Calculus BC - Calculus BC is a must take for those who love math, and an interesting experience for those who don’t. While there is not too much homework, the tests and quizzes can be very stressful and difficult. MAKE SURE to study thoroughly for the AP, as at least for me it’s the hardest one. As long as you stay on top of studying and get extra help if needed, the class should be more enlightening than frustrating. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 30.0% Cal- 44.1%   AP Calculus AB - Calc AB is the perfect class for anyone who wants to explore calculus, but doesn’t feel ready to go to BC. This course begins with introducing the idea of calculus and quickly dives into the intricacies of higher level math.The tests are hard, so ask questions in class if there is ANYTHING you don’t understand because it will probably show up. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 9.3% Cal- 22.0%   AP Statistics - AP Statistics provides an analytical look at math, in oppose to Samo’s more theoretical courses. The class is logic-based so you don’t need to be a genius to to do well. Class activities include guided notes and real life applications of the material. The homework load is typically 30-45 minutes each night. The tests are multiple choice and free response. While they require review, nothing is too intensive. 2017-2018 AP Exam 5 Rate: Samo- 4.6% Cal- 15.4%