So, it's the end of my AP Seminar journey. Through the research papers, presentations, and writing assignments it's hard to imagine that I truly enjoyed the course, but it's true! I feel that AP Seminar is one of those classes where you can finally enjoy the class in hindsight, although not while you are up at 1 a.m. in the morning finishing your IWA.
Which brings to my first point: Don't Procrastinate!
Please, just don't it's not worth it! As much as I regret to say that it's possible to complete an IWA overnight, the quality will be atrocious. Try to pace yourself, maybe 100 words a day for a week, and you should be done in a week and a half. Another issue with procrastination is forgetting. Too many days off from your research and you might start forgetting those amazing ideas you wanted to incorporate in your essay. Try to do a small amount of work every day. I know there is a new Fortnite season but put down the controller, start typing, and you will thank me later (hopefully not at 2 A.M. in the morning the night before).
In terms of your presentations: Relax! I know it might be hard to do while you are memorizing your script, but let me just tell you...relax! Often there are 3 types of people during presentations: the unprepared, the people that memorize the key points, and the person that memorized the entire thing word for word. Personally, I am the latter, but I would strongly suggest trying to memorize only the main points. Not only will this help you in memorizing, but it will also help you to prepare for hiccups during the presentation. My teacher always told us before our presentations: the best Jazz players improv; if you ever mess up, keep going! If you mess up, calm down, inhale, and continue.
EOC Part A and Part B! Double trouble? No, it's actually pretty straight forward. In terms of EOC Part A, just break down the argument into paragraphs and just write about how it conveys an argument! It's not that bad once you just get your pen on the paper and don't worry about anything else....other than the timer. For EOC Part B, all you need to do is show the AP Reader your own voice, YOU control the sources, use them at your will.
If I learned anything from AP Seminar, it's how to construct an argument while using sources. Don't think of this class as a GPA booster; think of this class as a way to develop your writing skills. If you devoted to your learning, I promise that you will come out a better writer and thinker at the end of the year.
If you are also taking AP Language, then this class is essentially the same concept. EOC Part A is a rhetorical analysis. EOC Part B is Syntheis. IWA is an Argument. The skills you learn in these classes can be transferred to each other and will help you succeed in both classes. If you aren't in AP Language, this class will prepare you really well for AP Lang. Trust me! Your synthesis and argument skills will improve!
With that said, keep up on contemporary politics/news. Not only will this help with EOC Part B, but it will also help you to formulate topics for your PT1 and PT2 projects. Additionally, it's just a good thing to know where the world stands currently, helping you be a more educated scholar, which will show in your writing. As for my class, it's been a wild ride! We went through the tragic shootings at Parkland, Trump's impeachment, Kobe's death, the Australian fires, Corona, negative oil prices, a giant economic recession, suspension of Olympics, etc. Wow, it's a lot!
TL;DR AP Seminar teaches you how to think and write, not only as a student but also as a scholar and independent thinker.
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