Supplies for Life:

• Get your own personal GMAIL/GOOGLE ACCOUNT
  • Your username needs to be professional and as simple as possible (ex. cbennett@gmail.com, elizabeth.tudor@gmail.com, jeffersonthomas@gmail.com; NOT iloveturtles@gmail.com or hotporschedude@gmail.com)
    • Using your real name makes it clear who is corresponding.
    • Just think, would you want to give iloveturtles@gmail.com when you're applying to work at a law office or emailing your professor
  • It doesn't have to be Gmail, but most other email domains seem less professional and up to date
  • Don't rely on your school google account
    • You will lose it when you graduate (High School or College); you don't want to rely on it
    • Use school accounts for the special access they give you, but don't put all your eggs in the same basket
  • DO NOT give out this email freely.
    • If you're applying for college or a job - use it.
    • If you're signing up for Old Navy Rewards or a Vegetarian mailing list, use a different, junk email account so your good, real account doesn't get spammed (for which iloveturtles@gmail.com is fine, but remember you will audibly be spelling that to the Bath and Body Works lady at the check out line)
• Organize your life
  • Binders, accordion folders, etc.
    • By now you should know how to best organize your class notes and papers, if you don't, figure out a system or follow the one suggested by your instructor.
  • Have a place for all your important papers
  • Maintain a list of awards and extra curricular activities so that you can build a resume later
• If you don't have Microsoft Office/don't want to pay over $100 to get it, use these free open-source alternatives:
  • LibreOffice
  • OpenOffice

How to Succeed in AP Courses:

• Do the Work
  • Read when assigned
  • Study your notes daily/weekly
  • Write outlines for possible exam essays
  • Take good notes
  • Ask questions if you don't understand something
• Consider purchasing a test prep book (not required, but may be helpful as you study for the exam, especially if you took the class in the Fall!)
  • Barron's AP European History, 8th Edition
  • AP® European History Crash Course Book
  • Cracking the AP European History Exam, 2017 Edition
  • 5 Steps to a 5: AP European History 2017
• Form a Study Group
  • Get together outside of class to study readings, for tests, get feedback on writing
  • Make sure everyone will work
  • Don't turn it into an excuse to go to Starbucks and hang out, actually use the time
  • This does not mean get together and copy answers
    • that is plagiarism and it will result in a zero and an office referral, but there is nothing wrong with helping each other.

Ten Tips for Success in AP Euro:

1)Ask for help when you need it! I will be happy to answer any questions and help you in any way I can.

2) Be self motivated. One of the features of a college level course is that students assume a greater level of responsibility for their academic achievement.

3) Greater emphasis is placed on test performance. Develop good study habits and allow plenty of time to get yourself ready for tests.

4) Form study groups! Get together with classmates to help each other review.

5) Improve your note-taking skills. We will be taking notes from lectures as well as from reading. We will talk about note-taking techniques in class.

6) Get organized. Keep your binder in order so that the notes you take will help you prepare for the AP test in May.

7) Attend class every day. We will be doing something each day to help you succeed on the AP Euro test.

8) Read every day. Don’t put off all the reading until a couple days before a test or quiz.

9) Limit distractions in class by staying away from your cell phone.

10) Stay positive. It may take you a couple weeks to adjust to the pace of the course. Work hard, challenge yourself, and ask if you need help. I am here to help you do well in class.