Deborah and Ambar's Declassified iPrep Survival Guide

By: Deborah Augustin, Senior, and Ambar Aballo-Ruiz, Senior

Welcome to your “end all be all” manual for achieving the greatest experience at iPrep Academy! The rules listed below are curated by expert seniors who have been through the toughest times of the high school experience and, looking through our list, we have noticed that life seems to get more complicated as the years go by.  ​ 

Freshmen

• If you are taking AP World History, be sure to attend Boot Camp at the end of the year. It will save your little booty. Also, memorize and know by heart every single Chinese Dynasty. Whether it’s in the multiple choice or SAQ section, it’s always there! 
• If you don’t think that Muller knows you cheat, guess again. She definitely knows. 
• See procration advice at the end. 

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Sophomores

• Never EVER, under any circumstances have an excuse for not doing your work in Keller’s class.
• Never misuse the comma– you get this.
• The sooner you start searching for internships the better, especially if you don’t want to be matched. The internet is quite reliable, though you can also ask Ms. Hauser and Ms. Keller for advice. They tend to have great connections. 

Juniors

• Juggling between two or three AP Classes this year? Well, say goodbye to sleep! We can’t help you there (just kidding). For one, Princeton and Barron review books are like keys to the universe. Be sure to buy them early in the school year when they are much cheaper. Start reviewing for exams about a month and a half in advance. It’s impossible to crunch a year’s worth of learning into two weeks, but about a month IS possible. 

• When it comes to internship, always show up and don’t try to forge any signatures. No matter how clever you think you are, Ms. Villucci WILL find out. 
• Real talk: If you don’t like your internship there are two things you should know. ​
  1. ​​​​There’s always senior year. 
  2. Try to make the best out of your situation. View it as an opportunity to make connections and embellish your resume. Believe us, you don’t know how valuable it is until you write your college application. It is perceived as an excellent extra-curricular activity.
• ​​​​Here are the steps to get a perfect score on the SAT:​
  1. ​​​​Lock yourself in your room. 
  2. Buy 12 SAT prep books (and some ice cream).
  3. Cry.
• ​​Alright, seriously though, what you actually need to do is lower your expectations for the first time you take this test. Everyone takes it about 3 times–– once during December of junior year, again around May or June, and once during August of senior year. You have months to refine your own system of studying, so don’t try to cram for the first exam. Instead, practice for the math section and grammar section on Khan Academy and also buy the Official SAT Study Guide by the College Board. Time yourself while doing practice exams to simulate the real deal. ​

For Everyone

• Why is Mr.Sultz’s room warmer than Ms. Keller’s? Don’t ask, just bring a sweater.
• Procrastination is your absolute worst enemy. Though relaxation is important, you shouldn't let it consume you. Stay away from youtube recommendations. They’re like chips––you can’t have just one. One minute you’re watching crash course, the next you’re watching Jefree Star doing an ASMR mukbang. Try to create a schedule in the notes app of your computer or even set reminders on your phone,so that you don’t miss assignments.

We hope this guide was helpful and made what to expect of high school a little less terrifying. Life does get more complicated as the years go on, but we know that you are capable of going above and beyond, why else would you be at iPrep?