Darren Sandvig
Data based on 2 reviews.
What kind of test questions does this teacher use most often (choose one):
Multiple ChoiceIs the teacher available for extra help during study halls, lunchtime, before or after school, etc.?
Almost AlwaysThe teacher responds to emails promptly. Do you...
Strongly AgreeThe teacher posts in-class materials online for reference (slides, etc.):
Almost AlwaysThe teacher lets us know at the beginning of the course and along the way how much each part of the class (homework, papers, quizzes and tests) counts towards our total grade:
Strongly AgreeHow much homework does this teacher assign?
Way too muchThe amount of writing required in this class is:
Very HighThe teacher allows us to use technology in class (e.g. laptop, calculator, smart pen, etc.)
Almost AlwaysHow much memorization is required to do well in this teacher’s course?
Very HighWhat advice would you give yourself if you were just starting the class now?
Class of 2026
Read ahead before the lectures. Before each test, do the multiple choice practice questions in the textbook for that chapter. Towards the end of the school year, expect one chapter test per week. Don't take too many notes; it's better to pay attention to the lecture. I found that by listening to his lecture, it was easier to understand the textbook and breeze through the study guide. If you do well on all the chapter tests you shouldn't need to study for the midterms and finals.
Class of 2026
Make sure you take notes and READ AHEAD. The second a chapter test happens, start reading for the next chapter. Most days are basically college-style lectures. There are a handful of labs sprinkled in as well. This is a very rigorous class that requires a lot of memorization and studying. Expect to have a study guide, crossword, and 1-2 Gizmos to do every week. Tests are graded on a skew (the top handful of kids set the high score). Extra credit is offered if you beat the high score (only possible if you study incredibly hard). There are two midterms and a final each semester. These three tests make up 60% of your final grade.
Additional Comments
Class of 2026
Two main points I need to touch on: DO NOT ASK FOR EXTRA CREDIT OR GRADE ROUND-UPS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. He will remove all of your semester extra credit if you ask for a round-up. LATE WORK IS NEVER ACCEPTED, even if you have an excused absence. If you have an excused absence, he will excuse (but not grade) labs. Study guides, crosswords, and Gizmos are almost never excused under any circumstances, and you will receive a zero. However, putting aside all of the rigorous rules and class as a whole, this is an extremely valuable class that you will learn from. The class itself attempts to recreate an AP environment, which is helpful if you plan on taking one in the future.