Unless you're a native chinese speaker, which about 70-90% of the students are, you will feel very behind especially you're trying to take the AP Chinese exam. I would recommend using a extra supplement, like a textbook or review book, to take notes with as lessons feel very disorganized. There tends to not be a routine lesson plan and class often digresses to youtube videos and miscellaneous websites. You give a 1-2 minute speech or presentation almost every month in preparation for the AP, but you are allowed to look at a script which defeats the purpose of doing the speech in the first place (since on the exam you have you generate a speech on the spot with minimal notes). One good note is that if you want to do well but are struggling and communicate this with Mr. Qiu, he will set up times to help you often afterclass. But that puts the burden on you to make sure to reach out for his help.