Applied chemistry and biology, or simply CBA (the preferred French abbreviation) is one of the 2 branches in our « prestigious » institute (mind the quotation marks).

During both semesters. Yes, you get 2 semesters. Each semester has its own subjects. In other terms, whatever you studied in the first semester, you won’t be going back to in the next one. It is worth noting, however, that they are complementary. (WOHOOO!)

There are 9 subjects in the first semester and 10 in the second. Sounds delightful, right? (I’d like to see your face starting the second year *evil laugh*).

Let’s break those subjects down:

Take my word, CBA is easier than your high school senior year. You’ve to be a complete moron not to pass. The minimum amount of work is required to guarantee yourself a safe passage on to the next year. (Yes, I’m judging you already!)

FAIR WARNING THOUGH: Your yearly average will play a major role in sealing your fate the following year.

The timetable has been the same since I set foot in the institute (you got math on Friday in the first semester).

No matter what section you chose in high school, it won’t give you any advantage over your peers. You walk in with even chances.

Now let’s talk about your options for the second year, giving that you’ve passed your first. Obviously, due to falsified public opinion, chemistry is the best branch to choose (higher chance of securing a job after graduation, bla bla bla!), which I think why it has a higher score of admission than biology. Take my advice, follow whichever you think would be comfortable for you or you may risk failing and trust me, you don’t want to experience the feeling.

Oh you want to drop out and go to med school? Be my guest, chemistry lessons may jog your memory on last year’s PH lessons (equations and all) but that’s it. You’ll have to keep your last year’s stuff for your revision.

Let me show you something:

• 2014

• 2015

• 2016

• 2017

• 2018

Is your score ranged inside these intervals? If yes, you’re in luck. If not, you should’ve worked harder.

Hold on, now! I’ve got some pro tips for ya! :

1- Feel free to skip as many classes as you’d like to. Just beware when one of the professors starts getting irritated by the lack of students’ presence. Those professors can and WILL use exams as vengeance.

2- When you decide to skip classes, make sure you’re sculpting some of your skills. Read a book, help organize an event, dedicate some time for clubs (we have a WIDE variety of those), find a way to make extra pocket money… Just don’t waste your time sitting around, doing nothing.

3- DON’T SKIP ‘TP’. YOU WILL REGRET IT. (because I did)

4- We have a library. Trust me, some of the professors actually plagiarize some of its books and use them as exams.

5- If you’re not a coffee person, BECOME ONE. I LOVE COFFEE!!

6- Explore the institute inch by inch. (The rooftops are awesome places)

7- Make allies! This is crucial. You need good friends who will lend you their notes to copy from.