Hello! Thought id include my first week experience for those anxiously reading this forum like I was before my start date. Im actually in week three now though so cheating a little.
It was so much fun! I didn’t know what to expect coming in and that really scared me, but the first day even took so much weight off my shoulders. Yes, it is like drinking water out of a firehose and everybody will tell you that, but it is nothing you cant handle!! Plus, Everybody in the training center is so willing to help explain anything you need whenever something is hard to understand and that really helps. I learned more than I thought I could in a week. Im in the TOLs (Takeoff and Landing) phase now and even looking back two weeks ago I feel like I have grown in every aspect. ATP really sets you up with anything you could need to get through this, and its laid out for you so well. Weather has been delaying everybody a bit, but that just gives more time for studying hahah.
When it comes to the PAR, try to take it before. I do think doing that would’ve been beneficial. Don’t worry though if you cant, it is totally manageable to do during the program and honestly its really helpful to be able to ask your instructor or other students for help understanding questions.
Biggest advice: have a positive mindset going into this to where you see even a rough landing as just another chance to improve. talk to everybody at your center!!! Ive learned tips from people around that have helped me more than things I have read in books (and they are just cool people). Also, celebrate small victories!!
Hoping for many more positive updates on here soon 
). “Study hard and fly safely!”