2 answers
Kendra
Student
Folsom, California
2
Questions
Asked
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How can I get a good grade in organic chemistry?
I want to do well in my classes so I want advise. #college
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2 answers
Meighan Middleton
Former College Advisor and Admissions Professional/Surface Warfare Officer
38
Answers
Newport, Rhode Island
Updated
Meighan’s Answer
The best way to succeed in Organic Chemistry (or any other difficult class) is through a combination of hard work and self-discipline and by seeking out all available resources.
Your personal hard work and self-discipline matters the most. It sounds obvious, bu attend class, having done the reading and homework prior to assigned lecture time. Take detailed notes in a way that works for you. I recommended using a gridded notebook for Organic Chemistry so you can easily draw chemical reactions. A dry erase/white board may be helpful as well during your homework so you can practice drawing and re-drawing reactions without wasting paper. Show up ready for labs, and complete all lab reports promptly. Come up with a detailed study plan that covers what homework you will complete each day and what topics you will review, so you can avoid cramming before exams. Organic Chemistry moves quickly and it is easy to fall behind.
Consider all available resources for help, starting with the free ones. These can include:
-Your Professor's office hours
-Your TA's office hours
-Any chemistry tutoring or peer tutoring offered through you college
-Forming a study group with classmates
-Attending all test reviews offered by the Professor or TA
-Using online resources offered by your textbook company-many textbooks also have a free website with problem sets, examples, and answers
-Using YouTube resources such as Khan Academy to view course concepts explained in a different way
-Re-listening to lectures that confused you if recordings are available (many schools post audio recordings of lectures on the course's website)
If you are still struggling after utilizing all free resources, it may be beneficial to hire a personal tutor. Your Professor or TA may even be able to recommend one that knows the course well. This is an investment but often working with a private tutor forces you to be accountable and prepared for each session.
Good luck!
Your personal hard work and self-discipline matters the most. It sounds obvious, bu attend class, having done the reading and homework prior to assigned lecture time. Take detailed notes in a way that works for you. I recommended using a gridded notebook for Organic Chemistry so you can easily draw chemical reactions. A dry erase/white board may be helpful as well during your homework so you can practice drawing and re-drawing reactions without wasting paper. Show up ready for labs, and complete all lab reports promptly. Come up with a detailed study plan that covers what homework you will complete each day and what topics you will review, so you can avoid cramming before exams. Organic Chemistry moves quickly and it is easy to fall behind.
Consider all available resources for help, starting with the free ones. These can include:
-Your Professor's office hours
-Your TA's office hours
-Any chemistry tutoring or peer tutoring offered through you college
-Forming a study group with classmates
-Attending all test reviews offered by the Professor or TA
-Using online resources offered by your textbook company-many textbooks also have a free website with problem sets, examples, and answers
-Using YouTube resources such as Khan Academy to view course concepts explained in a different way
-Re-listening to lectures that confused you if recordings are available (many schools post audio recordings of lectures on the course's website)
If you are still struggling after utilizing all free resources, it may be beneficial to hire a personal tutor. Your Professor or TA may even be able to recommend one that knows the course well. This is an investment but often working with a private tutor forces you to be accountable and prepared for each session.
Good luck!
Ken Simmons
Assist with Recognizing and Developing Potential
1695
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Ken’s Answer
Hi Kendra
Congratulations on being interested in a very challenging and rewarding field!
Here are two sites that will tell you much about how you can do well in organic chemistry.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQkcNeIgdoU
http://www.wikihow.com/Pass-Organic-Chemistry
Also talk to you chemistry teacher for help. Also talk to you school counselor about ways to improve your studying habits. That will help also in college.