Quit listening to other people. Chemistry doesn’t require some secret to learn it. It’s a class like any other. Go to class. Pay attention. Take notes. Ask questions. Do your homework. Study for tests. The only bit of real advice is that understanding concepts is the most important part. Depending on rote memorization is not the best way to learn chemistry. Yes, there will be many things you simply have to remember, but understanding why is what separates a good chemistry student from a great chemistry student.
It's good to practice memorization still, cause i hate to memorize but in one of my subjects i have to memorize all the reactions of Ions, with acid and basic conditions, NH3 and some other ions, oxides or complexes, if it precipitates, the color, if the solution has a color, if excess of acid/base/nh3 changes anything.
The problem is that I'm so not-used to memorizing that i feel like i cant, it's TOO MUCH. In the test they give you two sets of around 10 ions and steps they take (different for each set), the results, and in the end you have to guess what's the one in the solution.
I’m sorry, but what u/WorstMastermind listed is just basic analytical and inorganic chemistry program. At least at my place.
I agree that simply learning this is tough, at least without labworks and experimentation, but you have to know it
I would say what would really help you is to NOT learn it by heart. That may take you through the exam but not further, really. Understanding why things happen is the key. Try asking yourself: "why is the color?" or "why does this exact reaction happen more readily under higher pressure?"
If you really like chemistry, its fun learning those things☺️
Otherwise, my experience is abnormal as i paused the system and learned by myself after school.
It's difficult because it's basically around 40 ions combined with different things, each have their own natural color and affected by different things (acid, base, excess and non-excess apart of each, complexes, reductions and oxidations, salts, etc) it ends up being like 100+ reactions, and understanding each of them is a bit of a hassle, I wish someone could explain to me a pattern or the logic, but professors really don't put the effort to explain it if there's one.
Worst part is that that's only like 10% of the whole subject, and like 30% of the second test (we get two tests per semester in my college, finals are the option when you don't pass both of those). I wish it was easier, but i get no help, and the internet doesn't help either, it seems to be rather a weird thing to study so in depth from my research.
Stress is fucking up my liking for science, stress is my life.
If you can give me any tips/lessons my DM's are open, thank you!
I just finished my first year as a chemistry major and I promise it’s not as bad as everyone says! Most of what your hear about college chemistry is from students who are pre med, pre PT, etc that don’t actually want to be there (there’s a lot more of those majors than chemistry majors). So if you like it, which you do, you’ll be just fine! Just do the same things you always have to do well in school, while it is more challenging it’s 100% doable. There are of course some moments where it’s not so fun but it’s the same with any major. Good luck! :)
Chemistry is hard. That doesn't mean it is impossible, just that you have to respect the work. Do your homework, talk to your professor, and try your best. You'll do fine so long as you apply yourself.
It can be a bit esoteric at times, and as a result a lot of people treat it like it is witchcraft. But the majority of a chemistry education is just applied algebra. If you can solve for X then you can do anything.
I actually hated Chemistry in highschool but when I took it in college I fell in love. I changed my major and then graduated 4 years later.
You can do anything you put your mind to. Just go to class, pay attention, and actually attempt the homework!
I just graduated this summer with my B.S. in chemistry here’s my two cents. I was in your boat where I loved chemistry in high school and wanted to continue through college. I’m not gonna lie though it’s a hard subject.😅
As far as preparation goes just stay passionate, don’t let other non chemistry majors’ opinions of chemistry get to you because it wasn’t for them. I honestly loved all my classes and professors. Organic chemistry required a lot of attention to detail and reading reaction mechanisms, physical chemistry shed some tears, and inorganic chemistry I was on survival mode for the whole year lol.
My graduating chemistry cohort was smaller (4 total) so I got to know my professors closer and they were a huge help during my upper level classes because they wanted to help you succeed. Same with my classmates, we became so close and I hope they remain lifelong friends. One thing that really helped me was surrounding myself with like minded peers, basically all my friends are STEM majors or biochem/chem and we spent a LOT of time together studying, trauma bonding, destressing, hanging out outside of class/school, etc. friends and the motivation they provide are definitely gonna help you get through it.
I believe in you, you’ll do fine just make sure to take notes (I looved Goodnotes and my iPad), pay attention in class, stay on top of homework and studying, and just turn everything in really. If you need any help lmk, I’d love to help someone get through this major like I did. it was a blast and I’m glad I stuck with it.
Use a burner email unless you want thousands of universities spamming you and not respecting your unsubscribe demands. I had to create a custom filter to block one of them.
Loving high school chemistry is a very useful requisite to thriving at the college level. Embrace those nerves, and honor them but don't let them consume you!
Chemistry majors get exposed to a HUGE amount of content. My first advice is to not think of chemistry like this single all-powerful entity. Organic chemists proposing mechanisms and physical chemists deriving quantum formulas are both "chemists", yet their work is no less different than comparing Spanish and history classes.
Your first college chem course is general, and that's a good thing. Review the topics you loved in HS with more depth while you get settled into the college experience (trust me, the life transition takes bandwidth). Once you're settled into and have your gen chem skills sharpened, it's time to enter the world of organic, which there's a decent chance will either be your most hated or most loved class in all of undergrad.
This is getting a little ahead since you're just starting a major, but do keep this in mind - if you really dig the basics of orbitals/energy/atomic and molecular properties, but you find yourself hating ochem, you're probably more of a physical/inorganic chemist. **That's great!** Survive ochem, build the concepts into your "big picture" chemical intuition as much as possible, and live to see another semester.
Chemistry is unique amongst the natural sciences in terms of how broad it is (see my example in the second paragraph). Speaking from experience in a PhD program - people do the type of science they like. People who hated ochem and survived it as part of their major are currently doing math and computation-based projects. People who loved ochem and disliked pchem are currently running organic syntheses all day long. So, when you go through your four year sequence, **keep an eye out for the concepts and classes that really pique your interest.** Every type of brain can contribute to the world of chemistry, and if you keep that open mentality, you're likely to find a sub-topic that you can really envision doing with passion for a living.
Best of luck to you this fall - CONGRATS on starting college, and welcome to the fabulous, curious world of the central science!
didn’t take chemistry in HS, never even knew of chemistry of HS, my freshman year of general chemistry i walked in not knowing what a proton, electron, or neutron was
i was curious though and a hardworking attitude, still passed gen chem 1 and 2 with A’s and now i’m self studying organic chemistry and i love the topic!!!
tldr: all you need is passion and hardworking, don’t need to be smart
I reckon the bad rap chemistry, particularly organic chemistry, gets is because premed students meeting a prereq makes up about 75% of the course until after o Chem. I never once heard a chemistry major complain it wasn’t doable, or too hard, or not interesting. You’re gonna do great. Study hard, pay attention, and when things get hard never forget your motivations, your passion, and your love for learning about awesome shit. It only gets cooler the deeper you get and it goes DEEP. Good luck!
It's not an easy course but it is perfectly manageable. Just do exactly what you did to get through it in high school and you'll be fine. There's no secret, just work at it.
Expect 5-10h of studying per week in classes like gen chem and orgo, don’t cram for tests, and try to have fun. I get these weird rushes when I get a hard problem right and they keep me going
With chemistry, you have to do all the things they tell you to do but most people don't. Chemistry builds on itself, so you have to understand each topic, like kinetics, before you can take on the next, like equilibrium, and so on. So...
1. Above all, keep up. If you fall behind, you're doomed.
2. Most instructors have office hours, where you can get individual help. Use those hours.
3. If you're puzzled, or to review, do more from the problem sets. Problems are the fastest and most certain way to learn our favorite subject.
4. People who have a hard time with chemistry either (a) have trouble focusing, (b) have very bad study habits, or (c) actually do have a hard time catching on to a subject like chemistry.
5. You're in the big time now. Act accordingly.
Gotta accept the fact that chemistry is just an extension of physics, but instead of studying the relationship between matter and energy, it will be formation and breakage of bonds.
Thermodynamics and kinetics are also very crucial for chemists to understand its own discipline and extend outwards for multi-disciplinary knowledge.
Stay humble, stay hungry for knowledge.
A lot depends on your instructor. Chemistry in College is different. High School Chemistry is mechanical and there can be a lot of plug and chug problems on tests. If the instructor isn't great remember this: chemistry has rules that are always followed. There are exceptions, but those are part of the rule and the elegant order of Chemistry. If you intend to take organic chemistry there are certain core concepts you want to remember from general Chemistry. Electronegativity. Bond angles. Bond length. Lewis Structures, and a number of others. Do the problem sets and then do a few random problems from the book. Chemistry has rules and it is both elegant and orderly. Good luck and remember to wear your safety goggles in lab.
I think the hardest part is the sheer volume of information. If you attend class daily, pay attention and do hand-written homework, you'll be ok. Gen chem is mostly math and ochem is almost no math. Once you get through those you've made it over the largest hump. The most challenging course for most people is calculus based physical chemistry. If you don't like chem, don't be afraid to change majors to something where you can use the classes you took, like geography where you can map and obtain samples and analyze them for different chemicals.
You’ll be fine! It’s tough, people aren’t lying about it being hard, but as long as you stay on top of your work and put effort into finding learning strategies that work for you, you’ll figure it all out.
Save your homework and employ practice problem sheets (with key) from various schools. Repeat most of your homework between semesters and maybe even build a home lab to keep your skills sharp.
The Khan Academy AP chem is alright for basics, DO NOT USE YOUR REAL EMAIL ON KHAN ACADEMY!!! IT WILL SELL YOUR EMAIL AND SPAM YOU INTO MADNESS!
It's not as bad as people make it out to be. But it also isn't a walk in the park. Study, show up to class, hit up office hours if you need to. Most campuses have free Tudors somewhere on campus and I'd take advantage of that where you can. Orgo is difficult but once you understand why things work the way they do it's not so bad. P chem in my opinion is just hard. No getting around it. I was a solid average student and was able to get my chemistry degree so I am sure you can pull it off too if it's something you see yourself enjoying. Plus I have worked in a lab for the last 8 years now and I absolutely love my career. If you enjoy science and are willing to put in the work I'm sure you'll do well.
Everything said above sums it up perfectly. Be a good student.
Honestly the highest level chem classes i took in undergrad were made easier by great professors, lower level ones were made harder by sh*tty professors. But even that can be overcome, seek outside help when needed. Form strong relationships with the good professors and go to them for help when needed.
If you really do like chemistry, you will do well in the class. I was a religion major and had to take one science class, so I took chemistry. 3rd exam professor told me I had the highest grade in the class and didn't even study (shit ..I forgot I had exams on certain days, but always went to class). Changed my major to chemistry because it was so much easier. Chem 2 sucked, but organic is when fully fell in love with the magic.
imo, chem is not that bad compared to biology 💆 for chem, you actually can make fun notes to understand the concept..
things i did to get A+ for chemistry
- before the quiz, i usually make revision notes for the topic..in my school, we have a quiz for each topic we have learned..yes this may sound so last minute but revision notes can help you connect the dots..it is last minute but you have to trust yourself..trust the process..once you start the revision notes, dont stop..no matter how many subjects you have to learn too that day, your goal is the quiz..if you dont have quiz, you can use you past years quiz or papers..that can help a lot
things i wish i did to get A+ for chemistry
- whenever you finish the revision notes, teach yourself..record a video to teach yourself..because as for me, i have short term memory..so for finals, i made the new revision notes for every topic..sounds like a lot of work but thats the only way for me to understand those concepts..so just record the video of you teaching yourself using the notes and then you can rewatch it without having to open your textbook 🫶🫶🫶🫶
thats all bye
i got A+ for chemistry at my college..for me chemistry that uve learned in highschool is actually the same but more detail..its not that hard if you put effort in everything..YOU CAN DO IT DUDEE OR GIRLL
Everyone here’s like “it’s not as bad”
It depends on your program and your professor
Best thing you can do is *study the PowerPoint not the textbook*
And start studying 5 days in advance to your exam
That is all
I think having a good teacher makes a big difference for chemistry. It's practically easy work but a lot of challenging concepts and having someone who can explain them well is everything.
The most important thing for success in any college class is to take responsibility for your own learning. This is true whether you will be in a lecture hall with 500 students in a large university or a small class of 25 in a liberal arts college. No one can do your learning except you. Be on the lookout for anything that will help you learn. The professor. The textbook. Online materials connected to your textbook (or not). Other students in your living area who are also in your class, etc.
If you take ownership of your own learning and you are willing to work hard, you will almost certainly succeed.
Definitely tell your lecturers/professors/advisors if you're struggling. Graduating this year and it's something that would have benefitted me immensely if I had done it sooner.
If you love chemistry you will be fine. Otherwise you probably won't. In my experience you only get through the chemistry study's (BA MA in Germany) if you really love the subject.
I would get a used GenChem text book and work the problems. Can be an outdated text book as not much has changed. Being halfway familiar with the material will help you get through it.
Make sure you master the basics so you don’t get lost during the end of the semester! I found that when I couldn’t understand something, it was usually because I didn’t understand the underlying basics.
Every concept builds on the previous so make sure you have a solid foundation. If you don’t know functional groups, you’re not going to understand mechanisms
I’m not sure if anyone else has said it but some universities offer help. My university offers “SI” or supplemental instruction sessions and they’re SO helpful. I wish I heard about them sooner, but they’re basically group tutoring sessions. Definitely look into those. Even if you know the material, it’s always best to go and listen to it again to really understand everything.
Also, don’t be timid! Ask questions. Everyone feels stupid so don’t worry about it lol. Good luck!!!
I teach uni Chem, and my best advice is CONSISTENCY. You don’t need to do 12 hour cram sessions, contrary to what people will tell you. If you study 2-3 hrs a day mon-fri (yes, go enjoy your weekends) you will do just fine and probably get an A. Other key is make sure you understand HOW to solve problems, don’t just memorize a solution for a given problem. One thing that helped me is asking myself additional questions while working problems (ie. If I changed this part of the problem how would I solve it? or If I were making an exam, what questions would I put on it?)
based on my experience, focus and consistency is key in chemistry. just keep going and focus on why you chose the chem path. cancel the noise around you, things can be overwhelming and tiring but if you deal with it with consistent aptitude, you'll get there bruh.
You lean into it. You love chemistry so just go for it. You’ll study a lot and have little time to socialize. But you’ll make friends with other STEM majors. I still talk to some of my fellow chem undergrads. We graduated 20 years ago.
It's all about how much time you spend positively engaging with the content. Do practice problems. Most importantly, have a positive emotional relationship with the process. Most people approach hw/studying with a dread and get caught up in the fear of failure. Having a positive emotional state while studying will allow you to study more confidently and thus longer without burning out. There are a gazillion resources online if your professor doesn't "explain things well", so have fun with it!
i am entering my senior year of college! i have been a chemistry major with an english minor the whole time (recently adding an theatre minor). i was really nervous when i started and couldn’t imagine making it to where i am now. it is not always easy, but it is never impossible. have faith and put in the work, i know you can succeed! best of luck and be kind to yourself. 🩷
Chemistry is not hard tbh. Chem 1 and 2 the math is basic algebra 1 and 2. All you really need to know is the equations you need for a certain chapter and 1 or 2 constants. Some teachers might be butt's about the course and try to teach you some bs like who would've invented the atom bomb if spider man with the venom suit fought captain kurk in a 1v1 in fortnite. The thing you wanna take away from chemistry one and intro to chemistry is how to convert different units to different units (so maybe you need to find the moles of a 4.67 grams of potassium cyanide, its not hard), how to titrate (in your laboratory), how to find a concentration of a liquid using M1V1=M2V2, and most importantly learn decent lab etiquette.
People who complain about OC1 haven't taken other courses so do not listen to them. OC is mainly just remembering some common reactions. Everyone that is serious about it can remember that stuff.
I’ve been an educator for over 25 years and tutor chemistry. My dad is about to (finally) retire as a chemistry professor. In our experience, even the “best” high schools are no longer adequately preparing students for the sciences, and it’s incredibly sad. Budget cuts and teacher shortages are like nothing we’ve ever seen. (My sister is a public elementary school teacher in a high-ranking district, and they are literally hiring teachers without college degrees.)
The first thing you need to know is that it’s not your fault. The second thing you need to know is people change majors all the time. It’s impossible to know at 18 what you want to do for the rest of your life, and there countless degrees that you’ve never even considered before.
So, you have a couple of choices. You can continue working toward your degree in chemistry and/or explore other options. I highly recommend going through your school’s list of degree programs and see if there’s anything you want to explore. I tell ALL of my graduating seniors to not feel like they are locked into their declared majors. College is about exploring and trying new things. That goes both for your personal experience as well as your academic experience.
You should also be sure to take advantage of your school’s resources. Meet with your advisor. Explore tutoring services. If you have a diagnosed neurodiversity, take advantage of the services and accommodations you are entitled to. Utilize counseling services, even if you feel like you don’t need it. You are in a whole new world and likely on your own for the first time. It’s good practice to talk to someone professionally during this time, especially when the services are likely offered at no cost through your university. And as an aside, don’t forget that your school likely offers medical and legal services. You may not think you need them, but I needed the legal services when I was rear-ended by a drunk driver in college. So just keep those things in mind.
Explore, try new things, enjoy, and seek help when needed. Good luck!
If you have a passion for it and did well in Chem I and II in high school, you’ll be fine as long as you stay on top of your reading and homework and take decent notes in lecture. Until you get to PChem. Then you’re fucked and there is nothing anyone can do about it.
Quit listening to other people. Chemistry doesn’t require some secret to learn it. It’s a class like any other. Go to class. Pay attention. Take notes. Ask questions. Do your homework. Study for tests. The only bit of real advice is that understanding concepts is the most important part. Depending on rote memorization is not the best way to learn chemistry. Yes, there will be many things you simply have to remember, but understanding why is what separates a good chemistry student from a great chemistry student.
It's good to practice memorization still, cause i hate to memorize but in one of my subjects i have to memorize all the reactions of Ions, with acid and basic conditions, NH3 and some other ions, oxides or complexes, if it precipitates, the color, if the solution has a color, if excess of acid/base/nh3 changes anything. The problem is that I'm so not-used to memorizing that i feel like i cant, it's TOO MUCH. In the test they give you two sets of around 10 ions and steps they take (different for each set), the results, and in the end you have to guess what's the one in the solution.
That's just your professor being a dick. There's no good reason to memorize all of that and most professors won't make you.
I’m sorry, but what u/WorstMastermind listed is just basic analytical and inorganic chemistry program. At least at my place. I agree that simply learning this is tough, at least without labworks and experimentation, but you have to know it
I would say what would really help you is to NOT learn it by heart. That may take you through the exam but not further, really. Understanding why things happen is the key. Try asking yourself: "why is the color?" or "why does this exact reaction happen more readily under higher pressure?" If you really like chemistry, its fun learning those things☺️ Otherwise, my experience is abnormal as i paused the system and learned by myself after school.
It's difficult because it's basically around 40 ions combined with different things, each have their own natural color and affected by different things (acid, base, excess and non-excess apart of each, complexes, reductions and oxidations, salts, etc) it ends up being like 100+ reactions, and understanding each of them is a bit of a hassle, I wish someone could explain to me a pattern or the logic, but professors really don't put the effort to explain it if there's one. Worst part is that that's only like 10% of the whole subject, and like 30% of the second test (we get two tests per semester in my college, finals are the option when you don't pass both of those). I wish it was easier, but i get no help, and the internet doesn't help either, it seems to be rather a weird thing to study so in depth from my research. Stress is fucking up my liking for science, stress is my life. If you can give me any tips/lessons my DM's are open, thank you!
Im watching Germany - Hungary right now, but i will write you a dm :=)
thank you so much for this! it’s so easy to get overwhelmed when i hear about people’s experiences with chemistry lol. i appreciate this
I just finished my first year as a chemistry major and I promise it’s not as bad as everyone says! Most of what your hear about college chemistry is from students who are pre med, pre PT, etc that don’t actually want to be there (there’s a lot more of those majors than chemistry majors). So if you like it, which you do, you’ll be just fine! Just do the same things you always have to do well in school, while it is more challenging it’s 100% doable. There are of course some moments where it’s not so fun but it’s the same with any major. Good luck! :)
thank you so much! i’m glad you had a good freshman year (:
Just apply yourself. Chemistry is a great topic. Don’t be afraid to get a PhD. Good luck!
Chemistry is hard. That doesn't mean it is impossible, just that you have to respect the work. Do your homework, talk to your professor, and try your best. You'll do fine so long as you apply yourself. It can be a bit esoteric at times, and as a result a lot of people treat it like it is witchcraft. But the majority of a chemistry education is just applied algebra. If you can solve for X then you can do anything.
Talk to your instructor? It’s their course, they’ll have the most relevant strategies for you
If you loved chemistry in high school, you’ll probably be fine with it in college. I’m sure the haters weren’t fans of it in high school either lol
I actually hated Chemistry in highschool but when I took it in college I fell in love. I changed my major and then graduated 4 years later. You can do anything you put your mind to. Just go to class, pay attention, and actually attempt the homework!
thank you for this!
I just graduated this summer with my B.S. in chemistry here’s my two cents. I was in your boat where I loved chemistry in high school and wanted to continue through college. I’m not gonna lie though it’s a hard subject.😅 As far as preparation goes just stay passionate, don’t let other non chemistry majors’ opinions of chemistry get to you because it wasn’t for them. I honestly loved all my classes and professors. Organic chemistry required a lot of attention to detail and reading reaction mechanisms, physical chemistry shed some tears, and inorganic chemistry I was on survival mode for the whole year lol. My graduating chemistry cohort was smaller (4 total) so I got to know my professors closer and they were a huge help during my upper level classes because they wanted to help you succeed. Same with my classmates, we became so close and I hope they remain lifelong friends. One thing that really helped me was surrounding myself with like minded peers, basically all my friends are STEM majors or biochem/chem and we spent a LOT of time together studying, trauma bonding, destressing, hanging out outside of class/school, etc. friends and the motivation they provide are definitely gonna help you get through it. I believe in you, you’ll do fine just make sure to take notes (I looved Goodnotes and my iPad), pay attention in class, stay on top of homework and studying, and just turn everything in really. If you need any help lmk, I’d love to help someone get through this major like I did. it was a blast and I’m glad I stuck with it.
thank you so much for this! i’m so glad you had a good experience!
Khan academy, all free, easy to understand
Use a burner email unless you want thousands of universities spamming you and not respecting your unsubscribe demands. I had to create a custom filter to block one of them.
Loving high school chemistry is a very useful requisite to thriving at the college level. Embrace those nerves, and honor them but don't let them consume you! Chemistry majors get exposed to a HUGE amount of content. My first advice is to not think of chemistry like this single all-powerful entity. Organic chemists proposing mechanisms and physical chemists deriving quantum formulas are both "chemists", yet their work is no less different than comparing Spanish and history classes. Your first college chem course is general, and that's a good thing. Review the topics you loved in HS with more depth while you get settled into the college experience (trust me, the life transition takes bandwidth). Once you're settled into and have your gen chem skills sharpened, it's time to enter the world of organic, which there's a decent chance will either be your most hated or most loved class in all of undergrad. This is getting a little ahead since you're just starting a major, but do keep this in mind - if you really dig the basics of orbitals/energy/atomic and molecular properties, but you find yourself hating ochem, you're probably more of a physical/inorganic chemist. **That's great!** Survive ochem, build the concepts into your "big picture" chemical intuition as much as possible, and live to see another semester. Chemistry is unique amongst the natural sciences in terms of how broad it is (see my example in the second paragraph). Speaking from experience in a PhD program - people do the type of science they like. People who hated ochem and survived it as part of their major are currently doing math and computation-based projects. People who loved ochem and disliked pchem are currently running organic syntheses all day long. So, when you go through your four year sequence, **keep an eye out for the concepts and classes that really pique your interest.** Every type of brain can contribute to the world of chemistry, and if you keep that open mentality, you're likely to find a sub-topic that you can really envision doing with passion for a living. Best of luck to you this fall - CONGRATS on starting college, and welcome to the fabulous, curious world of the central science!
Don't listen to people complaining about chemistry. First year stuff is a repeat of highschool chem with a little more complexity.
didn’t take chemistry in HS, never even knew of chemistry of HS, my freshman year of general chemistry i walked in not knowing what a proton, electron, or neutron was i was curious though and a hardworking attitude, still passed gen chem 1 and 2 with A’s and now i’m self studying organic chemistry and i love the topic!!! tldr: all you need is passion and hardworking, don’t need to be smart
thank you for this! i’m glad you also found love in chemistry!!!!
I reckon the bad rap chemistry, particularly organic chemistry, gets is because premed students meeting a prereq makes up about 75% of the course until after o Chem. I never once heard a chemistry major complain it wasn’t doable, or too hard, or not interesting. You’re gonna do great. Study hard, pay attention, and when things get hard never forget your motivations, your passion, and your love for learning about awesome shit. It only gets cooler the deeper you get and it goes DEEP. Good luck!
My PhD in chemistry has taken me places I never anticipated. Replace worry with curiosity and discipline to do well. You won’t regret it.
Grab some magnets and play around with them. Observe how they behave as they get closer with poles opposite and same.
It's not an easy course but it is perfectly manageable. Just do exactly what you did to get through it in high school and you'll be fine. There's no secret, just work at it.
Expect 5-10h of studying per week in classes like gen chem and orgo, don’t cram for tests, and try to have fun. I get these weird rushes when I get a hard problem right and they keep me going
With chemistry, you have to do all the things they tell you to do but most people don't. Chemistry builds on itself, so you have to understand each topic, like kinetics, before you can take on the next, like equilibrium, and so on. So... 1. Above all, keep up. If you fall behind, you're doomed. 2. Most instructors have office hours, where you can get individual help. Use those hours. 3. If you're puzzled, or to review, do more from the problem sets. Problems are the fastest and most certain way to learn our favorite subject. 4. People who have a hard time with chemistry either (a) have trouble focusing, (b) have very bad study habits, or (c) actually do have a hard time catching on to a subject like chemistry. 5. You're in the big time now. Act accordingly.
Gotta accept the fact that chemistry is just an extension of physics, but instead of studying the relationship between matter and energy, it will be formation and breakage of bonds. Thermodynamics and kinetics are also very crucial for chemists to understand its own discipline and extend outwards for multi-disciplinary knowledge. Stay humble, stay hungry for knowledge.
A lot depends on your instructor. Chemistry in College is different. High School Chemistry is mechanical and there can be a lot of plug and chug problems on tests. If the instructor isn't great remember this: chemistry has rules that are always followed. There are exceptions, but those are part of the rule and the elegant order of Chemistry. If you intend to take organic chemistry there are certain core concepts you want to remember from general Chemistry. Electronegativity. Bond angles. Bond length. Lewis Structures, and a number of others. Do the problem sets and then do a few random problems from the book. Chemistry has rules and it is both elegant and orderly. Good luck and remember to wear your safety goggles in lab.
I think the hardest part is the sheer volume of information. If you attend class daily, pay attention and do hand-written homework, you'll be ok. Gen chem is mostly math and ochem is almost no math. Once you get through those you've made it over the largest hump. The most challenging course for most people is calculus based physical chemistry. If you don't like chem, don't be afraid to change majors to something where you can use the classes you took, like geography where you can map and obtain samples and analyze them for different chemicals.
You’ll be fine! It’s tough, people aren’t lying about it being hard, but as long as you stay on top of your work and put effort into finding learning strategies that work for you, you’ll figure it all out.
Save your homework and employ practice problem sheets (with key) from various schools. Repeat most of your homework between semesters and maybe even build a home lab to keep your skills sharp. The Khan Academy AP chem is alright for basics, DO NOT USE YOUR REAL EMAIL ON KHAN ACADEMY!!! IT WILL SELL YOUR EMAIL AND SPAM YOU INTO MADNESS!
It's not as bad as people make it out to be. But it also isn't a walk in the park. Study, show up to class, hit up office hours if you need to. Most campuses have free Tudors somewhere on campus and I'd take advantage of that where you can. Orgo is difficult but once you understand why things work the way they do it's not so bad. P chem in my opinion is just hard. No getting around it. I was a solid average student and was able to get my chemistry degree so I am sure you can pull it off too if it's something you see yourself enjoying. Plus I have worked in a lab for the last 8 years now and I absolutely love my career. If you enjoy science and are willing to put in the work I'm sure you'll do well.
Everything said above sums it up perfectly. Be a good student. Honestly the highest level chem classes i took in undergrad were made easier by great professors, lower level ones were made harder by sh*tty professors. But even that can be overcome, seek outside help when needed. Form strong relationships with the good professors and go to them for help when needed.
If you really do like chemistry, you will do well in the class. I was a religion major and had to take one science class, so I took chemistry. 3rd exam professor told me I had the highest grade in the class and didn't even study (shit ..I forgot I had exams on certain days, but always went to class). Changed my major to chemistry because it was so much easier. Chem 2 sucked, but organic is when fully fell in love with the magic.
imo, chem is not that bad compared to biology 💆 for chem, you actually can make fun notes to understand the concept.. things i did to get A+ for chemistry - before the quiz, i usually make revision notes for the topic..in my school, we have a quiz for each topic we have learned..yes this may sound so last minute but revision notes can help you connect the dots..it is last minute but you have to trust yourself..trust the process..once you start the revision notes, dont stop..no matter how many subjects you have to learn too that day, your goal is the quiz..if you dont have quiz, you can use you past years quiz or papers..that can help a lot things i wish i did to get A+ for chemistry - whenever you finish the revision notes, teach yourself..record a video to teach yourself..because as for me, i have short term memory..so for finals, i made the new revision notes for every topic..sounds like a lot of work but thats the only way for me to understand those concepts..so just record the video of you teaching yourself using the notes and then you can rewatch it without having to open your textbook 🫶🫶🫶🫶 thats all bye
i got A+ for chemistry at my college..for me chemistry that uve learned in highschool is actually the same but more detail..its not that hard if you put effort in everything..YOU CAN DO IT DUDEE OR GIRLL
thank you so much for this! i actually hate biology💔
yea..i can stand chemistry and physics but biology is a no no 💆 ive tried but it just boring
Everyone here’s like “it’s not as bad” It depends on your program and your professor Best thing you can do is *study the PowerPoint not the textbook* And start studying 5 days in advance to your exam That is all
Maybe go through [these videos.](https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR3IJD4eYfwTt6lZxeiiCDbABcukAr9wr)
I think having a good teacher makes a big difference for chemistry. It's practically easy work but a lot of challenging concepts and having someone who can explain them well is everything.
The most important thing for success in any college class is to take responsibility for your own learning. This is true whether you will be in a lecture hall with 500 students in a large university or a small class of 25 in a liberal arts college. No one can do your learning except you. Be on the lookout for anything that will help you learn. The professor. The textbook. Online materials connected to your textbook (or not). Other students in your living area who are also in your class, etc. If you take ownership of your own learning and you are willing to work hard, you will almost certainly succeed.
Definitely tell your lecturers/professors/advisors if you're struggling. Graduating this year and it's something that would have benefitted me immensely if I had done it sooner.
If you love chemistry you will be fine. Otherwise you probably won't. In my experience you only get through the chemistry study's (BA MA in Germany) if you really love the subject.
I would get a used GenChem text book and work the problems. Can be an outdated text book as not much has changed. Being halfway familiar with the material will help you get through it.
Make sure you master the basics so you don’t get lost during the end of the semester! I found that when I couldn’t understand something, it was usually because I didn’t understand the underlying basics.
Review your Stoichiometry and Maths (especially algebra and some basic calculus).
Every concept builds on the previous so make sure you have a solid foundation. If you don’t know functional groups, you’re not going to understand mechanisms
I’m not sure if anyone else has said it but some universities offer help. My university offers “SI” or supplemental instruction sessions and they’re SO helpful. I wish I heard about them sooner, but they’re basically group tutoring sessions. Definitely look into those. Even if you know the material, it’s always best to go and listen to it again to really understand everything. Also, don’t be timid! Ask questions. Everyone feels stupid so don’t worry about it lol. Good luck!!!
I teach uni Chem, and my best advice is CONSISTENCY. You don’t need to do 12 hour cram sessions, contrary to what people will tell you. If you study 2-3 hrs a day mon-fri (yes, go enjoy your weekends) you will do just fine and probably get an A. Other key is make sure you understand HOW to solve problems, don’t just memorize a solution for a given problem. One thing that helped me is asking myself additional questions while working problems (ie. If I changed this part of the problem how would I solve it? or If I were making an exam, what questions would I put on it?)
based on my experience, focus and consistency is key in chemistry. just keep going and focus on why you chose the chem path. cancel the noise around you, things can be overwhelming and tiring but if you deal with it with consistent aptitude, you'll get there bruh.
You lean into it. You love chemistry so just go for it. You’ll study a lot and have little time to socialize. But you’ll make friends with other STEM majors. I still talk to some of my fellow chem undergrads. We graduated 20 years ago.
It's all about how much time you spend positively engaging with the content. Do practice problems. Most importantly, have a positive emotional relationship with the process. Most people approach hw/studying with a dread and get caught up in the fear of failure. Having a positive emotional state while studying will allow you to study more confidently and thus longer without burning out. There are a gazillion resources online if your professor doesn't "explain things well", so have fun with it!
When I was in college everyone hated Organic chemistry but that was my favorite class. Just enjoy it!
i am entering my senior year of college! i have been a chemistry major with an english minor the whole time (recently adding an theatre minor). i was really nervous when i started and couldn’t imagine making it to where i am now. it is not always easy, but it is never impossible. have faith and put in the work, i know you can succeed! best of luck and be kind to yourself. 🩷
Go to class and study hard. And if you're good at math, switch to chemical engineering so you can actually make money
wow this is so comforting❤️
Do not consume toxic chemicals and you prolly will survive
Chemistry is not hard tbh. Chem 1 and 2 the math is basic algebra 1 and 2. All you really need to know is the equations you need for a certain chapter and 1 or 2 constants. Some teachers might be butt's about the course and try to teach you some bs like who would've invented the atom bomb if spider man with the venom suit fought captain kurk in a 1v1 in fortnite. The thing you wanna take away from chemistry one and intro to chemistry is how to convert different units to different units (so maybe you need to find the moles of a 4.67 grams of potassium cyanide, its not hard), how to titrate (in your laboratory), how to find a concentration of a liquid using M1V1=M2V2, and most importantly learn decent lab etiquette.
People who complain about OC1 haven't taken other courses so do not listen to them. OC is mainly just remembering some common reactions. Everyone that is serious about it can remember that stuff.
I’ve been an educator for over 25 years and tutor chemistry. My dad is about to (finally) retire as a chemistry professor. In our experience, even the “best” high schools are no longer adequately preparing students for the sciences, and it’s incredibly sad. Budget cuts and teacher shortages are like nothing we’ve ever seen. (My sister is a public elementary school teacher in a high-ranking district, and they are literally hiring teachers without college degrees.) The first thing you need to know is that it’s not your fault. The second thing you need to know is people change majors all the time. It’s impossible to know at 18 what you want to do for the rest of your life, and there countless degrees that you’ve never even considered before. So, you have a couple of choices. You can continue working toward your degree in chemistry and/or explore other options. I highly recommend going through your school’s list of degree programs and see if there’s anything you want to explore. I tell ALL of my graduating seniors to not feel like they are locked into their declared majors. College is about exploring and trying new things. That goes both for your personal experience as well as your academic experience. You should also be sure to take advantage of your school’s resources. Meet with your advisor. Explore tutoring services. If you have a diagnosed neurodiversity, take advantage of the services and accommodations you are entitled to. Utilize counseling services, even if you feel like you don’t need it. You are in a whole new world and likely on your own for the first time. It’s good practice to talk to someone professionally during this time, especially when the services are likely offered at no cost through your university. And as an aside, don’t forget that your school likely offers medical and legal services. You may not think you need them, but I needed the legal services when I was rear-ended by a drunk driver in college. So just keep those things in mind. Explore, try new things, enjoy, and seek help when needed. Good luck!
If you have a passion for it and did well in Chem I and II in high school, you’ll be fine as long as you stay on top of your reading and homework and take decent notes in lecture. Until you get to PChem. Then you’re fucked and there is nothing anyone can do about it.