Chemistry ...how to do well in class?

Question

How can I make sure I do well and succeed in my Chemistry class?

this is Chemistry in college.

What advice can you give me on tips and tricks

Answer 1

Each of us has our own system, but to me the absolute BEST way to ace chem courses (and most others) is to not miss class. I took notes and recopied them that day after class.
Then I read the assigned text book pages and related that to the lecture material. When exam time came, I used my notes above all. Professors usually ask questions on material they have covered in class. That's what they think is important.

Another key for for test taking is to use the last hour before the test to store info in short term memory. I used my notes and maybe highlighted bits of textbook - I always highlighted textbooks - for last minute review immediately before tests. That gets your brain 'in gear' for the material. It's fresh and uppermost in your mind.

Believe me this works. I'm no genius, but I aced every chem course using this disciplined system. I never missed a class.
That may make me a geek or whatever, but I wanted to go to med school. The competition is tough for those spots.
I realize those who have genius can skip classes and still ace courses. Why take the risk? Going to class was like going to work. Most people don't skip work regularly - I hope.

Another tip is to make sure you are not hypoglycemic when you take tests. I always drank a cola with sugar. The brain runs on glucose. And adequate sleep is also VERY helpful if possible before key exams.

A bit of luck helps too,
so Good Luck to you Smiley

Answer 2

First & foremost pay attention to the teacher - listen to what you are told and take notes. The act of writing helps fixing into memory. Read your text books - are these used today?
I gather from all the questions asked here that there are a lot of students who either don't go to class at all or if they do, they don't take any notice at all of whats being covered. Either that or there are some appallingly bad teachers out there these days.