Q&A for How to Get Good Grades in Chemistry

Khan academy is very helpful. They test you on what you have learned and also motivate you with badges.

First of all, gather everything you need to know. It helps when you can do it with all of the information. Break it up into small sections or paragraphs. Even if your notes are 500 pages long. Start simple. Once broken up, read it, highlight maybe a few keywords. Re-read it again to be sure. Find your pet. A wall. An invisible friend -- doesn't matter who -- and explain the paragraph concepts. Let there be lots of "ums" and "uhs". It's off the top of your head. Once you get it do the rest until finished a concept, and if you are like me create a diagram. Visualize movements and objects with the 5 senses in clear detail -- do this for an experiment and reactions, ask why is this happening?

Try to write the derivations again and again to help you memorize and also understand.

Focus on the information given in your class and review your textbook or workbook at home every night.

Always try your best at everything, even if you don't like it. Try to remember why you want to do well. Make it fun! Take colorful notes, or play memory games. Ask questions in class if you do not understand something.

You can still get good grades in chemistry if you have a learning disability, although it may help to work with a personal tutor. You may also need certain accommodations, such as more time to take tests or a quiet environment in which to study.

You must have a willingness to discover the results of experiments. For example, during an experiment, the solution changes color. Ask yourself why it will change color,then you will have interest in discovering chemistry problems.

First, be sure that the problem really is the teacher. Are you doing everything you need to understand the subject? Doing homework, extra work (if necessary), checking YouTube for videos on the subject, and getting tutoring? If so, and you still think the teacher is the problem, go to his or her supervisor and let them know what's going on.

To get to the level of understanding complex chemical equations, you'll need to first make sure that you understand more basic problems. Once you're proficient at simple equations, increase the difficulty until you're working complicated equations. If you need help, talk to your instructor or a peer.

Equations of inorganic chemistry are not so complex as in organic chemistry. First, determine the mechanism of the reaction. Then, imagine the formation of new compounds and summarize them as an equation. In this way, you will find them easier.

You may need to study on your own to get your basic chemistry understanding to a higher level. Work outside of class with an instructor, parent, peer, or tutor.

Although you dislike it, you may have a natural knack for it and be a good student in general.

Maybe you were not understanding the concept. Try to understand instead of just cramming.

If you have done your best every day, spend these last hours revising problems in your textbook, solving difficult problems, and reviewing the material. Try making your own practice test, and make sure to learn all the chemical equations.

Find out why you would need to learn chemistry before taking it. Two good sources are a guidance counselor and the chemistry teacher. There are careers where it's a necessity, but there are others that may need little knowledge of chemistry. Finding out beforehand could free up time to take something different, if chemistry's not essential to any career goals.

Study the most important pieces of the test. Know what you are getting tested on. Then, next time, try to have much better time management.

You have to practice more and review exercises. Make any corrections when you are wrong. Always go over notes, pay attention to the teacher and ask questions when you do not understand anything. It may sound simple but if you do each of these things, your understanding will increase and endure.

You first have to read notes which you have been jotting down. When you do not understand anything, seek an explanation from your teacher or from friends who understand. Solve past questions and always correct your mistakes. Remember to learn in a distraction-free environment. Do not stress yourself by learning too hard but rather, aim always to understand the basics thoroughly.