chemistry help

<p>So I was a computer science major for my first year and I got As on calculus II and the intro weed out programming classes despite the fact that I think I suck at both programming and math. Halfway through my second semester I decided I want to take a premed track and drop computer science because I have a genuine interest in the sciences. Anyways I figured to take biochem before my senior year, ill need to take chem 1 at my university in the summer. Now I was actually very excited for this because I would finally learn about something I am passionate about. Everything makes perfect sense to me and when I do the online quizzes I blast through them. Despite the fact that I think I'm a natural at this, I'm averaging 75ish on the tests. The class average is about 63. I have no idea why I am doing so bad, it's always just stupid mistakes. The tests are extremely long and I'm constantly feeling the time crunch. There isn't a study guide for the tests either. My premed friend is on a similar boat and she thinks its just because its during the summer and it's way too fast paced. I'm nervous that the test of my science classes so I guess I'm just asking for test taking tips. I never considered myself a bad test taker and I walk out of every chem test thinking I did well. It's blowing my mind because I study so hard and this class makes more sense than calculus every did to me and Im doing horrible. I'm really just tryin toget out of here with a B but if I struggle with chem 1, im afraid orgo is goin to rape my mind. How did you guys study chem? is it normal to walk out of a test thinking "nailed it" and then "crap, how did i get that wrong" after getting the grades back?</p>

<p>Yes i did post this on student doctor for those who lurk on there too</p>

<p>A 63 class average isn’t normal for a chem test, so my first thought is that there’s something wrong with the professor or the exams.</p>

<p>Organic chem is altogether different from general chem in terms of how you go about learning the material. A lot of students who struggle in general chem ace organic, and vice versa, so don’t worry about that.</p>

<p>Without more information about what you’re getting wrong, it’s impossible to say what you should do differently. The only advice I can give is make sure you have the fundamentals down so you’re at least getting off on the right foot. And if you’re ever just flat out stuck on a problem calculate moles and see if that helps.</p>