i have all As in my other AP classes EXCEPT AP Chemistry where I have a B (84%). I got my last test back and I thought I did really good but I ended up getting the worst score out of all my tests, a 69%. I’m a hardworking student and I know I like chemistry and am planning to major in Biochemistry but I’m struggling in chemistry especially the tests. I got a tutor because my teacher is only available to meet after school once a week.
*** important (?) to consider, my teacher does not do semester finals except one at the end of the school year and they have an incentive where if you pass the exam you automatically get an A in both semesters regardless of what your grade was (you could literally get an A if you pass the exam and had an F)
- Do you have any tips on how I can improve ?
- I tend to struggle with the conceptual thinking, any tips and/or resources ?
- How do I not get discouraged by bad grades ( all my test scores in AP Chemistry are from 69-75 % range)
Thank you ! <3
AP Chem is a hard class for a high school student. (At least I felt that it was when I took it many years ago!) How is the rest of your class doing? Is your 75% the highest score in the class, in the middle, or the lowest score? If it is the highest score in the class, your teacher may curve the class (you may want to consider asking about that). If it is a middle or lower score, consider asking one of the students doing well in the course to study with you. Another possibility is to start a study group. Sometimes learning from fellow students can be especially helpful. They may also learn something from you. Also, you mentioned that your teacher can only meet one day per week after school. Have you tried to meet with him or her before school or during lunch?
Additionally, chemistry (especially ochem) is very difficult to memorize. Chemistry is about understanding concepts and patterns. Rote memorization will only take you so far in most sciences, especially chemistry.
I loved AP chem so I would be glad to help! Do you have a textbook for that class? If you do, treat it like the Bible. Keep up to date with all readings and take THOROUGH notes from the textbook and in class. Taking good notes was what helped me be very successful in that class. Do what ever you have to do to emphasize important topics (highlight it, star it, and rewrite it so when you go back to study, the key points are obvious). Also, pay attention to the small details, which can make or break your grade. Chemistry involves a lot of memorization of concepts. Memorize what you can, but more importantly, take quality time to understand the WHY behind everything. You’ll do better and your mind will be less cluttered if you have a solid understanding of underlying concepts rather than memorizing everything. But do obsess over the details.
If you have any questions for me please let me know!
In case you want to know my “chemistry credentials”-
I got a 98% in AP chemistry (hardest class in my school), got a 5 on the AP test, 800 on the SAT subject test, placed 5th in my regions chem Olympiad, participated in the national chem Olympiad.
I am in Honors Chemistry and know how you feel (I like the teacher, but am too scared to go up to AP!) I would recommend watching Khan Academy videos before your tests, as they really do help. I would create quizlets and flash cards and just study like crazy.
I know how you feel, as I have an A in every class EXCEPT AP Biology, where I have an 83, which is notoriously hard like AP Chemistry!
Do you know any students who have taken the class before? If so, ask them for any tips to remember the information.