i failed my first 2 chem exams

I failed my first two chem exams, i made a 65 on my first one and 33 on my second. I know so bad and embarassing. Im so ashamed of myself and i dont know what to do. How can i be better? i try and study, I make 80-90s on my labs, and i just took my lab exam and probably didnt do so well on it either. Im so embarassed, its hard for me, do you think there is still a way i can get a B atleast? i need good advice please.

What percentage of your grade are these exams? Are they weekly quiz exams? I don’t know why you should be embarrassed–it’s just time to start over from the beginning. You’re missing something fundamental. Yep, a ton of work.
Chem builds on itself so start again at beginning and work through every problem (every problem, not just assigned ones).

What’s your major? Is chem required or a particular level of chem? You may want to drop the class and try a different level or professor.

update: I just failed my lab exam horribly, i did not expect that low of a grade. my major is nursing,gen chem is required. Do you think i should drop? Im just worried because chem is an expensive class, and dropping it means loosing money spent on it. My professor isnt great, most of the students are doing just as bad. But for someone reason I feel like im the dumbest one in the class.

oh and forgot to reply, the 5 exams are 75% of my grade, and lab is 25%

Also, is this a compressed version of college chemistry for summer? If so, the class will be pretty brutal in that you are covering a semester’s worth of chemistry in about a month.

If the pace is too fast, then I would advise that you drop the course and take it during the regular school year if possible.

Edit-I don’t know what is being taught in your course, but typically the first General Chemistry course in college is more physical chemistry/orbital structure and that requires some knowledge of physics. It has been referred to as ‘baby quantum physics’ and it’s hard to figure out for most students.

Can you drop the class (or is it too late)?

Do you have access to a study group, office hours, and tutoring? If so, use it!

Based on what you’ve reported, it would be best to drop the class now, if possible. Sorry about the expense, but it appears that it would be pretty tough to get a B based on the grades you reported. You mentioned that everyone else is apparently getting the same grades; has the professor said anything about a grading curve in the class?
For future reference:
Is this a summer course, with the compressed teaching/exams/general timelines? If so, why did you take it in the summer.
Is this general chem, as in the ones that chem majors/pre-meds take? If so, does your college offer a chemistry course for nursing majors?

Are you sure you failed based on a given grading scale, or are you applying a high school 90-100, 80-89, etc. scale.

I remember an exam where I had the high score at 72 and th3 average was in the 40s. 55 was a B.

If you confirmed you’ve actually failed, the. No, a B isn’t realistic. You can drop the course as suggested, or complete it and then take it over. Be sure to find out whether retaking a class allows you to replace a grade on our transcript. If so, and it’s a required class, you might as well hear all of the material to prepare for the 2nd time.

More importantly, step back and think about why you are struggling. Are thee campus resources to help, etc. get to the root of the problem.

I agree with post 7
I’d drop the class if possible at this point.
Look around for the better alternative either by course level or different professor.
I suffered through a brutal chemistry class. Students who dropped it and retook that class did very well (many nursing students)
( I even found out later that I got “brownie points” for surviving the professor when applying for my major).

There are three scenarios—you or them.

Maybe it’s just plain hard for you no matter what but you want to go forward Look for an easier class.
Maybe the class is harder than it should be-
Look for an easier class.
Three—too hard no matter what and you need to rethink the profession.

But—chemistry is not a regular part of what you need to know on an actual day to day basis as a nurse. The course is a hoop to jump through.
So do what is needed to pass and get past that hurdle.

I think

  1. Consider withdrawing from the class…talk to the professor about your realistic chances

  2. In the future, get help…tutors, office hours, etc
    http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1920853-college-is-a-step-up-from-hs-16-tips-on-doing-well-in-college.html

  3. Don’t take tough courses in the summer