Like, I understand the material and can do all of the problems, but I do poorly on the tests. The one I took today, for example, I felt pretty good about, but when I looked online at my score, I got a 70%.
I don’t know what it is, but it’s really pissing me off because I’m doing the best I can with no avail.
My grade in the class right now is an 82%, and that’s not acceptable to me at this point.
Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself. AP Chem is quite possibly the hardest AP offered. My class average on the midterm we just took was a 74, and we’re in NY (typically a school that gets mostly 4s or 5s on the exam) so the resources are definitely there for us all to do better. So don’t feel awful; it’s not just you, and an 82 (while you probably want much higher) is not the worst you could do.
It could be your teacher, definitely. Or maybe the pressure of the test? What textbook do you have, and how often do you read it? That could be key.
@fishgill My teacher doesn’t use the textbook. She hands out printed-copies of notes that are usually around 30-40 pages for about 3 lectures.
I just feel like she doesn’t teach us everything (There were a few questions on the test that we have never talked about), and I think that’s what’s bringing me down.
I’m also not a very good test taker with math type classes. I understand what I’m doing, but I’ll mess up somewhere.
My teacher doesn’t really use the text either, but every time I read it, it really helps me. Like significantly. Because sometimes I don’t understand how my teacher explains things, and the diagrams/explanations are helpful. Were you at least provided a textbook? If not, I highly recommend going to your school library or local library to take one out. If going to your local, I strongly recommend Zumdahl & Zumdahl if they have it.
It stinks when they don’t teach you what’s on there. Sometimes you just have to BS your way to an answer, which is rarely possible TBH. I feel your struggle.
I understand what you mean with messing up somewhere. I feel that happens to a lot of people. You just have to really take your time and make sure everything goes in the calculator right. Sorry if that doesn’t help or apply to you, but checking over the numbers at least twice can save you a point or two! At this point in the year though, I believe we are moving into the less mathy topics, so maybe you will do better in those?
@fishgill I was provided a textbook, so I’ll try and take a look at it before tests to better understand the content.
The last test I took was on Electrolysis, so it was about 1/3 math (Conversions, G, K, E), and I still was brought down heavily. Hopefully though I will do better on the more conceptual things instead of math.
Ah, we haven’t done electrolysis yet. We are on chapter 13, equilibrium. I’m not sure what order my teacher goes in, but we’re a little behind because of snow days.
I think the textbook can definitely help you though. I regret not reading it for the intermolecular forces chapter because my teacher made no sense explaining the unit. I read it for my midterm and suddenly it all made sense. I do pretty well in the class so if you ever need any specific help, feel free to message or tag me in something…I would be happy to help 
I find AP Chem to be a lot more concept based and involves a lot more theory than first year chemistry. I definitely recommend using a textbook, and if that doesn’t help, try looking around on YouTube or the Internet for some videos or something that can help you get the material.
Like fishgill, I’m doing pretty well in the class, so you can contact me for help also! I’d be glad to help someone.
I agree! The textbook, even if its wording can be a bit muddled at times, is a huge help in truly understanding the concepts.
ALSO: before tests, or when I want a little extra help on a concept, I look up worksheets other schools’ teachers have posted online (with answer keys) and I do these, looking to discover where I can improve. To test how much you know a concept (before actually doing any math), you can also recite your lecture to yourself the next day - if you remember all the material without looking at your notes/the book, you’re usually well on your way to understanding things.
(If you need help as well, feel free to contact me ^^ Although the way our teacher organizes his lessons is a bit sporadic…we’re on chapter 15, which is equilibrium, but to my knowledge we haven’t done some of the chapters before that.)