How to Succeed in Your College Chemistry Class

Many students needlessly fear taking college chemistry courses, thinking that it's "too hard" or that studying will take up all their free time. While chemistry is a challenging course, there are many steps you can take to ensure that you not only pass your chemistry class, but earn good grades.

Plan Your Schedule Wisely

If you're nervous about taking a college chemistry class, or if you never took chemistry in high school, try to take your chemistry course during a semester when you have other classes that are less demanding. If you're also taking physics, comparative literature, or any other work-intensive class, you may not have the time necessary to devote to learning chemistry. Additionally, try to schedule your chemistry class for the time of day when you are most alert and do your best work. If you're a night owl, don't schedule an 8 a.m. chemistry class if you can avoid it.

Find a Reliable Study Partner

If you have a friend in your chemistry class, speak with them about studying together, and ask if you can look at their notes on topics you're having trouble with. If you don't know anyone in your class, try to get to know someone you can share notes and study with. Chances are there are plenty of other students who would like the support of a "study buddy" who can help them stay on track throughout the semester.

Turn in All Assignments

This cannot be emphasized enough. Most professors grade students not only on tests, but on assignments too. If you know you don't test well, your assignments can bolster your grade. Even if you don't have trouble coping with tests, turning in your assignments helps make a case for you with your instructor that you take the class seriously. If you are having trouble in your chemistry class and need to speak with your instructor about your difficulties, being able to point to your good track record for turning in assignments on time will help your instructor be more sympathetic.

Attend All Lectures and Labs

Don't miss a lecture or a lab unless you have a very good reason, like illness. Classroom work reinforces your studying, and even a mediocre lecturer can help you gain a better understanding of the concepts taught in college chemistry courses. Laboratory sessions work the same way: by seeing the results of chemical experiments, you help make sense of the concepts you're learning about through reading and through the lectures.

Get Help Sooner Rather Than Later

Students who have difficulty with chemistry courses should speak up right away. Ask your professor or teaching assistant if they can help you with problem areas. Also ask your study partner if he or she can explain concepts you're having trouble with. If these actions don't clear things up, don't wait: go to your campus tutoring center and ask if you can work with a chemistry tutor. By getting help sooner, you lower the risk of missing out on learning basic concepts and are much more likely to get back on track with your class.