First, figure out your overall learning style. Do you prefer a more detailed approach or is it more about absorbing new concepts? Organic Chemistry is an extremely broad subject, so it’s best to go with your particular learning style when you begin your studies.
Second, determine what your strengths and weaknesses are. If you need to understand more about a given concept, you can devote more time to studying and better understand it. You also need to be aware of your weaknesses so that you can develop strategies to correct them.
Third, find a study environment that is conducive to your needs. Are you comfortable with a quiet room, with the lights turned down low, or in a dimly lit library? Your choice will have a significant impact on how well you study.
Fourth, you’ll need to set aside time each day to devote to studying. Don’t be tempted to do the exam first thing in the morning, when you have a lot on your mind. Set aside time in the afternoon, in the evening, or on your days off. When you get through the material and understand what it means, return to your reading material to review it.
Fifth supplement your material with supplementary reading. Buy a course book or look online for information. Also read supplementary materials, such as journals, articles, etc. Check the source of the material and be sure to answer the question.
Sixth, take your most recent semester assignment and write a research paper. You may have a lot of time to devote to this or you may not. It’s okay to put the writing assignment off to the end of the semester. Once you have finished with the semester, it will be much easier to write a research paper.
Seventh, use your supplemental materials to create a test. Think of how you might answer the various aspects of the exam, and then work on creating these parts. This will help you familiarize yourself with the material and also identify your weaknesses.
Eighth, complete all your problems during the fourth period. Don’t forget that you also need to fill in any gaps in your text, so don’t wait until the end of the quarter to get started. Complete your last exam early.
Ninth, read your work before you start to revise it. Don’t make any changes until you’ve read it once.
Lastly, be patient. There will be many times when you will have to keep trying to figure out how to solve a problem and don’t want to risk making a mistake.
These tips are the best ways to prepare for Organic Chemistry Exams. If you apply them, you’ll be on your way to successful study and a successful test.
