chemistry vent!

Which chemistry class are you taking? General Chem or Organic Chem? I know there's a thread here somewhere for general chem, so you might find some help with topics there. Here's what I do when I am having trouble with a subject:

1) buy a reference book like Chemistry for Dummies, or Chemistry Demystefied...something that explains the basics in easy-to-grasp language

2) look online for additional resources...there's a website called mychemistrytutor.com, which appears to be free and there is a forum there plus tutorials. i'm sure there are many others...sometimes you just need a different perspective.

3) if you're a good writer, then try re-writing the concepts in your own words. This can be a big help.

4) someone posted today that they download podcasts from other instructors...this gives another perspective and is great if you learn by listening.

5) are there free tutors at your school? many schools offer tutoring...it may just be that you need a little guidance in the right direction and then it will CLICK!

Good luck...don't give up! I went back to school (with a background in marketing, too!) after 17 years and got the highest grade in my chem class. I have never ever excelled in science before, but something about the "more mature" me gets it! YOU CAN DO IT!

Great suggestions!

Thanks for your repsonse, however I am already doing all the things that you mention. (except I haven't seen a tutor yet)

I know all the study tricks, since I've already gone through school one time around and did very well. I've been online, printed study guides out, the whole deal.

It's not that I don't 'get' the concepts, but it takes me hours to understand the concepts and then I am skeptical that I will be able to remember all the stuff on an exam, when I feel pressured for time. There are just so many things to memorize, all the little nuances of many intricate things.

So far on the quizzes, I am scoring 80-95%, so it's not that I'm not getting it, but I just don't know if I can handle the pressure of an exam full of questions under a limited time.

Honestly, I am interested in nursing because I want to help people, but also because I need a recession proof job that pays well. I may or may not have too many working years ahead of me, I'm 37 but I have multiple sclerosis, so I don't know how long I can work, although for the moment I'm fine. So, in my mind, I need something I can do that interests me and make a lot of money right off the bat.

My 'real' love is consumer behavior, which is the mix of psychology and marketing. I just can't find any job in consumer behavior that will pay me $30+ per hour and let me have a flexible part time schedule. I can't work full time due to the fatigue of the MS.

I'm in general chem, by the way.

I'll get through this, but if I don't get an A I will be devastated and feel like a failure.

If you're getting that good of grades on the quizzes then I'll bet you'll be fine on the tests. I always do better on the exams because I've had more time to practice...if you think about it, the quizzes are usually given right after you've been taught the material with little time to practice. I think you're doing great!

What is grading structure? Is it all exams and quizzes, or do you get points for homework and projects? If your teacher mixes it up a bit, then you will probably be in great shape. Have you made an Excel spreadsheet to track your grade? This always helps me and keeps me motivated since I always know what score I need going into each exam.

GOOD LUCK! Sounds like you've got all the right tools and that you just need to get through this first test in order to feel your Chemistry MoJo!

yup, i feel the same way about chemistry!! i'm taking it this semester along with anatomy.

As someone said above if you're getting decent grades on the practice tests then you'll do fine on the real exam. You're right - if you're coming from a different background then science is a different animal. You may be used to only having to read things through once in order to get them. Well with science imo it's okay to get things wrong in the practice drill because that gives you a chance to go back and reinforce whatever it is you're missing and if you have to do this a few times then eventually you get it right and the info sticks with you.

From the hours you say you're putting in you might benefit from either talking to your professor or to a tutor to help you tighten up your focus a bit. There are ways that you can work more efficiently and get enough sleep and still get an A.