Uggh, so frustrated.....

stpauligirl · Jul 18, 2006

Hi all - I am in my 3rd class of Chem and just not "getting" it. :smackingfWe have had 2 quizes & didnt do well on either. I have a decent instructor, its just my comprehension of the material is not soaking in. Its pretty quick based and I am not at the level others are in the class.
I have a degree already and wanted to change fields but now I am having second doubts and making my self confidence diminish on my dream of nursing. Its making me feel so stupid........
Other subjects come easy to me, whereas with Chem I am working my a** out on this - still seems not working out. I am seriously considering to opt out of the class (if I can get a refund) at this point.
Has anyone else experienced this situation?

You are not alone,I needed to complete Intro to Chem and Organic/Bio Chem for my prerequisites....let me tell you it wasn't easy! I struggled with math all my life and only got a B in college algebra as well as in both Chem classes! It was very difficult and I had to put in alot of effort just to get the B's. I am doing better with the Biology classes and make A's in those. Hang in there and don't give up and get a tutor if possible.

TexasPediRN · Jul 18, 2006

Im right with you.

I was horrible @ Chemistry - I worked my a$$ off and ended up with a C - the lowest grade I've ever had.

I used a study buddy to help me with chem - one that was doing very well in the class who could help me out. I also was tutored by our chem teacher, so that he knew that I was *trying* so hard to understand chem. However, I was great understanding things when he explained them one on one, and doing problems in front of him, but when it came to the chem tests, I froze. But at least the teacher knew how hard i was trying.

Also, there are a few books out there on Chemistry that helped explain things for me. Cliff Notes makes a chem book - I also used one of these books for anatomy.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764563777/sr=8-1/qid=1153224893/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-9720918-9872704?ie=UTF8

The best thing I can tell you is to ask for help, and make sure your teacher knows how hard you are trying.

Good luck!

-Meghan

so_buggie · Jul 18, 2006

i had that problem with Biology. At my college, biology is the number one most failed course. The first time i took it, i dropped it. Last semester (spring 06) i took it again and passed the Lecture with a C but i got a D in the lab but since im majors biology, I need a C. So now im stuck taking the lab for a 3rd time. Don't lose hope. It will come to you. We all can't get things at once. Sometimes, it takes others a little longer, like me. Good luck. (If it helps, go to the professor. At my small college, my teachers/professors begged us to do that if we needed help).

sdmommie · Jul 18, 2006

Maybe you could try taking this class during the regular session when there is more time to absorb the material and get a tutor. Everyone has a subject that is difficult for them....EVERYONE. I wouldn't give up. Summer courses are always a nightmare since there is so much material to cover in such a short period of time. Many science/math classes build on each other. If you haven't had exposure to the content in a while, it's like starting over. Don't give up!

jones21498 · Jul 18, 2006

I did very well in chemistry so maybe some of my suggestions will help, or at least I hope...

1. Form a study group outside of class. Talking with other students has a way of setting it into your mind, more so than an instructor.

2. Develop your own set of mneumonics. For example, make rhymes or anything that may help you remember crucial material.

3. If you are stuck trying to remember too much, only memorize very important...stuff you know is on the quiz or test stuff and forget the rest. I know this one may seem odd, but sometimes people will try to remember so much that they draw blanks. It is better to remember some of the material than none of the material.

4. Take your own notes. When you get home from class, sit down and either in your group from step 1 or by yourself take notes from the beginning of the lesson to the end.

I know it is hard and chemistry just isn't for everyone. Don't doubt your career change choice based on a chemistry class please. I hope the best for you and hang in there. It does get better. :banghead:

81ke83 · Jul 19, 2006

I had some tutoring when I took chemistry. It was one of the toughest classes. The tutoring helped.