How to Survive Organic Chemistry: Top 5 Study Tips from a TA

---

Written by: Calypsa McCarthy

Position, Member Since: General Member, Joined Fall 2024

Major & Track: Pre-Med

Current Year: 2nd Year

---

It is well known that Organic Chemistry I and II are among the most challenging courses that pre-med students will take. The high volume of content and the cumulative nature of the subject make it easy to fall behind and become overwhelmed. However, through dedication and the thoughtful implementation of proper study techniques, anyone can succeed in this subject.

My Top 5 Study Tips:

1) PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! This is arguably the most important tip, and it is the first advice I give to students looking to excel in organic chemistry. Because there is so much content covered, the best way to prepare for every type of question you may encounter on an exam is to do as many practice problems as possible.

2) Review and thoroughly understand your mistakes While putting in the time and doing lots of practice problems is essential, quality is just as important as quantity. Carefully checking your work and reviewing your mistakes is a key step in the learning process. When I solve any organic chemistry problem, I like to be able to give myself several reasons why I think my answer is right. If I get it wrong, I also need to understand several reasons why I’m wrong. There are often several sources of additional information that you can look for to support your answer such as resonance, steric hindrance, pKa, etc. Supporting your answer and working it through on a deeper level will help you work out tricky problems in the future.

3) Seek out and accept help There are so many resources available to students that often go unused. Professor office hours, undergrad TA office hours or help sessions, extra practice problems online or in the back of the textbook, and supplemental videos on YouTube are just some of the resources available to organic chemistry students. If you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask! Your professors and TAs all want you to succeed in this class!

4) Study with peers It’s important to remember that you and your classmates are all going through this learning process together and that creating an environment of collaboration and support will enhance everyone’s experience in organic chemistry. Actively discuss course content with your classmates, ask questions, and answer questions.

5) Adjust your study techniques to what works best for YOU Sometimes studying a certain way can work for you but not for others. Don’t be afraid to try new things, and don’t repeat ineffective study routines. Forming consistent study habits is a great way to make sure you stay on track with the course content; however, if something isn’t working, tweak your routine until you find what works best for you. Organic chemistry is a challenging subject, but there’s a lot to be gained from a solid foundation in it, as organic chemistry explains how the world works at the level of its most basic building blocks. By investing the necessary time and utilizing these study tips, this class is absolutely manageable and can even become an enjoyable intellectual challenge. With the right mindset and strategies in place, you’ll not only survive organic chemistry but also come away with valuable problem-solving skills that will benefit you far beyond the classroom.

Good luck, and happy studying!