Why is gen chem so hard?

Why is General Chemistry So Hard? General Chemistry is so hard because it’s very different from most other classes and subjects. The primary reason chemistry is so hard is because of the topic progression. You really have to fully understand several topics before you can fully understand other topics.

How hard is the ACS exam for general chemistry?

People that do really well in chemistry and understand it well, typically do good on the final exam and says that it’s easy. Because honestly, if you know your stuff really well, it IS pretty easy. However, for everyone else (anyone that doesn’t understand Gen Chem 100%), it is an incredibly difficult test.

Is General Chemistry a hard class?

Truthfully, for most people, the hardest chemistry class is the first one. General Chemistry covers a lot of material very quickly, plus it may be some student’s first experience with a lab notebook and the scientific method. The combination of lecture plus lab can be intimidating.

What should I memorize for general chemistry?

For example, a mnemonic to memorize the first elements of the periodic table is “Hi, he lies because boys can not operate fireplaces.” This translates into hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, boron, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine. You could choose other words to stand for the letters.

Is the ACS study guide helpful?

I used this study guide to prepare for my ACS exam in Gen Chem I and found it extremely helpful. The questions on the exam are very similar to the questions in this study guide. If you understand the concepts behind each question, you will be fine.

What is the average score on the ACS general chemistry exam?

The median raw score was a 45.5 – which is the 65th percentile. The average raw score was a 44.5 – which is the 62nd percentile. Congratulations on making my inaugural administration of the ACS standardized exam a great success!

Which chemistry is hardest?

Organic Chemistry: It shouldn’t surprise you that organic chemistry takes the No. 1 spot as the hardest college course. This course is often referred to as the “pre-med killer” because it actually has caused many pre-med majors to switch their major.

What’s the hardest topic in chemistry?

One of the most difficult concepts in chemistry for students to grasp is that the entirety of the course is based on the behavior of matter. We talk about matter typically at the molecular or atomic level not seen without advanced equipment.

Is general chemistry harder than organic?

If you know the chemistry them, you can characterize most reactions just by your own knowledge, with little memorization at all. Organic chemistry is not as difficult as its reputation makes it out to be. I enjoyed the course and personally found it to be significantly easier than general chemistry.

What is the most commonly failed college class?

• College Algebra. The evil, despicable and terrible villain of early high school has come back to haunt you.
• Organic Chemistry. The presence of this class on this list might not come as a surprise.
• Physics.
• Anatomy and Physiology.

How do you survive in general chemistry?

1. Understand Electrons. Chemistry is considered the study of matter.
2. Read before the Lecture.
3. Go to Class.
4. Organize your Notes.
5. Take Practice Exams.
6. Study Every Day.
7. Join a Study Group.
8. Practice Solving Chemistry Problems.

What is a good grade in general chemistry?

Average grade in a chem 101 class is a C, chem 102 is probably C-. They are conventionally the big weed out classes. You need to do practice problems in those classes if you want to do well. I personally got a B in chem 101 ( 88% and there was no curve) and no B+’s.

How many hours should I study for chemistry?

Chemistry requires both memorization and problem-solving, making it a particularly demanding subject. 5. Study two hours for each lecture hour and one hour for each lab hour each week (this is about 12 hours a week for 4 credit hour chemistry courses).

What to do if you are struggling in chemistry?

1. Review and Study Material Before Going to Class.
2. Seek Understanding.
3. Take Good Notes.
4. Practice Daily.
5. Take Advantage of Lab Time.
6. Use Flashcards.
7. Use Study Groups.
8. Break Large Tasks Into Smaller Ones.

How do you get an A in chemistry?

1. Tip 1: Know the history of Chemistry.
2. Tip 2: Learn the Periodic Table using songs and mnemonics.
3. Tip 3: The secret to success is using formulas!
4. Tip 4: Know how to write Extended Experimental Investigation (EEI) and Extended Response Questions (ERQ)

How do you pass the ACS general chemistry exam?

1. Arrive Early to the ACS Exam. Arrive Early!
2. Find the Largest Desk. Sit in the seat with the largest desk in the classroom.
3. Fill Out Any Information Before the Exam Starts.
4. Skip Harder Questions and Answer them Later.
5. Do the Last Page of the ACS Exam First.
6. Know Your Calculator.
7. Watch the Clock.

What is the point of the ACS exam?

Many graduate programs use ACS Exams to measure the content knowledge of students starting graduate school. All ACS Exams are created by committees of educators who teach the course for which an exam is intended. No governance body of the American Chemical Society dictates content coverage of any exam.

Is ACS exam curved?

The ACS Exam is usually graded based on the National Percentile Rank for that specific exam. Although, this can often depend on your professor. Professors aren’t forced to use the National Percentile Rank to determine a grade. It can be graded on a class curve, or using a combination of methods.

How long is the ACS exam General Chemistry?

Total time will be 110 minutes. This means you have 1 minute and 34 seconds per question. Time management is important, but most students complete in time.

What is ACS percentile?

The class average in organic chemistry is usually 75/100. Therefore, a student scoring at the 50th percentile on the ACS exam should. receive a grade of approximately 75%. This scaling will be accomplished by using the following formula: Scaled Score = ACS percentile + [ (100-ACS percentile) (ACS percentile/100) ]

How many questions are on the ACS general chemistry exam?

All exams are comprised of approximately 70 multiple-choice questions. A passing score of 50% is required.

What is the easiest branch of chemistry?

It depends on your interest that you have in, if you are good in maths then definitely physical Chemistry will be easy for you. Well, in my opinion inorganic Chemistry is simple but Organic Chemistry is easy.

Is physics harder than chemistry?

Physics is the hardest major; it is harder than chemistry, biology, psychology, computer science, astronomy, biochemistry, and geology. The level of math and the number of abstract concepts in physics is unparalleled.

What is the hardest subject in the world?

1. Engineering. Considered one of the toughest courses in the world, engineering students are required to have tactical skills, analytical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
2. Chartered Accountancy.
3. Medicine.
4. Pharmacy.
5. Architecture.
6. Law.
7. Psychology.
8. Aeronautics.

What is the hardest part of general chemistry?

drpharMD said: Solubility! By far, it is the hardest topic in General Chemistry. There are SO MANY ways to ask a question.