5 Useful Chemistry Tips and Tricks to improve your grades
Chemistry. More like Chem-mystery, am I right?
For a lot of people, it's one of the most, if not the most dreaded subject in VCE. But as a prerequisite for medicine, it's one of the most popular subjects too. So here are a few basic tips to help you succeed in VCE Chemistry and hopefully increase your score!
🗒️ Take detailed notes
Regardless of whether you have photographic memory or 9 copies of the textbook, detailed notes are essential in such a pedantic and content filled subject, especially when it comes to revision time and you've forgotten what the catalyst for esterification is. Here are some quick note-taking tips:
- Take hand-written notes during class, and convert them into digital notes when revising at home.
- Use methods that work for you, like Cornell method, or mind-mapping.
- Convert notes into flash cards or practice questions to ensure you are actively recalling the content you are revising.
🧠 Understanding is paramount
When it comes to Chemistry, memory is the easy part. When it comes to actual SAC and exam questions, you'll slowly start to realise that most of the questions are impossible without a thorough understanding of the subject. Make sure to understand rather than memorise.
If you do not have a good grasp of the content, a tutor is beneficial. A private tutor can break down the concepts with you, and guide you through any gaps in knowledge, all at your own pace.
😭 Don't give up
A lot of chemistry students "give up" and relegate chemistry to their bottom subjects and stop putting effort in. Unsurprisingly, in doing this, they lose the opportunity to score well in a subject that has less and less competition for higher marks. Persistent work is key throughout the academic year.
📑 Practice exams are key
When it comes to SAC and exam preparation, taking notes and revising the textbook is useless. Do as many relevant questions as possible, especially ones from last VCE exams as these focus on understanding, as I said previously, and are necessary to consolidate your understanding of topics.
📄 VCAA examination reports are a brilliant guide
When it comes to any questions you aren't sure about, the reports provide a reliable resource that can help explain questions you aren't sure about, but more importantly, show you which questions the state struggles with. By finding and doing these questions, you become much more proficient at completing questions that initially seem difficult, but become increasingly easier.
Conclusion
Chemistry doesn't have to be so difficult. Once you've got a good understanding of the subject content, you'll learn how to apply it to a myriad of scenarios by doing practice questions. So make sure you grab some great resources for VCE Chemistry early on and focus on the one key thing that I zealously believe is the most important item on that list: UNDERSTANDING
Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!