How to Survive AP Chemistry

Last Updated: June 9, 2022

Have you enrolled in AP Chemistry for the semester? Good for you—this challenging course is a great way to expand your academic horizons (and possibly earn college credit!). Although AP Chemistry definitely isn't easy, there are plenty of ways you can set yourself up for success in the months to come. Read on for plenty of tips and tricks to help you put your best foot forward in this exciting stage of your academic journey.

1

Review all of your old notes from chemistry class.

Reviewing your old notes helps you refresh your memory. If you don't have those, ask somebody who has taken neat notes from a prior class and study those.

2

Walk into AP Chemistry with some confidence.

Don't be intimidated: just do it.

3

Take notes and make flashcards of ideas and formulas.

Try to synthesize your own flashcards. Don't just copy from the book and your notes.

4

Read the chapter at least 3 times before the test.

It sounds like overkill, but it's not.
- "How should you study? Study like there's going to be an exam on the material the next morning. If you study like that, you won't have to worry about cramming for the exam later." - Unknown professor.

5

Keep in mind the fundamental properties of everything chemistry-related.

Start with the basic states of matter. Then, end with the chemical properties such as pH and electronegativity. Cover the bases.

6

Don't be afraid of pH.

Will it hurt you to do outside practice problems from the Internet? Of course not.

7

Use the Internet often for extra practice.

There are countless resources out there on the Internet. Plus, the problems are all different. You won't get just a narrow mental work out.

8

Watch your stoichiometry.

A lot of problems will be set up perfectly within the problem itself. So, keep your eyes peeled.

9

Memorize strong acids and bases.

They ionize 100%, and are therefore very important.

10

Work through old tests and practice tests on the Internet.

These will help you get used to the type of questions you'll be asked in the exam. Plenty of practice could mean the difference between passing and failing the exam.

11

Make mnemonic devices for everything.

It especially helps with cations and anions.
- If you don't understand, then learn chemistry in a way that fits you, such as renaming concepts to fit with a corresponding memory.

12

Do all of your homework assignments.

Some teachers look simply for effort.

13

Perfect practice makes perfect test scores.

Do problems over and over again until you get them right. By doing problems related to your current material, you can be fully readied for that material's test or quiz.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I learn to love chemistry?

Community Answer

Start by trying to avoid negative thoughts and words about chemistry. Think positive! Read each chapter in your textbook again and again until the information makes sense and is easy for you to recall. You can even write down important points to study more closely. Write down all of the reactions you need to know and their mechanisms, results, etc.; study these closely and often. The more comfortable you get with the subject, the more you will enjoy it.
Question

Should I take AP Chemistry next year by taking the first year of chem over the summer? And can I take it with AP European History and Honors English?

Community Answer

I remember that struggle! If you're good with formulas, memorization, and understanding applications and the "bigger idea" of everything, you should be fine. Honors English for me was a breeze, but that could've just been my teacher. As for APEH, that was my first AP. I'll admit the class was a bit rigorous at times, but you could also buy external study resources, such as the Barron's and Princeton Review books.

Warnings

Always wear school-assigned lab safety goggles during lab procedures to avoid contact with chemicals that could possibly damage your vision.

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Rinse your hands, arms and any other body parts (e.g. eyes, hair) that could have possibly came into contact with lab materials bearing chemicals.

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In respect to this article's title, an AP Chemistry classroom can also potentially be a dangerous environment, as many hazardous chemicals such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and of course highly flammable gases are almost always used on a routinely basis. Take caution and follow all instructions carefully when performing labs with chemicals and other materials which can be harmful to you or to others in the classroom.

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Wear a welder's helmet or other qualified device to protect your eyes from bright ultraviolet light rays and infrared lights when conducting lab reactions that produce sparks.

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