Be Successful in Organic Chemistry: A Student Guide
Based on a presentation to AGNR advisors by Dr. Lee Friedman, Director of the Chemistry Undergraduate program. Thanks to Victoria Pearlman (ANSC) for compiling this information.
Organic Chemistry has a reputation for being one of the most challenging undergraduate courses — but with the right approach, you can build a smart, effective strategy to succeed. Here are some tips from ANSC and CHEM instructors that will help prepare you to be successful in your course!
Start Gathering Resources Before the Semester Starts
You can get a head start on the semester by creating your study plan and identifying resources before the course begins. If you’re reading this guide partway through the semester, don’t panic! There’s no better time to start than right now!
Dr. Saundra Yancey McGuire is not only a chemistry instructor but also a leader in learning strategies. Watch her lecture- Metacognition: The Key to Acing Chemistry
Chemistry instructors and students report that this book has been a helpful resource for students taking organic chemistry: Organic Chemistry As a Second Language by David Klein
Create your study plan and stick to it from day one! Dedicate times in your weekly schedule to work on the course and book those times on your calendar or agenda. Try out The Study Cycle- it’s a five-step process designed to enhance learning and make studying more effective.
Prepare Before Every Class
Organic Chemistry builds on itself — missing a foundational concept early on can make later material much harder. Prepare ahead of class by:
Skimming the chapter or lecture notes before class.
Watching a pre-lecture video or doing a few simple problems to warm up.
Making a list of questions or confusing terms.
Going to class!! Make sure that you're attending class and taking time afterwards to review the content from each lecture, even if it's just reviewing it in your head as you walk to your next class. Recalling the information while it's fresh aids long term recall.
Understand the Nature of Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry is not about memorization alone — it's about recognizing patterns, understanding mechanisms, and thinking conceptually. You're not just learning facts; you're learning a language of logic and transformation.
Think in terms of mechanisms, not just reactions.
Recognize that structure determines function.
Visualize molecules in 3D, not just on paper.
Treat a chemistry problem as a sort of logic puzzle. Ask yourself, what functional groups are present? How do they react? What mechanism do I expect here? What are the leaving groups? What is the shape of the molecule that will be formed? You will find that you cannot memorize every reaction out there, but you can learn to correctly apply the rules of the game to predict most every reaction you will see.
Focus on Understanding, Not Memorizing
Memorization will only take you so far, especially in organic chemistry. Focus on:
Why reactions happen, not just what happens.
Learning electron-pushing (curved arrow) mechanisms.
Relating reactions to one another — many follow common patterns.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Success in Organic Chemistry comes from solving problems — lots of them! The UMD Chemistry lecturers recommend working at least 30-45 practice problems a week. To get the most from your practice:
Do not rely on just looking over problems. Do the work. Get stuck. Figure out where you get tripped up and relearn that material.
Work problems without looking at the solutions first. If you don't know how to work the problem give yourself 5 minutes to try before moving on. Note where you are having issues (did you miscount electrons or forget a positive charge?) and write it down. Use that information to study from or to address with a GSS leader or tutor.
Redo problems you got wrong after a few days — spaced repetition helps.
Explain your reasoning out loud or to a peer — if you can teach it, you know it. In explaining it to someone else (even just your dog!) you can easily identify the areas where there's a gap in your knowledge.
To find practice problems, check your textbook first! Professors will often have additional practice problems available in your ELMS group. You can find old textbooks and use practice problems from them in the STEM Library.
Do the hard problems too. Don’t get overconfident on the basic examples only to find yourself floundering on hard problems during the exam.
Use Active Study Techniques
Passive studying (re-reading, watching videos) is less effective than active study. Try:
Drawing mechanisms from memory.
Creating reaction maps to see connections.
Flashcards for reagents, functional groups, and mechanisms.
Using whiteboards to draw structures big and often.
Explaining (to your family, friends, pets, random squirrels) how and why a reaction works.
Don’t Cram — Study Consistently
Organic Chemistry rewards consistency over intensity. Space your study over the semester:
Review a little bit every day.
Start exam prep at least two weeks early.
The UMD Teaching and Learning Transformation Center (TLTC) has many resources to help you understand how to improve your study strategy as well as time management and test taking skills. https://tutoring.umd.edu/academic-success.
Join or Form a Study Group
Working with others helps reinforce understanding and gives you new perspectives:
Teach each other reactions.
Quiz one another on mechanisms. Write practice exams and test each other.
Work through challenging problems together. But stay focused — study groups should be productive, not just social.
Attend the GSS (Guided Study Sessions)- https://tltc.umd.edu/students/guided-study-sessions. Trained peer facilitators plan and hold two, 50-minute study sessions per week to help you practice and put difficult material in perspective. GSS Leaders have previously taken the course and earned an A, so they know what it takes to stay on track in lectures and prepare for exams. Go once, a few times, or attend every session—it’s never too late to start attending GSS.
Get Help Early and Often
If you're stuck, get help right away. Don’t wait.
Visit office hours, ask questions during your discussion sections, attend the GSS sessions.
Use tutoring services or online platforms (e.g., Khan Academy, Organic Chemistry Tutor). You can find more information about chemistry tutoring resources at UMD through the TLTC. and CMNS College.
Ask peers — someone else has likely had the same question.
Schedule a one on one academic coaching session with the Teaching and Learning Transformation Center.
Take Care of Yourself
Your brain works best when you're well-rested, nourished, and mentally balanced.
Don’t sacrifice sleep to study.
Eat well and stay hydrated.
Take breaks — your brain consolidates learning during rest. Take a walk, visit the campus farm, call a friend or loved one to chat.
Utilize the resources at the UMD Counseling Center.- Counseling Services, Accessibility & Disability Services, Learning Assistance Services, Wellness Workshops, and more.
Keep the Long Game in Mind
Organic Chemistry is a gateway to many fields — veterinary medicine, biochemistry, research, and more. It teaches you how to think critically and solve complex problems.
Believe in yourself. Your effort matters more than your initial talent. Persistence is the key.
Additional Resources:
Chemistry Tutoring and Chemistry Exam Test Bank by the Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity.: Free Chemistry tutoring up to General Chemistry 2.
American Chemical Society Students Affiliates Chapter.: Offers online tutoring for the lower level chemistry courses such as general chemistry and organic chemistry. Also offers tutoring for upper level and majors courses like biochemistry and physical chemistry. This is a fundraising effort, as such it is a *pay-for-service option.
Success in Organic Chemistry isn't about being a genius —
it's about being organized, consistent, and proactive.
You've got this!