Common Struggles in College General Chemistry (and How to Overcome Them)
College General Chemistry is often called a “weed-out class” for STEM majors. Many students who sailed through high school science find themselves struggling. The good news? With the right strategies, students can conquer General Chemistry — and even enjoy it.
8/31/20251 min read
1. The Pace is Fast
College chemistry moves quickly, and professors often assume students already know the basics.
➢ Solution: Review core concepts (stoichiometry, gas laws, bonding) regularly instead of cramming before exams.
2. Problem-Solving is More Complex
It’s not just plug-and-chug. Problems often require multi-step reasoning and connecting multiple concepts.
➢ Solution: Practice explaining each step, not just doing the math.
3. Labs Require Independence
Unlike high school labs, college labs often give less guidance and expect students to plan, execute, and analyze more independently.
➢ Solution: Develop strong habits with lab notebooks and data analysis early.
4. Exams Test Application, Not Memorization
Students are often surprised that memorizing formulas isn’t enough.
➢ Solution: Focus on understanding “why” and practice with old exams or AP-style questions.
5. Students Don’t Ask for Help Early Enough
Too many wait until they’re in crisis before seeking tutoring or office hours.
➢Solution: Get support as soon as something feels unclear — it’s easier to fix small gaps than rebuild later.
Bottom line: General Chemistry is tough, but with the right strategies (and the right support), students can not only survive but thrive.
➢ Struggling in General Chemistry? Learn more about our tutoring for college students and get back on track with expert guidance.