How do you study for weedout exams?

[brianbellau]

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My last Gen Chem 2 exam was extremely hard, none of the questions were like the problems in the back of my textbook (they were a lot harder). No questions asking the Ecell of a galvanic cell, or "one-step" problems. They were very "experimental" questions that made you hypothesize and think critically. The exam average was 42% and the prof even admitted that there was one question that no one got right.

Question is, how do you prepare for these types of hard-hitting questions? I couldn't find anything in my notes or in the book that was similar to some of the questions, I'm asking because my next semester Ochem prof is known for having very difficult exams as well.

 

[Jennyfishy]

A good option is going to office hours and talking to your profs/TAs about the material and advice for improving on future exams

 

[jeghaber]

I know this may seem like a facetious answer, but try not to think of your exams as "weed out" exams but rather just exams that truly test your understanding of the material. I think the mentality that you have to merely survive some kind of weeding out process inherently biased one towards a more superficial approach to studying that doesn't necessarily promote deep understanding. Challenge yourself to go beyond these basic requisite levels and see how it goes -- approach each problem with the attitude of "I am not only going to get the answer through some memorized set of calculations but also understand each step of the process and why I'm making these choices." This might simply mean looking at the material more carefully on your own, or as Jennyfishy has mentioned, going to office hours or TAs to get more help.

 

[MedMinded]

I know this may seem like a facetious answer, but try not to think of your exams as "weed out" exams but rather just exams that truly test your understanding of the material. I think the mentality that you have to merely survive some kind of weeding out process inherently biased one towards a more superficial approach to studying that doesn't necessarily promote deep understanding. Challenge yourself to go beyond these basic requisite levels and see how it goes -- approach each problem with the attitude of "I am not only going to get the answer through some memorized set of calculations but also understand each step of the process and why I'm making these choices." This might simply mean looking at the material more carefully on your own, or as Jennyfishy has mentioned, going to office hours or TAs to get more help.

100% agree.

Your professor writes the exams in a way that tests understanding rather than wrote memorization of equations, values, etc. By constructing exam questions like this, he/she is actually preparing you better (although it can be frustrating at the time!).

I also recommend going to office hours if possible and/or talking to the TAs like others have said.

Whenever you do practice problems, be sure to take your time, examine each step you complete and understand why you did what you did. Most students who do poorly don't understand why they use certain equations or thought processes, they just look for variables of equations they've memorized.

And lastly, try not to get frustrated and don't ever hesitate to look for help! You can definitely bring that grade up with some modified study habits!

 

[brianbellau]

I'll try the office hours, and I do understand the concepts and why things work and not memorize a bunch of equations. Some of the questions just seemed to be beyond the scope of the class, like graduate level.

 

[NervousNerd]

Everything you're describing to how your gen chem test was also rings another 4 letters:

MCAT

 

[FrenchyM.D/D.O]

It does sound like the MCAT.

 

[MrRed]

not sure what would compose a "weed out" exam, but to study for exams it depends on what type of class.
For chem + calc I begin studying ideally 10 days out from the exam, and grind problems for a few hours/day. I'll start at the first chapter, work my way to the last, then do some comprehensive reviews + practice exams at least 2x/day beginning 3 days out from the exam. works well for me!
For biology and memorization type courses i begin studying immediately after the previous exam finishes. I take very detailed notes on each chapter, usually takes a few hours per chapter, but well worth it imo. I've gotten straight A's so far aside from an A- in calc; math is admittedly not my strong point whatsoever, so i do believe if you put in enough hours per day studying you should have no problem! best of luck

almost forgot to mention. for chem + calc, probably THE most important thing i do to study is do the hardest problems i possibly can in the hours before the exam. this way i have the most difficult material fresh in my mind for the exam and can recall is very easily!
for bio/memorization courses i'll reread every single chapter quickly in the hours leading up to the exam.

 

[Contr0lz]

For chem + calc I begin studying ideally 10 days out from the exam, and grind problems for a few hours/day. I'll start at the first chapter, work my way to the last, then do some comprehensive reviews + practice exams at least 2x/day beginning 3 days out from the exam. works well for me! For biology and memorization type courses i begin studying immediately after the previous exam finishes. I take very detailed notes on each chapter, usually takes a few hours per chapter, but well worth it imo.

Wow. It sure looks like you have a lot of time on your hands, but great job so far!