Deciding your major is a huge decision. Each major has its own pros and cons, some more than others. Overall, we tend to gravitate to something we like and are good at.
Majoring in a science, whether it be biology, chemistry or physics, is no joking matter. It's a ton of hard work and comes with a lot of lessons or things to be learned outside of the classroom. As a chemistry major, I have learned a lot from my studies. Here are 10 things I've learned from being a chemistry major.
1. If you place out of a class toward your major from high school, retake it anyway.
You may have gotten all As in high school, and a five on your AP exam, but that doesn't mean you know everything. Placing out of general chem might sound like a good idea, but it's really not. You have to work twice as hard in organic chemistry as everyone else since you didn't take chem at your university.
2. High school study skills will not work.
If you're like me, you didn't really study in high school and still did very well. That won't fly in college, especially a science major. You have to work your butt off, especially in classes like orgo. Half the time you stay up until 4 a.m. studying for that exam because you just don't understand it.
3. Almost no one understands orgo.
Organic chemistry is something that is almost impossible to understand. The average grade is around a C, and if you're at a prestigious university, a C feels like the end of the world. But it's not because most people get that grade, and it's OK. You're not alone.
4. Hard work is the key to success.
No one wants to study every free moment of every day, but it will pay off if you do. Working hard is the key to doing well and understanding the material. Sacrificing sleep for work will pay off, and after the exam, you can sleep all you want. Don't give up!
5. It's OK to ask for help.
Asking for help doesn't show weakness, it shows that you are self-aware. If you don't understand what you're reading or a certain mechanism or reaction, go to your professor. Ask for his or her help! They're there to help you and will make sure you understand the material so you can do your best.
6. Organization goes a long way.
Keeping your notes in order, your exams in piles and a color-coded notebook for studying will go a long way. Creating neat, color-coded study guides will help you remember mechanisms, reactions, and formulas needed to ace your chemistry exams.
7. Attendance is imperative.
In college, you don't have to go to class. But we all know you should. Especially if it's chemistry. Missing one day of class means you miss half a chapter worth of notes. Just getting notes down and listening to your professor helps you understand the subject matter better.
8. Staying on top of your work is crucial.
It's important to do your homework and study in advance. Staying on top of your work and not doing it the night before it's due will help in the long run. Reading your notes after the lecture is imperative so you know what questions to ask next class.
9. It's a good idea to study weeks in advance.
Your professor will tell you when your exams are. It's in the syllabus. So it's important to make a study schedule that begins weeks before your exam. Chemistry majors know the brilliance in this because you start reviewing early, and can ask your professor to go over that hydrolysis mechanism just one more time since you can't get the hang of it. Trying to learn everything the night before will make you want to cry because you can't memorize 25 reactions in 24 hours.
10. Getting frustrated with yourself is just detrimental.
Getting frustrated with yourself will only hinder your studying. It's OK to be confused, and it's OK to be stressed. But don't belittle yourself because you don't understand the difference between an acid and a base catalyzed reaction because you'll never learn it if you're mad at yourself. It's imperative to breathe and take breaks, so you can ace that last chemistry exam.
Chemistry has valuable life lessons that will help your college career overall. You learn about studying, stress, sleep deprivation and how everything in this field sounds like another language. Being in the science field is hard, but if you can learn these lessons early in your chemistry career, you can succeed in the future.
