Very hard class

holy this course will really test you, especially if you have portmess. i got an A even though all i did in this class was watch LTPs and take notes using the skeletal notes, and also do the sample UGTA tests before pacing assessments and exams. the LTPs are challenging to actually learn from so you will be pulling up youtube videos and other outside resources to help you learn. i think the only reason i got an A was because of his grading scale and the fact every exam average would be in the 40s. if you can shoot for 65+ on the exams, you're set.

i feel like i didn't really learn from this class because even when i was taking exams i would be aiming for a failing grade (60 or above) since that would still be higher than the class average. i remember for the final exam i guessed on the entire second half but still ended up as one of the top scorers. basically i didn't feel that incentivized to actually perform well on the tests because i knew they'd be insanely hard and i would fail regardless.

Portmess has been teaching this class for 2 decades now but he lacks the ability to explain the content simply and efficiently. he's very vague at times and he's very much about the "do it yourself approach," where he expects students to work through concepts and problems themselves to learn. i don't think this style of teaching is for everyone, especially for those who struggle to be intuitive with chemistry. i've seen friends who put way much more effort into this class only to be met with failure.

firstly, take pete if you can :( and DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS WITH OTHER HARD CLASSES. you will do so much better if you have the time to dedicate solely to orgo. that's also why i think taking orgo over the summer is a good choice. secondly, watch ALL OF THE LTPs and stay on track as best you can. i used to grind LTPs literally overnight and i'd somehow pull it off but every time i did LTPs beforehard and gave myself time to really retain/practice the content, i would do way better on assessments. thirdly, if you're doing poorly in the class, the worst thing you could do is let that demotivate you. i know how discouraging it is but giving up and putting less effort will only do you more harm. i started out with a C after the first pacing assessent but i got it up to an A after the final exa...read more