So you have some time now. What should you do to get ready for fast-track summer ochem?
1.) It’s a good idea to review these topics-
chemical (covalent) bonding, formal charges, hybridized atomic orbitals, VSEPR, dipoles and polarity, intermolecular forces, Lewis structures, Introduction to acids/bases, Use of pKa values to determine strength of acidity, enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy, equilibria, kinetics, reaction (energy) diagrams.
Here’s a page of videos you can work through for preparing for organic chem.
3.) In the first few days of the course (after the instructor goes over how to do the lab notebook prep), prepare your lab notebook for the whole quarter (this is your prelab assignment each day).
4.) Figure out a good schedule for going to class, studying, eating and sleeping. Plan to bring your lunch to school everyday so you don’t have to rush. There aren’t very good places nearby to get food quickly. Eating healthy and getting enough sleep are very important for having a good experience in class!
5.) If you know you are going to struggle with organic chemistry and you find success in tutors, then find a tutor to start the first day of classes (or before if possible). Email your instructor for ideas for tutors and check our tutoring center and give them a call for chemistry tutors this summer.
Last Updated February 9, 2026