Chem 1A

What was Chem 1A like for PREP 2018?

"If you can skip out of it with AP credits. " - Edgar, Team Sapphire

"Tests were so hard and it is way more complex than high school. " - Jacky, Team Ruby

"A bit difficult course. I learned I do not enjoy chemistry. Still don't even understand half of the things taught. " - Monet, Team Emerald

"Pretty difficult but just push through if you're a CivE who doesn't want to do environmental engineering because after that you're done " - Kaye, Team Ruby

"Constant exposure to the material " - Alex, Team Ruby

"Good luck :)) " - Anonymous, Team Emerald

"Attend study sessions (Pete Marsden) " - Uriel, Team Ruby

"Take the lab with the lecture to get them both out of the way. It’s a pain to take them separately. " - Ian, Team Emerald

"Definitely go to deep dives and OH. If you're CivE, don't stress too much about this class, as it is not that important to the major and can be the only chem class you take. " - Tyler, Team Ruby

"A lot of people told me that this class is a "weeder class," meaning that it is unnecessarily difficult but I did not have this experience and this may have been largely due to having Professor Geissler. " - Kristie, Team Diamond

"AP'd out with AP chem. Use those AP credits! For EECS, AP chem gets you out of a "natural science" requirement, which can be fulfilled by chem 1A if you don't have credits. However lots of other things can also fulfill that req. EECS are not required to do chem 1A specifically. " - Ashley, Team Sapphire

For PREP 2019?

"Takes time to get used to and, like any other courses, having study groups really helped. " - Shotaro, Team Diamond

"I failed every exam and I passed with a C+, you'll be okay. " - Alex, Team Ruby

"Tests can be pretty hard so make sure you understand the practice exam. " - Kaitlyn, Team Ruby

"Homework and exams were much more difficult than what you're presented with in lectures and discussions. " - Chernelle, Team Emerald

"Since it is the first chem class, it goes over what you learned in high school (if you took it) and explains the basics of chemistry. A big portion of the class was dedicated to bonds and pH solutions. This class helps you understand certain reactions in everyday life and gives you a different perspective of the world around you. " - Daniel, Team Ruby

"If you find yourself struggling in this course, GO to GSI OFFICE HOURS! They helped a a lot! Things may be different since school may be remote in the fall so DO keep a look out for virtual tutoring services and GO! You're going to have your PREP friends, so try your best to study with them! The exams were pretty difficult but despite your score on your exams, you are still amazing! (Don't forget that :)) But again, classes may be remote so also keep a look out for how he plans on modifying the course. " - Ofelia, Team Ruby

"One of the many things you learn to appreciate about Professor Stacy's class is her idea of learning and understanding the material, rather than memorizing it (which I think we all have done at some point in our school career). The class is taught in a small classroom environment, where you sit in groups with other students and you are given daily tasks that are meant to guide you to understand the topic. You are meant to help each other answer the questions given and there are GSI's available for questions. You don't need to have any previous chemistry knowledge because it really starts off with the basics and if you do have some knowledge you'll probably find it a bit easier. The idea is however that you get exposed to the material in class first, then you go home to watch the lecture, and you complete a homework assignment on it. There are also quizzes weekly quizzes. The style of teaching is definitely not for everyone, but it is really up to you! If you decide to take it, I definitely recommend a study group (with other PREP *coughs* or non-PREP students)! " - Valeria, Team Ruby

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