How To Prepare For An Organic Chemistry Tutoring Session

If you have made the decision to hire an organic chemistry tutor, then good for you. But don't think that just because you hired a tutor all your problems will be solved. It will still be up to YOU and how you approach your organic chemistry tutoring session that will ultimately determine how much value you gain from your tutor

The first thing to realize is that despite having hired a tutor, the hard work, study, and preparation will still fall on your shoulders. If you do not put in the work and adequate preparation, you will only wind up wasting the time and money invested in tutoring

Knowing WHAT You Want to Cover 

All too often I'll have a student show up for a tutoring session and tell me "I need help with organic chemistry" but will usually have no idea where to start. It's not the end of the world if you need help identifying your weak points. However, if you can take the time to outline your difficulties prior to your session you will be able to jump right into the material with your tutor. This saves you from wasting time during your actual session trying to figure out what to cover or where to begin

Having an Outline 

Once you have identified which chapter or overall topic you need help with, it helps to take this a step further. Break down the chapter, perhaps you understand the introduction but need help with the second or third sub-topic. Perhaps you get each overall concept but have a more specific question on one of the theories mentioned

Creating an outline of exactly which topics you need help with will allow your tutor to jump right into the desired information without wasting time going through the material that you are already comfortable with

Preparing a List of Questions 

The best and most specific means of tutoring preparation is preparing a list of questions. The best way to accomplish this is by keeping a paper or sticky note on hand as you are studying. Every time a concept or question comes up that you have trouble with, make a note of it. Write down the keyword, topic, page number, or any other pertinent information. By the time you have finished your solo study session you will likely have a detailed list waiting to be answered by your tutor.