How to do well in chemistry exams?

Finally this year's AP chemistry exam is over. This is the first year with the new curriculum framework in place. I am glad that all my students did well in the exam. I attribute that to their hard work and our all around review of the material.
Often people ask me, chemistry is so hard, how can I do well in exams like AP and SAT II chemistry?
Well I can tell you a few key points to make this possible.
1. Understand the key concepts instead of trying to remember them. A lot of people think chemistry is hard because there are so much to memorize. I do not totally agree. If you understand the concepts well, you do not need to remember a lot of stuff. There are some stuff you need to remember, like the flame colours of alkali metal ions which has no trend or clue whatsoever. Most of the stuff in chemistry though can be logically reasoned. In chemistry there are a few concept to keep in mind.

• chemistry is all about electrons. The driving force for bond formation and reaction is for all the elements to attain noble gas configuration. 
• All the interaction can be related to Coloumb attractions between particles. you can use Coloumb attractions to reason ionic bond strength, intermolecular forces and physical properties trend and so much more.
• Lower energy and higher entropy are important driving forces for reactions to happen.

2. Deepen your understanding of the key concepts by practice. Sometimes, you think you got it, but to get it right, practice is very necessary.
3. what is most important in learning chemistry is to connect what is in the book with everyday life. When something your learned in books can be applied to your daily life, you will find it intriguing and fun. And interest and curiosity can lead you to learn more. We all know solution has a higher boiling point that pure solvent. Have you thought of adding a little bit of salt when you boil spaghetti to save time cooking? the raised boiling point will help. Also how does pressure cook work?
If there is a spill of baking soda, what do we use to clean it up?
I hope these points can help new chemistry learners start their journey with fun and easiness.
If you have any comment, feel free to shoot me an email. My email address is vancouverchemistrytutor@gmail.com