How should I study for chemistry?

This is a great question. As a chemistry instructor for many years, I've had the opportunity to observe the habits of the smost successful students. There are several that contribute to success in learning chemistry:

1. Stay ahead of the class. By this I mean read the relevant sections of your text before the content is presented in class. Although it might be more difficult to understand, the concepts will then make more sense when...

This is a great question. As a chemistry instructor for many years, I've had the opportunity to observe the habits of the smost successful students. There are several that contribute to success in learning chemistry:

1. Stay ahead of the class. By this I mean read the relevant sections of your text before the content is presented in class. Although it might be more difficult to understand, the concepts will then make more sense when presented in class. When doing assigned reading, be sure to look at all photos, diagrams and graphs. Interpreting graphs will increase your comprehension of relationships in chemistry. 

2. Take notes. This probably seems a bit old-fashioned in today's information world, but it's helpful. The act of writing something down yourself helps you to remember it. If you make note cards of relevant equations you won't have to spend time later looking for them in the text.

3. I think this is the most important: Work out all assigned problems, even if they aren't scored. Too often students just read through example problems or find solutions without attempting the problems at hand. If you got help or found the solution to a problem, make a second attempt on your own to be sure you understand the process, or work out a similar problem. Think problems through and be aware that there's often more than one way to solve them.

4. Learn from your mistakes. When you get exams back, go through them and try to understand why you missed any problems that you did. The nature of chemistry is that concepts tend to build on each other and you will be using many concepts again in the future. 

5. Be organized. Keep your class materials in order and easy to access. Have data tables that you use readily available, either bookmarked in your text, as paper copies with your other class materials, or easy to find on your phone if you use mobile apps. 

6. Study with classmates. This helps you in two ways: You will have someone to ask questions of and your comprehension of a concept is increased by explaining it to others.