"Ask for help on your project" open thread

Emile

Quite a few of us are working on interesting projects; many of those are solo, but some could maybe use some help. So here's the place to ask!

I am a student entering University that just found out that he will have to take some placement exams during orientation. Specifically for Chemistry 131 and Calculus 1. I'm pretty sure that I can place into Cal 1, but I've never taken Chemistry before. I think it would be a cool challenge to see if I can teach myself Chemistry well enough to pass an exam by the time mid June rolls around.

If anyone wants to help just send me a PM telling me what your experience with basic Chemistry has been, and what you think I should focus on for the exam.

I know this isn't anything cool, but it's what I'm working on. It will also be interesting to see how well I am able to use my instrumental rationality to achieve this goal of mine, so I could make it interesting by keeping y'all updated? I don't know, just please let me know if you have thoughts for me.

Spaced Repetition is very useful for studying efficiently.

7hamnox14y

I don't doubt that you could cram enough information into your head to pass the exam, but be sure you don't forget what the exam is for. Placing you at an appropriate course level. It does you no good to optimize for passing a one-time exam only to find that you have not integrated what you've learned well enough to keep up in the class. That said, passing a placement exam does not mean you HAVE to take the higher course right away if you don't think you're ready. Go for it! Basic chemistry... My memories of chem are a little fuzzy, but I'd put some emphasis on learning the logic behind how compounds, salts, and acids are named. There's useful information that gets packed into just the name of a substance, and I suspect this would be useful in helping you cover all your bases. [/Pun]