I'm having trouble thinking of methods of problem solving that are non-algorithmic. Can anyone provide me with an example?

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]

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.

A weblog called StudyHacks has articles about passion that I think you would find interesting.

Specifically The Passion Trap and The Danger of Dream Job Delusion.

EDIT: FORMATTING

Good article, but there's a huge difference between realizing that one's fireplace is dangerous and realizing that one's entire belief system is completely wrong. The crushing feeling of emotional loss that often comes with the latter isn't easy to replicate, and losing an "everyday" cached belief can't even compare. Nonetheless, having a cached belief broken is still good mental exercise.

(My personal reaction to updating about fireplaces: It didn't occur to me until now that fireplaces were dangerous, and at one of my former places of residence there was a pretty active wood-burning fireplace. After reading the article (and spending a few minutes fact-checking Harris's claims), I just thought "Huh, didn't know that. I'll avoid them from now on" and then went back to thinking about other stuff.)

Should "seen a god" there be "seem a god"?

More substantially, isn't this basically saying "Believe X because then you'll get status"?

...the other, to change thy opinion, if there is anyone at hand who sets thee right and moves thee from any opinion. But this change of opinion must proceed only from a certain persuasion, as of what is just or of common advantage, and the like, not because it appears pleasant or brings reputation.

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.

Within ten days thou wilt seem a god to those to whom thou art now a beast and an ape, if thou wilt return to thy principles and to worshiping of reason

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.

On a lark I looked at my favorite professors (that is, the ones I felt taught me the most) and all of them have ratings below 3.0.

I think RMP is more for undergrads who want to coast through their degree with the least amount of effort. (This makes a certain amount of sense.)