Is It Possible to Boost Chemistry Grades by 2 Levels in a Month?

Parents often wonder: Can their struggling child improve their chemistry grades by 2–3 levels in a month or two?

The answer is YES—and I’ve seen it happen time and time again.

So many parents worry it’s too late to make a difference. Their teens are stressed, frustrated, and losing hope. But let me reassure you: with the proper guidance, techniques, and consistent practice, it’s possible to turn things around in a short time.

Why Students Struggle in Chemistry

Understanding why many students struggle with chemistry, particularly at the IB, AP, or high school level, is essential.

Here are the most common challenges I’ve seen in students:

Difficulty Understanding Teachers

Sometimes, students find that their teacher’s explanations aren’t clear or the pace of the lessons is too fast. They’re left feeling confused and unable to keep up.

Applying Concepts to Problems

A student might understand the theory but struggle to use it when solving problems or tackling exam questions.

Unfamiliar Exam Questions

Some students do well with homework but get stuck on exam questions, which are often more complex or unfamiliar.

Shaky Foundations

If a student’s knowledge of earlier topics (like GCSE chemistry) is weak, they struggle with advanced topics. This is especially true in IB and AP Chemistry, where prior understanding is critical.

Addressing these challenges is the first step to rapid improvement. Let’s break down how I tackle them.

How I Help Students Improve Chemistry Grades in Weeks

Improving a student’s chemistry grade by 2–3 levels in a month isn’t about cramming—it’s about using the right strategies tailored to their needs. Here’s my proven approach:

Targeted Learning Plans

Every student is different, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The first step is to identify the specific problems holding the student back.

During the initial lesson, I ask the student questions to understand their struggles:

• Do they find the teacher’s explanations confusing?
• Do they know the concepts but get stuck on problems?
• Are they overwhelmed by unfamiliar exam questions?

I create a focused plan to address their needs based on their answers. For example:

• If they struggle with understanding concepts, I break down the material into simpler terms.
• If they get stuck on problems, I teach problem-solving techniques and focus on exam-style questions.

This targeted approach ensures we use every session effectively.

Filling Knowledge Gaps

Many students struggle because of gaps in their foundational knowledge. For example, suppose a student didn’t fully grasp balancing equations or mole calculations in GCSE. In that case, they’ll struggle even more in IB or AP Chemistry.

In the first lesson, I assess their understanding by asking real-world questions. If there are gaps, we address them before moving forward. This foundation-building is critical for long-term success.

Here’s an example:

• If a student struggles with stoichiometry, I start by reviewing moles and molar ratios.
• Once the basics are straightforward, we move on to advanced topics like limiting reactants or per cent yield.

Students gain the confidence and skills to tackle more complex material by reinforcing earlier concepts.

Step-by-Step Problem Solving

Chemistry exams often require students to solve multi-step problems, which can be intimidating. I teach students to break these problems into manageable steps:

Identify the variables given and the question being asked.

For example, in a problem about molarity, we identify the volume and moles before solving for the concentration.

Understand the concept behind the problem.

I ensure students understand WHY they’re using a particular formula or approach.

Practice with guidance.

I demonstrate how to solve similar problems, then have the student try independently. If they’re stuck, I provide subtle cues to guide them.

I also teach students to structure their answers according to their curriculum’s marking scheme and maximise points.

Focused Practice and Exam Preparation

Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to exams. I emphasise solving past exam questions under timed conditions. This helps students:

• Familiarise themselves with the exam format.
• Improve their speed and accuracy.
• Gain confidence for test day.

For exams like AP Chemistry, where questions are often presented as one significant problem rather than broken into parts, I give students extra practice to build their skills and confidence.

Memorisation Through Understanding

Definitions, formulas, and keywords play a huge role in chemistry. But rote memorisation isn’t enough. I teach students to:

• Focus on the keywords in definitions.
• Understand the concept behind the definition.
• Practice structuring their answers with these keywords to earn full marks.

For example, in a definition of molarity, the keywords are “amount of substance,” “moles,” and “per unit volume.” If these are included, students can still score full points even if their wording isn’t perfect.

Confidence Building

One of the most essential parts of my approach is helping students believe in themselves. I celebrate small wins in every session and track their progress to show them (and their parents) how far they’ve come.

When students see their improvement, they’re motivated to keep working hard. This positive reinforcement is a game-changer for many students.

Real-Life Proof: Celena’s Journey

Let me share the story of one of my students, Celena, to show you how these strategies work.

When Celena Came to Me

In November 2023, an IB DP Year 1 student, Celena, was overwhelmed and panicking about an upcoming chemistry test on moles, concentrations, limiting and excess reactants, and per cent yield. Her mother reached out just 5 days before the test, explaining that Celena found these topics confusing and lacked confidence.

The Plan

With only 5 days to prepare, I created a focused plan:

• Days 1–3: Cover each critical topic in detail.
• Day 4: Review and practice exam-style questions.

What We Did

During each session:

• I explained the concept in simple terms.
• We worked through sample questions together.
• Celena practised problems independently, starting with easier ones and progressing to more challenging ones.

If she got stuck, I gave subtle cues to guide her rather than giving her the answer.

The Results

By test day, Celena’s confidence had skyrocketed. She earned a high 6 out of 7, just a few points shy of a perfect score!

After the test, Celena continued tutoring sessions but soon needed less support. Within a month, she studied independently and used our sessions only for advanced questions. Today, she excels in IB Chemistry and prepares confidently for her final exams.

Why It’s Never Too Late

Many parents feel it’s too late to turn things around, but that’s rarely true. With the right approach, even a struggling student can improve dramatically quickly.

Here’s why:

• A targeted plan ensures we focus on the areas that matter most.
• Addressing foundational gaps helps students gain confidence quickly.
• Consistent practice builds both skills and speed.

Every student’s journey is unique, but progress is always possible with personalised support.

Ready to See a Transformation?

Whether your teen struggles with understanding chemistry, applying concepts to problems, or mastering exam techniques, I’m here to help.

I’ve helped countless students achieve results they never thought possible—and I’d love to help your teen do the same.