University of Michigan Chemistry Tutoring
I've worked extensively with students in CHEM 210 and CHEM 215 and understand the unique challenges these courses present.
Michigan's organic chemistry sequence is one of the most demanding in the country. Success requires a strong logical framework, chemical understanding, and the ability to perform under time pressure.
If you're trying to stay ahead of the course or you’re preparing for an upcoming exam, I'll help you build the framework needed to solve unfamiliar problems with confidence.
Is tutoring right for you as a UMich student?
Of course it’s in my best interest to say yes. But there are plenty of people that get A’s every semester without ever considering tutoring.
Tutoring may work for you if:
You’d like to be ahead of the class the entire semester. I feel like tutoring can be an excellent tool to prepare optimally for the demands of the course and start with a leg up.
You have a very busy schedule and want to maximize your efficiency when studying.
You feel like it’s getting hard to integrate and understand the ideas from lecture into your own practice. (Also consider changing lecturers if that’s often the case)
You feel like you understand the concepts but then are having issues executing well in exams.
You want someone in your corner throughout the entire semester that will support you the whole way through.
What Michigan Students Have Said About My Tutoring.
Ethan v. H. (A in 210 and 215)
“Julian helped me develop the unique mindset needed to succeed in the organic chemistry sequence at UMich."
"He emphasizes understanding and fundamentals over memorization—the key to his success as an Orgo tutor.”
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Varnika J. (A in 210 and 215)
"I had a bad experience with chemistry in high school, so going into Organic Chemistry felt really intimidating. Luckily, I found Julian, and he made the class much more manageable."
"With his help, I earned an A in Orgo 1, and my exam scores continued to improve in Orgo 2"
Annie L. (A- in 210 and 215)
“Julian is very knowledgeable in the contents and has a strong sense of what to expect on exams, having been a student himself. His teaching style is engaging and well-paced”
“I appreciate his consistent support and genuine care for his students' progress and goals”
Example of a CHEM 210 exam problem. Rather than memorizing outcomes, students learn to identify the key structural features that determine reactivity.
What can you expect to cover in CHEM 210?
Chem 210 is the introductory course in the Organic Chemistry Sequence at the University of Michigan. One thing that surprises many students is that understanding a concept is often not enough to earn full credit. Success in the course requires learning how to communicate chemical reasoning precisely through structures, mechanisms, and stereochemistry.
CHEM 210 Topics Commonly Covered
Exam 1
Acid-base chemistry
Formal charges and bonding
Resonance
Curved-arrow mechanisms
Hybridization and orbital theory
Exam 2
Stereochemistry
Newman projections
Cyclohexane chair conformations
Electrophilic addition reactions
Exam 3
SN1, SN2, E1, and E2 reactions
Alkene chemistry
Alkyne chemistry
Mechanistic decision-making
Final Exam
Electrophilic aromatic substitution
Multi-step synthesis
Comprehensive review of course concepts