Discover the exact study habits, mindset shifts, and exam techniques top students use to achieve an A* in A Level Chemistry. Expert insights from Oxford-educated tutor, Chloe.

How to Get an A in A Level Chemistry: 7 Proven Strategies from an Experienced Tutor

Getting an A* in A Level Chemistry isn’t just about memorising facts – it’s about understanding how Chemistry works.

As an Oxford-educated tutor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of students move from feeling unsure and overwhelmed to achieving top grades. Here are seven tried-and-tested strategies that truly make the difference.

1?? Understand, Don’t Memorise

Too many students rely on rote learning – but Chemistry rewards understanding.

? When revising, ask yourself why reactions happen, not just what happens.
? Try explaining concepts aloud to a friend or even your pet! If you can teach it clearly, you understand it.

? Tip: When you learn new reactions, draw the full mechanism and label each step. Visual learning boosts memory retention.

2?? Master the Specification

Every exam board publishes a detailed specification — and it’s your roadmap to success.

? Print it, highlight it, and tick off each point as you revise.
? Use it to guide your notes and check progress before each test.

This simple habit ensures you focus on exactly what examiners expect — nothing more, nothing less.

? You can find links to each exam board specification here:
[AQA Specification link] | [OCR Specification link] | [Edexcel Specification link]

3?? Make Past Papers Your Best Friend

Past papers reveal exactly how examiners think and where marks are gained.

?? Start early – even one paper or question a week helps.
?? Mark your work using official mark schemes to learn the examiner’s language.
?? Keep a “mistake log” so you can spot patterns and fix recurring issues.

? Remember: Examiners love consistency – if you use their phrasing, you’ll earn their marks.

? [Link to your “Exam Practice Resources” page]

4?? Focus on Command Words

Most lost marks come from misunderstanding command words like describe, explain, deduce, or evaluate.

Knowing exactly what each one means can be the difference between a B and an A*.

? Download my free guide — Chemistry Command Words Explained — to decode the examiner’s language once and for all.

? [Insert link to free guide / lead magnet page]

5?? Build Topic Connections

A* students see Chemistry as a network, not as isolated topics.

? Link bonding to energetics.
? Connect equilibria with rates of reaction.
? Spot patterns between organic mechanisms and structure.

This kind of joined-up thinking makes you stand out in synoptic questions that test your understanding across the whole course.

6?? Don’t Leave Calculations Until the End

Quantitative questions make up a large portion of exam marks – and they often cause the most anxiety.

? Practise regularly, not just before exams.
?? Always check your significant figures and units.
? Write down every step of your working – you’ll earn method marks even for partial answers.

? Tip: Create a “calculation cheat sheet” summarising key equations and conversions. Reviewing it weekly builds accuracy and speed.

7?? Stay Calm, Stay Consistent

The A* mindset is calm, steady, and curious – not panicked.

? Set small, achievable goals each week.
? Mix up your revision styles: flashcards, diagrams, timed questions, and mind maps.
? Prioritise rest and balance – your brain consolidates learning while you sleep.

? Remember: It’s consistency, not cramming, that earns the A*.

Final Thoughts

Achieving an A* in A Level Chemistry is entirely possible with the right approach — clear explanations, consistent practice, and expert guidance.

If you’re ready to turn confusion into confidence and Chemistry into one of your strongest subjects, I’d love to help you.

? Book a Free Consultation or Explore A Level Chemistry Tuition to start your journey today.

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