Conquer Chemistry: Success with AP Chemistry Tutors

“Why is this balancing act so confusing?” “I studied the mole concept for hours but my answers are still off.” “I just can’t visualize these reactions!”

Sound familiar? Dissolve the confusion with Seattle Tutors like Madison and Mirra.

“Madison was fantastic!! Made stoichiometry make sense. Thank you.” -L

“…said the session was incredibly insightful and boosted their understanding. They’re eager to continue with weekly sessions for the rest of the semester.” -M

“The session was a breakthrough! We’ve already scheduled more to prepare for the AP exam.” -K

These chemistry tutors specialize in the following chemistry courses:

AP Chemistry Tutors & Help

AP Chemistry is a college-level course that explores the fundamental principles of chemistry, known for its demanding pace and complex problem-solving. AP Chemistry tutors can be the catalyst for your success:

Grasping Core Chemical Principles
Atomic theory, periodicity, chemical bonding, intermolecular forces, and stoichiometry– A tutor helps solidify these core concepts, ensuring you have a strong base for more advanced material.
Developing Problem-Solving Skills
Chemistry is more than memorizing formulas; it’s about applying them. Tutors focus on developing your ability to tackle multi-step problems, interpret data, and use mathematical reasoning to solve complex chemical calculations.
Effective AP Exam Strategies
The AP Chemistry exam has specific formats for its multiple-choice and free-response questions. A tutor can help you dissect past exam questions, identify common patterns, practice time-management strategies, and hone your skills for both sections of the exam.
Lab Work and Inquiry Skills
Laboratory investigations are a crucial part of AP Chemistry. Tutors can assist with understanding experimental design, analyzing data, identifying sources of error, and writing concise, accurate lab reports.
Building Confidence and Critical Thinking
The breadth and depth of AP Chemistry can sometimes feel overwhelming. A good tutor acts as a mentor and builds your confidence to approach complex chemical concepts and problems effectively.

Contact Us: Call or Text 206-999-0666 or email schuyler@tutoringservicesseattle.com for in person or online tutoring options. Rates range from $65-$125 depending on modality and location

AP chemistry topics we tutor:

Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Properties

Moles and Molar Mass: The quantitative heart of chemistry – how we count and weigh atoms and molecules.
Mass Spectroscopy of Elements: Understanding how to determine isotopic composition and average atomic mass.
Elemental Composition of Pure Substances: Calculating percent composition and determining empirical and molecular formulas.
Composition of Mixtures: Differentiating between pure substances and mixtures, and methods to describe mixture composition.
Atomic Structure and Electron Configuration: Delving into the quantum model of the atom, electron shells, subshells, orbitals, and how electrons are arranged.
Photoelectron Spectroscopy: Using PES data to understand electron energies and atomic structure.
Periodic Trends: Exploring patterns in atomic radius, ionization energy, electron affinity, and electronegativity across the periodic table.
Valence Electrons and Ionic Compounds: Understanding how electron configurations lead to the formation of ions and ionic bonds.

Unit 2: Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties

Types of Chemical Bonds: Differentiating between ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding.
Intramolecular Force and Potential Energy: Understanding the energy changes associated with bond formation and breaking.
Structure of Ionic Solids: Exploring the lattice structure of ionic compounds.
Structure of Metals and Alloys: Understanding metallic bonding and the properties of metallic substances.
Lewis Diagrams & Formal Charge: Drawing representations of molecules and using formal charge to determine the most stable structures.
Resonance and Bond Hybridization: Describing molecules with multiple valid Lewis structures and understanding the mixing of atomic orbitals (sp, sp², sp³).
VSEPR Theory and Molecular Geometry: Predicting the 3D shapes of molecules based on electron pair repulsion.
Polarity of Molecules & Intermolecular Forces (IMFs): Determining molecular polarity and understanding the different types of IMFs (London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding, ion-dipole) and their impact on properties.

Unit 3: Intermolecular Forces and Properties

Intermolecular Forces: A deeper dive into the nature and relative strengths of IMFs.
Properties of Solids: Relating macroscopic properties of solids to their structure and bonding.
Solids, Liquids, and Gases: Understanding the states of matter in terms of particle motion and IMFs.
Ideal Gas Law & Kinetic Molecular Theory: Describing the behavior of ideal gases and the underlying theory.
Gas Mixtures and Partial Pressures: Working with Dalton’s Law and mole fractions.
Deviations from Ideal Gas Law: When and why real gases don’t behave ideally.
Solutions and Mixtures: Understanding the process of dissolution, factors affecting solubility, and concentration units (molarity).
Representations of Solutions: Visualizing solute-solvent interactions.
Separation of Solutions and Mixtures Chromatography: Principles behind separation techniques.
Solubility: Qualitative and quantitative aspects of solubility.
Spectroscopy and the Electromagnetic Spectrum & Beer-Lambert Law: Using light interaction to determine the concentration of solutions.

Unit 4: Chemical Reactions

Introduction for Reactions: Identifying reactants and products.
Net Ionic Equations: Representing reactions in aqueous solutions, focusing on species that actually change.
Representations of Reactions: Balancing chemical equations and using stoichiometry.
Physical and Chemical Changes: Differentiating between these processes.
Stoichiometry: Quantitative relationships in chemical reactions (e.g., mole ratios, limiting reactants, percent yield).
Types of Chemical Reactions: Classifying reactions (e.g., synthesis, decomposition, single/double replacement, combustion).
Introduction to Titration: Quantitative analysis technique to determine concentrations.
Introduction to Acid-Base Reactions: Defining acids and bases (Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry) and predicting products of neutralization.
Oxidation-Reduction (Redox) Reactions: Identifying oxidation states and balancing redox equations.

Unit 5: Kinetics

Reaction Rates: Defining and measuring the speed of chemical reactions.
Introduction to Rate Law: Determining the mathematical relationship between reactant concentrations and reaction rate.
Concentration Changes Over Time: Integrated rate laws (0th, 1st, 2nd order).
Elementary Reactions & Reaction Mechanisms: Understanding multi-step reaction pathways and identifying rate-determining steps.
Collision Model: How molecular collisions lead to reactions.
Reaction Energy Profile: Visualizing energy changes during a reaction, including activation energy.
Introduction to Reaction Catalysis: How catalysts speed up reactions without being consumed.

Unit 6: Thermodynamics

Endothermic and Exothermic Processes: Understanding heat flow in chemical and physical changes.
Energy Diagrams: Representing enthalpy changes in reactions.
Heat Transfer and Thermal Equilibrium: Principles of calorimetry.
Heat Capacity and Calorimetry: Calculating heat changes associated with temperature changes.
Energy of Phase Changes: Enthalpy of fusion, vaporization.
Introduction to Enthalpy of Reaction (ΔH): Heat absorbed or released during a reaction.
Bond Enthalpies: Estimating ΔH using average bond energies.
Enthalpy of Formation: Calculating ΔH using standard enthalpies of formation.
Hess’s Law: Calculating ΔH for reactions by combining other known enthalpy changes.

Unit 7: Equilibrium

Introduction to Equilibrium: Understanding dynamic equilibrium and the equilibrium constant (Kc, Kp).
Direction of Reversible Reactions & Reaction Quotient (Q): Predicting the direction a reaction will shift to reach equilibrium.
Calculating the Equilibrium Constant and Concentrations: Solving equilibrium problems.
Introduction to Le Châtelier’s Principle: How systems at equilibrium respond to stresses (changes in concentration, pressure, temperature).
Introduction to Solubility Equilibria (Ksp): Equilibrium involving sparingly soluble ionic compounds.
pH and pOH of Strong Acids and Bases.
Weak Acid and Base Equilibria (Ka, Kb): Calculating pH and equilibrium concentrations for weak acids and bases.
Acid-Base Reactions and Buffers: How buffers resist pH changes.
Molecular Structure of Acids and Bases: Relating structure to acid/base strength.
pH and pKa: The relationship between these values.
Properties of Buffers & Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation: Designing and understanding buffer systems.
Titrations and pH Curves: Analyzing titration curves for strong/weak acids/bases.

Unit 8: Acids and Bases (This unit deepens concepts introduced earlier)

Introduction to Acids and Bases: Review and expansion of definitions.
pH and pOH of Strong Acids and Bases.
Weak Acid and Base Equilibria.
Acid-Base Reactions and Buffers.
Acid-Base Titrations.
Molecular Structure of Acids and Bases.
pH and pKa.
Properties of Buffers.
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation.
Buffer Capacity.

Unit 9: Applications of Thermodynamics

Introduction to Entropy (ΔS): Understanding disorder and spontaneity.
Absolute Entropy and Entropy Change.
Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG) and Thermodynamic Favorability: Predicting spontaneity using ΔG = ΔH – TΔS.
Thermodynamic and Kinetic Control: Distinguishing between favorability and reaction rate.
Gibbs Free Energy and Equilibrium (ΔG° = -RTlnK): Relating free energy to the equilibrium constant.
Coupled Reactions: How thermodynamically unfavorable reactions can be driven by favorable ones.
Galvanic (Voltaic) and Electrolytic Cells: Understanding electrochemical cells.
Cell Potential and Free Energy (ΔG° = -nFE°cell): Relating cell potential to spontaneity.
Cell Potential Under Nonstandard Conditions (Nernst Equation).
Electrolysis and Faraday’s Law: Quantitative aspects of electrolysis.

What are the math requirements for AP Chemistry?

Prerequisites: Successful completion of a first-year high school chemistry course and Algebra II is highly recommended.
Emphasis: Strong algebra skills are essential for manipulating chemical equations, solving equilibrium problems, and working with gas laws. Basic understanding of logarithms and scientific notation is also crucial. Calculus is not required for AP Chemistry.

Call or Text 206-999-0666 for in-person or online tutoring options. Rates range from $65-$125 depending on modality and location

UW Chemistry Tutors & Help

The University of Washington offers foundational chemistry sequences designed to prepare students for STEM majors, such as:

CHEM 142, 152, 162: The general chemistry sequence for science and engineering majors, covering atomic nature of matter, stoichiometry, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry.
Other introductory or specialized chemistry courses.

Why UW Chemistry Tutoring Matters

UW’s chemistry courses are known for their rigor and challenging pace. Tutoring helps by:

Solidifying Foundational Knowledge: Reviewing essential high school chemistry concepts and addressing any gaps in understanding.
Mastering Problem-Solving Techniques: Teaching systematic approaches to tackle various types of chemistry problems and calculations.
Building Academic Confidence: Providing personalized support and encouragement to navigate the demands of college-level chemistry.

Call or Text 206-999-0666 or email schuyler@tutoringservicesseattle.com for in person or online tutoring options. Rates range from $65-$125 depending on modality and location

Common challenging topics where we can help

Our experienced tutors are ready to help your student with those tricky chemistry topics:

Acids and Bases: Your teen will learn about these common substances, how to measure them (pH), and how they react with each other.
Titrations: We’ll explain how to carefully measure liquids to find out the strength of unknown solutions. It’s like a science experiment with a purpose!
Stoichiometry: Sound intimidating? It’s just the math behind chemical reactions. Our tutors will make those calculations clearer.
Balancing Equations: Chemicals always react in specific amounts – a tutor will help your teen write the “recipes” for these reactions.

Professional, accommodating, affordable and knowledgeable! Highly recommend if you need extra help with math!

Seth A.
2/22/2017

My daughter who was taking Physics as a senior in high school wrote this: Jeremy's deep understanding and excitement on the topic created a good learning environment. He was very welcoming to help me with the subject which in turn made me comfortable to ask as many questions as needed. Very good tutor and helped my grade in the class a ton!

Rima Ellard
July 10, 2018

Seattle Tutoring services helped me get into calculus, my first math class in 10 years. After all my own independent review using online courses like Khan Academy it was helpful that I get brought up to speed with the help of someone who could help me focus on what I needed to learn to be best prepared for calculus. In my calculus class I was just as well equipped as students who had taken math the previous quarter and finished as one of the top students in the class. Follow up support, scholarship recommendations and educational advice were unexpected and generous support that continued after. Not necessarily a part of the tutoring service but a benefit of working with an educator passionate about helping their students.

Arica Schuett
December 20, 2016

Great experience! Quick response to a last-minute request for calculus help. Jeremy was great at quickly understanding where I was and clearly explained the concepts. I will definitely call them again.

Stephen Shettler
June 2, 2018

They combined the best of both worlds -- convenience and ease of using technology, and caring and thoughtful interpersonal skills -- to help my student get over a big hump and the anxiety that accompanied. We were in a time crunch and reached out, with a pretty specific subject need, and I knew that the wrong match between tutor and students could make things worse. I explained my student's situation in an email, and heard back promptly and with detail -- not just explaining how to get started, and different service delivery options, but giving me background on personality and experience from a few different tutors so that I could figure out the best "match" for our situation. I was really impressed. And then highly impressed with the ACTUAL tutoring and tutor. The mental block was eased, the snag was figured out and my student was back on track. It set a positive stage for starting high school, knowing that if there was a wrinkle, my student could get through it and knew the steps to self-advocate and work the problem. I've recommended them several times already, and will continue to do so. I think we'll be setting up regular check-in appts this year in a subject or two - so convenient that student can discuss with tutor while at home and in the evenings after sports.

Lisa Geisness
August 27, 2019

Used them for three years. Always very helpful and receptive to our students needs. Very highly recommended!

Dan Allison
November 19, 2019

For questions about a test or tutoring, send us an email schuyler@tutoringservicesseattle.com, or call/text 206.999.0666 . I typically respond within 2 hrs.

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