Start Organic Chemistry with CONFIDENCE
• Guided practice problems and structured homework support
• Designed for incoming Organic Chemistry I and II students, including pre-med and STEM majors
Why Students Struggle in Organic Chemistry
Many students enter organic chemistry expecting it to feel similar to general chemistry, only to discover that the course requires an entirely different approach to learning and problem solving.
While general chemistry often emphasizes mathematical calculations, organic chemistry relies much more heavily on visualization, pattern recognition, reaction analysis, and logical reasoning. Students are expected to interpret complex molecular structures and apply concepts in unfamiliar situations rather than simply follow memorized procedures.
This shift in thinking is one of the main reasons otherwise strong students often struggle early in the course. These summer sessions are designed to help students make that transition early by building the foundational skills needed for reaction analysis, molecular visualization, and problem solving with confidence.
About Me
Karin Stevens
My students build the confidence, conceptual understanding, and reaction analysis skills required to excel in demanding college level science courses.
Learn from a UC Berkeley trained chemist and former college chemistry professor with over ten years of experience teaching, including organic chemisty.
Organic chemistry requires students to recognize patterns, analyze reaction pathways, and apply concepts in unfamiliar situations. Too often students simply memorize reactions and mechanisms.
Preparation focused on helping students succeed in organic chemistry while strengthening the foundation needed for future coursework, exams like the MCAT, and competitive STEM pathways.
Build the Foundations for Success in Organic Chemistry I
Organic chemistry moves quickly and requires students to visualize structures, recognize patterns, and apply concepts to unfamiliar problems. These sessions are designed to help students develop the core reasoning and problem solving skills needed to begin the course with greater confidence and preparation.
Organic Prep I Session A: Foundations of Organic Structure & Bonding
Students will build the visual and conceptual foundation needed for organic chemistry by learning how to:
- Interpret and draw condensed, expanded, and line-angle molecular structures
- Identify common functional groups and predict their chemical behavior
- Understand hybridization and how molecular orbitals influence bonding and geometry
- Develop the structural visualization skills used throughout organic chemistry
Organic Prep I Session B: Molecular Shapes, Conformations & Isomerism
Students will strengthen their understanding of molecular structure by learning how to:
- Distinguish between different types of structural and spatial isomers
- Analyze molecular conformations using Newman projections
- Understand the stability and geometry of cycloalkanes
- Predict how molecular shape influences chemical properties and reactivity
Organic Prep I Session C: Reactivity & Organic Reaction Foundations
Students will begin developing reaction-analysis skills by learning how to:
- Understand the mechanism and selectivity of radical halogenation reactions
- Name and classify alkyl halides using organic nomenclature rules
- Analyze the stability of reactive intermediates involved in organic reactions
- Apply thermodynamic reasoning to predict reaction favorability and products
Organic Prep I Session D: Stereochemistry & Organic Reaction Mechanisms
Students will develop the problem-solving skills needed for organic reaction analysis by learning how to:
- Interpret stereochemistry and visualize three-dimensional molecular relationships
- Differentiate between substitution and elimination reactions
- Predict reaction pathways and products for SN1, SN2, E1, and E2 reactions
- Understand how reaction conditions influence organic reaction mechanisms
Build the Foundations for Success in Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry II requires students to apply reaction patterns, analyze mechanisms, and connect structure to reactivity across increasingly complex systems. These sessions are designed to help students strengthen their conceptual understanding and reaction analysis skills before the pace of the course accelerates.
Organic Prep II Session A: Aromaticity & Benzene Chemistry Foundations
Students will develop a strong understanding of aromatic compounds by learning how to:
- Analyze the molecular orbital structure and stability of benzene
- Apply Hückel’s Rule to determine aromaticity
- Identify and classify aromatic and nonaromatic systems
- Name benzene derivatives using standard organic nomenclature
Organic Prep II Session B: Aromatic Reactivity & Substitution Patterns
Students will build reaction-analysis skills by learning how to:
- Understand the mechanism of electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions
- Predict substitution patterns using ortho, para, and meta directing effects
- Analyze how substituents influence aromatic reactivity
- Strengthen mechanistic reasoning through substitution and elimination reactions
Organic Prep II Session C: Carbonyl Chemistry & Reactivity
Students will develop foundational carbonyl chemistry skills by learning how to:
- Identify and name aldehydes and ketones using organic nomenclature rules
- Understand the structure and reactivity of carbonyl compounds
- Analyze common methods used to synthesize aldehydes and ketones
- Predict and interpret hydration reactions involving carbonyl compounds
Organic Prep II Session D: Carbonyl Reactions & Functional Group Transformations
Students will strengthen their understanding of carbonyl reaction pathways by learning how to:
- Understand the formation and properties of imines
- Analyze oxidation reactions involving aldehydes
- Predict reduction products of ketones and aldehydes
- Connect reaction mechanisms to broader patterns in organic synthesis
Expert Led Preparation for Organic Chemistry I
Small-group learning to prepare students for excellence in
Organic Chemistry I
Early enrollment ensures placement before classes fill.
Available Classes
Each session covers the same structured curriculum and is offered multiple times throughout the summer for scheduling flexibility.
• Small-group enrollment for personalized instruction
• Flexible scheduling options for busy summer calendars
• Students may enroll in individual sessions or complete the full series
Not sure which session is best? Contact me, I'm happy to help! (Karin@ChemHelpASAP.com)
Instruction is led by a UC Berkeley trained chemist with a Master’s in Chemistry and over a decade of college teaching experience at Davidson College.
Karin specializes in helping students:
• Break down complex organic chemistry concepts
• Develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Build confidence before the semester begins
Organic I Prep: Session A
3 hours of live, professor led instruction
Starts June 29th
- Session A
- June 29 - 30, 2026
- Monday & Tuesday | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern
- Program Tuition: $249
Organic I Prep: Session A
3 hours of live, professor led instruction
Starts July 27th
- Session A
- July 27 - 28, 2026
- Monday & Tuesday | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern
- Program Tuition: $249
Organic I Prep: Session B
3 hours of live, professor led instruction
Starts July 1st
- Session B
- July 1 - 2, 2026
- Wednesday & Thursday | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern
- Program Tuition $249
Organic I Prep: Session B
3 hours of live, professor led instruction
Starts July 29th
- Session B
- July 29 - 30, 2026
- Wednesday & Thursday | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern
- Program Tuition $249
Students receive a structured review of the foundational concepts and reaction patterns that are most important for success in organic chemistry.
Instruction includes:
• Guided practice problems
• Targeted homework and reinforcement
• Reaction analysis and mechanism practice
• Assessments designed to strengthen problem-solving skills
Each session is offered twice during the summer, allowing students to choose the schedule that works best for them.
Enrollment Options
1 Session — Two days, 3 hours of live instruction
Full Program (4 Sessions) — Eight days, 12 hours of live instruction
Students may mix and match sessions based on their academic background and preparation goals
Organic I Prep: Session C
3 hours of live, professor led instruction
Starts July 6th
- Session C
- July 6 - 7, 2026
- Monday & Tuesday | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern
- Program Tuition $249
Organic I Prep: Session C
3 hours of live, professor led instruction
Starts August 3rd
- Session C
- Aug 3 - 4, 2026
- Monday & Tuesday | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern
- Program Tuition $249
Organic I Prep: Session D
3 hours of live, professor led instruction
Starts July 8
- Session D
- July 8 - 9, 2026
- Wednesday & Thursdays | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern
- Program Tuition $249
Organic I Prep: Session D
3 hours of live, professor led instruction
Starts August 5
- Session D
- Aug 5 - 6, 2026
- Wednesday & Thursday | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern
- Program Tuition $249
Have questions?
Speak with Karin directly to discuss goals, preparation and course fit.
Expert Led Preparation for Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry II builds on foundational concepts and focuses on reaction mechanisms,
synthesis, and multi-step problem solving.
Available Classes
Organic II Prep: Session A
3 hours of live, professor led instruction
Starts July 13th
- Session A
- July 13 - 14, 2026
- Monday & Tuesday | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern
- Program Tuition: $269
Organic II Prep: Session B
3 hours of live, professor led instruction
Starts July 15th
- Session B
- July 15 - 16, 2026
- Monday & Tuesday | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern
- Program Tuition: $269
Organic II Prep: Session C
3 hours of live, professor led instruction
Starts July 20th
- Session C
- July 20 - 21, 2026
- Wednesday & Thursday | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern
- Program Tuition $269
Organic II Prep: Session D
3 hours of live, professor led instruction
Starts July 22nd
- Session D
- July 22 - 23, 2026
- Wednesday & Thursday | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern
- Program Tuition $269
Students build advanced organic chemistry skills by learning how to analyze and predict reaction behavior across key functional groups.
Instruction emphasizes:
• Step-by-step reaction mechanism analysis
• Carbonyl chemistry and functional group transformations
• Aromaticity and electrophilic substitution patterns
• Multi-step synthesis thinking and reaction prediction
• Structured practice to reinforce concepts
This single summer session is designed to reinforce the most important Organic Chemistry II concepts before or during the academic term.
• One focused, intensive session for targeted preparation
• Ideal for students entering Organic Chemistry II or reviewing advanced topics
• Emphasis on reaction mechanisms, synthesis, and applied problem-solving skills
• Live instruction with guided practice
Instruction is led by a UC Berkeley trained chemist with a Master’s in Chemistry and over a decade of college teaching experience at Davidson College.
Karin specializes in helping students:
• Break down complex organic chemistry concepts
• Develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Build confidence before the semester begins
Have questions?
Speak with Karin directly to discuss goals, preparation and course fit.
Have questions about the class?
Organic I Prep
Single Session Registration
Enrollment is limited to maintain small group instruction.
3 hours of instruction | Tuition $249
Secure checkout | Limited enrollment | Live instruction
Organic I Prep
4 Session Registration
Enrollment is limited to maintain small group instruction.
12 hours of instruction | Tuition $899
Secure checkout | Limited enrollment | Live instruction
Zelle or Venmo Prep Course Registration
Enrollment is limited to maintain small group instruction.
Secure checkout | Limited enrollment | Live instruction
Organic II Prep
Single Session Registration
Enrollment is limited to maintain small group instruction.
3 hours of instruction | Tuition $269
Secure checkout | Limited enrollment | Live instruction
Organic II Prep
4 Session Registration
Enrollment is limited to maintain small group instruction.
3 hours of instruction | Tuition $999
Secure checkout | Limited enrollment | Live instruction
Schedule a FREE consultation.
- Ask any questions you have about summer prep, course structure, or study materials
- Preview the full range of course resources, including, extra problems, study guides, and walkthroughs
- Determine if our small-group Organic Chemistry Summer Prep is the right fit for your student
You can also email me directly at Karin@ChemHelpASAP.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to start with Session A?
You can start with any session as long as you’re comfortable with the topics in the earlier ones. Keep in mind that each session will build upon the concepts of the earlier sessions. If you are unsure about a topic, I would not recommend skipping ahead.
Is there homework?
Each session includes supplemental video lessons, and homework sets. While all assignments are optional, each comes with answer keys to help you check your understanding.
I strongly encourage students to complete the practice problems; they’re one of the best ways to reinforce and retain what you’ve learned.
What is the schedule?
Each session meets for two days for 90 minute live sessions.
Please note that all times shown in the schedule are EASTERN time.
What if I miss class?
If a student misses a session, they’ll receive a summary of the material covered and be directed to the relevant video content for review. While make-up sessions are not offered, I’m always available by email to answer questions and provide support.
Does this course have live instruction or is it self-paced?
These courses are live instructional courses. Classes meet at a specific time and day. Please make sure of the schedule before registering!