Dr. Joseph Houck

PSU Penn State University, University Park Summer 2026

As the most experienced Dr. Houck CHEM 110, CHEM 112, CHEM 210 and CHEM 212 tutor in the country, I can tutor you 1-on-1 organic concepts and exam strategies to provide the highest competitive edge for your exam grades. I've got you covered for this class, whether it's DQ's, Exams or NMR Extra Credit. I started tutoring Dr. Houck's Organic Chem 1 since 2013, and I have been tutoring to his exam style ever since.

"*" indicates required fields

Please enter your info to receive an instant email containing rates and details. Joy will followup within 3 hours!
SMS Opt In

Dr. Houck's Exam Style

Exceptions-to-the-rule are frequently introduced to students for the first time on exams or briefly mentioned during class, but with no examples.
CHEM 110, CHEM 112, CHEM 210 and CHEM 212 Exam questions tend to segment into 1/5 ranking, 1/5 short answers, 1/5 mechanism/synthesis, 1/5 conceptual, and 1/5 naming a complicated molecule on every test. Reactions are tested going forwards and backwards, which is difficult to prepare for.
There was a minor curriculum switch in Fall 2020 where Aromaticity and Benzene Substitution Reactions from Orgo 1 moved to Orgo 2, and Spectroscopy moved from Orgo 2 to Orgo 1.
Dr. Houck's exams are similar difficulty compared to Daily Questions (DQ's) and lecture notes for CHEM 110, CHEM 112, CHEM 210 and CHEM 212. However, not enough exceptions, variations, and PLA's for CHEM 110, CHEM 112, CHEM 210 and CHEM 212. Past exam questions are used in lecture, but not enough variations.

CHEM 110, CHEM 112, CHEM 210 and CHEM 212 Points Breakdown

    • Where Do These Stats Come From?

    They come from actual exam & final averages of most recent semester he taught CHEM 110, CHEM 112, CHEM 210 and CHEM 212.

      Drop Rates

    Tutor with me to get this information!

      Exam Averages

    Exam 1: 73.5% / Exam 2, 3 & Final averages to be posted later.

      Exam Points

    Exam 1: 120 Points / Exam 2: 140 Points / Exam 3: 100 Points / Exam 4: 124 Points / Final: 265 Points

      Daily Questions

    39 DQ's x 5 Points Each, 195 Total

      Foundation Quizzes

    55 Points

      Owl Homework

    159 Points

      Mechanisms

    100 Points

      Bonus Points

    5 points


  • Study Tips for CHEM 110, CHEM 112, CHEM 210 and CHEM 212 Exams

    Avoid Distractions

    Silence your phone, videos, and tell family to stop bugging you to create a focused environment.

    Practice Old Exams

    Execute on old exams. Even if you get the wrong answer, you'll learn from your mistakes faster.

    Keep Going

    Re-do a problem 5 times - this helps cement your knowledge, and recall it under high pressure testing environment.

    Why Tutor with Me for Dr. Houck's CHEM 110, CHEM 112, CHEM 210 and CHEM 212?

    • Accelerated Catch Up - If you're behind, I'll help you catch up 10x faster than studying on your own using private resources.

      Tech Savvy Tutor - I know the ins and outs of online meeting software, like Zoom, Webex, and Join.me. I'll easily fix your tech issues as well to ensure our session runs smoothly.

      Learn to Sound Smart with Your Professor - Students frequently mention that nothing annoys Dr. Houck like "easy" or vague questions to look unprepared in his eyes. Learn how to shine among your peers by visiting office hours often with "smart" questions ready in hand - I'll teach you how and what questions to ask and get the most out of 1-on-1 face time during Dr. Houck's office hours.

      Access To Joy's Extensive Resources - Get access to my entire exam key collection and homework keys for Dr. Houck.