Dr. Joseph Houck

PSU Penn State University, University Park Summer 2025

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.

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Dr. Houck's Exam Style

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.
During online semesters, some professors completely eliminated exams, while others kept the exact same format since 2013. Tutor with me 1-on-1 to prepare for structural exam shifts in the Fall 2021 semester!
CHEM 110, CHEM 112, CHEM 210 and CHEM 212 feels like the wild, wild west at PSU because different professors format exams differently, and teach more in depth into topics than others. Notable topics include Molecular Orbital Theory, Ring Stability, Synthesis, and E2 reactions on chairs.
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

    Don’t Cram

    Plan ahead at least 2 weeks. Study by chapter so you absorb in digestible chunks.

    Ask Questions

    Be bold and ask direct questions when you're stuck - there's value in wrong answers so you can recognize and avoid them.

    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?

    • Joy is Accessible - During the covid online semesters, Dr. Houck became less accessible for student questions via email or zoom. If you tutor weekly with me, I'm always willing to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

      Stay Ahead of the Game - Towards the end of every semester, he becomes overwhelmed and dislikes answering student's organic chemistry questions. Even after multiple emails and direct requests, Dr. Houck pushes off questions. As your private tutor, I'll make myself extra available during this last push.

      Focus on What's "Actually" Tested - I emphasize topics that I know have been historically tested on in your class during our sessions. I'll reinforce really important subjects that you'll need to know to pass your exams and get your desired grade.

      Bonus Work - There are numerous bonus point opportunities I can help you to make up your grade, such as DQ’s or extra credit take-home exams.