S1: Use a process of elimination if you're stuck. Pick answers you don't understand if and only if you understand all the other options and don't think they're correct.

S2: Don't make your essay too broad! Remember, you're responding to what the quote (or quotes) are saying about the theme, not the theme generally. Have a specific thesis statement and remember: argument -> example -> evaluation (-> maybe a counter-example) -> link back to your thesis statement. Write concisely and be clear on your points + how they relate to the theme. Your point isn't always as obvious as you think, especially if the reader is halfway through a pile of 25 essays at 11PM.

S3: Read the questions carefully. Beyond basic principles, a good 50-75% of the time all the info you need to answer the question will be contained in the question itself. Don't mix up pKa and Ka. Always take time to orient yourself when you're given a figure. Keep an eye out for log scales.

Overall, make sure you're managing your time well. If you spot a potentially time-consuming unit, read the questions before the info so you can mull them over as you take in the information. Focus first on questions you know you can easily answer. If you're spending more than 2-2.5 minutes on a single question, take an educated guess and come back to it later (at the end of the unit, then again at the end of the test if you have time). Don't leave any circles blank.

Finally, have a nice, low-G.I breakfast (or lunch) and a relaxing walk sometime before the exam. Best case scenario, you land yourself a spot in med school. Worst case, you sit again March and do even better.

Good luck!