In my view, to excel at undergrad level at disciplines such as organic chemistry and law, not only must one master the concepts – one has to learn how to memorize effectively. Indeed, the two go hand in hand [1]. I don’t mean merely learn a few simple memory tricks. I mean learn, master and adapt the very powerful and effective techniques used by those who compete in the World Memory Championships [2].

One has to adapt such techniques because the techniques used at the World Memory Championships are content specific. Further, they are not aimed at learning the reactions of organic chemistry. Last, they are aimed at short-term memory, to be forgotten within a fortnight of the competition, rather than at the accumulative construction of memory over the academic semester.

1) Wu, Hsin‐Kai, and Priti Shah. “Exploring visuospatial thinking in chemistry learning.” Science education 88.3 (2004): 465-492. http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hsin-Kai_Wu/publication/235950562_Exploring_visuospatial_thinking_in_chemistry_learning/links/0a85e533253bfdc234000000.pdf
2) http://www.worldmemorychampionships.com/