How much time did you devote to ochem?

[Pusheen]

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Hello there

Taking the MCAT August 22, and all i have left to review is ochem. It's definitely my weakest subject. I'm almost considering just giving up on the darn thing and focusing on everything else instead, especially now that there is supposed to be less ochem on MCAT 2015. I feel confident in all the other subjects.

Anyone else in a similar position? I've been using EK, and been doing ok on the lecture tests, but I feel I'm just guessing half the time.

I'd be open to some strategies for maximizing ochem review. I'd like to be done in the next week or so, so I can focus on practice tests.

 

[Doremonster]

I did the same thing you are about to do. I studied everything hard but neglected OChem a bit. Got wrecked on my July 18 test date. >75% of my questions were OChem related in some way. I probably got 5-10 questions total that were gen chem and physics related.

 

[Pusheen]

I did the same thing you are about to do. I studied everything hard but neglected OChem a bit. Got wrecked on my July 18 test date. >75% of my questions were OChem related in some way. I probably got 5-10 questions total that were gen chem and physics related.

thanks for the tip!

 

[Fedekz]

I did the same thing, but with physics. I went into the MCAT this last Saturday (18th) prepared to do absolutely 0 calculations for physics. It's a roll of the dice about what your test focuses on. I was fortunate and had one physics passage that was biochem oriented. But I had several o Chem passages where it wasn't even covered up as "biochem" it was straight o Chem. If you had my exam, you probably would have been in trouble.

So it's a gamble, your C/P section may be half o Chem or may have no o Chem. I rolled the dice and it worked out... But I'm not sure I'd advise that on anyone else. Just sharing my experience..

 

[LakridsA]

Taking August 22nd as well. Completely neglected orgo and barely touched physics so far

 

[catie_jane]

Taking August 22nd as well. Completely neglected orgo and barely touched physics so far

That is a big mistake. My C/P section was all physics calculations, chem calculations, and recognizing orgo mechanisms and reagants.

 

[Pusheen]

Thanks for the tips. Back to the study books I go.

Is there any point in memorizing synthesis reactions (Gabriel synthesis, ect)? Can someone give me an example of a synthesis based MCAT question, i.e. do they just want to know reagents, or mechanisms, or what?

 

[drechie]

i was under the impression too that mcat 2015 wouldnt be heavy on orgo.... kind of in disbelief right now.

 

[catie_jane]

i was under the impression too that mcat 2015 wouldnt be heavy on orgo.... kind of in disbelief right now.

So was I...especially when I had 2 whole passages of just

"What does this reagent do"
"How do you make this from this?"

etc, etc.

 

[TheAnonymous]

Understanding OChem Reactions >>> Memorizing Reactions/Reagents

 

[a_borgia]

Whereas July had no orgo on it independent of biochem and barely any physics calculations. Take what you hear with a grain of salt, no two tests are the same.

 

[Pusheen]

Whereas July had no orgo on it independent of biochem and barely any physics calculations. Take what you hear with a grain of salt, no two tests are the same.

ya..the tests vary way more than I thought they would.
It seems that the composite percentages for each subject posted by AAMC aren't too helpful

 

[studentdocftw]

Just learn the material...understand the basics...worst case scenario you should be able to deduce a few answers. Amines/Amides nucleophiles (do the attacking)...Acyl chlorides>Anhydrides>Acids in terms of electrophiles (love getting attacked). Understand leaving groups..and the impact substituents have on electrophilicity. Withdrawing groups increase electrophilicity by withdrawing electron density from carbon..making it less negative...so less likely to repel lone pairs on nucleophiles (amines). Similarly, electron donating groups decrease electrophilicity by adding electron density to carbon..thereby making it more negative...and more likely to repel lone pairs on nucleophiles. These are some fundamental topics incase you are having trouble narrowing down important ideas. I just got done taking the MCAT..and understand the anxiety it can bring on..so feel free to ask me any ?'s as the material is still fresh in my mind.

 

[drechie]

Khan Academy didn't have too much orgo either. Guess im going to skim over the basics of O-Chem before the exam

 

[Gibbward]

So was I...especially when I had 2 whole passages of just
"What does this reagent do"
"How do you make this from this?"
etc, etc.

Without giving away all the details, do you think the reagents asked of you are straight from organic chem textbooks and the only way you'd know them is if you memorize them? Or are they pretty common to most biochem systems/you can deduce their functions based on their names/chemical formulas?

 

[a_borgia]

Without giving away all the details, do you think the reagents asked of you are straight from organic chem textbooks and the only way you'd know them is if you memorize them? Or are they pretty common to most biochem systems/you can deduce their functions based on their names/chemical formulas?

Anything I saw was related to biochemical synthesis or oxidizing reducing agents - not on the test necessarily mind you, I can't remember C/P very well except general stuff, but I've looked at a LOT of practice material.

 

[Gibbward]

Anything I saw was related to biochemical synthesis or oxidizing reducing agents - not on the test necessarily mind you, I can't remember C/P very well except general stuff, but I've looked at a LOT of practice material.

I'm hopeful that most of the questions should be more in line with this, and that the test choices won't have that reagents with the name of the person who made the reagent/catalyst. You just never know with the actual test!

 

[jb94mg]

That is a big mistake. My C/P section was all physics calculations, chem calculations, and recognizing orgo mechanisms and reagants.

Thanks for the information! I feel like a lot of people have exaggerated the extent to which those topics have been deemphasized. You still need to have a working knowledge of OChem and Physics to do well on the current MCAT I'm sure.

i was under the impression too that mcat 2015 wouldnt be heavy on orgo.... kind of in disbelief right now.

You should always consult the topics lists given out by the AAMC. Never trust SDN dogma blindly.

 

[ElectricNoogie]

You should always consult the topics lists given out by the AAMC. Never trust SDN dogma blindly.

+1 While "officially" orgo is only ~ 5% of the sciences, this all depends on the whims of the AAMC. Up to 2014 there was little ot no Biochem on the MCAT but in reality, much of the orgo was biochem related. Your average MCAT may have less pure orgo on it nowadays but based on feedback from my students and examining the AAMC 2015 content outline, much of the new biochem and high level questions are based on orgo fundamentals.

Lesson learned, don't blow off ANY MCAT topic is the AAMC says its fair game. You may prioritize it lower but never ignore any topic the AAMC has deemed testable if you can help it.

Good luck!

 

[Dr. Trenb]

Khan Academy didn't have too much orgo either. Guess im going to skim over the basics of O-Chem before the exam

Actually they do have O-chem, it is just not under the MCAT subject. Go to KA and click on subjects-> Science -> Organic chemistry.

Hello there

Taking the MCAT August 22, and all i have left to review is ochem. It's definitely my weakest subject. I'm almost considering just giving up on the darn thing and focusing on everything else instead, especially now that there is supposed to be less ochem on MCAT 2015. I feel confident in all the other subjects.

Anyone else in a similar position? I've been using EK, and been doing ok on the lecture tests, but I feel I'm just guessing half the time.

I'd be open to some strategies for maximizing ochem review. I'd like to be done in the next week or so, so I can focus on practice tests.

I highly recommend that you understand the basics of orgo. Biochemistry is very related to orgo and they always have a question that requires knowledge about the basics.
Also,you really shouldn't go to take the MCAT knowing that you don't know orgo, I mean this is the MCAT and it's your ticket to medical school. It's way better to delay the test for the sake of being ready than bombing it. That being said, if you do take it and you encounter many orgo questions, void it.
Goodluck!

 

[drechie]

Actually they do have O-chem, it is just not under the MCAT subject. Go to KA and click on subjects-> Science -> Organic chemistry.

I wasn't clear ... After doing all of the Khan Biological Sciences MCAT passages, only a few were orgo.

 

[doctor in da makin]

Just learn the material...understand the basics...worst case scenario you should be able to deduce a few answers. Amines/Amides nucleophiles (do the attacking)...Acyl chlorides>Anhydrides>Acids in terms of electrophiles (love getting attacked). Understand leaving groups..and the impact substituents have on electrophilicity. Withdrawing groups increase electrophilicity by withdrawing electron density from carbon..making it less negative...so less likely to repel lone pairs on nucleophiles (amines). Similarly, electron donating groups decrease electrophilicity by adding electron density to carbon..thereby making it more negative...and more likely to repel lone pairs on nucleophiles. These are some fundamental topics incase you are having trouble narrowing down important ideas. I just got done taking the MCAT..and understand the anxiety it can bring on..so feel free to ask me any ?'s as the material is still fresh in my mind.

Hope you did well...

1. Did you have to know the mechanism for any reaction? I know what nucleophile has to attack what electrophile to make a product, but I get confused as to how it happens exactly and where the lone pairs appear (if any)

The Kaplan book wasn't specific with electron pushing at all but I understood everything you just mentioned from just the first 8 chapters, which are very short.


2. Were you asked at all about any lab techniques (spectroscopy, etc)?

 

[studentdocftw]

1) They don't necessarily ask you to regurgitate a specific mechanism...but it is important to understand the fundamentals....as a passage will show a series of organic steps..and ask you questions where you have to infer what's occurring in each step.
2) Yes, understand all lab techniques...ranging from spec, to GC, to TLC. Any and all of it is fair game.

 

[a_borgia]

Knowing electron pushing is symptom of knowing orgo well, not a cause. Don't memorize them or go out of your way to learn them, but if you got everything else down well, you should be able to do it.

 

[doctor in da makin]

1) They don't necessarily ask you to regurgitate a specific mechanism...but it is important to understand the fundamentals....as a passage will show a series of organic steps..and ask you questions where you have to infer what's occurring in each step.
2) Yes, understand all lab techniques...ranging from spec, to GC, to TLC. Any and all of it is fair game.

I could definitely figure out what is going on, I just would struggle if asked to draw if out. (with multiple choice, this shouldn't be too big of a problem I think)

What books did you use for Orgo?

 

[doctor in da makin]

Knowing electron pushing is symptom of knowing orgo well, not a cause. Don't memorize them or go out of your way to learn them, but if you got everything else down well, you should be able to do it.

Did you look through Kaplan's Orgo book at all?

They made everything simple and to the point, but I felt their reactions were very basic.

Also, how many Orgo questions were passage based and how many did you get total?

 

[studentdocftw]

I could definitely figure out what is going on, I just would struggle if asked to draw if out. (with multiple choice, this shouldn't be too big of a problem I think)

What books did you use for Orgo?

I used an old textbook from college and Kaplan. Kaplan was nice in that it was simple...but the textbook definitely helped answer detailed questions. good luck!

 

[doctor in da makin]

That is a big mistake. My C/P section was all physics calculations, chem calculations, and recognizing orgo mechanisms and reagants.

Would knowing the main formulas for Physics have sufficed, or are knowing concepts a must?

If so, which ones are the most important?

 

[doctor in da makin]

I used an old textbook from college and Kaplan. Kaplan was nice in that it was simple...but the textbook definitely helped answer detailed questions. good luck!

Was your test physics-heavy as well?

 

[studentdocftw]

Was your test physics-heavy as well?

Without divulging too much information, definitely know your physics. It'll show up in at least 2-3 passages..which can have a huge impact on your score. So in short, treat every topic listed as a legitimate topic that can show up...don't blow anything off.

 

[Pusheen]

Actually they do have O-chem, it is just not under the MCAT subject. Go to KA and click on subjects-> Science -> Organic chemistry.


I highly recommend that you understand the basics of orgo. Biochemistry is very related to orgo and they always have a question that requires knowledge about the basics.
Also,you really shouldn't go to take the MCAT knowing that you don't know orgo, I mean this is the MCAT and it's your ticket to medical school. It's way better to delay the test for the sake of being ready than bombing it. That being said, if you do take it and you encounter many orgo questions, void it.
Goodluck!

Thanks! I definitely don't not know it at all, I'm just kinda weak on it. If the MCAT was in fact only 5-8% ochem like the AAMC claimed, I could get away with the knowledge I have now, which would probably give me the right answers 30-50% of the time. That would result in a very small decrease in my overall % correct for the entire test. The time I saved by not studying ochem would be put to better use by learning to ace the higher-yield subjects. That was my logic when I created this thread.
However, like people have said, there is often tons of ochem on the test, so that strategy won't work.

 

[Pusheen]

Thank you all for the replies. I didn't realize how much variation there was between MCAT's.

 

[catie_jane]

Would knowing the main formulas for Physics have sufficed, or are knowing concepts a must?

If so, which ones are the most important?

I had a bunch of questions that required calculations (so knowledge of the formulas was a must). They were also conceptually based too so its hard to say. You just need to be well versed in the equations and the concepts behind those equations to do well

 

[doctor in da makin]

Without divulging too much information, definitely know your physics. It'll show up in at least 2-3 passages..which can have a huge impact on your score. So in short, treat every topic listed as a legitimate topic that can show up...don't blow anything off.

I had a bunch of questions that required calculations (so knowledge of the formulas was a must). They were also conceptually based too so its hard to say. You just need to be well versed in the equations and the concepts behind those equations to do well

Obviously you both have made it clear that nothing should be ignored when studying for the MCAT, but if we had to choose one subject to "skip" would it be Physics or Orgo?

I'm only asking because some people may not have the time to study both subjects extensively with their test date approaching

 

[a_borgia]

Obviously you both have made it clear that nothing should be ignored when studying for the MCAT, but if we had to choose one subject to "skip" would it be Physics or Orgo?

I'm only asking because some people may not have the time to study both subjects extensively with their test date approaching

All I can say is, it's your roll of the dice. It's just as likely that if you skip it, you will have 3 passages on Orgo as you may have none.

 

[studentdocftw]

All I can say is, it's your roll of the dice. It's just as likely that if you skip it, you will have 3 passages on Orgo as you may have none.

^This. In an ideal world, don't skip out on any topics. But if you HAD to choose, I would probably forgo physics..simply because unit analysis, common sense, and other methods exist for physics...can't really do that with orgo perse. So learn the basics of physics...learn to deduce..and learn the detailed aspects orgo...reactions..nomenclature...etc. things you can't necessarily reason through.

 

[catie_jane]

Obviously you both have made it clear that nothing should be ignored when studying for the MCAT, but if we had to choose one subject to "skip" would it be Physics or Orgo?

I'm only asking because some people may not have the time to study both subjects extensively with their test date approaching

I would NOT take the test having skipped Orgo or Physics (or any subject or topic for that matter). If you do not have time to study all the subjects on for the MCAT then you should seriously consider postponing your test date. If I had decided to skip physics or orgo while studying for my exam I would have ended up with a 120 on my C/P section (if I was lucky)

Edit: I am not trying to be rude I would just hate to see someone taking the test not having studied 1/4 of the material that is supposed to be on it. Remember, orgo is fair game for the bio section as well

 

[RSK70]

It's been said, study if you can and only take when ready...

BUT... if I had to pick a single subject to be weakest on, O-chem would probably be it. 100% agree that if you understand reactions you'll be way better off than memorizing each. Understanding why something will happen SN1 vs. SN2 is a bigger payoff than memorizing how a reducing agent turns something into a primary alcohol.

I don't want to give bad advice, but seems like even the O-chem that is tested today is less reaction specific than in days past. For example, you might now be asked a question but the answer really comes down to if something will happen cis or trans, etc. In the past, feel it was more "what happens next" kind of questions in a reaction sequence.

 

[doctor in da makin]

^This. In an ideal world, don't skip out on any topics. But if you HAD to choose, I would probably forgo physics..simply because unit analysis, common sense, and other methods exist for physics...can't really do that with orgo perse. So learn the basics of physics...learn to deduce..and learn the detailed aspects orgo...reactions..nomenclature...etc. things you can't necessarily reason through.

I would NOT take the test having skipped Orgo or Physics (or any subject or topic for that matter). If you do not have time to study all the subjects on for the MCAT then you should seriously consider postponing your test date. If I had decided to skip physics or orgo while studying for my exam I would have ended up with a 120 on my C/P section (if I was lucky)

Edit: I am not trying to be rude I would just hate to see someone taking the test not having studied 1/4 of the material that is supposed to be on it. Remember, orgo is fair game for the bio section as well

Thank you both for your responses!

Since you two just took the MCAT, what part of the actual test would you say was easier than expected?

 

[Prairiepalmeri]

Reviewing organic really wouldn't be helpful in my opinion. You should be familiar with what a nucleophile and an electrophile is. What are characteristics of Sn1 and Sn2 reactions. What is an ester? They do not test you on reactions, but on your understanding of organic chemistry. Factoids out of books are unhelpful in my opinion.

 

[studentdocftw]

Thank you both for your responses!

Since you two just took the MCAT, what part of the actual test would you say was easier than expected?

I don't think this question is particularly useful...as the ease of the test will be based on ours strengths...which are probably different. Personally, I found the Gen Chem to be stupid easy..and straightforward. Then again, I've always done well with Gen Chem. I felt the P/S was a bit ambiguous...a lot of rote memorization..not as much application as I would of liked.

 

[doctor in da makin]

I don't think this question is particularly useful...as the ease of the test will be based on ours strengths...which are probably different. Personally, I found the Gen Chem to be stupid easy..and straightforward. Then again, I've always done well with Gen Chem. I felt the P/S was a bit ambiguous...a lot of rote memorization..not as much application as I would of liked.

So much for conceptualizing....

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

I would NOT take the test having skipped Orgo or Physics (or any subject or topic for that matter). If you do not have time to study all the subjects on for the MCAT then you should seriously consider postponing your test date. If I had decided to skip physics or orgo while studying for my exam I would have ended up with a 120 on my C/P section (if I was lucky)

Edit: I am not trying to be rude I would just hate to see someone taking the test not having studied 1/4 of the material that is supposed to be on it. Remember, orgo is fair game for the bio section as well

THIS!!! Very well put.

 

[studentdocftw]

So much for conceptualizing....

Yeah, I was surprised with the P/S. A lot of simple, What is xxx? Kind of questions where you need to know what the term means. As far as the rest of the test goes, I would say it's mainly conceptual! but for whatever reason, P/S wasn't as much as other sections.

 

[Fedekz]

i was under the impression too that mcat 2015 wouldnt be heavy on orgo.... kind of in disbelief right now.

You'll be in for a rude awakening. My July mcat had a very significant amount of o Chem, I'm talking 40% or more of an entire section.

 

[Avicenna]

You'll be in for a rude awakening. My July mcat had a very significant amount of o Chem, I'm talking 40% or more of an entire section.

That means August's won't have any orgo at all! Right? .... Right? 🙁

🤔

 

[a_borgia]

I could definitely figure out what is going on, I just would struggle if asked to draw if out. (with multiple choice, this shouldn't be too big of a problem I think)

What books did you use for Orgo?

I used Kaplan to get a general overview, but I took the reactions/topics they covered and used my organic chemistry textbook and berkeley to delve a little deeper. Feel free to PM if you want more info, I don't always check threads.

 

[Doremonster]

Since we aren't allowed to go into specifics of this exam I'll mention this. I used Kaplan MCAT 2015 for my MCAT review. I did read all 12 chapters and thoroughly understood mechanisms and properties. After taking the exam I felt like I should have studied the old Berkely review book on OChem. Yeah, my exam was very heavy on the OChem, definitely deviated from the official guide. Some of the passages seemed like they were based off pre-2015 emphasis rather than what the official guide put out for 2015. I am not trying to sound like I am complaining but if your going to completely change the exam, only put out one practice exam then at least stay somewhat close to the guide. The questions in the guide and practice exam were a cake walk compared to the actual.

 

[doctor in da makin]

Since we aren't allowed to go into specifics of this exam I'll mention this. I used Kaplan MCAT 2015 for my MCAT review. I did read all 12 chapters and thoroughly understood mechanisms and properties. After taking the exam I felt like I should have studied the old Berkely review book on OChem. Yeah, my exam was very heavy on the OChem, definitely deviated from the official guide. Some of the passages seemed like they were based off pre-2015 emphasis rather than what the official guide put out for 2015. I am not trying to sound like I am complaining but if your going to completely change the exam, only put out one practice exam then at least stay somewhat close to the guide. The questions in the guide and practice exam were a cake walk compared to the actual.

I just finished the Kaplan Orgo section and feel pretty well about the basic trends
I'll check out the BR book now, thanks

 

[El-Rami]

Since we aren't allowed to go into specifics of this exam I'll mention this. I used Kaplan MCAT 2015 for my MCAT review. I did read all 12 chapters and thoroughly understood mechanisms and properties. After taking the exam I felt like I should have studied the old Berkely review book on OChem. Yeah, my exam was very heavy on the OChem, definitely deviated from the official guide. Some of the passages seemed like they were based off pre-2015 emphasis rather than what the official guide put out for 2015. I am not trying to sound like I am complaining but if your going to completely change the exam, only put out one practice exam then at least stay somewhat close to the guide. The questions in the guide and practice exam were a cake walk compared to the actual.

Yeah, the Kaplan O-chem book is great for a refresher over the very basic concepts but is pretty lackluster. There's a lot of information that could have been mentioned but still in a concise way. I am supplementing my Kaplan book with my o-chem textbook and class notes/homework. At least by looking at reagents in transformation problems I can tell what is acting as a Lewis acid/base, effect of bulky groups and steric hindrance on major product formation, differences in reactions that take place in acidic versus basic environments, etc. Also some of the homework is great for identifying aromatics and naming compounds.