I went to Loyola University-Chicago last summer and took Organic Chem 1 and 2 with labs (back to back in 12 weeks as the previous poster mentioned). I have to say, I almost wish that instead of pushing myself to apply (to dental school, nonetheless) in 2004 (in order to take DAT it is advised by adcoms and the ADA to take orgo 1 and 2 and in order to do that I had to take it over the summer) that I would have taken the time to do it in 2 semesters, taken the DAT and applied for 2005 (class of 2009). I have a friend who is very new to the ballgame, but she so far has taken nearly 3/4 of all pre-reqs for med school including orgo 1 with the lab (currently in orgo 2/lab) and is transferring from a CC to a university to finish up her coursework. She got an A in orgo 1, understood the material well and is sucessful in orgo 2 as we speak. My point: at Loyola over the summer I may have worked my butt off to earn 2 B's (yes B's...to get an A you have to know what you are doing) but right now if you asked me how to perform a Claisen Condensation, I would have to flip through notes to figure it out....while my friend understands the main concepts/important ideas of organic chemistry.
On the flip side, if you are good at memorization and abstract thinking then you can survive. If you are willing to sacrifice the whole summer and feel hopeless at times, then by all means go ahead. Some people are organic chem people, while others arent. I am very good at anatomy, physiology, and microbiology (although pretty much rote memorization....its a different way of thinking about a subject matter). My lab partner (and gf's sister) was a great o-chem student....she understood things a lot faster and much differently than I did. As previously mentioned, lectures are 1 chapter a day, and you have to keep up...for those who say taking 1 class over the summer is easy...try this class. Anyway, if you are up to the challenge and your gpa can survive a B or two, go for it. If you have the time before taking the MCAT, by all means dont do this.
Last summer was one I try not to re-hash very often as it brings back some pretty bad memories (some familial issues as well). I do have to say, however, if your professor is patient, is willing to help you, and you put the effort in you will get the grades you want. If your professor does the bare minimum, watch out. Anyway, good luck with whatever it is you decide to do. I am sure it will work out in the end. Just my $0.02.
-Dave
