Ochem Death

Started by SXCoronado
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I can't help you with your odds in dental school, but these two books were immensely helpful, both for the classes and the DAT (A, A+ and 28, for me):
http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Chemistry-As-Second-Language/dp/111801040X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395197899&sr=8-1&keywords=organic chemistry as a second language
http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Chemistry-As-Second-Language/dp/1118144341/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395198014&sr=8-2&keywords=organic chemistry as a second language

As for study habits, I believe there is good science behind the idea of studying 1 or 2 hours per day. You can use the technique of going back over previous notes, quicker and quicker each time (because you've seen it so many times), and then spending an extra bit of time on your most current notes. You may also attempt to rewrite your notes blind. I have to point to the passer on this one, since @Glimmer1991 has a good spiel on this, but there have been a good many studies as well. I used to have the articles at my fingertips, but I don't have time to look right now.
 
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I got a C+ in both OCHEM I and II. Managed a 20 on the DAT which I think helped out my application. I received six interviews out of ten schools applied to (attended three and accepted at all three; Pitt, Maryland, and Temple) so I think you will be ok. Oh yeah I got an A- in lab.

It seemed like my professors expected so much more out of the students than was possible because the exams were ridiculous. After awhile it was almost a case of learned helplessness because I figured why study so much when I can't even manage a decent grade.
 
I'd say maybe you could retake ochem 1, but if you're already in ochem2 I don't think that's possible. Put it behind you, and excel like you have been, and redeem yourself on the DAT.
 
SXCoronado said:
Hi everybody, I would appreciate some ochem advice

BS Neurobiology major at UT Austin, current GPA 3.65, Science GPA 3.6. Unfortunately admits my sea of As I made a C+ in ochem due to a professor that didn't curve, ever. Trying to make up for it with a high B in ochem 2. Made an 82% on the 1st ochem 2 exam. Just took the second exam, and it was a fair test, but it hit all my weak spots. I think I made around a 50%. We get one drop exam, so it theoretically shouldn't affect my grade, but I know I did very poorly and my self confidence gets shaken when I do so poorly on ochem exams, it makes me question whether I'm even smart in some ways (sounds melodramatic, but it's how I react to failure).

Question - anyone else have horror stories with ochem and make it to dental school? It looks like I might end up having to pull a C+ or something again. I think I will get an A in ochem lab though.

Just worried I guess. Maybe it's my study habits? Started studying on Saturday, today is Tuesday. Should I study weeks in advance?
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Who are you taking for Organic Chem II? I can try to give you advice base on who you're taking.
 
Take o chem 2 over if you get less than a b-. Do well in biochem and study chads videos and destroyer for o chem on the dat and you'll be fine. You're gpa is good.
 
I failed when I took Organic Chemistry in my first year summer. It was a full year course at my school and destroyed my scGPA. Re-took it and got a B+ in my final year. Got a 25 on the OC section of DAT. I applied in August and I had one interview this cycle with a 3.2 scGPA. I did one round of Chad's videos and two rounds of DAT Destroyer to prepare. Kill the OC section of the DAT, do well in your other classes, and you'll be fine.
 
Lol who was your ochem professor....when I took ochem in UT the professors/TAs were generally approachable if you need additional help..
 
Whoops! I didn't see where I had been summoned! 🙂

I detail my study methods here over the span of a few posts. They worked extremely well for me, and other folks have PMed me recently and said that they were doing better on tests after using them: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/how-much-should-you-study-per-day-in-undergrad.1047360/

Yeah, I studied weeks in advance. I studied a little bit every day, though, so it was very manageable. Despite my high grades (3.97 oGPA/sGPA), I had plenty of free time to relax. It's all about time management and being proactive. 🙂
 
Glimmer1991 said:
Whoops! I didn't see where I had been summoned! 🙂
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I snuck in a nod to Dean Smith there, too. I hope you didn't miss it. =)

SXCoronado said:
The issue is that I only come onto this website when I feel like I'm a failure at something and need reassurance, haha. 😛
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Have you seen the DAT scores these people make, or the thread where someone with a 3.97 is wondering if they should apply? Or the one where someone wants a 3.701 instead of a 3.69 something? I gotta figure most students who visit here go away feeling more like a failure, not less like one.

I come here because it's either that or do homework. =P
 
techyguy said:
Have you seen the DAT scores these people make, or the thread where someone with a 3.97 is wondering if they should apply? Or the one where someone wants a 3.701 instead of a 3.69 something? I gotta figure most students who visit here go away feeling more like a failure, not less like one.
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Only on SDN! 😉
 
One time exception.. it's basically where you can - for one time in your college career - drop a class by the last class day if you want to. I'd recommend it if you're not satisfied with your grade on the third exam
 
SXCoronado said:
Oh thank you! Well, so far I have two 82's. Both of those are almost a B, and that's two markings up from my C+ in ochem I, so I'd say it's unlikely I would use my OTE for this class. But thank you for reminding me! 😀
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Save your OTE. Even if you do get a C in Ochem, it's really not the end of the world. The DAT WILL help if you do well on that section.
Down the road, things will happen. Getting sick, getting overwhelmed with the course load (both if you were me), and having that OTE can save your butt.

You seem like a smart and determined guy. Don't fret and just do your best. From my experience, things will work out.
If you ever have any questions, doubts, or just want to talk, feel free to email me man! 🙂
 
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