Ochem on DAT

[hoss19]

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I am starting my spring semester Ochem I course in a few days (will take II over summer session I). My game plan is to take the DAT in late July after 2 months of DAT prep while taking Ochem II.

I was curious what other SDNers who have taken ochems and DAT think about they could have done in preparation for the DAT while they were in Ochem. For instance, are there certain areas of ochem that are really important in terms of their significance and reoccurance on the DAT?

 

[joonkimdds]

I got B- from organic chemistry I.
It was a very hard course to me especially because my professor doesn't teach at all and class average was always below 40.
All i can say is forget all the other classes and focus on OCHEM1. It was that hard. Maybe it's just me.

 

[litldime]

I am starting my spring semester Ochem I course in a few days (will take II over summer session I). My game plan is to take the DAT in late July after 2 months of DAT prep while taking Ochem II.

I was curious what other SDNers who have taken ochems and DAT think about they could have done in preparation for the DAT while they were in Ochem. For instance, are there certain areas of ochem that are really important in terms of their significance and reoccurance on the DAT?

I haven't taken the dat yet but I have taken ochem 1...currently in 2... the class is a lot of work but it isn't impossible.... i ended up with a b+ in the class...you cannot get behind when studying or you'll end up confusing yourself...it takes a lot of patience and there are lots of reactions to memorize....the biggest key to success in practice, practice, practice... i studies ochem virtually everyday...i've started to look a little bit at the ochem on the dat and since i understood ochem 1 well, it doesn't seem hard.. i would get the kaplan blue book and look at the ochem section for starters....its not hard material but it is quite time consuming
hope this helps
-ld

 

[Law0830]

I feel like this is a hard task but one that isnt impossible. Just make sure you dont rush into taking the DAT because from past experience i have seen people regret it. Good Luck!!

 

[hoss19]

Thanks for your input! I am nervous about Ochem!

 

[Neil45]

Is it wise to take Ochem in the same semester as Physics?

 

[denttiger]

Wise is a tough word to use here. I took Physics II, Organic II, and Genetics all in the same semester, and yes it was one of the hardest semesters I've had, but I ended up doing well and hopefully it will show the d-school's that I can handle several tough science courses at once. I think it is a good idea to do this once or twice so they know you are capable of making it through. Just my .02.

 

[joonkimdds]

I thought physics 1 and 2 were one of the easiest subject.
They were just common sense to me.

 

[hoss19]

Wise is a tough word to use here. I took Physics II, Organic II, and Genetics all in the same semester, and yes it was one of the hardest semesters I've had, but I ended up doing well and hopefully it will show the d-school's that I can handle several tough science courses at once. I think it is a good idea to do this once or twice so they know you are capable of making it through. Just my .02.

i am a non-trad who worked fulltime last semester while taking two prereq courses at night. I am now taking a full slate of courses and but working because 1) i want to prove, like denttiger mentioned, that I can handle a rigorous courseload and 2) i need to get as many prereqs in before i apply for admission

to answer the question whether it is wise or not, i think it depends on the personal situation of the student. for me, yes, i believe that it is wise.

 

[cdmOMR]

I kinda like Orgo...my teacher was pretty good which helps, but I think it is very managable. Still need to put work into it like anything, but definatly doable.

 

[Mila]

I am starting my spring semester Ochem I course in a few days (will take II over summer session I). My game plan is to take the DAT in late July after 2 months of DAT prep while taking Ochem II.

I was curious what other SDNers who have taken ochems and DAT think about they could have done in preparation for the DAT while they were in Ochem. For instance, are there certain areas of ochem that are really important in terms of their significance and reoccurance on the DAT?

I actually think it's a pretty good idea to take the DAT while in OChem (or right after) because all that material is fresh in your mind, and that's one topic that you basically don't need to study for at all - I can assure you that the DAT OChem questions are going to be much easier than whatever it is you're doing in class. Also the DAT is slightly more focused on OChem I than on II. You should be fine. Just make sure you can budget your time to study for Ochem and the DAT 🙂 Good luck!

 

[DATClinic4Life]

i was told that u could get at least a 20 on the organic chem without taking organic 2 by my friend becuase that is what he did.

so i guess dont worry.

 

[pacbum]

i didn't take the last ochem before i took the dat, and that was 2 years after i'd taken ochem. just studied on my own over the weekend...the kaplan book is more than enough. by that point you know the basics...it's just more of the same. and ochem was by far my highest score. so it's def possible. good luck with it all.

 

[markimark]

i was told that u could get at least a 20 on the organic chem without taking organic 2 by my friend becuase that is what he did.

so i guess dont worry.

It all depends on what test you get. Yes, you will definitely get SN1, SN2, E1 and E2 stuff, but you definitely need to know reactions from orgo II. My exam was loaded with rxna of aromatics, aldehyde + keton rxns, carb. acids, wittig etc. I guess there are exams out there with only orgo I stuff, but I wouldn't bank on getting one for sure...

Good luck

P.S. Orgo II isn't that bad, if you have Orgo I principles down cold. I think you can easily teach yourself most of it, if you're feeling at peace with Orgo I material