Organic Chemistry as a Second Language (Klein) for MCAT Orgo Prep?

[ManimalJax]

Has anyone ever used the two books by Klein, entitled Organic Chemistry as a Second Language I and II, for their MCAT orgo prep? Has it helped?

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[Lukkie]

didn't use it for the class, did not use it for prep. don't waste your time.

 

[sunsfan]

I haven't taken the MCAT, but I used it to supplement my textbook when I took the class. I honestly think it helped me get As in both Ochem 1 and 2. That and lots of practice with problems from the textbook.

 

[Inkoate]

I know this is an old thread, but for those who find it, I just want to see what you all think about my study plan. I bought the BR organic part I, but realized it was the 2002 version afterwards 🙁. I bought the BR part II also. It's 2005 version so that's fine. So I think I'll use Organic Chem as a Second language part I for practice problems during the first part of content review, and then I'll use BR organic II for practice problems during the second part of my studies. As far as content review, I'm using EK. I'm thinking the extra practice will help orgo to sink in....What do you guys think?

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

I know this is an old thread, but for those who find it, I just want to see what you all think about my study plan. I bought the BR organic part I, but realized it was the 2002 version afterwards 🙁. I bought the BR part II also. It's 2005 version so that's fine. So I think I'll use Organic Chem as a Second language part I for practice problems during the first part of content review, and then I'll use BR organic II for practice problems during the second part of my studies. As far as content review, I'm using EK. I'm thinking the extra practice will help orgo to sink in....What do you guys think?

Before you do anything else, download the AAMC list of topics for organic chemistry. Print out the O chem pages and put a copy in the front of each organic book you plan to reference. Before reading anything or doing a passage, make sure it's on that list.

The biggest risk you are running with a 2002 BR organic book and a generic review book is that you'll be studying things no longer tested on the MCAT. For instance, benzene and alkene chemistry is no longer tested (although it was back in 2002).

To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure why you wouldn't just update that book. With all of the used BR books in the SDN classified section, you can find a more current edition. For organic, anything 2007 or later is ideal and anything 2004 - 2006 will function just fine.

 

[Inkoate]

To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure why you wouldn't just update that book. With all of the used BR books in the SDN classified section, you can find a more current edition. For organic, anything 2007 or later is ideal and anything 2004 - 2006 will function just fine.

I'm honestly low on funds, but I did post a wanted ad. Hopefully I can get a good price. For now, I'm getting the orgo as a second language from the library. Thanks for the advice.

 

[elusiveCHILD]

I know this is an old thread, but for those who find it, I just want to see what you all think about my study plan. I bought the BR organic part I, but realized it was the 2002 version afterwards 🙁. I bought the BR part II also. It's 2005 version so that's fine. So I think I'll use Organic Chem as a Second language part I for practice problems during the first part of content review, and then I'll use BR organic II for practice problems during the second part of my studies. As far as content review, I'm using EK. I'm thinking the extra practice will help orgo to sink in....What do you guys think?

I am using it now and it is AMAZING! I have TPR and I've noticed that they assumed that I was taught OCHEM very well and that necessarily wasn't the case. OSL has really helped me to learn rather than regurgitate info that is essential for MCAT OCHEM. I know a lot of people say there isn't that much Orgo on the test and etc but for me personally I felt that it was important to know all the general concepts well since I've noticed a lot of the recent MCATS test on the basics but in an covoluted manner. Whenever I finish a chapter in OSL, I skim through the TPR chapter and see what I might have missed and answer questions in EK for practice then I do passages in TPR. I am working on getting TBR passages so I have more practice with passages that incorporate EVERYTHING. If you have any questions or concerns, definitely PM me. Best wishes!

Also, what has helped me has been writing a cheatsheet for each chapter where I joint down tips or mnemonics to help remember certain concepts.

 

[tttgo]

Used the first one when I took ochem1 last semester. Go ahead and use it as additional study material if you want, since it explains basic concepts pretty well. The second one has stuff not covered on the mcat. freelanceteach's youtube videos corresponded to my ochem class, so I used them as well. I would study out of mcat books and refer to these 2 for an alternate explanation.

 

[Inkoate]

🙂 Thanks for the advice! I think that I'll be pretty good using OSL then in addition to EK. I'm thinking 2002 version of BR will be okay for review as well because I doubt they changed their notes that much.

 

[docisin]

Before you do anything else, download the AAMC list of topics for organic chemistry. Print out the O chem pages and put a copy in the front of each organic book you plan to reference. Before reading anything or doing a passage, make sure it's on that list.

The biggest risk you are running with a 2002 BR organic book and a generic review book is that you'll be studying things no longer tested on the MCAT. For instance, benzene and alkene chemistry is no longer tested (although it was back in 2002).

To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure why you wouldn't just update that book. With all of the used BR books in the SDN classified section, you can find a more current edition. For organic, anything 2007 or later is ideal and anything 2004 - 2006 will function just fine.

Hi, I realize this is late considering the thread is so old, but I was wondering if anyone can help me find any preparation for O'Chem on AAMC? There is so much it is quite overwhelming ... Thanks https://www.aamc.org/44826/search.html?q=organic+chemistry&x=-957&y=-18

BTW I have never taken Chemistry at all (including in high school) so I am a bit intimidated.

 

[mcloaf]

BTW I have never taken Chemistry at all (including in high school) so I am a bit intimidated.

Highly advisable to take all the prereqs first if possible.

 

[Sydela]

Hi docisin,

I'm in your shoes as well, no orgo background. I got the organic chemistry as a second language (the first book) and I've been able to follow. Its pretty thin, flipping through it has given me some basic understanding quickly. Also helped me have less anxiety over the subject. I'm planning on moving to BR in a week- where the real studying starts 🙂

Also agree with above poster about printing out the aamc checklist so you're not reading irrelevant content. goodluck!

 

[docisin]

Hi docisin,

I'm in your shoes as well, no orgo background. I got the organic chemistry as a second language (the first book) and I've been able to follow. Its pretty thin, flipping through it has given me some basic understanding quickly. Also helped me have less anxiety over the subject. I'm planning on moving to BR in a week- where the real studying starts 🙂

Also agree with above poster about printing out the aamc checklist so you're not reading irrelevant content. goodluck!

Hi Sydela thank you for responding so quickly to my question. Forgive me, but I can not find AAMC checklist, can you point it to me? Thank you 🙂

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

I can not find AAMC checklist, can you point it to me? Thank you 🙂

Click here!

 

[docisin]

Click here!

Thank you McLoaf, Sydela, & Berk 😀 ... Do you both think this will help me in terms of O'Chem or getting ready for the GRE and applying to physician assistant schools?