Possible to ace MCAT without taking Orgo?

[TheGuy2000]

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Anybody pulled this feat off without taking organic chem, and just learning it from EK or Kaplan? The questions seem pretty cut and dry, i.e. there will usually be one asking what kind of isomer are these 2 compounds, what functional group is in the 2900-3100 range, is this an Sn1 or Sn2 reaction etc. Or am I oversimplifying this? Thanks

 

[callendm]

Is it a possibility do marginal...yes

Ace...no


Why would you put yourself at a disadvantage. Come on now

 

[aspirant]

Personally, I didn't think the study guides really helped with organic chem. For me the MCAT organic was: 'hey, here's a bunch of crazy molecules, here's a mechanism, here's way more info than you need...' then the questions. In those situations I was grateful I knew so much organic, because I wasn't fazed by all of the mumbo jumbo.

That having been said, the only real reason to take organic in college is so that you can read the back of the shampoo bottle in the shower and somewhat visualize what some of the molecules look like. 🙂

Anybody pulled this feat off without taking organic chem, and just learning it from EK or Kaplan? The questions seem pretty cut and dry, i.e. there will usually be one asking what kind of isomer are these 2 compounds, what functional group is in the 2900-3100 range, is this an Sn1 or Sn2 reaction etc. Or am I oversimplifying this? Thanks

 

[Shrike]

Do a search -- the info is out there.

Yes, it's been done. If 38 is acing it, I've done it. But I advise, strongly, against it.

 

[chaeymaey]

That having been said, the only real reason to take organic in college is so that you can read the back of the shampoo bottle in the shower and somewhat visualize what some of the molecules look like. 🙂

I have done this, and I totally agree. (Mmm, sodium lauryl sulfate)

 

[LowlyPremed]

Anybody pulled this feat off without taking organic chem, and just learning it from EK or Kaplan? The questions seem pretty cut and dry, i.e. there will usually be one asking what kind of isomer are these 2 compounds, what functional group is in the 2900-3100 range, is this an Sn1 or Sn2 reaction etc. Or am I oversimplifying this? Thanks

I was finished with O-chem when I took the MCAT. That said, the O-chem section of the Kaplan notes and EK asssumes that you know the basics. My O-chem course in college emphasized mechanisms, the review books do not really go into mechanisms. Although the mechanisms are not required for the MCAT it helps to know them. That way you don't have to memorize lots of dry information.
I think that most people would agree that the MCAT is a nerve racking experience. Having the confidence that you have taken all of the required courses could be comforting.

 

[EFuller]

That having been said, the only real reason to take organic in college is so that you can read the back of the shampoo bottle in the shower and somewhat visualize what some of the molecules look like. 🙂

Ha Ha... It also makes decent back-up reading material when you're on the can and forgot to bring a mag. If it weren't for Orgo I would have nothing.

 

[Zephyrus]

Taking the MCAT without Orgo is like trying to win a baseball game without a quarter of your starting line-up. Feasible, but Darwin Award-worthy.

Z

 

[junebuguf]

Taking the MCAT without Orgo is like trying to win a baseball game without a quarter of your starting line-up. Feasible, but Darwin Award-worthy.

Z

Have you actually taken the MCAT? I don't think its as dire as you predict. There is very very little Orgo actually tested on the MCAT and I believe you can absolutely do it. I skipped 70% of the Orgo review from the EK books and I was routinely scoring 13s on Bio. It can be done. Heres all you need:

1) Read through the first 5-6 chapters of any Orgo text (basically through reaction mechanisms--SN1 and SN2).

At this point you have 80% of all you'll need on MCAT orgo, which is really simple and straightforward. To cover the rest (very low yield stuff),

2) Read through the EK Orgo Review, or through Kaplan's Orgo Book, which I understand is pretty comprehensive.

You can probably read through the first 6 chapters on your own in a week, if you're really dedicated, so that beats a semester's worth of Orgo beatdowns. On the other hand, there is some merit to the rigor of the homework and exam problems I encountered in class, which you wont have, and that help you gain a deeper understanding of the material. But like with most aspects of the sciences, the MCAT tests rather superficially.