Potentially Taking Organic Chemistry Online

[medschool129]

I am looking into taking organic chemistry I and need to take it this coming semester to be on track for my course plan. All of the organic chemistry spots are full at my school, and I am wondering if taking it online would be something that could work.

The med schools I am interested explicitly state that they will accept online courses so long as I do the lab in person. The issue I have right now is whether an online course would be more difficult than an in person course. I actually feel I learn better on my own and from videos anyway, so I am not too concerned about not being in-person when in lecture.

However, I am concerned that I may choose an online course that is much worse than a traditional orgo course. I don't want to mess up my GPA because I took some strange online orgo course. Are there any good schools that you all would recommend? So far I have come across Doane, UNE, Oregon State, Minnesota State, and Harvard Extension School. Are any of these programs good/manageable? It seems like a real crapshoot choosing one, and I wish I could find more information about people's experience in these programs. Thanks for your help!

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[TheDataKing]

Would it be possible to see if a spot opens in the class during syllabus week or before that? I would not chance it and just take it in person

 

[Doctoscope]

From what I've heard, UNE and Harvard E both have reputable courses, although they can be a bit pricey.

That being said, I would highly recommend that you take Orgo at a brick-and-mortat school, since it is one of those courses that can raise eyebrows if taken online, especially if you're still in undergrad (being non-trad/post-bacc would change things I suppose).

 

[thespitfire]

I took Orgo at Harvard Extension School. It was a great class and they provided plenty of resources. If you know the schools you want to apply to accept online courses and you’re an independent learner, I say go for it - and stick to HES because it’s the most reputable.

 

[Bonne Nuit]

If you know the schools you want to apply to accept online courses and you’re an independent learner, I say go for it

The problem is that there are many schools that will NOT accept online prerequisites at all, full stop, no exceptions. OP says the programs they’re currently interested in are OK with online, but we all know that it’s the MCAT that really determines where you apply. Nobody can say whether OP will be a competitive applicant for their target programs at this stage.

OP needs to verify, at a minimum, that their state schools are OK with online prerequisites by checking the MSAR or calling the schools’ admissions offices. They also need to be OK with their online coursework seriously limiting their options for many OOS private MD programs.

This process is too difficult, time consuming, and expensive to tie your hands like that, IMO. Future applicants should be seeking to maximize their chances, and online coursework only holds you back.

 

[chemphysicsinstructor]

I am looking into taking organic chemistry I and need to take it this coming semester to be on track for my course plan. All of the organic chemistry spots are full at my school, and I am wondering if taking it online would be something that could work.

The med schools I am interested explicitly state that they will accept online courses so long as I do the lab in person. The issue I have right now is whether an online course would be more difficult than an in person course. I actually feel I learn better on my own and from videos anyway, so I am not too concerned about not being in-person when in lecture.

However, I am concerned that I may choose an online course that is much worse than a traditional orgo course. I don't want to mess up my GPA because I took some strange online orgo course. Are there any good schools that you all would recommend? So far I have come across Doane, UNE, Oregon State, Minnesota State, and Harvard Extension School. Are any of these programs good/manageable? It seems like a real crapshoot choosing one, and I wish I could find more information about people's experience in these programs. Thanks for your help!

You missed three schools in your list: CalCampus, North Central Missouri College, and North Dakota State(?). There may be one more in New York state--I will need to check on this. In prior posts, I have commented on various aspects of these schools. Some of the schools offer online lecture only, online lecture+on-ground labs (called "hybrid" or "blended"), and some offer online lecture+at home lab kit.
I am glad that you have found out that you can learn better on your own and do not need to be physically present in class. This is a really great trait to have and it will serve you very well in the long run.

Each school mentioned above is different and some are more flexible than others. If you need a particular type of course delivery (online, hybrid/blended, on-ground), I would recommend contacting the school and instructors since they are the ones most knowledgeable and willing to assist you.