Taking inorganic and organic together?

[PapaDeath]

I'm a non-trad DO hopeful and was wondering if it would be worth it to take both inorganic and organic chemistry in the same semester. Before you ask if I'm crazy, I've had these classes before -- just 5-6 years ago. I do believe I can handle them. In gen chem 1 and 2, I received a B and a C respectively. In orgo 1 and 2, I received Bs in both. I want to use next semester and the two following summer sessions to complete all four chemistry classes. Has anyone done this before and would it be worth it to try? I pretty much have straight A's in all my bio classes, and my physics 1 and 2 grades were a B and an A, respectively. It's mainly the chems that drag down my prerequisite GPA.

I am kind of in a "rush" as I am planning on applying in Summer 2010. Your help is greatly appreciated!

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[Bamish]

I know several people who have done this. I wish I would have, but didn't even think of it at the time--didn't know it was an option. Anyway, I say go for it! Good luck! 🙂

 

[scummie]

If you can, I'd do this as well. There is some overlap between the two subjects, but not so much that you're completely lost without the other. Your school might have department restrictions-- i.e. You can't take orgo without have taken gen chem first. But since you've already taken them both and received credit, I think you'll be fine.

 

[PapaDeath]

Sounds good. I believe I'll only have genchem I and orgo I on my transcript when I apply next summer 2010, but it's better than nothing. I think my main focus should be to rock the MCAT and get an A in genchem I and orgo I. If I don't get in for the entering class of 2011, I'll definitely have all my chems and may retake physics I and calc for the entering class of 2012.

 

[tellsarah]

Yup doing it this semester. Re-taking Gen Chem 1 and Ochem 1. It has been years since I took either course and I needed a content review. I was having issues relearning all the information. A word of caution though. The first time I took these two courses, I received a B in Gen Chem 1, a C in ochem lecture and an A in lab. This semester, I will pull at least a B in Ochem if not an A, however I have an issue with Gen Chem 1. I received so far a 68% and 71% on the first two exams. I may have to withdraw from this course if I cannot pull at least a B. It is not a good position to be in. So, just take that into consideration as well. Doing worse the second time around is not an option and for me I may have to take that W.

Side note, being a nontrad like yourself, I have many more responsibilites now than I did the first time I took these courses. Now I am married, I write articles, I am a photographer, I attend conferences, I attend protest, volunteer on committees, etc. My life is much more multifacited than my undergrad years. Also, no matter how much time I study for gen chem 1, his tests are a complete crapshoot with the info that is tested. Many students are very displeases by his testing. So, here it is straight from the horses mouth. PM me if u have anymore questions. Good luck we all need it!

 

[Jayscin]

I had a friend that went to PA school that did this. He did very well in both subjects. I say go for it. Just make sure that your mind is in the right place before you tackle something like this.

Good luck!!

 

[Emerald84]

If you have had them before, take General Chem I and II together and both semesters of Organic the following semester. How are your math skills? Usually students who do worse in General Chem II struggle with algebra a bit. Make sure to figure out what the issue is.

Good luck

 

[RevDoc]

I am a post bacc so they gave me some leesh to work with. I took, for the first time, Gen Chem 1, O Chem 1, and Phys 1, Bio 1 in same semester and then Gen Chem 2, O chem 2, Phys 2, and Comp Anat in the second semester. All A's in everything except B's in O Chems (which I dont feel bad about). As retakes you shld def knock everything out in one semester. Definitely do-able!