taking orgo during summer session

[James St. James]

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I decided a little late in the game to go the pre-med route, and the only way I can graduate in 4-years and get all my requirements for the mcat is if I take both sem of orgo during the summer (in condensed, intensive classes). How much will this hurt me in the app process? Also, and this is a bit unrelated, I am a Philosophy major, and have trouble getting research positions. Any ideas?

 

[generic]

I took Chem 1 in an intensive summer session last year and Orgo 2 in the same this year (actually less than a month ago). They weren't THAT bad. I don't know exactly what you mean by "hurt you" in the application process? Do you mean because taking it then will be tough? Or because you might be applying during the process? If you're worried about either of those things I wouldn't be.

I didn't decide to "go pre-med" until my senior year (Econ major), and here I am, 1.5 years later, ready to go interview. So don't worry! Be happy!

 

[James St. James]

"I don't know exactly what you mean by "hurt you" in the application process? "

basically, I have heard med schools look down on students who don't take orgo during a regular semester, with a full load of class. I assumed they saw taking the summer course as the easy way out.

 

[Iwy Em Hotep]

"I don't know exactly what you mean by "hurt you" in the application process? "

basically, I have heard med schools look down on students who don't take orgo during a regular semester, with a full load of class. I assumed they saw taking the summer course as the easy way out.

Nope. Did this, got in.

My interviewers were actually impressed that I was able to cram in a year's worth of orgo in a summer.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

i just took both sessions in the summer at the same time as i was studying for my MCAT and doing 40 hours of volunteer work; they better not look down on it or i'm screwed. i did it for the same reason you did, James St. James.

 

[Grumpy Bear]

"I don't know exactly what you mean by "hurt you" in the application process? "

basically, I have heard med schools look down on students who don't take orgo during a regular semester, with a full load of class. I assumed they saw taking the summer course as the easy way out.

I don't think it hurts... I took orgo over the summer at another institution and no one ever mentioned it. On the other hand, orgo over the summer sucks. It's a fairly miserable way to spend your summer, and in my experience, it's really hard to learn it well in such a circumstance. It actually is worthwhile to understand and enjoy orgo 😀. What's the rush anyway? I highly recommend taking a year or so off -- it gives you a chance to explore your options/the world/research/whatever and it certainly doesn't hurt your application. Good luck.