Tips for Fall semester?

[jd989898]

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This fall I'll be taking Organic chemistry, Molecular Cell Biology, Physics, Statistics for math majors, doing research, volunteering 9+ hours per week, being a Supplemental instruction leader for a freshman class, and writing for the school paper, and trying to stay involved in a couple clubs that I enjoy.

I feel like this will require a ton of discipline and time management, but one thing I can do is mitigate the difficulty of the classes by knowing what I'm up against and maybe even pre-studying.

Does anyone have any tips for the classes I'm taking? I've heard people recommend several supplemental books on organic chemistry. Also, I'm going into my sophomore year so I need to start thinking about the MCAT. I'll be taking the new MCAT (2015), so is there any point in even studying old MCAT study books, or should I just review what I've learned in my general bio/chem classes so far?

Thanks

 

[sakabato93]

This fall I'll be taking Organic chemistry, Molecular Cell Biology, Physics, Statistics for math majors, doing research, volunteering 9+ hours per week, being a Supplemental instruction leader for a freshman class, and writing for the school paper, and trying to stay involved in a couple clubs that I enjoy.

I feel like this will require a ton of discipline and time management, but one thing I can do is mitigate the difficulty of the classes by knowing what I'm up against and maybe even pre-studying.

Does anyone have any tips for the classes I'm taking? I've heard people recommend several supplemental books on organic chemistry. Also, I'm going into my sophomore year so I need to start thinking about the MCAT. I'll be taking the new MCAT (2015), so is there any point in even studying old MCAT study books, or should I just review what I've learned in my general bio/chem classes so far?

Thanks

You obviously know how difficult this schedule is, so I won't comment on that. However, since you're only starting your sophomore year, there's no need to hurry into early MCAT prep; if anything, hurrying into prep may hurt you more than help. Just focus on learning what's in front of you. If you're taking molecular/cell bio, there shouldn't really be any need in keeping up with general bio. Honestly that may be a waste of time.

Gen chem doesn't really overlap too much with organic, but don't waste you're time on that reviewing that either.

Don't forget about the MCAT, but remember its not your priority right now. Focus on getting good grades and developing a good knowledge in MCAT topics (i.e. do well in organic, cell/molec, and physics) for now.

As for your ECs, don't be afraid to drop one or two, even just for a semester. You don't want to overdo yourself. If you can do them all, great! Don't burn yourself out or stay up too late often. Sleep is the MOST important part of being a college/pre-med student.

 

[survivordo]

You're on the cusp of overdoing it. Be very cognizant of how you are performing in your classes. If you start to feel one slide then STOP an extracurricular activity! It is much more apparent on your application that you go a C in physics than it is if you stop (or postpone) an extracurric.

As for the MCAT, I agree with saka, don't worry about it for now, especially with all you have on your plate.

Survivor DO

 

[jd989898]

Thanks for the advice. ^^^

I know ECs will be the first to go if I feel too overwhelmed. I have a 3.866 after freshman year and I don't plan on graduating below 3.9, so grades are top priority.

As far as the actual classes go, as long as I'm math and science oriented and stay up to date on my studies, will it be worth it to buy an ochem book or something and start looking through it? Or should I just focus on my summer classes and relax until it's go time?

 

[prado]

Thanks for the advice. ^^^

I know ECs will be the first to go if I feel too overwhelmed. I have a 3.866 after freshman year and I don't plan on graduating below 3.9, so grades are top priority.

As far as the actual classes go, as long as I'm math and science oriented and stay up to date on my studies, will it be worth it to buy an ochem book or something and start looking through it? Or should I just focus on my summer classes and relax until it's go time?

One quarter/semester at a time. No need to pre-study any class during undergrad, especially if that time can be better spent studying for your current classes and receiving A's

 

[mcloaf]

Thanks for the advice. ^^^

I know ECs will be the first to go if I feel too overwhelmed. I have a 3.866 after freshman year and I don't plan on graduating below 3.9, so grades are top priority.

As far as the actual classes go, as long as I'm math and science oriented and stay up to date on my studies, will it be worth it to buy an ochem book or something and start looking through it? Or should I just focus on my summer classes and relax until it's go time?

I wouldn't bother starting ochem early as I don't think it will help you much. The key, IMO, will be regularly devoting time to practicing every week even if you don't have an exam coming up (this might be easier if your class has mandatory weekly homework, mine didn't). You can't really cram orgo.

 

[sakabato93]

One quarter/semester at a time. No need to pre-study any class during undergrad, especially if that time can be better spent studying for your current classes and receiving A's

+1

It may be beneficial for using David Klein's Organic Chemistry as a Second Language as a supplement while you take Orgo 1. But just focus on the summer classes for now.

Good luck! Looks like you have a bright future ahead of you!