What to concentrate on in O-CHEM?

[heatwheat]

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What do you guys think I should concentrate my time on in my last 2 weeks before my DAT. O-Chem by far is my weakest area, so I want to know how to best prepare for this.
Should I memorize all the reactions and their mechanisms? or should I try to go in depth and read about everything in order to answer the conceptual questions?
I have been getting the impression from people who have already taken the test that like 15-20 of the questions are reaction type questions! Is this right or am I way off base? If so, let me know!

 

[tranv117]

If it was me, Id get the basics down solid. ie. major differences between SN1, SN2, E1, E2. Stereochemistry and probably acids/bases? What's considered strong and weak bases, nucleophiles, electrophiles. Those stuff can easily trip you up for easy points if you don't know them well. Esp. when youre nervous on test day. If you have destroyer, be familiar with the Road Maps.

note: I haven't taken the DAT yet, so not sure if my opinion is worth much because I really have no idea what's going to be on it.

 

[doc3232]

I would go with WHY E1/E2/SN1/SN2 are what they are.
Also don't bother with the complicated reactions.
If you understand O-chem then don't worry about conceptual questions.
good luck

 

[heatwheat]

Thanks guys. Anyone else?

 

[mcdds75]

O-chem stinks! haven't had it in many years so to try and read and understand it ALL is impossible without a course. I'm using the Rapid learning center MCAT tutorial online along with Dr. Romano's Destroyer roadmaps and Odyssey to understand enough for test day. Expensive investments, hopefully it pays off! Flashcards for rxns should also help.

 

[ksksks]

well, this is my weakest section as well

i just cant pass beyond memorizing more than alkane/alkene/alkyne reactions 😛 i fall asleep ... lol

but most (like 20 questions) are based upon the general knowledge, which i think have covered. So with no knowledge of the reactions whatsoever, i have been able to score around 19-20...just by pure educational guesses on reactions...i mean, you always get to 2 answers at the end quite easily.

 

[water88]

Destroyer is probably the best resource for Orgo. But, don't waste time memorizing the obscure reactions because they definitely won't show up.

Also, know your NMR, IR and lab techniques.

 

[pidbull]

Destroyer is probably the best resource for Orgo. But, don't waste time memorizing the obscure reactions because they definitely won't show up.

Also, know your NMR, IR and lab techniques.

can you give some examples of which ones are obscure? I havent taken orgo II so I am having a hard time with knowing whats important and whats not as everything is basically new. Thanks.

 

[oclor]

I just took the DAT today and got a 23 in organic. I highly recommend Destroyer roadmaps. Just memorize those. They are very easy. Then do the problems in destroyer and you should be fine. Also like someone said, know why and when SN1/SN2/E1/E2.