Which professor would you pick?

[OoPredentoO]

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There are 2 open classes for Organic Chemistry II this spring..

1) this professor is extremely difficult. An A in this class is a full time job. Lecture is intense, but explained thoroughly. Grading is harsh.

2) this professor is far more easy. There are exam reviews that resemble the actual exams fairly well. The teaching isn't very clear and you have to watch a few YouTube videos so you aren't lost. Partial credit is generous to make up for the lack of explanation.

Which would you pick?

Note: I'm taking the DAT this summer, so this is my final semester to prepare. Is it worth the risk of a B to secure a strong ochem background before DAT studies begin? Or do I take the easy A and teach myself most of the information?

 

[okiedokeartichoke]

I would go for Professor #2, and I learned that the hard way, so take it from me. You can teach yourself most of what you need to know for the DAT anyways just by picking up useful DAT resources that are commonplace on SDN.

 

[flossopher]

I was in the exact same position few semesters ago!! I ended up choosing second one and taught myself by watching youtubes..haha Of couse ochem was not my strong subject so I studied really hard for DAT and I ended up getting 23! If you put effort into it, you will get the result you want to see 🙂 good luck!!!

 

[OoPredentoO]

Thanks guys, 2 votes for #2!

Just looked them up: they do have the same ratings.
#1: helpful and clear, exams are beyond difficult
#2: somewhat helpful but not very clear. Exams are manageable

Hmmmm

 

[kholley25]

#2 by a long shot. Gotta protect that GPA as much as possible, and dental/professional schools don't get to see what professor you took; they're just looking for a good grade.

Also, there isn't a whole lot more frustrating than a good professor that makes you think you know the material well and then hands you an impossible exam. Maybe that's what dental school is like but undergrad isn't dental school.

Work smart, not hard.

 

[ClosetNerd828]

I never really felt like a got a really strong grasp during Orgo (made an A- and a B+ though).. But I basically relearned / taught myself everything I needed to know for the Orgo section of the DAT and I made a 24 on Orgo.

 

[A Pre-dent]

.

 

[ReptileDisfunction]

I would probably choose professor A. It kind of scares me that so many people are willing to sacrifice a superior learning opportunity for an easy A.

But like Like A Pre-dent said, you have to make the decision yourself, don't listen to random people on the internet too much

 

[OBUBF]

#2 100 out of 100 times

 

[Weakfart]

2. But I normally just read from the book/watch youtube videos anyway so I don't care about the professor that much.

 

[OoPredentoO]

I can't tell if you are just inviting discussion over this issue in the abstract or asking for real advice. Discuss the facts with other people, but don't ever let sdn make decisions for you. Think for yourself! 🙂

Started out as a discussion to gain some insight on my situation.. But now I'm totally reaching out for advice 😛

 

[ajj70]

My 2 cents--take the harder prof, score better on the DAT. First, where did you get the info that this prof is this hard? Second, so what if you get a B, it won't kill your chances of getting into dental school in the slightest and if you learn more, you will probably get a better DAT score, which will only help your chances.

 

[Drenalin]

Usually the class is hard because you don't study or don't know the material. Either way if you know Organic well you shouldn't have to worry about who is your teacher is. I would take first option I experienced this and I didn't need to study the ochem section very much since I worked hard that semester and had a teacher that taught me well. This helped me to be able to shift my focus to my weaknesses like reviewing gen chem and biology. I guess the only way I wouldn't do number one option is if he normally gives out only a few A's per class or such.

 

[Accordion]

2

 

[hellofuturedentists]

There are 2 open classes for Organic Chemistry II this spring..

1) this professor is extremely difficult. An A in this class is a full time job. Lecture is intense, but explained thoroughly. Grading is harsh.

2) this professor is far more easy. There are exam reviews that resemble the actual exams fairly well. The teaching isn't very clear and you have to watch a few YouTube videos so you aren't lost. Partial credit is generous to make up for the lack of explanation.

Which would you pick?

Note: I'm taking the DAT this summer, so this is my final semester to prepare. Is it worth the risk of a B to secure a strong ochem background before DAT studies begin? Or do I take the easy A and teach myself most of the information?

I had this situation. I took professor 2, as a lot of people did. Ended up teaching myself ochem for the DAT and it was my highest score. I do know some people in my class who would go sit in on lectures by professor 1. Professor 1 was also known to write excellent LoRs for his students and looking back I do feel I missed out on a great class. I would say see how hard your schedule is besides ochem for next semester. If it's light, take prof 1. If it looks like other classes will be rough, take prof 2.

 

[ygurmendi]

I was in this situation as well! Took professor 1. I got a B+ in the class, and a solid letter of rec from a professor that no other pre-dents at my school got. It was my only really challenging course that semester though, so I'd recommend taking a light load if you take his class (like hellofuturedentists said!).

 

[deezeer55]

1000000% professor 2. You can teach yourself whatever you are 'fuzzy' on in the time you have to prepare for the DAT. Chad's Videos are probably the best resource for this.

I was in the same situation and so happy I chose professor 2.

Be wise and make that move.

 

[lucky.gunner]

#2 also here
and if u love professor #1 so much, and your schedule permits it, you can always audit his lectures.