Wondering if it is realistic to teach oneself O-chem?

[Mr.E]

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I;m in the middle of G-chem and really want to take the DAT early next spring in order to apply. The problem is that I will only just be done with G-chem by then. I realize that O-chem is also a major subject area covered in the DAT. So here is my question: does anyone think it is possible to teach oneself enough O-chem to do well on the DAT having never taken O-chem? Of course, I realize I still need to take the class, just want to take the DAT as soon as possible in order not to delay applications another year(2007 🙁 ).

 

[aphistis]

It depends on where you are in school. Do I think it's possible to teach yourself organic, with access to someone who can answer questions when needed? Sure. It's not that hard, just a ton of reaction mechanisms to memorize. The greater question is whether your timetable for applying to school is realistic. Organic is just one of the prereqs you'll have to take in order to matriculate at most dental schools. If you're planning to apply a year early, that's a year less time in which you'll be able to finish all your prereqs, which in my experience can be quite inconvenient if you haven't been planning for it since the beginning of college. Hope this sheds a little light.

 

[simpsonj24]

Suggestion: I took OC in the summer, both semesters. I was intense was short, less than three months. I felt suffiently prepared and scored a 21 on the DAT so maybe this could be an option for you.

 

[justsusan]

I agree with simpson. I took o-chem this summer...it was painful but I survived. it's good, though, because you won't have to review it at all if you take the dat at the end of the summer.

good luck.

 

[HBomb]

For most people, I'd say that it is not possible. Maybe you're one of the exceptions...you'll need to be a self-starter, self-motivated, dedicated. Time constraint is a big factor. If you're already taking a full class load (which is likely since you're in school) and/or if you work on top of that, I'd say it's very improbable that you can teach yourself ochem within the timeframe you desire. A good tutor would help too. Sorry for being so negative. It's just what I think and only one person's opinion, so take it FWIW.

 

[Mr.E]

Thanks you all for your replies. If I can take OC during the summer next year (2005), and afterwards take the DAT (sometime late August early September), will it be too late to apply for 2006 class if I turn in my application sometime in late September or early October?

 

[JattMed]

Like any subject...........you can always teach yourself
Get a book of Ochem such as CAREY Organic Chemistry 5th Ed.
Author is Francis A. Carey ISBN 0-07-242458-3
Every book comes with a Learning by Model CD-ROM and you have online access to the publishers learning center (www.mhhe.com/carey)

 

[Sprgrover]

Thanks you all for your replies. If I can take OC during the summer next year (2005), and afterwards take the DAT (sometime late August early September), will it be too late to apply for 2006 class if I turn in my application sometime in late September or early October?

No, you won't be late. What I would recommend is completing your AADSAS application during those days between the end of your spring term and the start of summer classes. You don't need to have taken the DAT and the ADEA doesn't want your scores sent to them anyway. Getting your application done at such a time will get it in early (kudos) and you won't have to have it on your mind while studying for the DAT and what-not. The turn around time on your DAT is minimal compared to AADSAS (a lot of schools simply down-load your scores within a couple of days of you completing the test). With that said I would start developing your personal statement now or over winter break - it's the part of the application that will take the longest and is perhaps one of the more important aspects of it.

 

[calbear14]

great advice Sprgrover!

 

[Mr.E]

Excellent advice Sprgrover. Thanks!

Just one more question: Is the personal statement esssay something that is "free-for-all" in terms of the content? Or does the AADSAS have certain questions that they desire answered that we must work within?

 

[vankras]

I did it. I think it's easier because you don't have to worry about the irrelevent parts of O-chem that you learn at school. You just have to learn the DAT specific mechanisms and rules. It keeps a lot of things more focused and specific.

Well, it was ok for me, but we're all different.

 

[isd121]

does anyone think it is possible to teach oneself enough O-chem to do well on the DAT having never taken O-chem?

It is possible for sure. I wrote DAT last weak and got 19 in Organic Chemistry without taking any class.
It took me 2 weeks (6 to 8 hours per day) to study. My goal was to finish 1 chapter of Kaplan in 1 day. Then I revised everything again. On topscore and Kaplan test I was getting around 17-18. I think real DAT is little bit easier.
Books I used:
1) Kaplan
2) Organic Chemistry by Solomons & Fryhle 8th edition (ISBN: 0-471-41799-8)

Study from Kaplan first and if you don't understand anything use Solomons.

Good Luck 👍

 

[HBomb]

It is possible for sure. I wrote DAT last weak and got 19 in Organic Chemistry without taking any class.
It took me 2 weeks (6 to 8 hours per day) to study. My goal was to finish 1 chapter of Kaplan in 1 day. Then I revised everything again. On topscore and Kaplan test I was getting around 17-18. I think real DAT is little bit easier.
Books I used:
1) Kaplan
2) Organic Chemistry by Solomons & Fryhle 8th edition (ISBN: 0-471-41799-8)

Study from Kaplan first and if you don't understand anything use Solomons.

Good Luck 👍

Oh, wow!!! Clearly I was wrong...it looks as though you can teach yourself enough OChem to get competitive scores and in a relatively short amount of time. Awesome to see you could get a 19 on OChem after only 2 weeks of study. It is just mind-boggling. To me, that is quite an impressive score after only 2 weeks!!!

 

[phosphorylation]

It is possible for sure. I wrote DAT last weak and got 19 in Organic Chemistry without taking any class.
It took me 2 weeks (6 to 8 hours per day) to study. My goal was to finish 1 chapter of Kaplan in 1 day. Then I revised everything again. On topscore and Kaplan test I was getting around 17-18. I think real DAT is little bit easier.
Books I used:
1) Kaplan
2) Organic Chemistry by Solomons & Fryhle 8th edition (ISBN: 0-471-41799-8)

Study from Kaplan first and if you don't understand anything use Solomons.

Good Luck 👍

wow...im amazed...i wish you the best of luck...