2 answers
Emma
Student
Battle Creek, Michigan
1
Question
Updated
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What are the biomedical majors doing to understand organic chemistry How do you guys study and really master orgo chem? I feel like I cannot grasp it fully. Any help is appreciated!
I am currently a junior and trying to understand orgo chem to prepare for medical school and the MCAT
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1 answer
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hey Emma,
I took chemistry my last semester and my number one tip would be to understand not memorize the mechanisms. Focus on why reactions happen the way they do, breaking down each step and tracking electron movement. Practice drawing mechanisms repeatedly, as it helps reinforce how bonds break and form. It’s also crucial to get comfortable with functional groups since they dictate how molecules behave during reactions. Active learning techniques, like teaching concepts out loud or working through problems with a study group, can make a huge difference. Since the MCAT doesn’t cover every reaction, it’s smart to focus on high-yield topics like acid-base reactions, nucleophilic substitutions, carbonyl chemistry, and stereochemistry. Practice problems are essential – make sure you’re not just doing them but also understanding why each answer is correct. Using resources like Khan Academy or Organic Chemistry Tutor on YouTube can provide different perspectives when you’re stuck. Stay consistent, study a little every day, and don’t cram – organic chemistry builds on itself, so staying on top of the material is key. If you hit a roadblock, just remember that it’s normal to struggle sometimes, and with persistent effort, you’ll get the hang of it!
I took chemistry my last semester and my number one tip would be to understand not memorize the mechanisms. Focus on why reactions happen the way they do, breaking down each step and tracking electron movement. Practice drawing mechanisms repeatedly, as it helps reinforce how bonds break and form. It’s also crucial to get comfortable with functional groups since they dictate how molecules behave during reactions. Active learning techniques, like teaching concepts out loud or working through problems with a study group, can make a huge difference. Since the MCAT doesn’t cover every reaction, it’s smart to focus on high-yield topics like acid-base reactions, nucleophilic substitutions, carbonyl chemistry, and stereochemistry. Practice problems are essential – make sure you’re not just doing them but also understanding why each answer is correct. Using resources like Khan Academy or Organic Chemistry Tutor on YouTube can provide different perspectives when you’re stuck. Stay consistent, study a little every day, and don’t cram – organic chemistry builds on itself, so staying on top of the material is key. If you hit a roadblock, just remember that it’s normal to struggle sometimes, and with persistent effort, you’ll get the hang of it!