<p>[7</a> Tips to Survive Organic Chem | Harvard Summer Blog](<a href=“http://www.summer.harvard.edu/blog-news-events/7-tips-survive-organic-chem]7”>http://www.summer.harvard.edu/blog-news-events/7-tips-survive-organic-chem)</p>
<p>Hope this might help some of you a bit.</p>
<p>i have one tip. This one is not to survivie but to achieve another A. STUDY HARD, it always works!!</p>
<p>eh, I think studying well is better than studying hard.</p>
<p>^…whatever the difference you are the only one who knows…If you have to memorize, you got to memorize whatever it takes. And some people are not cut for it at all, like me. I never could memorize anything, that is why I am enjoying IT. I admire anybody in medical field, they work very very hard and they have to remember those long names that means absolutely nothing…</p>
<p>Memorization is needed. I scored 30 points above average on my last exam and those points comprised of a bunch of structures I memorized. For example, there is no way to learn the structure of sphingosine, you just need to memorize it.</p>
<p>Anyone recommend a good prep book that I can read this summer? Taking orgo. one in the fall.</p>
<p>The Nuts and Bolts of Organic Chemistry - Joel Karty…enjoying reading it right now, it’s designed to be read before taking the course</p>
<p>I think a lot of people are intimidated by the new material and the pressure of “having to do well” for pre-med, etc. but I feel as though the two biggest things are to try and familiarize yourself with the material beforehand and stay focused on what you need to learn. Most importantly, though, is trying to enjoy the material. Honestly, orgo can be amazing and beautiful if you try and enjoy it.</p>
<p>“Anyone recommend a good prep book that I can read this summer?”
-DO NOT DO IT!!! Enjoy your summer, spend presious time with your firneds, leave Orgo for school year.<br>
Honestly, reading above, D. has never ever felt that Orgo could be beautiful at all. She just took it as is as most feel about it…and she got an A. Her approach ever since in elementary, if do not like something if you feel that this particular class needs more attention, then give it more attention and do whatever needs to be done to get an A. She never set lower standard for herself and has always been working harder in the classes that are harder for her personally. That is why balanced schedule is very important. There are classes that are easier for specific student. Mix them wisely with your harder classes and be prepared to manage your time and work as hard as you can. There are no tricks here. Most pre-meds are used to “having to do well” anyway, they used to be the very top HS kids, who knew what it takes including adjustments and certain sacrifices.
In addition, I would say that those who absolutely in love with Gen. Chem (like my D. who was an SI in Gen. Chem for 3 years and was told by the prof. on many occasions that she was crucial in raising an average grades in this class year after year), usually do not enjoy Orgo and the other way around. This is just a little observation.</p>