How long does it take to learn Chemistry if one is self teaching? (General/Orgo)

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
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<p>I'm asking this question here because no-one in my school has ever tried it and I'm assuming that as PreMeds/Med Students/Residents/various other smart people, you guys might know about this. My school doesn't have the resources to even offer AP Chem, so this is quite a stretch.</p>

<p>I know that General Chem is usually 2 terms and Organic 2 terms for a total of 4 terms. I'm planning on going through Chemistry: The Quest for Insight by Atkins and Principles of Organic Chemistry by R.O.C. Norman.</p>

<p>Ideally, I would be finished with both of these books by MidMarch. Any guesses with regards to how much time this might take?</p>

<p>Thanks; all opinions are very much welcome !</p>

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<p>You don’t need to study OChem in high school. Save it for college.</p>

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<p>Normally, that’s true but I want to compete in the National Chemistry Olympiad, which in Canada- includes tons of Orgo!</p>

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<p>Assuming you have no background in either science and aim to have a good enough understanding that you could perform well on the science olympiad you mention, I for one would be quite impressed if you could do that in less than 3 months. I imagine it would take at least twice that long, unless you plan to do nothing but eat, sleep, and read chemistry text books (which would probably drive you iNsAnE!)</p>