<p>I was just looking at the columbia website, and my 5 on the AP chem test from my junior year lets me qualify for this course. Is this class super difficult for a 1st sem froshie? I'm just wondering if I should just take the "normal" chem route, or if I should jump into this. I'm thinking of going premed, if that helps...</p>
<p>I took 3045/6. You have to take a placement test or two to qualify for organic, even with the 5. You'll need to study over the summer a bit, which is annoying, but the test is easy if you do a bit of review.</p>
<p>Freshman Orgo is a tad easier than regular Orgo. You need to take Orgo anyway, and it is hard no matter when you take it, so you might as well get it over with. Why waste your time taking general chem if you don't have to?</p>
<p>The class is smaller and more user-friendly than the normal orgo. And, you're with other freshman, not with sophs/juniors. The first semester prof when I took it was outstanding (Nick Turro), but I don't think he teaches it anymore.</p>
<p>However, the second semester prof (Dali Samesh, who still teaches it to my knowledge) is absolutely horrible. I got an A first semester, and hated the guy from the first day second semester. I totally gave up and didn't go to a single class. I don't know how I pulled off the C+, with my 44/200 on the final.</p>
<p>But, just get your organic out of the way. No point in repeating gen chem.</p>
<p>Do plan on majoring in Chemistry?</p>
<p>Probably not. I'm thinking of probably doing a concentration in biological anthro...but I'm just thinking about getting the majority of my premed stuff done within my first year...</p>
<p>If I go by the traditional "premed get the highest gpa possible" mentality, I'll probably end up repeating g.chem. I'm thinking fall semester is probably going to be university writing, lit hum, g. chem, calc I, hindi, and a P.E. At least, that's what the planner said I should shoot for on the columbia website... hahaha</p>
<p>It isn't so much getting it done 1st yr. It is the ability to not take 2 classes that are unnecessary and annoying (general chem 1st and 2nd semesters), so you can do whatever you want with with those 2 slots.</p>
<p>Plenty of people think that repeating GChem will help their GPA. May people have taken AP Chem in high school, so it isn't an easy A. You'll have to work hard to get an A, and then there's no guarantees.</p>
<p>You're going to have to deal with organic sooner or later. Might as well take it when its easier.</p>
<p>As a premed, don't I have to take GChem anyway? I thought GChem was required for entrance into med school.</p>
<p>cannednish, I'm wondering, how are you already planning your courses?</p>
<p>Well if general chemistry is required, you might as well take it before organic chemistry...</p>
<p>tchaikovsky: I was actually looking for AP credit, then stumbled upon a course planning thing for premeds. My little list of courses is basically me regurgitating the courses that it told me to take. I think my major decision over the next couple months is whether I actually want to embark on a premed track...</p>
<p>You're fine for med school if you skip into organic. No need to take gchem.</p>