<p>I'm thinking about taking this course. Can someone tell me how difficult this course is compared to General Intensive? I'm doing the pre-med track with a probable major in chemistry, and I'm not sure whether it's worth it to have a lower grade in a more impressive-looking course when it comes to med school admissions. Would you guys recommend I take General Intensive instead, even if I'm planning to major in chem? Also, do the Orgo classes have much fewer people than General Intensive? Thanks guys.</p>
<p>Taking General Intensive over normal G-chem was probably my 2nd-best decision of my freshman year, right after a girlfriend :)</p>
<p>I can't speak to Orgo (although Shraf can), but I'm generally against pushing to take upper-level courses as a freshman. You just don't know what you're getting yourself into until you've taken a full courseload at this level. Gotta break into the league and adjust before you can start cranking the home runs, you know?</p>
<p>speaking of intensive chem/orgo, is it possible to get into these courses without the accompanying ap credit? I never had a chance to take AP chem in high school, but did take an honors course in the subject - can I talk my way out of the prerequisite, or am I just stuck in g-chem?<br>
Thanks!</p>
<p>there's a placement exam, do very well in that and you're through</p>
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probably my 2nd-best decision of my freshman year, right after a girlfriend
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<p>i should really start counting how many times denzera mentions his love life for no apparent reason :)</p>
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I'm doing the pre-med track with a probable major in chemistry, and I'm not sure whether it's worth it to have a lower grade in a more impressive-looking course when it comes to med school admissions.
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<p>you will probably be surprised to learn this since you just went through college admissions where there is a big emphasis on "difficulty of courseload"...but med school admissions is not the same way! All they care about is that you fulfill the requirements and that you have a high GPA and MCAT. So it is in your best interest to take the class that you will do the best in. I would usually recommend gchem but since you are planning on being a chem major you will probably be well prepared for intensive chem and the semester saved might come in handy later. But do not think med schools will be impressed that you took a harder route....you should choose the class you will get an A in over a class that you will get a B in any day (in terms of premed) as long as they both fulfill the requirement. </p>
<p>Bottom line: there is no such thing as an "impressive looking course" when it comes to premed requirements.</p>
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do the Orgo classes have much fewer people than General Intensive?
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<p>yes, the harder the class the less people are in it so enrollment for gchem is highest and freshman orgo is lowest. </p>
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speaking of intensive chem/orgo, is it possible to get into these courses without the accompanying ap credit? I never had a chance to take AP chem in high school, but did take an honors course in the subject - can I talk my way out of the prerequisite, or am I just stuck in g-chem?
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<p>yes there is a placement exam and it is always easier to switch from a harder class to an easier class if you choose to do so but these classes depend alot on having a solid foundation in the subject so even though you may be able to pass the placement exam you might still be at a disadvantage compared to others who are in the class...and since classes are graded on a curve, your lack of preparation can hurt you significantly.</p>
<p>shraf, would you say that an advantage of frosh orgo is that you don't have to deal with postbacs?</p>
<p>absolutely not...thats probably one of the worst reasons i have ever heard for choosing your future. You never HAVE TO deal with anyone and that should never play into any of your class choices.</p>
<p>the curve must be different, though.</p>
<p>I took frosh orgo and would recommend it if you're good at chemistry. You have to take it sometime, and it's going to be hard and a potentially low grade no matter when you take it. So you might as well take it now where you're coddled in a smaller class with other similarly-situated freshmen.</p>
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the curve must be different, though.
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<p>Check CULPA for proper info. The curve was more generous in frosh orgo than regular orgo when I was there.</p>
<p>i agree with C2002. if i'd had the option i would've taken frosh orgo. i'll assume the coddle factor helps.</p>
<p>I took AP Chem and got a 5 a year ago. I remember little. Will that screw me over for the departmental exam?</p>
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nostalgia, dude. once upon a time, i had a love life… :P</p>