<p>Is it wise to take organic chemistry freshman year? How hard is the class compared to other classes? Is organic chem the class that determines whether one is cut out for pre-med?</p>
<p>^ What is your background? I took Orgo freshman year but I had a 5 on the AP Chem exam and an A+ in the coursework. No one can answer the “how hard is orgo” question for you, because it’s different for everyone. If you have weaknesses in your study habits, orgo can make this very clear. Just don’t get behind. Hit the ground running! </p>
<p>No one class determines your fitness for medical school. You must do it all. You might enjoy reading this link (recently posted on SDN)</p>
<p>[url=<a href=“http://www.vault.com/wps/portal/usa/vcm/detail/Career-Advice/Education-Advice/Wouldnt-You-Like-to-Know--An-Interview-with-Brenda-Armstrong,-Director-of-Admissions,-Duke-Medical-School]Interview-with-Brenda-Armstrong,-Director-of-Admissions,-Duke-Medical-School[/url”>http://www.vault.com/wps/portal/usa/vcm/detail/Career-Advice/Education-Advice/Wouldnt-You-Like-to-Know--An-Interview-with-Brenda-Armstrong,-Director-of-Admissions,-Duke-Medical-School]Interview-with-Brenda-Armstrong,-Director-of-Admissions,-Duke-Medical-School[/url</a>].</p>
<p>I’m a post-bacc student at UMD which means I returned to college after a previous degree. My first one was in the business school and my second one is currently in Biology. So, I took Orgo I and II after about 5 years of never even looking at/thinking about science. Difficult, yes, absolutely…but like plumazul said, if you don’t have good study habits, they will become glaringly obvious after you take Orgo. I suggest you go ahead and take it to start the Chem sequence at UMD, but also to make sure your other classes aren’t AS difficult. Flashcards, re-reading, recording lectures…whatever helps, do it!</p>
<p>Also, different professors make a huge difference - my Orgo II professor was notoriously difficult, though her curve was generous. Still, many people in my class, and her Orgo I class did not pass, so just watch out for reviews on ourumd.com! Good luck!</p>