[OrdinaryDay]

O-chem has a reputation in turning heads when it comes to understanding the materials and I'm afraid that I might be part of that crowd. I never faired well in chemistry and this was particularly evident with my first attempt during 2nd semester where I struggled to keep a C. I think this had alot more to do with understanding the concepts because I could do stoichiometry and other algebraic techniques but I couldn't identify what were acids/bases or handle conceptual questions dealing with ideal gases and thermodynamics.

I'm extremely worried that if I do dive in for this o-chem course, I might be in for another total shock where the materials seem harder than the calculations. From people who've taken o-chem, what did you do to get the grade you wanted? How many hours did you devote to the class compared to others? And, what in general was your routine to understand o-chem?

I'm sorry if this might seem too much. I'm really trying to balance my schedule as there are already 3 core classes that I'm worrying over as well. 

[macman104]

Lots of reading through the material and practicing questions.  In honesty, the initial orgo class was somewhat difficult, but after I understood the concepts it was easy.  But now my focus for my chemistry major is organic chemistry, so I might be a little bias.

If you struggle initially, you might expect to spend at least 5-6 hours or maybe 10 per week (but that might be a guess on the high end).

Stay on top of the material, ask question if you don't understand, and practice exercise questions in the back of each chapter.

What is your major?

[OrdinaryDay]

Thanks for the response macman104,

I'm a physics pre-med, so the math comes very easily. The concepts still makes it harder for me to digest. I think if do end up in o-chem I will have to split the time between cal II/linear algebra/differential eq and o-chem which is why I'm so hard pressed to get advice. I dunno, this is one thing that makes me feel uncertain

[macman104]

You're taking calc II, linear algebra AND diff eq, all at once???

Also, orgo is kind of a "weeding-out" course for pre-meds as I understand it.  You're gonna have to know it for your MCATs.