Greetings all, I have a bit of a tricky question
I'd like to think that I have a grasp of Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, so my question is: what's the next level? Ideally, I plan on applying to graduate schools next year and I'm reasonably certain I want to focus on Organic Synthesis. I enjoy it a lot, especially figuring out how to manipulate functional groups while taking into account practical factors like toxicity, reagent expenses, yields, etc.
In the mean time, what should an aspiring graduate level organic chemist be expected to know? Should I simply be reading as many papers as possible? Should I be studying Advanced Organic Chemistry by Carey/Sundberg cover to cover? Should I just review all the Chemistry knowledge from my previous undergraduate career, for a more general understanding? Other than the research experience itself, what most separates a graduate chemist from an undergraduate chemist?
Thanks to all in advance.