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 Oh no, Orgo
Every pre-med student stares down the chasm that is Organic
Chemistry—the dreaded, crucial course that might determine
the rest of your life. You've heard the horror stories; the
nightmares plague you. The images, the agony, the pain that
this course conjures seem beyond your control. But, hey,
you're ready... aren't you?
What's the Big
Deal?
The big deal is, we're carbon-based life forms. And as you
(might) know, without carbon, there wouldn't be human life
on earth. Imagine a world without trees, plants, or
people—there certainly wouldn't be a need for doctors. So,
yes, the foundations of our very existence are based upon
our carbon base. And the study of organic chemistry ties in
to almost everything you'll encounter in your medical
future.
The Almighty A
It's true. Medical schools will put your application in
another pile if you don't achieve an A in Orgo. That
doesn't mean automatic rejection for B students. Apply the
same approach that you would for any college course—give it
your all. Push yourself forward, but don't freak out. The
mental strain alone can be devastating.
The Right Time
Since Orgo is so important, be sure to tackle it no later
than your sophomore year. If you're prepared to immerse
yourself early on, enroll during the second semester of
your freshman year, once you've gotten used to the nature
of college courses. Organic Chemistry sets a certain
standard for the pre-med student as a prelude to the
intensity of medical school. And those that survive and
succeed will be hungry for more.
Those That
Survive?
Everyone's made it quite clear that Orgo isn't easy. Many
students who try to complete this course either drop the
class or stop being pre-med. It should be obvious that now
is not the time to become a slacker. And you certainly
shouldn't think like a quitter. Always do your work, come
to class prepared, and continue to constantly practice.
Stay motivated. Living through Orgo will make you feel like
you can do anything. And that outweighs the life of stress
that was your semester.
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