Preparing for Grad School: A Organic Chemistry Review

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Starting a PhD in Organic Chemistry requires a solid review of undergraduate material, especially for those who haven't used their knowledge recently. A comprehensive plan should include revisiting key concepts and mechanisms, focusing on stereochemistry and synthesis problems. Utilizing old Chemistry GREs can provide insight into exam formats and question types. Recommended resources include the textbook by Clayden, Warren, and Greeves, which offers a wealth of problems for practice. A structured approach to reviewing these topics will help ensure preparedness for the challenges of graduate school.
kekulekangaroo
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I’m starting my PhD in Organic Chemistry this Fall. I want to review all of undergraduate Organic Chemistry and I’m trying to develop a plan of attack. I did alright in lectures but not perfectly and did quite well in labs. I don’t want to be bombarded in grad school and want to have a proper review. In addition, I finished undergrad a while ago and haven’t used my Organic knowledge for sometime. Looking for advice on how to be well prepared.
 
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I would probably at least go through old Chem GREs and grab an OChem book and start reviewing problems. You'll want to make sure you have a good handle on different mechanisms and how they affect things like stereochemistry, in addition to doing synthesis problems.
 
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Maybe go through the problems in Clayden Warren Greeves?
 
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Thread 'PSA -- Contact PI's before applying to graduate school in the US'

Given the current funding situation, you should contact potential departments or research groups before you apply and pay any application fees. Many programs are not taking new graduate students at all this cycle because of funding uncertainty, unless a specific advisor can show they already have money to support you for five years. This is what I’ve heard directly from 20–30 programs. Do not waste money applying blindly.
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