Is gen chem harder than Orgo?

Organic Chemistry (Orgo) is generally considered harder than General Chemistry (Gen Chem) because it requires a different, more conceptual and application-based thinking, focusing on 3D structures, mechanisms, and reactions, whereas Gen Chem relies more on math, formulas, and memorization of broad concepts, though some find Gen Chem's wide scope or math challenging, making difficulty subjective to learning style. Orgo demands continuous engagement with building concepts, while Gen Chem covers many disparate topics, with the second semester often harder.

Is organic harder than gen chem?

Regarding the difficulty, most students find Organic Chemistry to be more difficult than General Chemistry because it tends to require more abstract thinking and problem-solving skills.

Is gen chem a hard class?

Yes, general chemistry (Gen Chem) is widely considered a challenging course because it introduces many abstract concepts, requires strong problem-solving skills and math (especially algebra), builds on itself sequentially, and demands consistent effort rather than just memorization, often acting as a "weed-out" course for STEM majors. While some find it manageable with good habits, many struggle with visualizing unseen atomic/molecular processes and the depth of reasoning needed. 

Is a B+ in orgo bad for med school?

A B+ in organic chemistry (Orgo) is generally not considered bad for medical school, but it's not ideal either; while a strong overall GPA, excellent MCAT, clinical experience, and research can offset it, a B+ signals good, not excellent, performance in a key pre-med weed-out course, so focus on excelling in other sciences and demonstrating strong problem-solving skills. 

Is there more Gen Chem or Orgo on MCAT?

Exam content will draw from*:

General chemistry, 30% Organic chemistry, 15%

My Chemistry Major Regrets (And Why I Picked It)

Is orgo the hardest pre-med class?

The hardest course of the pre-med requirements depends on your strengths and weaknesses, but organic chemistry has a reputation for being the most difficult. In this class, you need to know the compositions and reactions of countless chemical compounds.

What is the hardest part of gen chem?

The hardest topic is probably molecular orbital theory and hybridization of orbitals. This general topic takes maturity in chemistry that most undergraduates don't have. Just like in anything else in life, it's simple arithmetic, elementary algebra, logarithms and exponential functions, and trigonometry, in that order.

What is the fail rate for organic chemistry?

Organic chemistry has notoriously high failure rates, often cited nationally between 25% to over 50%, with many sources calling it a major "weed-out" course for pre-med and science majors due to its challenging concepts, fast pace, and demand for advanced critical thinking and visualization skills. While some universities see lower rates (around 15-20%), many struggle to get rates below 25%, though targeted programs can drastically reduce failures to under 10%.
 

Do med schools want orgo 2?

Organic Chemistry and General Chemistry: Pre-med students need to take general chemistry (inorganic chemistry) 1 and 2 and organic chemistry 1 and 2. (Organic chemistry was ranked the most challenging prerequisite college course by pre-med students).

How many people fail gen chem?

On average about 25% fail general chemistry according to Cooper and Peterson (2012). Others have found rates from 40-60%. That's a lot of students and you don't want to be one of them.

What is the top 1 hardest course?

Top 10 Toughest Courses in the World in 2026

• Medicine.
• Engineering.
• Neuroscience Courses.
• Chartered Accountancy.
• Quantum Physics Courses.
• Mathematics - BSc/BS Mathematics.
• Architecture.
• Economics.

Is gen chem a lot of math?

General chemistry is basically just solving the same set of formulas in slightly different contexts. You need to be able to do the math quickly and accurately, but there is not much depth to it.

Which is the easiest branch of chemistry?

Analytical chemistry is comparatively easier than most branches of chemistry. Organic chemistry is a popular but complex area of study. On the other hand, analytical chemistry is easier to learn and offers better salaries.

Is orgo useful in everyday life?

Where is organic chemistry used? Organic compounds are all around us. Many modern materials are at least partially composed of organic compounds. They're central to economic growth, and are foundational to the fields of biochemistry, biotechnology, and medicine.

Is it hard to get an A* in chemistry?

Yes, getting an A* in Chemistry (especially at A-Level/AP) is generally considered hard due to complex concepts, significant math/physics integration, and the large amount of detailed knowledge required, with historically low percentages of students achieving it. Success requires strong foundational skills, consistent practice with past papers, excellent problem-solving, and mastering both theory and practical applications, often needing more dedication than many other subjects. 

What is the #1 hardest AP class?

While it varies by student, AP Physics 1 is frequently cited as the #1 hardest AP class due to low pass rates, complex algebra-based concepts, and intensive lab work, with other top contenders for difficulty including AP U.S. History, AP Environmental Science, and AP English Language. The difficulty often comes from content overload, conceptual depth, and demands for hands-on application, making it challenging for many students to score high. 

What is the most commonly failed class in college?

The most failed college classes are typically foundational "gatekeeper" courses, especially in Math (like College Algebra, Calculus I/II) and Science (Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, Physics), due to high enrollment, rigorous content, and challenging concepts for pre-med/STEM majors, with Computer Science intro courses also seeing high failure/withdrawal rates. Specific courses like Spanish 97 (Accelerated Review) at Iowa State also stand out due to misleading names or lack of incentive to excel beyond the minimum pass, notes this Iowa State Daily article.
 

What subject has the highest dropout rate?

According to a more recent report by Debut Careers, the subjects with the highest drop-out rates are:

• Computer Sciences (9.8%)
• Business and Administrative Studies (7.4%)
• Mass Communications and Documentation (7.2%)
• Engineering and Technology (7.2%)
• Creative Arts and Design (7.2%)
• Biological Sciences (6.7%)

Why is gen chem so hard?

Why is General Chemistry So Hard? General Chemistry is so hard because it's very different from most other classes and subjects. The primary reason chemistry is so hard is because of the topic progression. You really have to fully understand several topics before you can fully understand other topics.

Is gen chem like AP chem?

AP® Chemistry is equivalent to an introductory college-level general chemistry course. This college course is the first chemistry course that undergraduate students take. You will learn the same material while taking AP Chemistry in high school.

What is the hardest Gen Chem class?

Organic Chemistry: Often listed as the most difficult college chemistry class, organic chemistry focuses on carbon-based compounds, their properties, reactions, and synthesis.

Is orgo harder than gen chem reddit?

If you're strong in math, gen chem is usually easier. If you're good at arts/spatial organization organic might be a bit easier. I find farmers are way better at organic chemistry than gen chem. That has to do with breaking down and fixing things.

Is a 3.7 GPA bad premed?

Here's the reality: the average GPA of students accepted to MD programs hovers around 3.75–3.8. That means half of all accepted students had higher. For DO schools, the average is slightly lower, typically around 3.5–3.6, but don't let that lull you into thinking it's easy. It's not.

Which is the no. 1 toughest course in the world?

The top 10 hardest courses generally include:

• Medicine (MBBS/MD)
• Engineering (Aerospace, Chemical, Electrical)
• Chartered Accountancy (CA)
• Pharmacy.
• Architecture.
• Law.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN/BSc Nursing)
• Physics.