Is Genetics a must before taking the MCAT?

[jillzhou]

My schedule for the fall semester includes 2 science classes with labs (Orgo and Neurosci with 2 psych classes). I know I won't be able to handle another third science class (Genetics with lab) not to mention a BAD freshman year with over gpa of 3.2 but I'm in a dilemma..Genetics is only offered during the fall semester and I plan to take the MCATs after my spring semester, am I screwd without it? I plan to save genetics for junior year since it won't fit elsewhere 🙁

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[CodeBlu]

Genetics is not a must. But you should understand the basics.

However, I will say this... based on the two administrations I have written... it was helpful to have genetics/cell biology/physiology under my belt.

 

[Barcu]

The genetics on the MCAT is pretty easy. If you have time, I say take it because it's an interesting class. But I would recommend several classes (most notably physiology) over genetics.

 

[kexy]

Any marginal benefit there might be isn't worth taking it and tanking your GPA, that's for sure.

 

[vin5cent0]

The only genetics Qs I've come across on the MCAT are exceedingly basic principles that you should know if you've taken any intro bio classes. They've always just dealt with basic Mendelian inheritance, so far at least.

 

[aSagacious]

I was asked exactly one question on genetics.

 

[CodeBlu]

I was asked exactly one question on genetics.

Hardy har har weinbergy?

 

[aSagacious]

Hardy har har weinbergy?

Nope, centimorgans and linked gene probabilities.

 

[CodeBlu]

Nope, centimorgans and linked gene probabilities.

Freestanding yeah?

 

[aSagacious]

Freestanding yeah?

Yupper.

 

[FattySlug]

Genetics is an easy A. Take it to boost your GPA and decorate your transcript. It would not help you MCAT.

 

[CodeBlu]

Genetics is an easy A. Take it to boost your GPA and decorate your transcript. It would not help you MCAT.

False. My genetics class was a genetics and molecular biology class. It was NOT an easy A.

Not at all.

 

[Myuu]

Moving to MCAT!

 

[SilentSoldier]

Genetics is an easy A. Take it to boost your GPA and decorate your transcript. It would not help you MCAT.

woah hey woah, not all genetics courses are created equal. My class was mind numbingly boring with a new professor that decided to make exams hell on earth. Easy A it was not.

 

[FattySlug]

False. My genetics class was a genetics and molecular biology class. It was NOT an easy A.

Not at all.

With addition of molecular I could see it being hard but OP didn't say that.

woah hey woah, not all genetics courses are created equal. My class was mind numbingly boring with a new professor that decided to make exams hell on earth. Easy A it was not.

I think mostly we can get A by know what topics are tested through lectures slides or recording of the lectures. Next just read the text book on those topics --> win. There was some calculation involved in genetics but they are mostly pretty formulaic. Of course if the professors set out to doom you then you are out of luck.

I had a really hard time with immunology and microbiology. They made you memorize the most random stuff ever and spit it back on exams.