Post-Mcat realization: How do you study Genetics?

[Dreams01]

I just wrote my MCAT today on May 31, and it was more of a trial run for me after months of content review + practice passages and a couple of AAMC exams. I know I wasn't ready but decided not to cancel or void. I know I won't be getting the score I need, but this experience has really motivated me and looking so much forward to the next one. It wasn't too bad to be fair even with my prep level, I was just slower due to lack of constant practice.

Anyway it helped me really point out what my weak topics were. Going in, I knew Genetics was going to be an issue. I never took it in undergrad and felt always rushed when studying through my TPR book and not too much practice questions for it. To say the least, I got my A$$ handed to me on the genetics based passages (1 I couldn't reason my way through at all lol) and realized I had a huge weakness and discomfort there.

I was really wondering how did you come through with Genetics especially if you didn't have a strong background in it other than maybe Bio 1/2 lol? Which sources lead you to better understanding and being comfortable with Genetics? Does extra practice help? Should I grab a textbook? I could plan to take out a few days out JUST for it, because it was needed a few times today, and really need to iron it out. I need it to be a fluent language.

PLEASE and Thank you!

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[Czarcasm]

I just wrote my MCAT today on May 31, and it was more of a trial run for me after months of content review + practice passages and a couple of AAMC exams. I know I wasn't ready but decided not to cancel or void. I know I won't be getting the score I need, but this experience has really motivated me and looking so much forward to the next one. It wasn't too bad to be fair even with my prep level, I was just slower due to lack of constant practice.

Anyway it helped me really point out what my weak topics were. Going in, I knew Genetics was going to be an issue. I never took it in undergrad and felt always rushed when studying through my TPR book and not too much practice questions for it. To say the least, I got my A$$ handed to me on the genetics based passages (1 I couldn't reason my way through at all lol) and realized I had a huge weakness and discomfort there.

I was really wondering how did you come through with Genetics especially if you didn't have a strong background in it other than maybe Bio 1/2 lol? Which sources lead you to better understanding and being comfortable with Genetics? Does extra practice help? Should I grab a textbook? I could plan to take out a few days out JUST for it, because it was needed a few times today, and really need to iron it out. I need it to be a fluent language.

PLEASE and Thank you!

What type of genetics are you referring to? Molecular Genetics (Transcription, Translation, Gene Regulation, etc) or Mendelian Genetics (Pedigrees, Cross Plots, Recessive/Dominant Disorders, etc)?

 

[Dreams01]

What type of genetics are you referring to? !Molecular Genetics (Transcription, Translation, Gene Regulation, etc) or Mendelian Genetics (Pedigrees, Cross Plots, Recessive/Dominant Disorders, etc)?

Oh my bad- it's literally "Genetics" under the AAMC outline lol, but yeah - exactly what you listed as Mendelian Genetics.
That and evolution.
Worst section of Biology on the MCAT for me !

 

[theparty]

http://www.coursesaver.com/videos/watch/041-genetics-988/?catid=123

http://www.coursesaver.com/videos/watch/042-meiosis-and-recombination-989/?catid=123

http://www.coursesaver.com/videos/watch/043-hardy-weinberg-equilibrium-990/?catid=123

http://www.coursesaver.com/videos/watch/044-evolution-991/?catid=123

https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat/biomolecules

https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat/behavior

personally, i would watch the videos, then read the chapter in EK bio, then do the passages in TPRH SW (i paid $25 for mine on the sale forum and i highly recommend it). depending on how well i did on those passages, i'd maybe look into it more than the videos & chapter.

 

[Czarcasm]

Oh my bad- it's literally "Genetics" under the AAMC outline lol, but yeah - exactly what you listed as Mendelian Genetics.
That and evolution.
Worst section of Biology on the MCAT for me !

I struggled with Mendelian Genetics too and I found TPRH or any review book I've seen thus far didn't do a very good job at presenting it. EK barely touches upon it. Personally, what I did was rent a book from my local library titled Genetics and read the two relevant chapters on the topic and felt that was sufficient to answer most difficult questions. I emphasized on topics presented on the AAMC Outline to make sure I wasn't overdoing it.

 

[akinetopsia]

Took classes in genetics and genetic engineering in undergrad, and the passages today weren't too bad, if I'm thinking what you're thinking.

 

[Dreams01]

Took classes in genetics and genetic engineering in undergrad, and the passages today weren't too bad, if I'm thinking what you're thinking.

Yeah man I know what you mean! I was reading one particular passage on an all Genetics experiment, and just felt the agony of being so close yet so far which shows I am really not confident about this topic and really want to make it very easy for me to know what's being asked, what to look for, and be confident with it all when I see it right away, and not panic and lose aim on what I need to do. MCAT genetics isn't too hard, but if you don't know the basics, like in any topic, the passage seems overwhelming and impossible aha.

personally, i would watch the videos, then read the chapter in EK bio, then do the passages in TPRH SW (i paid $25 for mine on the sale forum and i highly recommend it). depending on how well i did on those passages, i'd maybe look into it more than the videos & chapter.

You think EK is good for genetics? I feel like the "Genetics" section was really lacking, but In ever thought about the video's. I have to utilize my TPRH SW to more use and my access to online passages, but there aren't too much.

I struggled with Mendelian Genetics too and I found TPRH or any review book I've seen thus far didn't do a very good job at presenting it. EK barely touches upon it. Personally, what I did was rent a book from my local library titled Genetics and read the two relevant chapters on the topic and felt that was sufficient to answer most difficult questions. I emphasized on topics presented on the AAMC Outline to make sure I wasn't overdoing it.

Might use this idea as well, borrow it from a couple friends who took genetics this year and maybe give me a couple lessons if they have time along with a combo with the Vids links posted.

Any other good source of practice just in case there aren't sufficient amount left in TPRH?

 

[theparty]

You think EK is good for genetics? I feel like the "Genetics" section was really lacking, but In ever thought about the video's. I have to utilize my TPRH SW to more use and my access to online passages, but there aren't too much.

lol i will say i did my undergrad in "evolution/ecology/organismal biology" and did a masters in medical sciences including classes in data sequencing (pretty much just DNA analysis), so for me this wasn't a start from scratch topic [thus i found EK fine]. i would say that for my studying thus far, i did content review 1st (book only), then months later, if i'm having problems with a subject based on wrong answers on the AAMC material, i watch the videos to give me an overview / from a different perspective. i highly recommend using videos as a 2nd line - they're not as detailed as the books, but they present material differently and more concisely (i'm never trying to reread those chapters - i took great notes for a reason). you should try to figure something out yourself 1st (so you develop your own method and better understand it), but if that doesn't work, watching someone do it and copying what they do / listening to someone explain it really helps.https://eeob.osu.edu/

 

[Dreams01]

lol i will say i did my undergrad in "evolution/ecology/organismal biology" and did a masters in medical sciences including classes in data sequencing (pretty much just DNA analysis), so for me this wasn't a start from scratch topic [thus i found EK fine]. i would say that for my studying thus far, i did content review 1st (book only), then months later, if i'm having problems with a subject based on wrong answers on the AAMC material, i watch the videos to give me an overview / from a different perspective. i highly recommend using videos as a 2nd line - they're not as detailed as the books, but they present material differently and more concisely (i'm never trying to reread those chapters - i took great notes for a reason). you should try to figure something out yourself 1st (so you develop your own method and better understand it), but if that doesn't work, watching someone do it and copying what they do / listening to someone explain it really helps.

Thanks for the tip!
I guess finding resources shouldn't be too bad between EK, TPR, and online. What do you guys think about practice though? Are MCAT sources enough or should I dig into external genetics problems? Is TPRH the only good practice?

 

[barca4ever]

I also wrote the exam today as well, and I was lucky because I know genetics always pop up in the AAMC FL tests so I did some quick practice problems found online literally the night before the test. I don't think you have to take Genetics class to do well. All you really need is to practice, practice, and practice. Also practice will make you understand the concepts better too. Just look up online or google some genetic problems. I finally understand that MCAT only test your BASIC knowledge, don't try to go fancy, just identify what the question is asking you and use the most basic knowledge to answer it.

 

[torontopharm]

I'm taking undergrad Genetics right now and scheduled to take the Mcat in mid september.
I strongly agree with the previous poster..practice, practice and more practice is needed to really drill down Mendellian Genetics. I tried just reading my genetics book/lectures and doing dihybrid cross and pedigree problems for example.. and failed miserably. But once i practiced over and over, it was much simpler for me. Pick up any genetics book + solution manual, and just do the Mendellian genetics problems.

 

[TresselforPresident]

I took it today (yesterday) too. Honestly, I would pick up my former textbook (iGenetics) and go through that and the problems at the back of the book. Genetics on the MCAT is something that rewards concepts more than pure knowledge, so I would just work your way through the big ideas in each chapter and see if you understand things like Hardy-Weinberg, Punnett Squares, etc.

 

[Strudel19]

I agree with the textbook idea, especially if you're using EK to review. My snustad/simmons genetics textbook was pretty readable. I picked it up for six bucks on Amazon.

 

[akinetopsia]

Knowing the ratios for different crosses can save a lot of time too, i.e. 1 homozygous dominant:2 heterozygous dominant:1 homozygous recessive for a simple heterozygous cross (Rr & Rr) for example. Also figuring how what you're looking at when you see a pedigree and determining the mode of inheritance, that's worth practicing and it's relatively easy to do and points easy for us to get.