Should I Take Genetics?

[shannonigans]

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Hi fellow non-trads!

I need some opinions on my class schedule for this semester. I'm in my last semester of undergrad classes as a post-bacc student (I'm a career changer- I was in marketing and worked as a social media manager for a few years), and I'm struggling making a decision between what classes to take.

My current schedule:
- Biochem
- Orgo Lab
- Intro to Sport & Exercise Science (plan is to do a Masters in Applied Exercise Physiology starting summer 2016- the reason is that potential assistantship/grad+ pay better than full time social media/marketing work, so this class is for the application)
- Nutrition

I'm debating between Genetics and Medical Self Assessment. According to a (hilarious) Reddit thread, the latter is "so easy it hurts." My current GPA is 3.8, so I'd obviously like to take classes that will boost my GPA so it's as close to a 4.0 as possible. Nutrition and the Intro to ES classes are guaranteed A's. So, in theory, I know I could handle Genetics with Biochem and Orgo lab. However, I don't know if it would be a smart idea for my stress level due to my nonacademic commitments:
- GRE/MCAT studying
- 20+ hours/week PT job (this is nonnegotiable- I gotz to pay the bills)
- Shadowing
- Volunteering

I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Thanks!

 

[Goro]

The whole point of doing graduate level coursework is to prove to Adcom members that you can handle the rigors of a medical school curriculum. Medical Self Assessment doesn't do that.

Take Genetics.

Hi fellow non-trads!

I need some opinions on my class schedule for this semester. I'm in my last semester of undergrad classes as a post-bacc student (I'm a career changer- I was in marketing and worked as a social media manager for a few years), and I'm struggling making a decision between what classes to take.

My current schedule:
- Biochem
- Orgo Lab
- Intro to Sport & Exercise Science (plan is to do a Masters in Applied Exercise Physiology starting summer 2016- the reason is that potential assistantship/grad+ pay better than full time social media/marketing work, so this class is for the application)
- Nutrition

I'm debating between Genetics and Medical Self Assessment. According to a (hilarious) Reddit thread, the latter is "so easy it hurts." My current GPA is 3.8, so I'd obviously like to take classes that will boost my GPA so it's as close to a 4.0 as possible. Nutrition and the Intro to ES classes are guaranteed A's. So, in theory, I know I could handle Genetics with Biochem and Orgo lab. However, I don't know if it would be a smart idea for my stress level due to my nonacademic commitments:
- GRE/MCAT studying
- 20+ hours/week PT job (this is nonnegotiable- I gotz to pay the bills)
- Shadowing
- Volunteering

I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Thanks!

 

[shannonigans]

@DoNoHarm14 a All the schools I'm interested in applying to list it as recommended, but not required.

 

[shannonigans]

The whole point of doing graduate level coursework is to prove to Adcom members that you can handle the rigors of a medical school curriculum. Medical Self Assessment doesn't do that.

Take Genetics.

I'm still doing undergrad level coursework, but that's the reason why I'm leaning more towards Genetics. I'm just concerned I won't be able to get an A in both Genetics and Biochem with my current schedule and outside commitments.

 

[ROSC]

Just as Goro Pointed out, the point of the post bac is to prove that you can handle the work load of the first year with flying colors. If you can nail Genetics along with Biochem Orgo lab along with the filler class. That would give you more of a stance in you ability to cope with first year Med school course work. As opposed to cutting back on your schedule just to keep your GPA afloat. I understand you have a goal to stay >3.8 but is one B going to sink you boat ?

 

[ROSC]

You've got a solid app Thus far, keep trucking and have your MCAT score accurately reflect your scholastic aptitude. If you do these things you'll be perching yourself in a position of greater vantage.

 

[shannonigans]

Just as Goro Pointed out, the point of the post bac is to prove that you can handle the work load of the first year with flying colors. If you can nail Genetics along with Biochem Orgo lab along with the filler class. That would give you more of a stance in you ability to cope with first year Med school course work. As opposed to cutting back on your schedule just to keep your GPA afloat. I understand you have a goal to stay >3.8 but is one B going to sink you boat ?

You and Goro are the best! I've gotten all As except for OChem I and OChem II. Hence the desire for an A in BioChem/Orgo Lab to provide my mettle. The obsession with all As all the time undoubtedly stems from my feeling of inadequacy. I have a degree in humanities (art history/theatre) from an honors college that gave narrative evaluations in lieu of grades. I did write a thesis, but I always got the feeling that while my professors liked me, I wasn't seen as over the moon fantastic. So, I see my current GPA as a bit of a redemption/end all be all especially as I don't feel like any of my science professors can write me a stellar rec letter (most aren't keen on email correspondence and I had to transfer schools due to my fiancé getting a job in a new city).

 

[ROSC]

You and Goro are the best! I've gotten all As except for OChem I and OChem II. Hence the desire for an A in BioChem/Orgo Lab to provide my mettle. The obsession with all As all the time undoubtedly stems from my feeling of inadequacy. I have a degree in humanities (art history/theatre) from an honors college that gave narrative evaluations in lieu of grades. I did write a thesis, but I always got the feeling that while my professors liked me, I wasn't seen as over the moon fantastic. So, I see my current GPA as a bit of a redemption/end all be all especially as I don't feel like any of my science professors can write me a stellar rec letter (most aren't keen on email correspondence and I had to transfer schools due to my fiancé getting a job in a new city).

Plan your work, and work your plan.
You will succeed.
Intelligence is measured in many diverse aspects.
Med schools do not concede preference to specific majors.
The localized focus is on Science GPA MCAT ECs Shadowing and your Interview performance

My dissect-able advice does not come from experience, as stated in other forums I am in the same boat with many of you all. My advice merely roots from hours upon hours here on SDN researching the numerous insightful threads, speaking to friends and colleagues who have merged over and were successful in matriculation and finally from conversing with many of the Physicians I work for.

Eyes on the prize "marathon> sprint"

 

[shannonigans]

Plan your work, and work your plan.
You will succeed.
Intelligence is measured in many diverse aspects.
Med schools do not concede preference to specific majors.
The localized focus is on Science GPA MCAT ECs Shadowing and your Interview performance

My dissect-able advice does not come from experience, as stated in other forums I am in the same boat with many of you all. My advice merely roots from hours upon hours here on SDN researching the numerous insightful threads, speaking to friends and colleagues who have merged over and were successful in matriculation and finally from conversing with many of the Physicians I work for.

Eyes on the prize "marathon> sprint"

I'm designating you as my official SDN cheerleader. Part of my indecisiveness comes from classmates and med school friends who recommend the easier class over Genetics. According to them (I know, I know), taking Genetics over the Medical Self Assessment isn't going to matter in the long run. However, due to my work schedule, I've been limited by how much I can volunteer/shadow, so I think taking Generics would be beneficial (even by a smidge) over the mickey course.

Or am I just obsessing over this waaaaay too much?

 

[ROSC]

I'm designating you as my official SDN cheerleader. Part of my indecisiveness comes from classmates and med school friends who recommend the easier class over Genetics. According to them (I know, I know), taking Genetics over the Medical Self Assessment isn't going to matter in the long run. However, due to my work schedule, I've been limited by how much I can volunteer/shadow, so I think taking Generics would be beneficial (even by a smidge) over the mickey course.

Or am I just obsessing over this waaaaay too much?

You can flex your volunteering and EC schedules much more than you can a course demand. ex for an exam date you will not be able to manipulate your schedule as much. The point I am trying to make is this. Focus on your classes when youre in semester and go light on your shadowing as needed. Then when you have the available hours allocate them towards your Shadowing and ECs.


One bite at a time

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Personally I loved genetics as I think it's wonderfully nuanced. However you really don't need it. You'll learn all the genetics you need in molecular and biochemistry in medical school.

That being said mind where you're aiming to apply.

 

[shannonigans]

Personally I loved genetics as I think it's wonderfully nuanced. However you really don't need it. You'll learn all the genetics you need in molecular and biochemistry in medical school.

That being said mind where you're aiming to apply.

You're KILLING me. 🙂

 

[popopopop]

Take genetics, it'll save you on the MCAT. I've seen plenty of it on my MCAT materials and even new stuff I've never seen before. We all have fluff classes (plenty of 3/4k level sciences at my uni.) we can take to boost our gpa, but you don't need to at a 3.8.

Go to page 14 and start reading.
https://aamc-orange.global.ssl.fast...a-4c00-83dd-c17cee034c47/mcat2015-content.pdf

 

[shannonigans]

Take genetics, it'll save you on the MCAT. I've seen plenty of it on my MCAT materials and even new stuff I've never seen before. We all have fluff classes (plenty of 3/4k level sciences at my uni.) we can take to boost our gpa, but you don't need to at a 3.8.

Go to page 14 and start reading.
https://aamc-orange.global.ssl.fast...a-4c00-83dd-c17cee034c47/mcat2015-content.pdf

Thank you! I keep thinking my GPA is too low, so I really appreciate the assurance that it's at a point where I can afford to take a chance on (rocking) Genetics.

 

[trev5150]

If it comes down to course load, dump nutrition.

 

[shannonigans]

Just wanted to give a quick thanks to y'all (@DoNoHarm14, @Goro, @ROSC, @Drrrrrr. Celty, @popopopop)- decided to bite the bullet and take Genetics. Thanks again!

 

[shannonigans]

Wanted to give a quick update: Thank you, again, for all of you who encouraged me to take Genetics- I'm really loving the class!