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Med School Insiders
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I’m 36 and matriculating this summer - People have only been gracious and encouraging. But perhaps this is more of an issue for those who took only a few years off and have always been aiming for medical school. It might also be exacerbated by cultural expectations. You’ll likely be in a better position as someone with a few additional years under your belt, but it may take a while before you appreciate the time you’ve had off. It’s likely that there are many students who haven’t made it to med school, yet, but you don’t know who those people we because they aren’t advertising their non-med school lives. So you only notice those who went straight through. And It can be hard to ignore what other people are doing, but try to look forward and not compare yourself to where others are. You will likely be a better person and better doctor if you aim for growth during your time off!


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When I enrolled in 2014 (after 1 gap year) the average age at matriculation was a little over 25. I imagine that figure is a little bit higher now. Most people graduate college at 22-23. I feel like you will be right in the middle. We had a very large range of ages in my class.

In the grand scheme of things, starting a few years after graduation won't mean a thing. Focus on what you need to focus on (MCAT, EC's, etc.) and make sure to find some time to enjoy life before you start school. Best of luck.
 
This process in itself can be isolating. Take solace in knowing that you aren't the first, and won't be the last, to retake the MCAT (I took it twice). You will bring your perseverance, experience, and wisdom to your medical school education - some traits that some of your fellow students have not developed because they simply haven't faced similar tribulations. You have to discover what good you bring to the table and choose to focus on those positives. Find a good support system in new friends, advisors, mentors, and talk to them when you're feeling discouraged. And remember, you are running your own race - you will get to the finish line when appropriate for you.

This from a late 30's, re-applicant, career-changer, matriculating this fall, if that adds any credibility at all. 😉
 
No, I learned that comparing myself to others isn’t something I need to do. It was hard to realize I was doing it at first but it gradually hit me.

I’ve had a great time doing things that I would have never done had I applied immediately. A lot of personal growth occurred. I took this at my own pace and met many interesting people along the way. I also made some great friends and had some awesome opportunities I would have never had otherwise. Don’t let yourself forget the “sprint vs marathon” line; it’s said for a reason.
 
Taking years between undergraduate and medical school is very common. In my class “non-traditional” students actually outnumbered “traditional” students by a fair margin.
 
I honestly feel superior lol - I've had life experiences that straight through kids sometimes have to miss out on. I've traveled, lived on my own, worked a job outside medicine. I think coming into med school I am much more well rounded than I would have been otherwise.

Sometimes the straight through gunners get to me, I won't lie, but then I remember that I am not just a med student to be; there are so many other facets to who I am that if I am getting my worth by being "better" than others in my class, I am bound to lose. You do you, let them do them.
 
Being non-trad has carried me through the cycle, against even the most positive SDN crystal ball predictions on success.

Two years out from undergrad, while still kinda “traditional”, is enough time to feel like a more adult adult, and probably carries a bit more maturity than you notice.
 
Being non-traditional has been fueling my drive even more. I hope it leads me to becoming a better healthcare provider for my patients in the future.
 
Same boat as you, OP. Second year out of undergrad, working in a lab, and planning on retaking the MCAT.

Some of my friends can be asshats about where I am in life and where I want to be. But at the same time, I look at it as a way to enjoy life while I'm young, dumb, and full of fun.

Think of it this way: a lot of your peers will have not had a full-time job or really experience the real world until they're 26 and being treat like crap as the intern. The bombshell being dropped on them is a bigger whammy than graduating college and picking up a lab job as a tech and learning to pay rent, bills, etc. But, only working 40 hours/week leaves me a lot of time to pursue interests I would have had to put on the back burner until I'm in my mid-30's. And my interests are through sports and working out. I'm taking advantage of my youth to be able to work hard, be in the gym for a few hours, study, and still have the energy to go out with friends to build long-lasting relationships. Oh, and I got to travel around the country on my own dime with friends I wouldn't have made in medical school.

Last year, I went to 3 different music festivals on the east and west coast and had the time of my life, as a 23-year old single man. THAT'S what life, I believe, is all about. Doing what you want (if you put the work into it.)

So who gives a flying f**k if we wait a few years before we dedicate our lives to medicine? Medical schools aren't going anywhere. The MCAT will always be tested at around the same times each year. The post-bacc I want to attend will always be there as well. Might as well make the most of our unique situation.
 
Everyone brings something different to the table, I would not feel inferior to anyone in my med class if I got in just because of my background!
 
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