18 Yr old transfer student

[JamieN]

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When I graduate from highschool I will receive my A.A. Degree and then transfer to a 4 year university. I want to apply to medical school at the end of my junior year(freshman) but I was wondering if my chances are slim of getting in because I will only have 1 year to prepare for medical school or because of my age??

 

[Shikima]

You'll still need to complete all of the pre-req's needed along with a MCAT score. They could reject you due to your age. Go ahead and complete your BS/BA degree in whatever you'll go going towards. Develop a back-up plan in case you are rejected such as work experience and graduate school.

 

[JamieN]

You'll still need to complete all of the pre-req's needed along with a MCAT score. They could reject you due to your age. Go ahead and complete your BS/BA degree in whatever you'll go going towards. Develop a back-up plan in case you are rejected such as work experience and graduate school.

Thank you for your answer.

 

[allantois]

You will apply whenever you finish your prerequisites and take the MCAT, which probably won't be at the end of your freshman year.
The age is only a problem if you let it be, and it goes both ways (too young/ too old).

 

[JamieN]

You will apply whenever you finish your prerequisites and take the MCAT, which probably won't be at the end of your freshman year.
The age is only a problem if you let it be, and it goes both ways (too young/ too old).

Thanks for your answer. I only put freshman in parentheses because my freshman year at the 4 yr university is really going to be my junior year because I dual enrolled full time for 2 yrs in high school.

 

[DokterMom]

Don't rush! Use your existing college credits to lighten your course load in college and do things other than study and take classes.

1. It's far more important to admissions officers that you do well in your college classes (high GPA) than that you finish early.
   
2. After that, you'll need a high MCAT score, which you're far more likely to get with the proper coursework behind you and appropriate dedicated study time.
3. After your numbers, your ECs are next in line. You'll need time to build up appropriate levels of community service, medical experience and demonstrated leadership skills. Running through college too quickly simply doesn't allow you the hours needed to build this area of your resume.

In short, even though you CAN graduate early, it's not always wise to do. I'd advise taking a slightly lighter course load so you can keep your GPA up and focus on ECs and research. Then apply after two or even three years instead of one. You'll still be among the youngest in your class -- which will be a disadvantage.

 

[JamieN]

Don't rush! Use your existing college credits to lighten your course load in college and do things other than study and take classes.

1. It's far more important to admissions officers that you do well in your college classes (high GPA) than that you finish early.
   
2. After that, you'll need a high MCAT score, which you're far more likely to get with the proper coursework behind you and appropriate dedicated study time.
3. After your numbers, your ECs are next in line. You'll need time to build up appropriate levels of community service, medical experience and demonstrated leadership skills. Running through college too quickly simply doesn't allow you the hours needed to build this area of your resume.

In short, even though you CAN graduate early, it's not always wise to do. I'd advise taking a slightly lighter course load so you can keep your GPA up and focus on ECs and research. Then apply after two or even three years instead of one. You'll still be among the youngest in your class -- which will be a disadvantage.

Thank you for your answer.

 

[Lamel]

You should try to get at least 2 years worth of coursework at a university before you apply to show that you can handle it, plus you'll need that time to finish the pre-reqs/take the MCAT. Don't rush things - the average age of matriculants at most medical schools is 24 because you don't have to go to medical school right after college. You can take gap years to improve your application and get more experiences. Don't rush this process!

 

[ZX10R]

The hardest part will be getting enough ECs in this time and figuring out how to answer the question "why medicine." Also make sure your school wont make you retake any courses. I know people who transferred to my school with AAs had to retake Ochem and had to take weed out courses like cell bio. If you are extremely gifted in doing ECs/maintaining GPA you should have a chance, but as you grow you will learn that just because something looks good on paper doesn't mean it'll work in life. Start researching in the summer after graduation if you can.

 

[Catalystik]

When I graduate from highschool I will receive my A.A. Degree and then transfer to a 4 year university. I want to apply to medical school at the end of my junior year(freshman) but I was wondering if my chances are slim of getting in because I will only have 1 year to prepare for medical school or because of my age??

Your age won't hold you back, but for maximum consideration you'll need to have comparable ECs to those of other med school applicants. You won't be excused for sparse experiences because you're applying earlier than the majority. What clinical experience, physician shadowing, research, leadership, and teaching have you accumulated so far?

 

[JamieN]

Your age won't hold you back, but for maximum consideration you'll need to have comparable ECs to those of other med school applicants. You won't be excused for sparse experiences because you're applying earlier than the majority. What clinical experience, physician shadowing, research, leadership, and teaching have you accumulated so far?

I have been volunteering at a local hospital and healthcare place. The hospital that I volunteer at has a shadowing program. I have not engaged in research yet but there are many opportunities (I am surrounded by universities), I have good leadership positions in 2 clubs so far, no teaching. Do you think on the application for medical school they will allow me to put things I accumulated during my time getting my A.A.

 

[JamieN]

The hardest part will be getting enough ECs in this time and figuring out how to answer the question "why medicine." Also make sure your school wont make you retake any courses. I know people who transferred to my school with AAs had to retake Ochem and had to take weed out courses like cell bio. If you are extremely gifted in doing ECs/maintaining GPA you should have a chance, but as you grow you will learn that just because something looks good on paper doesn't mean it'll work in life. Start researching in the summer after graduation if you can.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[DokterMom]

I have been volunteering at a local hospital and healthcare place. The hospital that I volunteer at has a shadowing program. I have not engaged in research yet but there are many opportunities (I am surrounded by universities), I have good leadership positions in 2 clubs so far, no teaching. Do you think on the application for medical school they will allow me to put things I accumulated during my time getting my A.A.

If you continue with the same organization, then absolutely. And if you're in the same vicinity, that kind of long-term continuity looks terrific, so worth trying for.

 

[Catalystik]

I have been volunteering at a local hospital and healthcare place. The hospital that I volunteer at has a shadowing program. I have not engaged in research yet but there are many opportunities (I am surrounded by universities), I have good leadership positions in 2 clubs so far, no teaching. Do you think on the application for medical school they will allow me to put things I accumulated during my time getting my A.A.

yes, as you attended college during those years.

 

[JamieN]

yes, as you attended college during those years.

Do you think it would be wise to get some of my medical school course prerequisites done before I transfer? I read on a site that taking classes not at a 4 year university was looked down on.

 

[Catalystik]

Do you think it would be wise to get some of my medical school course prerequisites done before I transfer? I read on a site that taking classes not at a 4 year university was looked down on.

I don't think it will hurt, at the vast majority of med schools.