33 y/o Non-Trad | 5000+ Clinical Hours | Former D1 Athlete w/ Strong ECs—Apply Now or Do SMP?

[hogiebear]

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Hi all,

I’m a 33-year-old non-traditional, first-time applicant currently finalizing my AMCAS, and I could really use some honest, grounded advice.

I’ve asked the attendings I work under, residents, med students, and even my scribe team (I’m the lead scribe), but no one’s really been in my shoes. Everyone has different advice, and I’m feeling stuck. I’m hoping someone here can help me think through whether I should apply now or hold off and pursue a Special Master’s Program.

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My Background:​

• Lead Medical Scribe at UCLA Head & Neck Surgery – full-time for 6+ years
• 5000+ clinical hours, 3000+ volunteer hours, and 200+ shadowing hours
• Former Division I Collegiate Athlete (Soccer) – team captain, multiple honors, leadership roles
• Deep extracurricular involvement: community outreach, tutoring, mentoring, girl scout troop leader, research presentations, etc.
• B.S. in Biology (3.1 cGPA, 3.3 major GPA)
• Postbacc Certificate Program at UCLA (3.4 GPA so far, one course remaining that may increase GPA)- unique situation because there was an error on my transcript and they offered me the chance to retake one course for free because they don’t update scores once posted per the dean.
• Took graduate-level coursework in a Cellular & Molecular Biology MS program but did not complete the degree — I enrolled under the impression it would boost my undergrad GPA, only to learn too late that graduate GPA is evaluated separately.(3.2 GPA)
• Research background and multiple poster/paper presentations

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Where I’m At:​

• This is my first application cycle
• Retaking the MCAT in late August, so planning to submit without a current score
• I’ve been out of formal coursework for a few years due to full-time work and life obligations, but I’ve stayed deeply involved in medicine through clinical work and volunteering
• I’m committed to this path and ready to take whatever steps I need—but I want to make the smartest move possible

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What I Need Help With:​

1. Will being removed from school for several years hurt me significantly, despite an upward GPA trend and advanced degrees?
2. Would doing an SMP better show academic readiness and improve my chances?
3. Is submitting without an MCAT score too risky this late in the cycle?
4. Is there anything in my story that you think I should proactively address in my personal statement or secondaries?

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I’ve thought about using a med school admissions consultant, but I’ve heard SDN is one of the best places for real talk. I’m here hoping someone can help me figure out how to move forward—apply now, or step back and re-prepare.

Thank you so much in advance for reading and responding. It genuinely means a lot.

(Formatting of the CV is a little weird when I downloaded it)
—C

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[Approach]

Great ECs.

Your app has me a bit antsy about your GPA, your post undergrad course work performance seems to be in line with your undergrad GPA rather than a marked difference....

SMPs are high risk, high reward and without an MCAT, it's a bit tough to say imo.

Whats your school list and what's your confidence in your ability to crush an SMP or the MCAT? Also what was your old MCAT score and how are you preparing differently now?

 

[Faha]

You are not ready to apply without a MCAT score. What is your sGPA, including all undergraduate level courses.

 

[Dral]

You mention retake of the MCAT. What was your prior score?

 

[hogiebear]

Hi all,

I’m a 33-year-old non-traditional, first-time applicant currently finalizing my AMCAS, and I could really use some honest, grounded advice.

I’ve asked the attendings I work under, residents, med students, and even my scribe team (I’m the lead scribe), but no one’s really been in my shoes. Everyone has different advice, and I’m feeling stuck. I’m hoping someone here can help me think through whether I should apply now or hold off and pursue a Special Master’s Program.

---

My Background:​

• Lead Medical Scribe at UCLA Head & Neck Surgery – full-time for 6+ years
• 5000+ clinical hours, 3000+ volunteer hours, and 200+ shadowing hours
• Former Division I Collegiate Athlete (Soccer) – team captain, multiple honors, leadership roles
• Deep extracurricular involvement: community outreach, tutoring, mentoring, girl scout troop leader, research presentations, etc.
• B.S. in Biology (3.1 cGPA, 3.3 major GPA)
• Postbacc Certificate Program at UCLA (3.4 GPA so far, one course remaining that may increase GPA)- unique situation because there was an error on my transcript and they offered me the chance to retake one course for free because they don’t update scores once posted per the dean.
• Took graduate-level coursework in a Cellular & Molecular Biology MS program but did not complete the degree — I enrolled under the impression it would boost my undergrad GPA, only to learn too late that graduate GPA is evaluated separately.(3.2 GPA)
• Research background and multiple poster/paper presentations

---

Where I’m At:​

• This is my first application cycle
• Retaking the MCAT in late August, so planning to submit without a current score
• I’ve been out of formal coursework for a few years due to full-time work and life obligations, but I’ve stayed deeply involved in medicine through clinical work and volunteering
• I’m committed to this path and ready to take whatever steps I need—but I want to make the smartest move possible

---

What I Need Help With:​

1. Will being removed from school for several years hurt me significantly, despite an upward GPA trend and advanced degrees?
2. Would doing an SMP better show academic readiness and improve my chances?
3. Is submitting without an MCAT score too risky this late in the cycle?
4. Is there anything in my story that you think I should proactively address in my personal statement or secondaries?

---

I’ve thought about using a med school admissions consultant, but I’ve heard SDN is one of the best places for real talk. I’m here hoping someone can help me figure out how to move forward—apply now, or step back and re-prepare.

Thank you so much in advance for reading and responding. It genuinely means a lot.

(Formatting of the CV is a little weird when I downloaded it)
—C

My MCAT is expired. First score 496.

Just wanted to add some context about my MCAT:

My score is expired. I took the MCAT in June 2019 and scored a 496. I had studied for four months while working full-time and thought I was ready, but ran into issues on test day.

The testing room was too warm, and I started sweating during the first section. It caused the formulas I had written out to smear, and I had to rewrite everything, which made me run out of time and leave the section incomplete. I ended up scoring much lower than I had on practice exams (was scoring lowest 514).

I reported it to AAMC, and they confirmed the room temperature was too high at the time. They sent me formal documentation but said it didn’t qualify me for a retake and that I should’ve voided the exam.

I’m retaking the MCAT at the end of August, but I’m nervous about applying without a current score. I’d really appreciate advice on whether submitting now still makes sense.

Thanks again.

 

[hogiebear]

You mention retake of the MCAT. What was your prior score?

496. It’s expired. See my embarrassing explanation that I posted as a reply. Was scoring at the lowest point 514 before I took it.

 

[Dral]

With that GPA and a prior 496 with no current, I do not think you'd get very much in the way of returns.

You have a great app otherwise, but you have not proven you can handle the rigors of numerous science courses at one time (first portion of med school) or the ability to do well on a standardized exams (throughout med school, residency, and onward).

You might get some attention from some DO schools. I have a belief that D1 athletes, military, and a few other groups get a bit of a pass on grades/scores. If you had an actual 514 score in hand of if you had wowed in terms of GPA in your post bacc, I'd say you MAY have been able to move forward with an app this year. To be blunt, your GPA trend is technically upward if you compare UG to post bacc, but not impressive.

Successful candidates who do post-graduate work generally hit the 3.7 or so range (despite it not being included in UG GPA analysis). However, I believe you can be successful, but I think chances for this cycle are a bit low.

 

[hogiebear]

Great ECs.

Your app has me a bit antsy about your GPA, your post undergrad course work performance seems to be in line with your undergrad GPA rather than a marked difference....

SMPs are high risk, high reward and without an MCAT, it's a bit tough to say imo.

Whats your school list and what's your confidence in your ability to crush an SMP or the MCAT? Also what was your old MCAT score and how are you preparing differently now?

Thanks again for the thoughtful reply—really appreciate your time and insight.

Just to clarify a few things:

The graduate coursework I took was part of a Cellular & Molecular Biology master’s program. I enrolled thinking it would help raise my GPA, but I later learned that graduate GPA is calculated separately. I didn’t complete the degree and eventually stepped away once I realized it wasn’t going to help me academically in the way I intended.

On the postbacc side, you’ve already seen my GPA, but here’s a quick update: one of my course grades was posted incorrectly due to a transcript error. Although the school couldn’t revise the grade after it was submitted, the Dean offered me the chance to retake the course for free. It’s the last course I need to complete the program, and I plan to finish it soon—it may give a small GPA boost and reinforce my more recent academic performance.

Regarding the MCAT—I scored a 496 in June 2019. I studied while working full-time and felt ready, but the test center was overheated, and I lost time during the first section after my formula sheet smeared from sweating. AAMC confirmed the temperature issue but didn’t allow a retake—just formal documentation. I’m now scheduled to retake it in late August, and this time, I’ll be approaching it much differently.

I’ll have dedicated time off from work, and I have full family support, which allows me to focus entirely on prep. I’ve built a very structured, resource-driven study schedule, and I’m focusing heavily on time management and exam strategy—two areas I struggled with last time. I feel more prepared and confident going into this retake, and I’m doing everything I can to ensure it reflects my true potential. I also will not have to work if I’m lucky enough to be accepted to any SMP and this will be a huge plus for obvious reasons.

If I move forward with applying this cycle, I’d likely use the throwaway school approach to get my AMCAS processed while waiting for my new MCAT score. I know the risks, but I’m weighing all options carefully.

Thanks again for all your feedback—open to any additional thoughts.

 

[Dral]

I don't know how quickly your MCAT score will be reported but realize that medical school applications are generally reviewed on a rolling basis. It's not like they say "Ok, we'll wait until our application deadline and then start reviewing all the apps we get".

You probably already knew that, but just wanted to mention it as a point to think about.

 

[hogiebear]

With that GPA and a prior 496 with no current, I do not think you'd get very much in the way of returns.

You have a great app otherwise, but you have not proven you can handle the rigors of numerous science courses at one time (first portion of med school) or the ability to do well on a standardized exams (throughout med school, residency, and onward).

You might get some attention from some DO schools. I have a belief that D1 athletes, military, and a few other groups get a bit of a pass on grades/scores. If you had an actual 514 score in hand of if you had wowed in terms of GPA in your post bacc, I'd say you MAY have been able to move forward with an app this year. To be blunt, your GPA trend is technically upward if you compare UG to post bacc, but not impressive.

Successful candidates who do post-graduate work generally hit the 3.7 or so range (despite it not being included in UG GPA analysis). However, I believe you can be successful, but I think chances for this cycle are a bit low.

Thanks again for the honest feedback—it really means a lot.
You're absolutely right that my academic record doesn’t fully reflect what I know I'm capable of (strong evidence of handling med school-level science rigor). That said, I’ve spent the past several years working full-time in clinic, fully immersed in patient care every day. At this point, I know as much as many of the third-year residents in our department—I've learned by doing, not just studying.
Still, despite everything I’ve learned and contributed, I’m stuck. I haven’t even started medical school yet, and it’s frustrating to feel like all of this experience amounts to so little on paper.

That’s why I’m finally ready to move forward and apply. I just want to be smart about it. Would you recommend applying to a throwaway school this cycle while waiting on my late August MCAT score, or would it be better to hold off and focus everything on applying to SMP?


I really appreciate your honesty and any guidance you’re willing to share.

 

[Dral]

I'd say do not apply to a throwaway school. Typically your first shot is going to be your best shot. You should apply your first time with your best possible app. That's not to say re-applicants do not get in. They do. I'd just say it's very risky with a low MCAT score on the books without an updated score.

If you apply before your score is back, schools are going to review your app, see the low score (and relatively low GPA) and probably bypass your app. If you wait to get your secondaries and everything in when you get your score back, the rolling process will likely have largely passed you by with most IIs already sent out. You can try, but I would not do it if I were in your shoes.

 

[SovjakRaya]

I applied as a 33 yo non trad. My undergrad gpa was 3.89. My ongoing masters GPA (not included in AMCAS but in secondaries) was 3.9. I had 3 years of shadowing experience. Tutored, TA-ed, worked as a senior care aid, traveled around the world in my previous career, studied abroad 1x per each of the three years I was in undergrad (I did it in 3 years and got a biochem minor)…blah blah blah. My MCAT was 503 the prior year and 505 for 2024. I got two interviews.
My best friend also applied as a 32 yo non trad. Same GPA, no masters, no extracurriculars, and a 586 MCAT. He got an early interview in his top choice school, and was accepted off the waitlist in May before classes started.
So my advice would be, don’t apply without an excellent MCAT. But unicorns totally exist and the possibility is always there. So if you know you can afford to apply again if you don’t make it this time — do it.