A ray of hope for all Non-Trads

[Snake]

Hi everyone,

Ok… I’m new here so forgive any gross missteps and faux pas of procedure, and this may ramble a bit but I’ll try to keep it brief…but just to give all of my fellow non-trads a ray of hope and to let you know you’re never too old, here’s the readers digest version of my story.

I’m 46 and will be 47 when I start medical school in the fall. I went to college right out of high school as a pre-med and did OK for a while (As & Bs in about half of the pre-reqs at that time) then met the wrong women at the wrong time of my life and eventually left school for a variety of reasons, but unfortunately not before my grades began to nosedive. I became a police officer and as we all know - life happened.
Fast forward twenty odd years and a new wife (read - very supportive), knowing about my history, gets me to return to school. Thinking I was way over the hill at 42 to go down the med school route, I got my degree in computers. I did this in 3.5 years while still working full time and managed a 3.8 GPA from a highly respected southern school. After retiring with twenty-five years on the job in Feb. ’05 and right before graduation in May ‘05, at 45 years old and with the support of the best wife in world, I (we) decided to explore the real possibility of med school. I spoke with the right folks and got the right answers and decided to go for it. I returned to school (on advice from an admissions dean) post-bac and re-completed all of my pre-reqs between June ’05 and June ’06 with a 3.75 GPA. I took the MCAT – scored fair but not exceptional, and applied to five schools with what I’ve been told was a compelling personal statement and exceptional letters of reference, and got an interview at my first choice school. My interviews went awesome and I was accepted the first time before the committee. So now my second life begins… they say fifty is the new thirty.

Anyway, everyone out there that is wondering about being too old and worrying about how the ad-coms look at an older applicant, don’t worry so much about things you can not control. I had to make up a lot of ground, repair some really bad undergrad grades from the first time around and had no clinical experience. I did have a 25 year career in urban, inner city law enforcement, the life experiences that provided, and the thing that I think made a world of difference, confidence. You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will believe in you. If you don’t think you’re worthy the interviewers will see that and you’re toast. For every person who encouraged me despite my age there were two who gave me grief about it. I had so many people tell me I would never get in because of my age I started making bets with them and now I can just about pay my first year tuition . I know everyone says the odds are against non-trades but when you consider that in 2005 something like 450,000 people applied for 17,000 med school positions the odds are against everyone and the person who presents the best overall application package gets the best look and the invite to interview; which is where you have to make your mark. I had several “in the know” people tell me that GPAs and MCATs are not the most important aspects of an application. They are looking for the best qualified candidate and those qualifications are based on the whole person not just some numbers, and especially not the number that is your age.

Good luck to everyone.

Snake, class of 2011
(yes, I will be 51 years old at graduation… I know!)

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[Scottish Chap]

Congratulations on such an amazing accomplishment and thanks for posting! The oldest student in my class was 50 at the start. All of the students really appreciate him, and he is doing well in medical school. You will, too.

 

[saylorsdad]

What were your mcat scores?

Was there anything interesting that arose during your interview process that you care to share?

 

[Lucky Buck]

Bravo! A great read!

Question....No clinical experience....How did you convince them that you knew what you were getting yourself into?

 

[QofQuimica]

Bravo! A great read!

Question....No clinical experience....How did you convince them that you knew what you were getting yourself into?

He was an inner city cop for 25 years. He could probably teach plenty of ER docs a thing or two.

Very inspiring story, Snake. And best of luck to you with med school.

 

[Snake]

What were your mcat scores?

Was there anything interesting that arose during your interview process that you care to share?

My MCAT score was nearer the low end of the competitive range. I'd rather not state an exact number because of what I've read here in other posts. It seems if someone says they had a X score, too many people read too much into it and each persons application credentials are different. As I said earlier, numbers are not the be all, end all of an application.

The interviews were very friendly , non confrontational. The fact that I was twice as old as one of my interviewers ( a fourth year student) and nearly as old as the other two made for an interesting dynamic. They all asked the usual questions and we chatted about my life experiences, etc. Each interview ran longer than scheduled and at the end each told me they would support my application and advocate for me with the committee. Needless to say I left feeling pretty good.

 

[Snake]

Bravo! A great read!

Question....No clinical experience....How did you convince them that you knew what you were getting yourself into?

In the course of my life I've interfaced with the medical profession on about every level you can imagine so I was not completely without a genuine knowledge of what I was getting into.
I think they also looked at the fact that I had served twenty-five years in a thankless, low-paying, overworked job where people had cursed me, spit on me, threw bottles and rocks at me, fought with me, stabbed me, and shot me. This may have let them know I was up for anything med school could throw at me.

Also the fact that I had worked homicide and was a fatality traffic accident investigator/accident reconstructionist didn't hurt either.

Not related to the interviews, but an aquaintance once suggested that with my background I go into pathology. My reply was that I'd watched enough people die, I wanted to try to save a few.

 

[Lucky Buck]

I'd call that clinical experience!

Again....congrats, it's reading stories like yours that inspires us non-trads to hang in there.

In the course of my life I've interfaced with the medical profession on about every level you can imagine so I was not completely without a genuine knowledge of what I was getting into.
I think they also looked at the fact that I had served twenty-five years in a thankless, low-paying, overworked job where people had cursed me, spit on me, threw bottles and rocks at me, fought with me, stabbed me, and shot me. This may have let them know I was up for anything med school could throw at me.

Also the fact that I had worked homicide and was a fatality traffic accident investigator/accident reconstructionist didn't hurt either.

Not related to the interviews, but an aquaintance once suggested that with my background I go into pathology. My reply was that I'd watched enough people die, I wanted to try to save a few.

 

[Paradoxnc14]

wow...that is an very uplifting story.

Congrats on pursuing the dream.

All the best!

 

[lizzied2003]

That was a great post. Thanks for the inspiration and good luck to you.

 

[postbacker]

My MCAT score was nearer the low end of the competitive range. I'd rather not state an exact number because of what I've read here in other posts. It seems if someone says they had a X score, too many people read too much into it and each persons application credentials are different. As I said earlier, numbers are not the be all, end all of an application.

I don't understand your reluctance to tell us your MCAT...you got in to med school, right? By sharing your "low end" MCAT, you can offer a "ray of hope" to the rest of us, no?

 

[saylorsdad]

i hope he's right, and i've been told numerous times that mcat for non trad's isn't as important as what they gage your potential to be a doctor as, thanks by the way I was wondering because I'm currently a hs math teacher, former marine and am taking the mcat this may expect average at best. Good luck with med school

 

[roadlesstvld]

Thank you for sharing your story. I do not think you have to be specific about numbers to be inspirational. You are such an interesting appicant and bring a such a unique perspective to the field. I am not surprised that you were admitted. Congrats! Best of luck to you.

 

[Scottish Chap]

Agreed, though in the interest of completeness it's also very fair to say that automatic computer screens for GPA and MCAT cut-offs exist at many schools, and so it's a little misleading (albeit unintentionally) to say that the MCAT and GPA matter less in the light of spectacular life experiences. For schools that operate this 'threshold screening system' for the undergraduate GPA and MCAT, maturity and wonderful experiences are a moot point - as sad and unfair as that is.

 

[QofQuimica]

I don't understand your reluctance to tell us your MCAT...you got in to med school, right? By sharing your "low end" MCAT, you can offer a "ray of hope" to the rest of us, no?

He doesn't want to share it. Please respect his decision.

 

[spicedmanna]

Not related to the interviews, but an aquaintance once suggested that with my background I go into pathology. My reply was that I'd watched enough people die, I wanted to try to save a few.

Hey, congratulations, and thanks for sharing your wonderful story. Also, I really like your quote above. I can feel the truth of your statement, the strength of your commitment, and the depth of your life experiences vibrating right through to my bones. I'm sure all that really came through in your interviews, even if it wasn't explicitly shared.

 

[postbacker]

He doesn't want to share it. Please respect his decision.

He is a grown man. He can respond (or not) to my question. Please respect my right to ask a reasonable question.

 

[LexiLuthor]

Congrats, your classmates will be lucky to have you!

 

[roadlesstvld]

My MCAT score was nearer the low end of the competitive range. I'd rather not state an exact number because of what I've read here in other posts. It seems if someone says they had a X score, too many people read too much into it and each persons application credentials are different. As I said earlier, numbers are not the be all, end all of an application.

I wholeheartedly agree. MCAT and GPA cutoffs aside (which are very specific to the school and are in many cases posted on their websites), numbers have less value than people tend to attach to them.

 

[Snake]

I wholeheartedly agree. MCAT and GPA cutoffs aside (which are very specific to the school and are in many cases posted on their websites), numbers have less value than people tend to attach to them.

Thanks for concurring.

I would also add that while there are MCAT and GPA cutoffs at most schools, those numbers are not written in stone. For the right applicant, be they the exceptionaly qualified who may not be a good standardized test taker or a person who has a strong MCAT but for whatever reason has a low GPA, exceptions are made everywhere. And lets not forget that almost every school has a legacy question on their secondary. Does anyone really think that the children of alumni, faculty or staff don't get an extra look even if they are a little lower than the cutoff. The trick is, if you are low on the MCAT or have a low GPA (and not a legacy), to make yourself very attractive in some other way so that you get an invite to an interview. Once in for the interview that's the time to shine and make them like you enough to consider accepting. I'll bet everyone who has gone on an interview will say the same thing; the interview is not a science quiz, it is a personality quiz. These interviewers are usually doctors and they are checking you out see if you can be a good member of their club.

 

[Snake]

He is a grown man. He can respond (or not) to my question. Please respect my right to ask a reasonable question.

I respect your right to ask and am glad you respect my right to decline to answer.

By way of further explaining my reason for not answering I would like you visit the below link read the entire article and especially read the part on "How reliable are MCAT scores."
And one last thing...the score on one MCAT test is not exactly a one to one relationship on another test. An eight on one test may be a nine on another. 8-8-8 = 24 9-9-9 = 27 Big difference.

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/mcatinterpmanual05.pdf

 

[ReblRose]

Snake, from one southerner to another.......... CONGRATS!!

I too have had "life happen" and I am looking at applying to med school next fall at the age of 38. Luckily, I have worked in the medical field for the past 16 yrs, and at a large teaching hospital..........much like your police experience, Like Q said.........you could probably teach the ER docs a few things!

I wish you the best of luck!!!!!!!!!

 

[ana]

Agreed, though in the interest of completeness it's also very fair to say that automatic computer screens for GPA and MCAT cut-offs exist at many schools, and so it's a little misleading (albeit unintentionally) to say that the MCAT and GPA matter less in the light of spectacular life experiences. For schools that operate this 'threshold screening system' for the undergraduate GPA and MCAT, maturity and wonderful experiences are a moot point - as sad and unfair as that is.

Actually, the OP's GPA is quite high, a 3.75-3.8, didn't he say -- in a technical and competitive subject (computers)? Also, his gpa has been absolutely consistent between two different programs.

I think a GPA in this range would only require MCATS of 27-30 to get an acceptance somewhere.

This is why I think the OP was successful.
1. Initial nos. are clearly above the computer cutoff. GPA well in the range of matriculants for most med schools, which probably offset a lowish, but respectable MCAT. Consistent GPA - - bodes very well for ability to study in med school.
2. No hint of adverse conditions that may have caused a delay in applying to medical school (basically, he spent the time prior to med school having a life).
3. Gives a gestalt that he is an outstanding person overall who takes charge and responsibility for his life.

Had I interviewed him (and gotten the same impression from a personal meeting), I would have recommended this person for admission whether he was 32, 42, or 52.

 

[1Path]

2. No hint of adverse conditions that may have caused a delay in applying to medical school (basically, he spent the time prior to med school having a life)

I'd really like to know excatly what this statement means?

If I'm intrepreting this statement correctly, are you saying that med schools don't want nontrads who've overcome adversity in their classes and therefore may have had to postpone applying to med school? Many nontrads I know have had "adverse conditions" that may have prevented them from applying to med school, including low undergrade grades, divorce, death, illness, or they sinply weren't ready. But the idea that med schools are somehow holding these things against them in cases where both the recent GPA and MCAT performance is solid seems glaringly wrong.

In my mind the presence of "adverse conditions" doesn't in and of itself, prevent/delay nontrads from applying to med school. But having people in your life more important than furthering your education can. I wouldn't call this an adverse condition. I'd call this knowing your priorities which should be a desirable quality in a doctor.

Oh and congrats Snake! Love the avatar!

 

[Orthodoc40]

Thanks for inspiring me!
From someone who'll be starting either this summer at 43 or next summer at 44 if I have to defer, it is a relief to hear your story!
BTW, where will you be going?
Also, GOOD LUCK!!

 

[ana]

I'd really like to know excatly what this statement means?

If I'm intrepreting this statement correctly, are you saying that med schools don't want nontrads who've overcome adversity in their classes and therefore may have had to postpone applying to med school? Many nontrads I know have had "adverse conditions" that may have prevented them from applying to med school, including low undergrade grades, divorce, death, illness, or they sinply weren't ready. But the idea that med schools are somehow holding these things against them in cases where both the recent GPA and MCAT performance is solid seems glaringly wrong.

In my mind the presence of "adverse conditions" doesn't in and of itself, prevent/delay nontrads from applying to med school. But having people in your life more important than furthering your education can. I wouldn't call this an adverse condition. I'd call this knowing your priorities which should be a desirable quality in a doctor.

Oh and congrats Snake! Love the avatar!

Keep your shirt on. I am talking about adverse conditions that would make a person totally unsuitable for medical school. Yes, there are some things that a med school should hold against a candidate. And no, they aren't any of the things you mentioned.

 

[1Path]

Keep your shirt on. I am talking about adverse conditions that would make a person totally unsuitable for medical school. Yes, there are some things that a med school should hold against a candidate. And no, they aren't any of the things you mentioned.

So I guess those are the same or similar adverse conditions that would make a traditional student unsuitable for med school too then right?. Glad you cleared that up because we wouldn't want to spread false rumors about the admissibility of nontrads to med school.

 

[QofQuimica]

So I guess those are the same or similar adverse conditions that would make a traditional student unsuitable for med school too then right?. Glad you cleared that up because we wouldn't want to spread false rumors about a nontrads admissibility to med school.

Ana's not talking about stuff like people taking time off to raise kids or do damage control for bad grades, 1path. She's talking about things like people who have uncontrolled mental illness or addictions where being in a very stressful environment (with legal access to controlled substances) might make susceptible people crack. Or if someone has a huge time hole in their app that they can't account for--like maybe the applicant neglected to mention that they were institutionalized for a few years in the interim between that first college attempt and the later post bac. So not to put words in ana's mouth, but I think it's safe to assume that trads with those kinds of problems wouldn't be suitable candidates either.

 

[1Path]

So not to put words in ana's mouth, but I think it's safe to assume that trads with those kinds of problems wouldn't be suitable candidates either.

I'm not disagreeing with the point, I simply see no need to specify it as if only nontrads have to worry about things like this when if fact EVERY applicant to med school should consider these things.

 

[njbmd]

Hi everyone,

Ok… I’m new here so forgive any gross missteps and faux pas of procedure, and this may ramble a bit but I’ll try to keep it brief…but just to give all of my fellow non-trads a ray of hope and to let you know you’re never too old, here’s the readers digest version of my story.


Anyway, everyone out there that is wondering about being too old and worrying about how the ad-coms look at an older applicant, don’t worry so much about things you can not control. I had to make up allot of ground, repair some really bad undergrad grades from the first time around and had no clinical experience. I did have a 25 year career in urban, inner city law enforcement, the life experiences that provided, and the thing that I think made a world of difference, confidence. You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will believe in you. If you don’t think you’re worthy the interviewers will see that and you’re toast. For every person who encouraged me despite my age there were two who gave me grief about it. I had so many people tell me I would never get in because of my age I started making bets with them and now I can just about pay my first year tuition . I know everyone says the odds are against non-trades but when you consider that in 2005 something like 450,000 people applied for 17,000 med school positions the odds are against everyone and the person who presents the best overall application package gets the best look and the invite to interview; which is where you have to make your mark. I had several “in the know” people tell me that GPAs and MCATs are not the most important aspects of an application. They are looking for the best qualified candidate and those qualifications are based on the whole person not just some numbers, and especially not the number that is your age.

Snake, class of 2011
(yes, I will be 51 years old at graduation… I know!

Getting this tread back on track...


Thanks Snake, for sharing your personal story. It's pretty neat and I am sure that you are going to enjoy medical school.

 

[ana]

I'm not disagreeing with the point, I simply see no need to specify it as if only nontrads have to worry about things like this when if fact EVERY applicant to med school should consider these things.

Well, I think you are reading something in my post that I did not intend. I was referring to non-trads because... well.. the OP was non-trad and I thought that was the group we were talking about in general. I can't make every post about every type of person who is applying to med school. I guess I would post "adverse circusmstances" about trads elsewhere.

Also, I think you are defining non-trad too narrowly. You don't have to be over 30 to be a nontrad. You can be under 25 and be a non-trad.

Non-trad =
1. someone who doesn't apply to medical school during or immedately after undergrad.
2. someone who changed their mind late in undergrad and had to spend additional time meeing prerequisites.
3. someone who had a longer hiatus to get a different graduate degree or (as the OP put it), have a life.
3. some who had to re-apply because they didn't get in the first (or even the second) time.
4. A prodigy "Doogie Houser" type .. etc. etc. too numerous to list.

So yes, once you go off the beaten path, you are pretty much a non-trad. There is nothing perjorative about this, and sometimes it helps to be distinguished from the rest of the pack (and sometimes, frankly, it doesn't). And some people are obviously more "non-trad" than others.

In the future, PM me about this subject (although I think we have pretty much beat it to death). The above post is right, this thread is becoming derailed by tangential disucssions.

By the way, I think I forgot to congratulate the OP. Best wishes to you in your career as a physician.

 

[njbmd]

Please keep this thread on track. Hijacking is not fun for the OPs and rude. Feel free to start another thread if you can't stick to the original topic of if you feel that you can't resist not having the last word.

 

[1Path]

I'd be curious to know if those acceptances consisted of MD and DO or MD only, not that it matters much.

 

[Dream2BNMD]

I have been pouting for a few weeks because I am 34 and feel like I am never ever going to make it to med school. Your story is optimistic and real. I appreciate you sharing and want to wish you well in your pursuit. Thank you for serving the community as a Police Officer for so many years!

 

[Krisss17]

First, thank you for posting...it is so refreshing to see more 40+ applicants.

Second, you raise a very important point about confidence and how you present yourself to the adcom's. Someone can have a stellar GPA and MCAT, but if they have the personality that doesn't show confidence in the abilities...why would the adcom's want to recommend them? The investment of time, hard work and money is something both sides need to look at. The adcom's want to feel confident that they people they recommend for medical school are going to stay the course.

While grades are somewhat important, it is not the only thing that is important.

Thanks again, Snake. Looking forward to hearing more of your experiences.

 

[Snake]

I'd be curious to know if those acceptances consisted of MD and DO or MD only, not that it matters much.

Applied to only five schools, all MD schools. three in state and two OOS. After interview and acceptance at my #1, I withdrew at the other four. I was lucky in that it was only about three weeks between my interview and getting the fat envelope - which came on a Friday and I signed and hand returned on Monday...didn't want them changing their minds .

By the way as a continuation of this story, I was accepted to program within the school that takes only ten people of the 185 or so class and grants a full four year tuition waiver. They also awarded me a scholarship that covers the remaining expenses like books, computer, supplies etc. So I have four years for free if I can keep up the GPA.

 

[sehnsucht]

Hi everyone,

Ok… I’m new here so forgive any gross missteps and faux pas of procedure, and this may ramble a bit but I’ll try to keep it brief…but just to give all of my fellow non-trads a ray of hope and to let you know you’re never too old, here’s the readers digest version of my story.

I’m 46 and will be 47 when I start medical school in the fall. I went to college right out of high school as a pre-med and did OK for a while (As & Bs in about half of the pre-reqs at that time) then met the wrong women at the wrong time of my life and eventually left school for a variety of reasons, but unfortunately not before my grades began to nosedive. I became a police officer and as we all know - life happened.
Fast forward twenty odd years and a new wife (read - very supportive), knowing about my history, gets me to return to school. Thinking I was way over the hill at 42 to go down the med school route, I got my degree in computers. I did this in 3.5 years while still working full time and managed a 3.8 GPA from a highly respected southern school. After retiring with twenty-five years on the job in Feb. ’05 and right before graduation in May ‘05, at 45 years old and with the support of the best wife in world, I (we) decided to explore the real possibility of med school. I spoke with the right folks and got the right answers and decided to go for it. I returned to school (on advise from an admissions dean) post-bac and re-completed all of my pre-reqs between June ’05 and June ’06 with a 3.75 GPA. I took the MCAT – scored fair but not exceptional, and applied to five schools with what I’ve been told was a compelling personal statement and exceptional letters of reference, and got an interview at my first choice school. My interviews went awesome and I was accepted the first time before the committee. So now my second life begins… they say fifty is the new thirty.

Anyway, everyone out there that is wondering about being too old and worrying about how the ad-coms look at an older applicant, don’t worry so much about things you can not control. I had to make up allot of ground, repair some really bad undergrad grades from the first time around and had no clinical experience. I did have a 25 year career in urban, inner city law enforcement, the life experiences that provided, and the thing that I think made a world of difference, confidence. You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will believe in you. If you don’t think you’re worthy the interviewers will see that and you’re toast. For every person who encouraged me despite my age there were two who gave me grief about it. I had so many people tell me I would never get in because of my age I started making bets with them and now I can just about pay my first year tuition . I know everyone says the odds are against non-trades but when you consider that in 2005 something like 450,000 people applied for 17,000 med school positions the odds are against everyone and the person who presents the best overall application package gets the best look and the invite to interview; which is where you have to make your mark. I had several “in the know” people tell me that GPAs and MCATs are not the most important aspects of an application. They are looking for the best qualified candidate and those qualifications are based on the whole person not just some numbers, and especially not the number that is your age.

Good luck to everyone.

Snake, class of 2011
(yes, I will be 51 years old at graduation… I know!)

Amazing story. Your experience with the application process is encouraging and I thank you for giving people like me so much hope.

 

[FutureDoctorJ]

Hi everyone,

Ok… I’m new here so forgive any gross missteps and faux pas of procedure, and this may ramble a bit but I’ll try to keep it brief…but just to give all of my fellow non-trads a ray of hope and to let you know you’re never too old, here’s the readers digest version of my story.

I’m 46 and will be 47 when I start medical school in the fall. I went to college right out of high school as a pre-med and did OK for a while (As & Bs in about half of the pre-reqs at that time) then met the wrong women at the wrong time of my life and eventually left school for a variety of reasons, but unfortunately not before my grades began to nosedive. I became a police officer and as we all know - life happened.
Fast forward twenty odd years and a new wife (read - very supportive), knowing about my history, gets me to return to school. Thinking I was way over the hill at 42 to go down the med school route, I got my degree in computers. I did this in 3.5 years while still working full time and managed a 3.8 GPA from a highly respected southern school. After retiring with twenty-five years on the job in Feb. ’05 and right before graduation in May ‘05, at 45 years old and with the support of the best wife in world, I (we) decided to explore the real possibility of med school. I spoke with the right folks and got the right answers and decided to go for it. I returned to school (on advise from an admissions dean) post-bac and re-completed all of my pre-reqs between June ’05 and June ’06 with a 3.75 GPA. I took the MCAT – scored fair but not exceptional, and applied to five schools with what I’ve been told was a compelling personal statement and exceptional letters of reference, and got an interview at my first choice school. My interviews went awesome and I was accepted the first time before the committee. So now my second life begins… they say fifty is the new thirty.

Anyway, everyone out there that is wondering about being too old and worrying about how the ad-coms look at an older applicant, don’t worry so much about things you can not control. I had to make up allot of ground, repair some really bad undergrad grades from the first time around and had no clinical experience. I did have a 25 year career in urban, inner city law enforcement, the life experiences that provided, and the thing that I think made a world of difference, confidence. You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will believe in you. If you don’t think you’re worthy the interviewers will see that and you’re toast. For every person who encouraged me despite my age there were two who gave me grief about it. I had so many people tell me I would never get in because of my age I started making bets with them and now I can just about pay my first year tuition . I know everyone says the odds are against non-trades but when you consider that in 2005 something like 450,000 people applied for 17,000 med school positions the odds are against everyone and the person who presents the best overall application package gets the best look and the invite to interview; which is where you have to make your mark. I had several “in the know” people tell me that GPAs and MCATs are not the most important aspects of an application. They are looking for the best qualified candidate and those qualifications are based on the whole person not just some numbers, and especially not the number that is your age.

Good luck to everyone.

Snake, class of 2011
(yes, I will be 51 years old at graduation… I know!)

Wow, similar to my story although I havent applied yet and was in a different form of law enforcement....a little younger but not by much. Congratulations on a MONSTER success. Can you at least let us in on which school accepted you? Mahalo and ALoha from Hawaii.....

 

[budhak0n]

Great tale.. have to keep us all updated as you go along...

I just registered for my BIOLOGY and Lab, beginning my Post Bacc coursework today... Class starts on Monday....

So strange to be printing out a schedule of classes... seems like it was YEARS AGO... that's right It was YEARS AGO.

Lol I thought I was too old I'm 38 turning 39... you've got me WAY Beat snake....

Seriously though congratulations. My father who unfortunately passed last year was a sheriff for 30 some odd years ... and you made me think of him.

Hope it's all you worked for. We know you'll do great.

BK

 

[PT2MD]

Awesome story...best of luck to you.

 

[SIREN]

Thanks! That's an awesome story, truly inspiring, I am so motivated by this. GL in med school.

 

[1Path]

Applied to only five schools, all MD schools. three in state and two OOS. After interview and acceptance at my #1, I withdrew at the other four. I was lucky in that it was only about three weeks between my interview and getting the fat envelope - which came on a Friday and I signed and hand returned on Monday...didn't want them changing their minds .

By the way as a continuation of this story, I was accepted to program within the school that takes only ten people of the 185 or so class and grants a full four year tuition waiver. They also awarded me a scholarship that covers the remaining expenses like books, computer, supplies etc. So I have four years for free if I can keep up the GPA.

Fantasitc!

 

[GreyBlueEyes]

By the way as a continuation of this story, I was accepted to program within the school that takes only ten people of the 185 or so class and grants a full four year tuition waiver. They also awarded me a scholarship that covers the remaining expenses like books, computer, supplies etc. So I have four years for free if I can keep up the GPA.

is this an MSTP, or another type of program?

i really appreciate your story. sometimes i wonder if i'm foolish for doing this and i'll be 32 when i start med school (hopefully). your story is so encouraging

 

[FurmanJon]

Snake, thank you for the inspiring story. Congratulations 1000 times over. I am trying to get back on track to go to med school after "wandering off the beaten path," as it was put by another poster. Although my age is very close to the traditional applicant, I have been a diabetic for 15 years, and understandably, the "clock is ticking" so to speak.

Congrats again, and good luck in school!!!

 

[fractalgal]

Hi everyone,

Ok… I’m new here so forgive any gross missteps and faux pas of procedure, and this may ramble a bit but I’ll try to keep it brief…but just to give all of my fellow non-trads a ray of hope and to let you know you’re never too old, here’s the readers digest version of my story.

I’m 46 and will be 47 when I start medical school in the fall. I went to college right out of high school as a pre-med and did OK for a while (As & Bs in about half of the pre-reqs at that time) then met the wrong women at the wrong time of my life and eventually left school for a variety of reasons, but unfortunately not before my grades began to nosedive. I became a police officer and as we all know - life happened.
Fast forward twenty odd years and a new wife (read - very supportive), knowing about my history, gets me to return to school. Thinking I was way over the hill at 42 to go down the med school route, I got my degree in computers. I did this in 3.5 years while still working full time and managed a 3.8 GPA from a highly respected southern school. After retiring with twenty-five years on the job in Feb. ’05 and right before graduation in May ‘05, at 45 years old and with the support of the best wife in world, I (we) decided to explore the real possibility of med school. I spoke with the right folks and got the right answers and decided to go for it. I returned to school (on advise from an admissions dean) post-bac and re-completed all of my pre-reqs between June ’05 and June ’06 with a 3.75 GPA. I took the MCAT – scored fair but not exceptional, and applied to five schools with what I’ve been told was a compelling personal statement and exceptional letters of reference, and got an interview at my first choice school. My interviews went awesome and I was accepted the first time before the committee. So now my second life begins… they say fifty is the new thirty.

Anyway, everyone out there that is wondering about being too old and worrying about how the ad-coms look at an older applicant, don’t worry so much about things you can not control. I had to make up allot of ground, repair some really bad undergrad grades from the first time around and had no clinical experience. I did have a 25 year career in urban, inner city law enforcement, the life experiences that provided, and the thing that I think made a world of difference, confidence. You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will believe in you. If you don’t think you’re worthy the interviewers will see that and you’re toast. For every person who encouraged me despite my age there were two who gave me grief about it. I had so many people tell me I would never get in because of my age I started making bets with them and now I can just about pay my first year tuition . I know everyone says the odds are against non-trades but when you consider that in 2005 something like 450,000 people applied for 17,000 med school positions the odds are against everyone and the person who presents the best overall application package gets the best look and the invite to interview; which is where you have to make your mark. I had several “in the know” people tell me that GPAs and MCATs are not the most important aspects of an application. They are looking for the best qualified candidate and those qualifications are based on the whole person not just some numbers, and especially not the number that is your age.

Good luck to everyone.

Snake, class of 2011
(yes, I will be 51 years old at graduation… I know!)

I am trained as a mathematician - and am not premed.

Thank you for sharing this inspiring story!

You will make a great doctor.

 

[medschl hpeful]

I think I will print out your post and put it up on my refrigerator. I am 36 soon to be 37. I have felt the highs and lows of this process. I took the mcat last august. I wasn't ready and bombed it. I was afraid that time was passing me by. I still don't know what I was thinking.

I have been blessed many times over with wonderful career opportunities. I am currently a medical sales rep. Great Job. It allows me to study for mcat. It is also kid friendly.

I almost call this drive and desire a curse. I have even prayed for God to take the desire away. It is very difficult with a spouse, kids (4), and LIFE.

I have wanted to be a doctor my entire life. I got pregnant freshman year of college, got married, and did life!!! A good one it has been, however there has always been a missing piece.

My husband is a cop and I truly understand your struggle! I am very excited for you and your family!!!! Much praise to your wife for her support.

Congratulations! and thanks for inspiring me.

 

[HreComesTheSun]

Snake,

A very hearty congratulations!! This is one of the nicest posts I've read on SDN. It's comforting to know that someone like you will be in the medical profession soon Good luck in what I know will be a very fruitful career!

ps one suggestion--pathologists do help save lives, so don't rule it out just yet

 

[Snake]

ps one suggestion--pathologists do help save lives, so don't rule it out just yet

Yes, I realize how one dimensional I made pathology sound, sorry...

The conversation that the patholgy suggestion arose from was very much leaning to the forensic pathology field and not clinical pathology.

I still think I'll likely as not steer away from it as a speciality because I really want to experience the full doctor - patient relationship provided by one of the more mainstream specialities. The program I am in focuses on FP, OB/GYN, IM, PEDS, MED/PEDS or GEN SURG, so it fits me well.

Thanks (to everyone) for your support and words of encouragement. School starts Aug. 15th....I can't wait to get started...although I may end up eating those words.

 

[doki]

Snake,
Your story is so inspiring!!!! Like medschl hpfl i was praying that my desire will just go away because of family and financial reasons. But you gave me a ray of hope. You will be one of my inspiration now Keep us on up-to-date with ur life in med school.

 

[MrsHouseMD]

WOW! To repeat what has already been say about 50 times on this thread...this is so awesome, encouraging & inspiring!!! This makes me feel so much younger now!

I just can't say it enough...this is so encouraging!