Advice Needed - Lack of LOR/EC's

[Silence]

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I need some advice. I've been out of school a few years and the premed advisor at my undergrad says it is a necessity to get at least 2 LOR from science professors. The problem is that my old letters are at least 6 years old and I was told I need to have something more recent. I was going to apply this year but after I heard that, I am considering holding off another year so I could take some science courses and increase my EC's, which I am only now starting to volunteer at the hospital. I was really set on applying this year as I am now 28 and if I wait another year, i'll be 30 when I matriculate, provided I get accepted somewhere. My GPA is decent (3.5 BCPM/3.7 overall). I'm awaiting my MCAT score from last month. So should I hold off another year? Do I have any other options? In a way, I feel useless spending this much time not doing anything productive. Thanks for your input.

 

[Law2Doc]

I need some advice. I've been out of school a few years and the premed advisor at my undergrad says it is a necessity to get at least 2 LOR from science professors. The problem is that my old letters are at least 6 years old and I was told I need to have something more recent. I was going to apply this year but after I heard that, I am considering holding off another year so I could take some science courses and increase my EC's, which I am only now starting to volunteer at the hospital. I was really set on applying this year as I am now 28 and if I wait another year, i'll be 30 when I matriculate, provided I get accepted somewhere. My GPA is decent (3.5 BCPM/3.7 overall). I'm awaiting my MCAT score from last month. So should I hold off another year? Do I have any other options? In a way, I feel useless spending this much time not doing anything productive. Thanks for your input.

Can you get in touch with your old professors and ask them to do an updated letter?

 

[Silence]

Can you get in touch with your old professors and ask them to do an updated letter?

I've tried. Almost all of them are no longer there 🙁

 

[IceManCometh]

I would apply as early as possible if you are going to apply this year, but probably wouldn't apply if you think you are lacking volunteer experience or other activities. It seems like your chances go down the later in the year you turn in your application. Also, since you already have a good GPA, how is taking more science coursework going to help you out (besides getting some recommendations--seems like an expensive way to get recs)? I guess if I were you, I would hunt down your old professors, maybe get re-aquainted with them and talk to them about your situation and why you want to go to medical school. And depending on how many activities you need, maybe consider taking another year off and buidling as strong an application as possible. It sucks not being able to go right away if you know being a doctor is what you want to do, but it also sucks paying lots of money to apply, waiting, and being unsure of your chances. Good luck!

 

[Igni Fera]

Also, since you already have a good GPA, how is taking more science coursework going to help you out (besides getting some recommendations--seems like an expensive way to get recs)?

On the other hand, lots of schools want to see recent coursework if you have been out of school for a few years. And it may be a good idea to take classes to refresh your understanding of the subjects too, unless you have been actively using them for the last few years in your job or something. They will be the foundation for what you will be studying in med school.

I have very similar stats: 29 yrs old, ~3.5/3.7 GPA (as translated from narrative evals, unfortunately), just started volunteer experience, no recent LORs, etc. I did not take the full O-Chem (loved O-chem tho) and Physics series in my UG, however, and avoided college Math. I'm taking these things in the next year to fulfull prereqs and to increase GPA. Another big reason for this too is to get recent LORs. I think it may be the best way, vs. searching out an old professor who has had potentially thousands of students since you and may not be able to write the most thorough LOR.

 

[Igni Fera]

I need some advice. I've been out of school a few years and the premed advisor at my undergrad says it is a necessity to get at least 2 LOR from science professors. The problem is that my old letters are at least 6 years old and I was told I need to have something more recent. I was going to apply this year but after I heard that, I am considering holding off another year so I could take some science courses and increase my EC's, which I am only now starting to volunteer at the hospital. I was really set on applying this year as I am now 28 and if I wait another year, i'll be 30 when I matriculate, provided I get accepted somewhere. My GPA is decent (3.5 BCPM/3.7 overall). I'm awaiting my MCAT score from last month. So should I hold off another year? Do I have any other options? In a way, I feel useless spending this much time not doing anything productive. Thanks for your input.

2 science prof LORs
+ 1 non-science prof LOR
+ LORs from ECs - volunteer, shadow, etc

...seems to be the standard from what i've gathered

More expensive to go through app and interview process than to take classes at local state university, in my checkbook anyway.

Taking classes in a post-bacc program would be a very productive way to spend your time, plus show the adcoms that you are really dedicated to doing this thing right... My premed advisor told me that they will definitely be looking for a thorough and well-mediated approach to the app process...

I guess it depends on your MCAT scores somewhat...if they're SUPERhigh, and you can get LORs in time, then go for it!

😱 Sorry for the double post!

 

[vtucci]

You can certainly apply and see what happens but check with the schools because some places do not like to see course work older than 5 years so you may need to retake some classes anyway.

I would start really upping your ECs now just in case it does not work out this application cycle and it won't hurt anyway.

 

[docsurglace]

Greetings, Silence!

I just want to give you some encouragement b/c I was just in your shoes a few years ago. I'll be 29 years old when I start med school this August. It took me 3 application cycles (3 years) before I got accpeted. Yes, I felt I was going to be too old to start med school! Turns out there are people much older than you and myself that are either just starting or getting ready to apply. So keep that in perspective.
I had to retake ALL of my med school pre req's b/c I took so much time off from school after graduating that I was outside of the 5-7 year window most schools require. Yes, I won't lie--it sucks to have to retake courses that you have already taken. If you have to retake some courses, that will be the perfect opportunity for you to re-establish contact with sciennce professors who can write you a stellar letter of recommendation. I had to start all over again with my letters of rec. My adivce to you is if you do decide to retake some science courses, then introduce yourself to your professors on the first day of class. Let him/her know of your dream of becoming a physician, and let them know that you mean business. Go to their office hours and speak with them often about your application process and other non-med school things that are going on in your life. I was able to get some great letters from profs this way.
I guess my point is this: you may become a better applicant by retaking some courses, gaining more in-the-field volunteer experience, and getting better letters of rec, regardless of how old you are. If you apply too early you may not be viewd as a strong candidate with "average" letters of rec and old course work. Give it some thought and best of luck to you! 🙂

 

[RxnMan]

Check out the "How old, ye non-trads..." thread to get some age-related inspiration, OP.

I'd try and apply this year - all they can do is reject you. Besides, by the time that the schools get around to sending you secondaries, you'll have volunteered in the hospitals (or wherever) for a few months. If you've made some connections and talked with the attendings about your career goals, (a la what the previous poster described,) then you'll be able to secure a letter.