Advice on applying

[MHC]

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I took the MCAT in April, got a 29 (11V 9P 9B), have an M.A. in a non-science subject with a 3.9 GPA, but haven't taken a science class in 9 years and have a 2.6 pre med GPA from Berkeley (grad of '94). Also have 5 years veterinary tech experience as well as EMT, Med Assist, and volunteer work.

I'm looking mostly at DO and foreign MD schools. Should I try for any stateside MD schools? If so, which schools tend to take older (33) students with this sort of background? Any input/advice would be great.

 

[zinjanthropus]

why wouldn't you try to apply to allopathic schools in the US? your mcat score is only slightly below average for matriculants and your only glaring weakness is your undergrad gpa - which is from 9 years ago. is there a trend for grade improvement over time (when you include the work you have done after undergrad?) plus, you have a background that adds variation to the medical school class (age, non-science MA). Since you also have ECs you should give it a shot, assuming you can get decent letters to back you up.

i understand that california is a bit more difficult then other states, but there are out-of-state schools as well

 

[MHC]

Thanks for your reply. I'll do some research, and try some stateside schools as well. Do you know about a statute of limitations on pre med classes? I've heard that they have to be taken in the last 7 years.

 

[Ginza]

I don't know about a statute of limitations...but would you also have a problem with getting letters of recommendation from science professors if you haven't taken a science course in 9 years? It sounds like you have many potential LOR authors from your job and volunteer work, but I know that most MD schools require 2 letters from science professors. Maybe you should call a few schools and ask them about their policies regarding non-traditional students. It's definitely do-able - I know of quite a few med students in their 30s.

Good luck!

 

[lisa13579]

I think you should definitely apply allopathic in the states if that is what you truly want. I am also a "non-traditional" student and although my path was different than yours, maybe it will give you some encouragement. I am slightly older than most applicants, being 26 and received my BFA in dance in 1999. I danced professionally for a few years and recently took all of my premed couses as a non-degree seeking student. I also took the MCAT in April and received a 10V, 9P, and 10B. Although I had hoped to score higher, I believe that my score, along with my current post-bac GPA of 4.0 will show admissions committees that I CAN handle the curriculum of medical school. I also STRONGLY believe that having a background which makes me stand out will only help in the process. Your MA does make you different and schools look for diversity in their classes. You might take a few upper level science courses to show that you can do well in science now, since the last time you took science courses was a while ago. I applied to a lot of schools (24) because this process is so random and my MCAT isn't as high as I'd like, but I think I have a shot and so do you!!!