Advice?

[patricke]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hello!
Curious for others feedback - I am 39 years old - Been in the financial industry for the last 15-17 years (financial technology). I went back to school and I'm a year away from my undergrad (Technology degree). I've always had a passion for science and have been seriously thinking about dental school the last year. I just don't know where to begin! I mean there's a ton of info on the web but, I'm not sure if I'm really too old. If I become a dentist at 45 - still gives me 20 years of practice. I don't want to be in my current industry anymore - although it's been financially good to me, I don't want to spend the next 20 years doing it. I'm currently at NYU's SCPS division and have apprx 40 credits remaining.I would love to try and get in NYU's dental school. I'm running a 3.3 gpa and have not taken much science and math (yet). Any advice?

 

[dsoz]

Hello!
Curious for others feedback - I am 39 years old - Been in the financial industry for the last 15-17 years (financial technology). I went back to school and I'm a year away from my undergrad (Technology degree). I've always had a passion for science and have been seriously thinking about dental school the last year. I just don't know where to begin! I mean there's a ton of info on the web but, I'm not sure if I'm really too old. If I become a dentist at 45 - still gives me 20 years of practice. I don't want to be in my current industry anymore - although it's been financially good to me, I don't want to spend the next 20 years doing it. I'm currently at NYU's SCPS division and have apprx 40 credits remaining.I would love to try and get in NYU's dental school. I'm running a 3.3 gpa and have not taken much science and math (yet). Any advice?

I say go for it.

I just turned 40, and have been a high school science teacher for 17 years. I decided that I was going to go back to school at Christmas time. The biggest choice was what to do when I "graduate from High School and finally grow up." Since then, I have taken the GRE (awesome score), and the MCAT (competitive score for most med schools). I am working on volunteering at a hospital, job shadowing, and taking a college science class (to get a letter from a "science faculty"). All while still working full time at my teaching job, and trying to be a spouse and a parent to a teen-age kid.

When I am done, in 9-10 years, I will still be 49 or 50 years old. The only question will be do I sign my name with Mr. or Dr. ???

There are many people that realize later in life that they are not doing something that brings them fulfillment so they decide to switch to some aspect of the medical field. If dentistry is what you are passionate about, then the only thing stopping you is your fear of not succeeding. Work hard, get the science classes crossed off your list, SMASH the DAT, and wow them with your application and interview.

Good luck
dsoz

 

[patricke]

I say go for it.

I just turned 40, and have been a high school science teacher for 17 years. I decided that I was going to go back to school at Christmas time. The biggest choice was what to do when I "graduate from High School and finally grow up." Since then, I have taken the GRE (awesome score), and the MCAT (competitive score for most med schools). I am working on volunteering at a hospital, job shadowing, and taking a college science class (to get a letter from a "science faculty"). All while still working full time at my teaching job, and trying to be a spouse and a parent to a teen-age kid.

When I am done, in 9-10 years, I will still be 49 or 50 years old. The only question will be do I sign my name with Mr. or Dr. ???

There are many people that realize later in life that they are not doing something that brings them fulfillment so they decide to switch to some aspect of the medical field. If dentistry is what you are passionate about, then the only thing stopping you is your fear of not succeeding. Work hard, get the science classes crossed off your list, SMASH the DAT, and wow them with your application and interview.

Good luck
dsoz

Wow! just wow! - that's so encouraging and awesome!! Good for you. My wife is on board as well, which helps tremendously. i just hope age is not against me from an admissions perspective.

 

[EdLongshanks]

Hello!
Curious for others feedback - I am 39 years old - Been in the financial industry for the last 15-17 years (financial technology). I went back to school and I'm a year away from my undergrad (Technology degree). I've always had a passion for science and have been seriously thinking about dental school the last year. I just don't know where to begin! I mean there's a ton of info on the web but, I'm not sure if I'm really too old. If I become a dentist at 45 - still gives me 20 years of practice. I don't want to be in my current industry anymore - although it's been financially good to me, I don't want to spend the next 20 years doing it. I'm currently at NYU's SCPS division and have apprx 40 credits remaining.I would love to try and get in NYU's dental school. I'm running a 3.3 gpa and have not taken much science and math (yet). Any advice?

If you are looking for the best financial deal, then, no, medicine or dentistry is not a good deal for someone in the financial services industry in mid-life. An excel spreadsheet can tell you how much you will lose. You're the professional here, so you can do the calculations better than I can.

If you are looking for satisfaction in a service career that is reasonably financially rewarding, then age doesn't make a difference. I'll be a doctor, finally, at age 52. But I don't think I will starve after that time.

 

[patricke]

If you are looking for the best financial deal, then, no, medicine or dentistry is not a good deal for someone in the financial services industry in mid-life. An excel spreadsheet can tell you how much you will lose. You're the professional here, so you can do the calculations better than I can.

If you are looking for satisfaction in a service career that is reasonably financially rewarding, then age doesn't make a difference. I'll be a doctor, finally, at age 52. But I don't think I will starve after that time.

First off, congrats to you! 52 years young and you did it! I'm looking for a few things; stability, quality of life and, perhaps , something I can leave to my children (or give them the option) The FS industry has been rewarding financilaly but that's about it.

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

Ed will just be starting at 52... He's just entering school this fall... We're all jealous.... Read the threads for the over-40s, there are a few... I'm 34 (as of right now) and will likely be 36 (God willing) when I matriculate next year (again, God willing) so I will start practicing as a physician at 43... I'm ahead of you, but you have to do what you have to do... there are people matriculating in their 50s... JUST DO IT (if it's what you want)

 

[EdLongshanks]

Ed will just be starting at 52... He's just entering school this fall... We're all jealous.... Read the threads for the over-40s, there are a few... I'm 34 (as of right now) and will likely be 36 (God willing) when I matriculate next year (again, God willing) so I will start practicing as a physician at 43... I'm ahead of you, but you have to do what you have to do... there are people matriculating in their 50s... JUST DO IT (if it's what you want)

I'm 48, I'll be starting at 48, I'll be Finishing at 52 (actually I just counted again 53).

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

Starting practice... sorry I didn't clarify 😉