Applying after 2 years of undergrad?

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No, there's always a couple of people under age 22 in every class. We had a 19 year old in M1.
But, some free advice... if you can afford it, don't graduate early. I did and it's one of my biggest regrets. Spend that extra year taking fun classes, exploring things, being involved in clubs, sports, and activities on campus, study abroad, etc. Med school sucks and once you get on this train it's full speed ahead for another 10 years. You don't want to be looking back missing your early 20s because the way you experience things is just different back then. I can't explain it, but everything has a freshness to it, whereas even the most exciting and new things you try in your 30s still seem kind of worn out and uninteresting in comparison.
 
atomi said:
No, there's always a couple of people under age 22 in every class. We had a 19 year old in M1.
But, some free advice... if you can afford it, don't graduate early. I did and it's one of my biggest regrets. Spend that extra year taking fun classes, exploring things, being involved in clubs, sports, and activities on campus, study abroad, etc. Med school sucks and once you get on this train it's full speed ahead for another 10 years. You don't want to be looking back missing your early 20s because the way you experience things is just different back then. I can't explain it, but everything has a freshness to it, whereas even the most exciting and new things you try in your 30s still seem kind of worn out and uninteresting in comparison.
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Interesting take on things! I appreciate your advice. I see what you're saying, but actually, my undergrad hadn't been the most enjoyable. I still live w my parents and commute to school. In other words, I have not had the "typical" college experience--it's been pretty boring and I look forward to leaving this town, lol. Another year of college means another year of being trapped.
 
PopeKnope98 said:
Interesting take on things! I appreciate your advice. I see what you're saying, but actually, my undergrad hadn't been the most enjoyable. I still live w my parents and commute to school. In other words, I have not had the "typical" college experience--it's been pretty boring and I look forward to leaving this town, lol. Another year of college means another year of being trapped.
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I don't know where you go to school, but you could consider moving out, getting a part time job, finding some roommates, and taking the bare minimum of easy fun classes (12 credits) to keep your health insurance. Something to think about especially since you never got to have the "college experience." Either way, you are correct, time to go out on your own.
 
Your ECs look really light. Do you have any research? What about other ECs? Clubs or hobbies? A job?

It seems like you might need more experiences to really be competitive. Graduating early is fine, applying a little early is fine (more than a year and you really need to have something demonstrating your maturity) but you still need to stand out.
 
You aren't ready. Very few applicants are ready after 2 years of undergrad. I've interviewed them and found them wanting. It is very very rare to be admitted while enrolled in one's third year of college.

Slow down. Find a way to stay in school another year, either by taking a second major or doing a masters. Do a study abroad or take a semester at another campus. Get away from home for at least 10-15 weeks!

Plan to apply after college graduation and take a job during your gap year. Even better, work for a year and apply after having worked for a year. Get away from home and live with some independence. If you've never lived away from home, medical school is not the time to start.

Like marriage, it is ideal to do this right and only have to do it once. There is a terrible feeling of failure when one ends up empty handed after an unsuccessful cycle and has to think about how to improve and reapply.

Don't let your parents dictate when and where you apply. This is your reputation and your adult life. You will live the consequences of past applications, poor MCAT scores, and all the rest.

Slow down. Don't apply until you are ready and don't apply just to see...
 
That's pretty typical for the first 2 years of college. Then an applicant has at least one or two more years of college beyond what you've listed.
Having 15 hours of research at the point when the application is submitted is pitifully little.
And you don't have an MCAT score which means you can't really target your applications yet. It feels premature and it is. You need more time. You need time to have fun and have something on the application that is something other than work and service.
 
LizzyM said:
That's pretty typical for the first 2 years of college. Then an applicant has at least one or two more years of college beyond what you've listed.
Having 15 hours of research at the point when the application is submitted is pitifully little.
And you don't have an MCAT score which means you can't really target your applications yet. It feels premature and it is. You need more time. You need time to have fun and have something on the application that is something other than work and service.
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I appreciate your help. I was literally about to submit tonight. Now I'm questioning everything. I was going to submit to a throwaway, and if my MCAT is bad then not apply anyways. All my LoRs that are submitted.. just forget about everything? Let the app expire and ask everyone to reupload again next year?

Also, I won't ever get to "get away" from home, haha. In my parent's culture a girl cannot leave her home unless to get married or to study. What a life I live. (I'm sorry, I don't mean to be pitying myself).
 
You need to work on your ECs.

I know people who have gotten in after 2 years of undergrad, but they had insane ECs and MCATs > 97th percentile.

Your ECs are WEAK and you don't even know what your mcat score is.

Do yourself a favor: maintain that stellar GPA of yours, try to get published your third year of UG, and get some clinical experience.

Ultimately, you might get into medical school this year, but I am confident you will get into a better one if you wait.

WHY ARE YOU EVEN CONSIDERING DO WITH A NEAR PERFECT GPA AND UNKNOWN MCAT???
 
Go away to study... Do a semester abroad. Does your college offer such opportunities? You need to have some experience as an independent adult. One of my kids lived at home during college but also had a semester abroad and it was a good opportunity for growth and independence. I highly recommend it.

There are research opportunities in English speaking countries or in non-English speaking countries where the language of the lab is English.
 
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Listen to Lizzy, OP.

Move out of the house. I love my family very much, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me and might be the same for you.

You’re not ready to apply just yet. With some patience, you could have a strong app thanks to your healthy start.
 
It seems that the only reason you are applying this year is to get out of the Parent Trap. That’s not a good reason. You have gotten stellar advice here. Read it over a few times and think about it. Your ECs are pretty weak for a current applicant. They could and most likely will be so much better if you let them grow and develop. Since you didn’t go away to college like most students do , it is important that you get some independent living experiences before you go to med school. Med school isn’t a good time to initially learn how to live independently. You won’t have time. Does your college have a semester exchange with another school in the US? This would be good if you are against a semester abroad,
 
PopeKnope98 said:
Hey guys,

I'm applying this cycle (still nervous to hit submit on AMCAS), but I want to hear thoughts on if my applying after only 2 years of undergrad is going to hurt me. Medicine is the only thing I've ever wanted to do, and I knew I'd be graduating in 3 years coming in, so I never wanted a gap year.

That being said, I feel like I may not have enough hours conjured up.
-Nonclinical volunteering began Aug 2017. I have 130 hours and will continue til I literally leave for med school
-Clinical I have about 95. One experience (35 hours) was in summer after high school, but I stopped it bc it was not a meaningful experience. Second experience began Sept 2017 and is current at a free clinic (about 60 hours----we only volunteer for 2-3 hours once a week)
-50 shadowing hours

Will I look cookie-cutter, box-checker because I've had these experiences for less than a year? It's just that freshman year Sept 2016-July 2016 I was focused on school and I took 3 summer classes that summer. I also tutored, worked as a pharm tech, and had another job my freshman year.

Thoughts? Do adcoms take into account my only 2 years of college experience or do they not care? I'm seeing all these people with 100s of hours and 3+ years commitment and kind of last minute freaking out. I feel so inadequate as a 20 year old applying, but I know I am ready for medical school.
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At my school we rarely, if ever, admit candidates like you. They simply come off as too immature at interviews. On paper they're great, but we constantly lament "why didn't' they just apply to us in one more year???

To paraphrase the wise @gonnif "are you planning to get into med school on the basis of some unrealistic timeline of yours, or are you planning to get into medical school?
 
Apply and if you get in, go and don't look back. Medicine is a long road and the sooner you start the better
 
Thank you for the advice everyone. I greatly appreciate how much you all care. I know I won’t be able to sell studying away or abroad, but I suppose I could push graduation a year (I’ll be lucky if I’m even able to sell that).

It seems the only way my parents will realize everything they believe is wrong is if I apply and don’t get in. That’ll be a nice wake up call for them.
 
I hope you make the best decision for yourself, and I hope your parents will be understanding. I've had classmates in my undergrad that graduated a year early. Come 3rd year, they decided not to apply that cycle and have taken gap years (what would have been their 4th year), even after being dead-set on getting into med school early. Everyone is different and their are varying circumstances, but there's something about just simply waiting that life tells us another story. You're bright and you've got a future.
 
PopeKnope98 said:
Thank you for the advice everyone. I greatly appreciate how much you all care. I know I won’t be able to sell studying away or abroad, but I suppose I could push graduation a year (I’ll be lucky if I’m even able to sell that).

It seems the only way my parents will realize everything they believe is wrong is if I apply and don’t get in. That’ll be a nice wake up call for them.
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Applying to prove that you won't get in is a good way to sabotage your entire medical career. Re-applicants have a harder time than first time applicants.
 
PopeKnope98 said:
Thank you for the advice everyone. I greatly appreciate how much you all care. I know I won’t be able to sell studying away or abroad, but I suppose I could push graduation a year (I’ll be lucky if I’m even able to sell that).

It seems the only way my parents will realize everything they believe is wrong is if I apply and don’t get in. That’ll be a nice wake up call for them.
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Look, you're old enough to vote, drink, dive, work, pay taxes, run for office, and fight and die for your country. Thus, you're old enough to grow a spine and tell your parents that you're the pre-med, not them,and you''ll apply on your timeline, not theirs.

Get them an account on SDN and we can show them that out of their love and ignorance, they're doing their best to destroy your medical career.
 
Goro said:
Thus, you're old enough to grow a spine and tell your parents that you're the pre-med, not them,and you''ll apply on your timeline, not theirs.
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One mad but correct cat.
 
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You've already gotten some great advice, but just here to offer my input as someone who also graduated in 3 years for a number of reasons! It's not always as simple as just "stay and take more classes!" I felt ready to graduate when I did and I wouldn't have changed anything (and my parents were thrilled to save that fourth year of tuition, I'm sure). However, I was uncertain if I was ready to apply to med school at that point. I told my advisor that and he essentially told me if you have doubts about what you've done or think that there's more you could have done, take a gap year or two. It doesn't reflect poorly on you and it gives you time to figure out what you want. I'm applying this cycle and by the time I (hopefully) matriculate, I'll have taken two gap years and had a full time job that has given me incredible insight into the field I want to work in. I would highly recommend at least taking one year off, even if it's just to take a breath after finishing in three years - that's a huge accomplishment and you deserve a break! Just my opinion - feel free to message me if you have any questions!
 
What are your stats? I’m applying after 2 years of undergrad but I am applying with 3.9X and 52X. Most of the people I know who did this successfully also had stellar stats. The idea is that what we lack in experience we make up for in potential. Nevertheless, most of my experiences did start several years ago, so I’m applying with what I would consider good ECs in all areas. I’m doing this becuase I feel ready in my stats, story, and experience. If you feel like your application is not at 100%, I would not apply

tldr; if you have beast stats, your ECs will probably be fine, youll get in somewhere, just maybe not the highest tier your stats would warrant.
 
You’re parents sound terrible. Sorry you are in that situation. It’s ridiculous they expect you to apply after 2 years of undergrad. If you can you should get a job and move out. Unfortunately easier said than done in some family dynamics. Sometimes when people do this it puts a strain on the family relationship. You said in your culture women aren’t allowed to leave? What culture? If you don’t mind me asking.
 
Goro said:
Look, you're old enough to vote, drink, dive, work, pay taxes, run for office, and fight and die for your country. Thus, you're old enough to grow a spine and tell your parents that you're the pre-med, not them,and you''ll apply on your timeline, not theirs.

Get them an account on SDN and we can show them that out of their love and ignorance, they're doing their best to destroy your medical career.
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I agree that OP needs to play ball and take control of her life. That being said, some things aren't as simple as growing a spine. I've known people who've had to weigh these types of decisions against the near guarantee of losing financial support and access to their family for the rest of their lives. There are clever and effective ways to deal with these situations, but going nuclear and declaring your independence to the psychotic, delusional people who hold all the power over your life is neither clever nor effective.

For example, let's say OP has minimal work experience, no bank account, and has never lived on her own before. This is not unlikely given it seems her parents exert control on all aspects of her life. If she asserts her independence and is exiled, it will be difficult to find a well paying job, a safe place to live, and continue schooling. This could lead OP down some particularly nefarious paths, just in the name of having a place to sleep and food to eat. These challenges are further compounded if OP doesn't own the car they use, and lives in a urban sprawl type of area.

Again, I agree with the sentiment of your comment. But I would recommend finding a way to bend her parents' rules so that she can continue to get resources from them until she can matriculate and finally be free.
 
bluejaysandearlgray2.0 said:
I agree that OP needs to play ball and take control of her life. That being said, some things aren't as simple as growing a spine. I've known people who've had to weigh these types of decisions against the near guarantee of losing financial support and access to their family for the rest of their lives. There are clever and effective ways to deal with these situations, but going nuclear and declaring your independence to the psychotic, delusional people who hold all the power over your life is neither clever nor effective.

For example, let's say OP has minimal work experience, no bank account, and has never lived on her own before. This is not unlikely given it seems her parents exert control on all aspects of her life. If she asserts her independence and is exiled, it will be difficult to find a well paying job, a safe place to live, and continue schooling. This could lead OP down some particularly nefarious paths, just in the name of having a place to sleep and food to eat. These challenges are further compounded if OP doesn't own the car they use, and lives in a urban sprawl type of area.

Again, I agree with the sentiment of your comment. But I would recommend finding a way to bend her parents' rules so that she can continue to get resources from them until she can matriculate and finally be free.
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If OP's parents are that evil, the sooner she leaves, the better.
 
piii said:
Nope. Life is a long road why rush things? Have fun being a workaholic without real time for a break or to try new things for the rest of your life when you could travel and explore other lifestyles and careers in your youth.
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I'm talking about people who are sure they want medicine from the start.

Why be slaving away in residency/fellowship in your 30s when all your friends have bought houses, started families, are earning a real income and going on awesome vacations.

Difference in opinion but i think If given the opportunity like this person may have, one should get training out of the way as early as possible and actually enjoy life as an attending with a 6 figure salary.

Travelling as a broke student with loans isnt as fun as travelling with an attending salary.....
 
I graduated at 20 after 3 years of undergrad. I don't agree with the sentiment to stay and take "fun classes" unless you are super rich and have money to blow then sure go for it, but I don't really see what you would gain from that. It's a waste of time and money. I would say just take a gap year or two, work on your ECs, get life experience, learn how to be an adult, have fun, etc.
 
Hello everyone.. bringing this back, just for future applicants who are questioning themselves. Thanks for all the advice above, but I'm so glad I didn't take it. Had 3 acceptances before Nov (2 of the very good DO schools), but one being a top 30 MD school. I've also received another MD interview where no one I personally know has ever gotten one at. That's later this month.

I know everyone here doubted me and was sure I wouldn't get in, but I knew myself and knew I was ready. Yes, I'm in my 3rd year of college. Yes, my MCAT was below a 510. And sure, it's only been 5 DO II's and 2 MD II's, but every interview I've attended I've been accepted. All you need is one.

I've made myself proud, my professors proud, my amazing parents proud (who always know what they're talking about, regardless of how I've become a little frustrated with them)

For future applicants who will glance at this thread, the advice on SDN is amazing. But take it with a grain of salt. In the end, it's you and the people in real life who know you best.

This website has been a huge help. Congrats to everyone who has received acceptances so far this cycle. Can't wait to become a doc 🙂
 
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CleverAdvisor said:
I would have to caution you against going into med school with a "now I'm going to have the true college experience!" mentality
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That's what I did and it did not turn out well. I started med school when I just turned 22, and moved away with roommates, away from family for the first time, when I started med school. It takes a while to get used to having new responsibilities and making sure you study. You're tempted at that age to do a lot of stupid things when you're on your own. Be careful and realize that this is the rest of your life and you have a huge loan to pay off once you graduate. Realizing that is what made me get back on track and study well.
 
Congratulations! You beat the odds. That said, just like you would not take a single anecdote from someone who drank, smoked and ate junk food during pregnancy and delivered a healthy baby to suggest that it is not a bad idea for anyone else to do the same, your good luck does not negate the advice to take an extra year to improve one's odds of a good outcome.
 
What type of "insane ECs" did you see? D1 athletes? Olympic medalists?
 
It's a matter of time that the advice will be valid for most traditional applicants.
 
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