Are there any older females here doing post-bacc?

[nynars]

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I guess I'm feeling in a rut right now. I'm 26 yrs old and thinking of pursuing medicine -- but everytime I think about how Id be entering medical school (IF I can get in at all with my age) at 28, and only get to START practicing for real at in my late 30s, it really makes me cringe. I really would eventually like to have a family, but it just seems so difficult. At this point, I still have never had a regular full-time job -- so the idea that my first real job will be at 36 sounds pathetic. Sorry -- I'm just venting a little and hoped maybe someone out there might possibly in the same situation.

 

[mshheaddoc]

all's i can say is ditto. I mean i have worked out of college though. What have you been doing with your life?

I am applying in Aug 2006. Just quit my full time job, hopefully starting when i'm 28. I want 3 kids. I'll be out of school hopefully by 33 or so. I'm thinking of having one while in school though. I am also engaged though.

You can't worry about the future. If you want to do this, go for it. The rest will fall into place and you will learn to cope. There are many people out there and many women ALOT older as well. I know a few women who had kids first and when back at 36 or so then others who had kids during. 😀

 

[thirdunity]

I guess I'm feeling in a rut right now. I'm 26 yrs old and thinking of pursuing medicine -- but everytime I think about how Id be entering medical school (IF I can get in at all with my age) at 28, and only get to START practicing for real at in my late 30s, it really makes me cringe. I really would eventually like to have a family, but it just seems so difficult. At this point, I still have never had a regular full-time job -- so the idea that my first real job will be at 36 sounds pathetic. Sorry -- I'm just venting a little and hoped maybe someone out there might possibly in the same situation.

You know, everything you're telling me is why I didn't really bother taking school seriously when I was in my twenties - I'd be X number of years old by the time I had a full time job, et cetera... I just didn't want to be out of "the real world".

But the thing is, I did have a number of full time jobs I *hated*.

It's really, really worth the wait for something you *like*.

 

[sunnyjohn]

26 is not old. There are folks on this board who are well into their 30's, 40's and 50's who are in the same boat as you. Trust me, medical schools won't make you sign a pledge promising not to have a life outside the hospital or a kids and husband. 😛

Regardless of what happens, 10 years from now you will be 36. You'll either be a 36 year old wife and mom who happens to have a medical degree or a 36 year old wife and mom without one.


Having a successful life is all about balance.


Blessed are the balanced, for they will outlive us all!

 

[unfrozencaveman]

I guess I'm feeling in a rut right now. I'm 26 yrs old and thinking of pursuing medicine -- but everytime I think about how Id be entering medical school (IF I can get in at all with my age) at 28, and only get to START practicing for real at in my late 30s, it really makes me cringe. I really would eventually like to have a family, but it just seems so difficult. At this point, I still have never had a regular full-time job -- so the idea that my first real job will be at 36 sounds pathetic. Sorry -- I'm just venting a little and hoped maybe someone out there might possibly in the same situation.

Despite the confusing username, I'm in this situation too. I'm applying now and will be nearly 28 when I start MS1 (God willing). The age thing was something I worried about before I started as a post-bacc, when I was 24ish and staring down a very long tunnel. Now that I've really taken the plunge, for one there is no point in worrying about it, but the truth is, I just dont. The last poster is right- either you're 36 with or without the MD. Family and marriage I view as a huge luxury... so whatever happens with that, happens.

 

[MiesVanDerMom]

I'm 26 with a toddler and one on the way. I'll be 28 when i start med school (hopefully). I want two more kids so i worry about the same things. The thing about kids is 1) they are NEVER convenient, there really never is a Good time to have them 2) life's so unpredictable, so if you've found something you really want go for it and it will all work out somehow. For instance, I never would have guessed my first born would have weird genetic disorders. It throws wrenches into various life plans but you figure things out. Did that make sense? Life is what happens while you're busy making plans...

 

[shale]

hey there. well, now, you're making me feel ancient! 🙄 thankfully i have braces on my teeth, so i still look like i'm 16! LOL! i'm 29, and STILL have yet to finish my undergrad. so, you're way ahead of me already. i already have one child - this will probably be it for me as *I* am the one with the weird genetic disorder and pregnancies are very hard on me, as i found out. (not to mention 3 days of labor and learning that epis nor the anesthesia they use for c-sections work for me. 😱 ) but thats neither here nor there. the previous poster is right. kids are never convenient. anything can happen, and usually does. case in point, i was laid off from my job about 2 months after my daughter was born. but, when life hands you lemons, you ask for tequila and salt, right? so... i say, do what you want, do what you love...you've only got one try to live this life, do it right! 😀

good luck to you!

susanna

 

[Phoenix.]

For what it's worth, I'm female, 30, and will be starting my post-bac this winter. Let's see....if all goes as planned, I'll be starting med school at age 33. Oh, and I'm quite single.

 

[shale]

hey phoenix... if all goes well, we'll be starting around the same time!

if not... well, then heck. i'll just specialize in some type of geriatric medicine - i mean, who better to understand a geriatric patient than a geriatric doctor?? 😀

seriously, though. i think its so cool that so many men and women from various walks of life are finally doing something for themselves, and pursuing a dream.

oh, i'm starting to feel all "brady bunch" inside! hee hee!

susanna

 

[jules0328]

I am 27. Started post bacc last fall and got married this March while taking 13 credits, all of bio II with lab, chem II with lab, and physics II with lab. I decided to not take the August MCAT and so now it puts me at one extra year lag before I apply to med schools. For the OP, you arent old. But the longer you wait, the more you will regret it. I dont have any kids but I have to think that it must be easier going to school and not having children. But, hey, thats what the other posters here are for.

As for pursuing medicine. It hasnt been easy. I had a full time job making a salary and now have no income at all. I have had to beg, borrow, and steal to get financial aid money. I am up to the point now where I am paying out of pocket now. I have my parents paying for my car and my husband basically supporting two people. Not easy but I am glad to have family support.

Its been a tough road, even without children, I still believe that its been hard for me through all of this. Taking 6 classes is tough, especially all of them sciences. But this is really something that I wanted. After working at a hospital for 2 years, I realized this was my path and I would follow it no matter what.

At this point, god willing, if I do get into med school, I am looking at 29 years of age. I want three children, so its going to be tough but I can do it. I have gotten this far. If I can do it, anyone can. Keep up your spirits. If you really want medicine though, you need to go full steam ahead and committ to it, cause it is a very long road. And you have to be willing to get support, whether it be financial or mental, from friends, and family.

 

[angietron3000]

I started post-bacc at 25 too, celebrated my 26th with an 8 hour chem class (post-bacc on the weekends while working full-time). 27 now.. I'm a little scared about how hard it'll be to start a family and keep from going totally nuts in the middle of this whole process.. but I'm glad that I made the decision to switch careers even if I end up being a little older than most people in the class.

Also, I applied to waaaaay too many schools just to maximize my chance of getting in.. don't want to wait another year!!

Despite the confusing username, I'm in this situation too. I'm applying now and will be nearly 28 when I start MS1 (God willing). The age thing was something I worried about before I started as a post-bacc, when I was 24ish and staring down a very long tunnel. Now that I've really taken the plunge, for one there is no point in worrying about it, but the truth is, I just dont. The last poster is right- either you're 36 with or without the MD. Family and marriage I view as a huge luxury... so whatever happens with that, happens.

I think we're the same person! plus you've got the best username/avatar combo on SDN!

 

[unfrozencaveman]

I started post-bacc at 25 too, celebrated my 26th with an 8 hour chem class (post-bacc on the weekends while working full-time). 27 now.. I'm a little scared about how hard it'll be to start a family and keep from going totally nuts in the middle of this whole process.. but I'm glad that I made the decision to switch careers even if I end up being a little older than most people in the class.

Also, I applied to waaaaay too many schools just to maximize my chance of getting in.. don't want to wait another year!!


I think we're the same person! plus you've got the best username/avatar combo on SDN!

Hah. I was thinking the same thing about you!

 

[QofQuimica]

I guess I'm feeling in a rut right now. I'm 26 yrs old and thinking of pursuing medicine -- but everytime I think about how Id be entering medical school (IF I can get in at all with my age) at 28, and only get to START practicing for real at in my late 30s, it really makes me cringe. I really would eventually like to have a family, but it just seems so difficult. At this point, I still have never had a regular full-time job -- so the idea that my first real job will be at 36 sounds pathetic. Sorry -- I'm just venting a little and hoped maybe someone out there might possibly in the same situation.

Many of us are in the same situation. I'll be 31 when I start if I get in this year. There are even some women on here that were in their 40s when they started med school. I think that efex was 41? Anyway, 28 is not too old for med school, and 26 is certainly not too old for doing a post-bacc. It made me laugh when I read your message; you're younger than my little sister. 😛

 

[sunnyjohn]

Many of us are in the same situation. I'll be 31 when I start if I get in this year. There are even some women on here that were in their 40s when they started med school. I think that efex was 41? Anyway, 28 is not too old for med school, and 26 is certainly not too old for doing a post-bacc. It made me laugh when I read your message; you're younger than my little sister. 😛

Yeah, my youngest brother is 25 and he keep on with the "too old" refrain!
😀


31 feels no different than 21. I just feel a heck of alot smarter and sure of myself. 😛

 

[shorrin]

I'm an M4 and I started med school at 29 and turned 30 the first semester. I think it's a bit hard to adjust at times when you're struggling to keep up with the work and the 21+'s want to go out and party many nights of the week. Fortunately if you are in a school with other older students you can make a good group of friends who can balance studying and going out.
I think there are a lot more non-trads in medicine these days. One student in our class was 46 and I thought man if she can do this, I have no excuse!

don't be afraid of it.

 

[heymisslady]

I guess I'm feeling in a rut right now. I'm 26 yrs old and thinking of pursuing medicine -- but everytime I think about how Id be entering medical school (IF I can get in at all with my age) at 28, and only get to START practicing for real at in my late 30s, it really makes me cringe. I really would eventually like to have a family, but it just seems so difficult. At this point, I still have never had a regular full-time job -- so the idea that my first real job will be at 36 sounds pathetic. Sorry -- I'm just venting a little and hoped maybe someone out there might possibly in the same situation.

If I can do it you can also. I am 34 and will graduate in 2010 (will start postbacc in Sept and will enter in Med School in 2006), putting me at 39. If this is what yiou really want to do, then don't waste time looking at how old you will be. My motto is don't cry the would've, should've, could've later on in life. Just go for it.

P.S. I'm also single with no children

 

[gaki]

Hey I am 28 and if I get in I'll be starting med school when im 30. I have not had a full time job yet either.. I have had a series of freelance arty jobs.. actually the longest I have been employed was for about 5 months but it was under the table, and then the project ended, and i didn't get paid for my last month of work (grr.. nature ofthe beast, i guess). Anyway my work history sounds similar to yours.

I want to have a family too, but im not even sure I will be able to go to school or residency in the state I want to eventually settle down in, which is just this added complication for some of us non trad premeds.

But then I figure, this is just about all I have left for what I want to do in terms of a career.. so I see it like I don't really have much choice.. I just *have* to try, or else I'll *really* regret it.

anyway hope you feel better by now.

🙂

I guess I'm feeling in a rut right now. I'm 26 yrs old and thinking of pursuing medicine -- but everytime I think about how Id be entering medical school (IF I can get in at all with my age) at 28, and only get to START practicing for real at in my late 30s, it really makes me cringe. I really would eventually like to have a family, but it just seems so difficult. At this point, I still have never had a regular full-time job -- so the idea that my first real job will be at 36 sounds pathetic. Sorry -- I'm just venting a little and hoped maybe someone out there might possibly in the same situation.

 

[Beautifulchild]

I'm 37 and will be just starting a post-bacc (hopefully). I have had all of the same concerns, but you know what I realize. I only have today. I have the life I have right now and I can't worry about what I want to happen tomorrow. I want a family, but don't have that right now. Right now I have the desire and ability to pursue this dream. So, I'm going for it and I'll cross the other bridges when I get to it. I really believe that this is my God Given purpose. If this is, then God will make a way for me.

I also got the courage to do this because of a loss I've suffered in my life. I have a friend who was abducted. She was a 33 year old, mom, just living her life and trying to take care of her child. One day she was here and now she's not. Life is just too short to be afraid of the "what if's". Every day I have here is a day I have to work towards my dreams and if my dream is to have a family and it is more important than what I am doing at the time that opportunity comes up, then I'll work that out. But for now...Today, I have this time to go for it.

 

[Toofscum]

I am 28...started my post-bacc the day after I turned 26. I'm done with it now and have taken the MCAT twice....worked full-time in the hosptial and am currently working retail until I find a career-related position again. I'm still on the fence about medicine even though the post-bacc is done and I could try applying with my recent MCAT score (25 first time, 26 second time). I aapplied with a 25 and didn't get in anywhere.

Considering dental as well. Also have a J.D. but never practiced law. Really, really confused about what my med school path should be--totally on the fence and actually rather depressed about my whole career mess at the moment. I'm married as well (one year).

 

[hsl227]

I guess I'm feeling in a rut right now. I'm 26 yrs old and thinking of pursuing medicine -- but everytime I think about how Id be entering medical school (IF I can get in at all with my age) at 28, and only get to START practicing for real at in my late 30s, it really makes me cringe. I really would eventually like to have a family, but it just seems so difficult.

i know EXACTLY what you mean. feeling a bit foolish myself. i'll be lucky to even get into med school at 28! hopefully, post bacc will be done in 2 yrs. i still plan on keeping my full-time job and volunteering on the side. there will always be bills and mouths to feed. lol.

however, if it's something you really want to do why are you even worried? there is this other guy i know who is doing his post bacc now and hes mid-30s already. if its a passion, i say go for it because you will kick yourself later down the road because you did not.

 

[hsl227]

One student in our class was 46 and I thought man if she can do this, I have no excuse!

NICE! i lov that. =)

 

[eccles1214]

I'm older than all of you and I just started my postbacc. I didn't get my undergrad degree until I was almost 38, and after having worked as a MA for years and years. So don't let the age thing scare you.

Unfortunately, most of the premeds posting on this site are young and still don't get it. Try the OldPremeds website www.oldpremeds.com. It's designed for us older folks!

And don't give up. There is nothing that says that to be a medical student one has to be young. And how does one define young, anyway?

Just get started today . . .

 

[eccles1214]

SORRY FOR THE DOUBLE POST I hit the submit key twice or something?

I'm older than all of you and I just started my postbacc. I didn't get my undergrad degree until I was almost 38, and after having worked as a MA for years and years. And I graduated years ago. I'm even older than that now, and I'm determined to get into medical school.

So don't let the age thing scare you.

Unfortunately, many of the premeds posting on this site are young and don't seem to understand the older premeds amidst them. You can also check out the OldPremeds website www.oldpremeds.com. It's designed for us older folks!

And don't give up. There is nothing that says that to be a medical student one has to be young. And how does one define young, anyway?

Just get started today . . .

 

[shorrin]

I am 28...started my post-bacc the day after I turned 26. I'm done with it now and have taken the MCAT twice....worked full-time in the hosptial and am currently working retail until I find a career-related position again. I'm still on the fence about medicine even though the post-bacc is done and I could try applying with my recent MCAT score (25 first time, 26 second time). I aapplied with a 25 and didn't get in anywhere.

Considering dental as well. Also have a J.D. but never practiced law. Really, really confused about what my med school path should be--totally on the fence and actually rather depressed about my whole career mess at the moment. I'm married as well (one year).

I took the mcat 3 times, 25, 25, 30. Just go for it as you have nothing to lose but time. Did you take a prep course? maybe some one on one tutlage would help ? 😉

 

[gary5]

It doesn't matter if you start at 26, 36, 46, or 56. What matters is that you have a profession that you love. So, it all comes to the fundamental question: What do you really want to do with your life? The age part may seem relevant, but it really isn't.

 

[PoorSanDiegan]

It doesn't matter if you start at 26, 36, 46, or 56. What matters is that you have a profession that you love. So, it all comes to the fundamental question: What do you really want to do with your life? The age part may seem relevant, but it really isn't.

Thanks for that post gary. Actually - for everyone on this thread. So encouraging. I'm about to leave a good paying engineering job to get started on prereqs this Fall. I'm 25 and single. I get a lot of pressure to get married... and I want to - but it's just not a priority now. I hope that things all fall in place. I'm really happy with my decision to move on - I just wish I had had the guts to do this sooner!

Good luck to everyone on this thread. You all rock.

 

[unfrozencaveman]

Yeah what about us single girls who are now faced with the prospect of dying alone to be eaten by a pack of wild dogs? I'm assuming our futures hold nothing but assorted sexcapades with Patrick Dempsey types, a la Grey's Anatomy? Or will medicine serve as a convenient excuse for how much of a closet loser I am? Should I add these concerns to my secondaries?

 

[medworm]

Yeah what about us single girls who are now faced with the prospect of dying alone to be eaten by a pack of wild dogs? I'm assuming our futures hold nothing but assorted sexcapades with Patrick Dempsey types, a la Grey's Anatomy? Or will medicine serve as a convenient excuse for how much of a closet loser I am? Should I add these concerns to my secondaries?

Yep, I darn sure covered the "die lonely -signed old MD" spiel in my 2ndaries, just to allay any concerns the adcoms might have. However, in reality I struggle with that idea ALOT. Single and in my late 20s now, med school would definitely put me into the "high-risk pregnancy" category. And my friends, good friends that they are, suggested that I could pick up men the 2nd time around (after their first divorce). OUCH.

However, I do hear that co-op living amongst fearless women is pretty fun. Let's all pool the millions we make in medicine (NOT) and buy a mansion! 🙂)

 

[pingouin]

Yeah what about us single girls who are now faced with the prospect of dying alone to be eaten by a pack of wild dogs? I'm assuming our futures hold nothing but assorted sexcapades with Patrick Dempsey types, a la Grey's Anatomy? Or will medicine serve as a convenient excuse for how much of a closet loser I am? Should I add these concerns to my secondaries?

I think this is the best post I've seen all week. 👍 😀

 

[QofQuimica]

Yeah what about us single girls who are now faced with the prospect of dying alone to be eaten by a pack of wild dogs? I'm assuming our futures hold nothing but assorted sexcapades with Patrick Dempsey types, a la Grey's Anatomy? Or will medicine serve as a convenient excuse for how much of a closet loser I am? Should I add these concerns to my secondaries?

Yep, I darn sure covered the "die lonely -signed old MD" spiel in my 2ndaries, just to allay any concerns the adcoms might have. However, in reality I struggle with that idea ALOT. Single and in my late 20s now, med school would definitely put me into the "high-risk pregnancy" category. And my friends, good friends that they are, suggested that I could pick up men the 2nd time around (after their first divorce). OUCH.

However, I do hear that co-op living amongst fearless women is pretty fun. Let's all pool the millions we make in medicine (NOT) and buy a mansion! 🙂)

You girls made me laugh out loud. medworm, sign me up for a share in your medical mansion. 😀

 

[sunnyjohn]

You girls made me laugh out loud. medworm, sign me up for a share in your medical mansion. 😀

I agree with Q! you girls are a trip.
😀

 

[ekydrd]

OK, all you 20 somethings just shut up and apply already!!!!! You are much too young to be worried about getting old.

I went back to college at 33 and started med school at 37. At the ripe old age of 41 I'm still able to keep up with my much younger counterparts. So 25, 26, 27... 30+, is not too late to start med school! And plenty of my classmates married and started their families while in school (some even married other classmates), so that shouldn't be an issue either.

It's all about your attitude and goals for your life. If you want it bad enough you can make it work.

 

[Lacheln]

I guess I'm feeling in a rut right now. I'm 26 yrs old and thinking of pursuing medicine -- but everytime I think about how Id be entering medical school (IF I can get in at all with my age) at 28, and only get to START practicing for real at in my late 30s, it really makes me cringe. I really would eventually like to have a family, but it just seems so difficult. At this point, I still have never had a regular full-time job -- so the idea that my first real job will be at 36 sounds pathetic. Sorry -- I'm just venting a little and hoped maybe someone out there might possibly in the same situation.

Hehe, I just have to laugh...I saw this thread title and thought, oh, I'm sure I'm not old enough to be included in that group, but I'll look anyway. I'm 27!! And thank you very much I'm certainly not too old to apply to medschool. 🙂 I'm gonna get older whether I'm pursuing medicine or not, and after having spent 7 years in the real world making good $$ at a job I hate...well, it's time to make some crap $$ in a job I love.

I'm curious why you've never had a full-time job? Been in school? The reason I'm asking is perhaps committing to anything specific has been scary for you, and that's something to work through - maybe figuring that out would calm a lot of your anxiety? If people can get in at 40, you can get in at 28...from my perspective my age and experience are fantastic marketing tools in the interview process. I plan to sell them for all they're worth.

I'm with you on the family worries though. It will be hard, but really anything other than being a trophy-wife with a couple of nannies would be hard. The hardest thing of all is to live out your life regretting that you didn't pursue your dream.

UnfrozenCaveman - You are TOO funny! I am engaged, but if I don't find some more time/energy to devote to my poor fiance, I may need a spot in that mansion.

 

[medworm]

Ahh - the ups and downs of the application process...

I don't know if anyone else is experiencing this as well -- but ever since I went back to school for my premed studies, I've "lost" about 4-12 years in age. I've had people mistaken me for anywhere between high school to 24! I even get carded now! In reality, I've added wrinkles around the eyes and packed up square hips <-- as evidence of the around-the clock studying. Weird 🙂)

 

[keitaiKT]

Just adding to the group! I just turned 27, and if all goes well (i.e. if I get in somewhere), I will start medical school at the ripe old age of 28. Oh, and add to that the fact that I just split with my boyfriend of 5 years. Yeah, definitely feeling the old and single vibe at the moment.... There are definitely times when I think to myself, "am I ever going to have a real job and settle down?". But the fact is, I am really enjoying the adventure of starting a new career, meeting new people, and going in a completely new direction. So don't feel bad about not being a fresh-faced 21-year-old right out of college. We are so lucky to have had different life experiences to bring to the table, and will appreciate our medical educations so much more than we would have at a younger age!

 

[MiesVanDerMom]

Ahh - the ups and downs of the application process...

I don't know if anyone else is experiencing this as well -- but ever since I went back to school for my premed studies, I've "lost" about 4-12 years in age. I've had people mistaken me for anywhere between high school to 24! I even get carded now! In reality, I've added wrinkles around the eyes and packed up square hips <-- as evidence of the around-the clock studying. Weird 🙂)

Ditto. The nurses at my volunteer position thought I was a college freshman! I told them I was a stay-at-home mom and they couldn't believe it. I'm definately NOT looking 18 these days, so... who knows. On the other hand, back when I was 19 and pre-med (the first time...) I was shadowing at a hopsital and everyone thought I was a surgical resident. They even asked if I'd be scrubbing in and assisting in surgery! Who knows what people will think once I'm actually in med school...

 

[Truth74]

I will be thirty one next week and I have three children.
I was asked where my parents were for summer orientation. Most people don't pay much attention. Most of my fellow students guess wrong anyway( way low). Don't worry about it.

 

[LSJST5]

I guess I'm feeling in a rut right now. I'm 26 yrs old and thinking of pursuing medicine -- but everytime I think about how Id be entering medical school (IF I can get in at all with my age) at 28, and only get to START practicing for real at in my late 30s, it really makes me cringe. I really would eventually like to have a family, but it just seems so difficult. At this point, I still have never had a regular full-time job -- so the idea that my first real job will be at 36 sounds pathetic. Sorry -- I'm just venting a little and hoped maybe someone out there might possibly in the same situation.

I can tell you that what you are going thru is normal. But I think you should think of the following: will you regret not applying to medical school? and are you currently in a position to have a family within the next year or two?

I am finishing my MPH and going to work for a year or so in RWanda. When I return I will take my MCAT and work in Public health until acceptance. You
have to do what will make up happy and what will give you some piece of mind.

Trust me listen to your gut...

 

[thirdunity]

Yeah what about us single girls who are now faced with the prospect of dying alone to be eaten by a pack of wild dogs?

Having endured a bad marriage, I'd take the wild dogs.

I'm assuming our futures hold nothing but assorted sexcapades with Patrick Dempsey types, a la Grey's Anatomy?

You say that like it's a BAD thing.

 

[sunnyjohn]

40 is the new 20!

Meg darling, 50 was the new 20?



😛

 

[roja]

I was 26 when I started med school, six years after graduating from college with a degree in film, owning my own business, etc. I did a Masters program in Aesthetic studies while I did my premed reqs. I started med school at 26. I had my kid during my surgery rotation. I will be 34 when I graduate from residency next year and if I get the fellowship I want, I won't be 'practicing' until I am 35.

So what. At some point you realize you are going to get older no matter what. The question is, do you want to get older doing something you love or not?


and kids? there is never a good time to have them. ever. You just have them when you are emotionally ready. everything else just works out.

 

[Nikki@RC]

I guess I'm feeling in a rut right now. I'm 26 yrs old and thinking of pursuing medicine -- but everytime I think about how Id be entering medical school (IF I can get in at all with my age) at 28, and only get to START practicing for real at in my late 30s, it really makes me cringe. I really would eventually like to have a family, but it just seems so difficult. At this point, I still have never had a regular full-time job -- so the idea that my first real job will be at 36 sounds pathetic. Sorry -- I'm just venting a little and hoped maybe someone out there might possibly in the same situation.

Don't be silly girl, your not too old, I'll be 28 in 7months, so don't let the age thing get you. Anyway who cares if your going to be 30-35 before your a doctor? Besides, being a doctor isn't a job, it's a life long career. Most people out there only have a job, somewhere where they can be replaced just as easily as they were hired! Keep your chin up and make a decision, but don't make it half way, you have to make one and stick with it!!!!! P.S. Medical schools like older students, we're more mature=)