Can being a younger applicant hurt my chances?

[Flyer101]

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Hi,

I've looked around and searched for a similar thread, but couldn't find any. Let me know if I'm repeating an older thread or something.

My story: I dropped out of school when I was 14, got my GED, and signed up for courses at my local community college. I'm now 16, and I'm about to start my junior year at a four-year college as a transfer student. I plan on majoring in Astronomy. If everything goes the way it should, I should have my B.S. in two years-- meaning I'll be 18 when I enter med school (supposing I get in, of course). Would being an 18-year-old applicant hurt me?

 

[LizzyM]

Hi,

I've looked around and searched for a similar thread, but couldn't find any. Let me know if I'm repeating an older thread or something.

My story: I dropped out of school when I was 14, got my GED, and signed up for courses at my local community college. I'm now 16, and I'm about to start my junior year at a four-year college as a transfer student. I plan on majoring in Astronomy. If everything goes the way it should, I should have my B.S. in two years-- meaning I'll be 18 when I enter med school (supposing I get in, of course). Would being an 18-year-old applicant hurt me?

Schools say that they don't discriminate on the basis of age but they do assess an applicant's experiences outside of the classroom as well as maturity and it is not surprising to find very young applicants to be short on experience and maturity. While some students are admitted at a very young age (U Chicago just graduated a 21 year old MD/PhD who started medical school at 12) the age at which the highest proportion of applicants are admitted is age 22.

Plan on acquiring some marketable skills and working for at least a year after college graduation as a research assistant, EMT, certified nursing assistant, clinical research coordinator, or in some other capacity where you interact with people and build skills in teamwork and communications.

 

[TheMightySmiter]

What's the rush?

 

[Ironmandoc]

Get a masters degree, get some kickass ECs, and apply as a 21 year old star applicant...

 

[davidbm95]

Hi,

I've looked around and searched for a similar thread, but couldn't find any. Let me know if I'm repeating an older thread or something.

My story: I dropped out of school when I was 14, got my GED, and signed up for courses at my local community college. I'm now 16, and I'm about to start my junior year at a four-year college as a transfer student. I plan on majoring in Astronomy. If everything goes the way it should, I should have my B.S. in two years-- meaning I'll be 18 when I enter med school (supposing I get in, of course). Would being an 18-year-old applicant hurt me?

Medical schools don't really discriminate against your age but you should prove that you are mature enough for medical school. Having strong EC's and leadership positions should do the trick. Obtain a high GPA and MCAT and you should be fine even with your age. Congrats on the dedication btw.

 

[davidbm95]

Get a masters degree, get some kickass ECs, and apply as a 21 year old star applicant...

That's also a great idea. The more the better.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Also, it's significantly harder to get strong ECs when you're younger. I believe most medically-related career options require the person to be 18 or older.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Please go live life before applying to med school.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Please go live life get laid before applying to med school.

From the other thread, FTFY

 

[kexy]

Try searching for/PMing the poster BrandNewDay. They were in a similar situation and I believe they had an unsuccessful cycle despite a strong application...

 

[nicolemsm]

Also, it's significantly harder to get strong ECs when you're younger.

Truth. Speaking from experience, graduated high school at 16 and it's been an uphill (but extremely valuable) experience.

I've worked very hard to be in the position I am today and as others have mentioned, it's not going to be easy and often times you're going to need to be legal/ turn 18 before you can get any hands on/clinical type exposures. It will be well worth it in the end though, OP. 🙂


Work hard in your classes first time around and you'll be golden.

 

[von Matterhorn]

A friend of mine applied to med school at 19 and was specifically told that despite her strong application, they felt she was too young and needed some time to mature. U of MN for anyone that cares

 

[PreMedOrDead]

A friend of mine applied to med school at 19 and was specifically told that despite her strong application, they felt she was too young and needed some time to mature. U of MN for anyone that cares

Well, applying to more than one school would have been helpful too.

 

[Jojokarade]

It has been almost three years since graduating college and I'm about to enter medical school. I would never give up the experiences I have had away from school. There is no need to rush into school. Most people cannot know themselves in their teens. Live life, you will be a better applicant and trust me, you will be grateful for it.