Do I have any hope?

[MD4Me99]

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Hi, let’s just say I don’t even know where I stand or if I’m even considered a non-trad student or am I just a totally different category? I started off as premed/biomedical sciences in 2003, graduated in 2008 with a BS (3.0 cgpa) with a few repeated science courses due to Ws and Ds. Life just turned upside down due to many life altering situations that I just gave up on dream to become a physician (during those 4.5 yrs). Then, I got married (biggest regret) and forgot about everything that I ever wanted to become. In 2011, I completed an accelerated BSN (it was hard, 3.3cgpa in this program) and never took the NCLEX to even finish what I started because I got pregnant right before the program ended. I just kept delaying the NCLEX and then again “forgot” about it. Then, I had kid after kid after kid (4 total) and forgot about everything! I’ll be 35 in a few months, have never had a career, never worked as a professional in any field....just been a stay at home mom/wife.
Now, I’m starting to rethink about my options. My heart was always towards an MD degree but at this point I’m not even sure if I’ll ever succeed.
All my pre-reqs are 12-14 yrs old. Should I even dream about med school? Is there any hope? What route, if any, can I take? I’m open to any suggestions. Thanks!

 

[Bonne Nuit]

Hi, let’s just say I don’t even know where I stand or if I’m even considered a non-trad student or am I just a totally different category? I started off as premed/biomedical sciences in 2003, graduated in 2008 with a BS (3.0 cgpa) with a few repeated science courses due to Ws and Ds. Life just turned upside down due to many life altering situations that I just gave up on dream to become a physician (during those 4.5 yrs). Then, I got married (biggest regret) and forgot about everything that I ever wanted to become. In 2011, I completed an accelerated BSN (it was hard, 3.3cgpa in this program) and never took the NCLEX to even finish what I started because I got pregnant right before the program ended. I just kept delaying the NCLEX and then again “forgot” about it. Then, I had kid after kid after kid (4 total) and forgot about everything! I’ll be 35 in a few months, have never had a career, never worked as a professional in any field....just been a stay at home mom/wife.
Now, I’m starting to rethink about my options. My heart was always towards an MD degree but at this point I’m not even sure if I’ll ever succeed.
All my pre-reqs are 12-14 yrs old. Should I even dream about med school? Is there any hope? What route, if any, can I take? I’m open to any suggestions. Thanks!

You and I are the same age. Most of my prerequisites from 2003-2009 were accepted when I applied this year, no problem. There are a handful of schools that *do* set time parameters on prerequisites, however, so it’s best to check with your state schools’ websites.

That’s the easy issue. The rest of your issues are pretty challenging. You’ll have to do a postbac. You will need to retake any prerequisite in which you received less than a C and a lot of upper division science courses to improve your GPA to the greatest extent possible. You will need to earn 4.0s in these classes and crush the MCAT - aim for 90th percentile or better. This will probably take at least 2 years. Could you handle all this with 4 kids?

Oh yeah, in addition to postbac/MCAT, you’ll also need to amass 200+ clinical hours, 200+ nonclinical community service hours, and 60-80 hours physician shadowing. If you can find a way to get connected with research while doing your postbac, that’s a plus. If you have a 4.0 postbac and a great MCAT and you hit all your extracurricular targets, you will be competitive for DO schools. Maybe your state MD schools too, depending on the state.

So, say you’ve done all this. Then youngest you’ll be is 38 when applying, which means you’ll be 39 when matriculating and 43 when entering residency. Your residency will take a minimum of 3 years, you’ll be working up to 80 hours per week (including overnights), and you’ll be making $60K/year. You will be 46 at the youngest when you’re finally able to start practicing independently and earning a proper salary (and paying off the $300,000+ of student loans you amassed).

So, you need to do some soul searching. Ask yourself if this plan works with your finances and family obligations. While you’re doing this, you should start shadowing a local physician. This will help you decide if medicine is truly worth the sacrifices you’ll be making.

 

[Cornfed101]

Oh yeah, in addition to postbac/MCAT, you’ll also need to amass 200+ clinical hours . . . and 60-80 hours physician shadowing.

I would assume OP has quite a bit of clinical hours already from pursuing the BSN. Also, 60-80 hours physician shadowing seems excessive, but if you want to do that much you can.

 

[hamiltonnyc]

Would you be okay with DO? I think pretty much anyone can have a redemption story if they start over and get 4.0 in hard science classes and 520+ on the MCAT. That pretty clears any doubt as to whether you can handle the coursework. So when anyone asks is it possible, it's never impossible but you have to get really good results and also be realiatic about your goals (e.g be okay moving anywhere and be okay with DO). However, some schools are more welcoming to reinvention stories, especially older non trads. Also, very few people can maintain a 4.0 and score higher than the 98th percentile, especially if they don't have a record of high academic achievement.

 

[Cornfed101]

520+ on the MCAT

OP doesn't need a 520+ on the MCAT to demonstrate reinvention. 512+ is great. Obviously the higher you can get the better, but don't be devastated if you get a 515

 

[hamiltonnyc]

OP doesn't need a 520+ on the MCAT to demonstrate reinvention. 512+ is great. Obviously the higher you can get the better, but don't be devastated if you get a 515

That wasn't specific advice, I was saying in general no one is really out of the game. And any academic deficiencies can be overcome with a high postbac GPA and MCAT (e.g. 4.0 and 520) to be competitive for some DO/MD schools.

I guess my answer was more a reaction to the 'do I have a chance' question. I don't really understand it when OPs don't provide context on what their goal is (e.g. what selectivity tier of schools or a school list) or their target plan. A question as vague as "here's my background do I have any hope" does not invite very helpful answers.

 

[never-too-late]

I had some pre-reqs that were a lot older than yours. I got my BA in 1999. I chose not to complete a secondary at 1 of the MD schools on my initial list because of this: so of all the schools I applied to, only 1 had a stipulation that pre-reqs had to be more recent than 10 years! AACOMAS (DO application) wouldn't accept one of the classes I thought qualified as a pre-req, so I was forced to take semester 1 physics all over again this semester, but that was the only issue I had with my old grades. Whether or not you have a chance, I would guess rests on your MCAT score. As a non-trad, I will say that this was my single greatest hurdle. I'm not a great standardized test taker to start and this one is an 8-hour exam that challenges you in breadth and depth of knowledge as well as your ability to think critically. An average score will almost certainly screen you out, but if you can get a 510, you might have a shot at DO school

My story isn't so different from yours, except that I worked off an on while raising my kids. I went back to school 4 years ago am finishing an MS now (after 2 years of postbacc work) and I am starting DO school next year. From my perspective, your biggest disadvantage is the no work thing. You will need recommendation letters. It would help to have a professional one. And do your former professors know you enough to recommend you? You certainly need to reboot your academics, and do something to get some patient contact experience. Can you volunteer? Can you get your license and work some?

For what it's worth, I started back at 38, so you're not too late yet, but It's a bit of a conceptual hurdle to do this thing, so start working on it now. The real question to ask yourself right now is "can I live with myself if I don't try this?" My answer was an emphatic "NO!", and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that answer was why I have succeeded. It has been a long, hard, often discouraging process to get here, if I didn't feel with every fiber of my being that I had to do this, I wouldn't have succeeded!

 

[Osteosaur]

My class has a few older students with kids. There is definitely hope. There is a guide for premeds with who need to rebuilt their undergraduate records here: Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention.

I applied at 28 with 5 year old prerequisites. Some schools, though hardly all, did want "newer" prerequisites. With your undergraduate GPA being 3.0 even for DO schools you will probably want some newer classes with high grades to show you have the academic ability. Its been so long that a few good grades from a 35 year old are probably going to wash out those poor ones from undergrad. The other issue is you're going to need to get some current volunteering, clinical, and shadowing experiences. I would not count on admissions committees going "Oh she knows the ropes she had a nursing degree 5 years ago".

Like Janet Snakehole said you're going to be 38-39 by the time you apply and its never a guarantee. Shadow a physician and see if you want to put the time in. And if you're not feeling it, then no worries.

 

[MD4Me99]

You and I are the same age. Most of my prerequisites from 2003-2009 were accepted when I applied this year, no problem. There are a handful of schools that *do* set time parameters on prerequisites, however, so it’s best to check with your state schools’ websites.

That’s the easy issue. The rest of your issues are pretty challenging. You’ll have to do a postbac. You will need to retake any prerequisite in which you received less than a C and a lot of upper division science courses to improve your GPA to the greatest extent possible. You will need to earn 4.0s in these classes and crush the MCAT - aim for 90th percentile or better. This will probably take at least 2 years. Could you handle all this with 4 kids?

Oh yeah, in addition to postbac/MCAT, you’ll also need to amass 200+ clinical hours, 200+ nonclinical community service hours, and 60-80 hours physician shadowing. If you can find a way to get connected with research while doing your postbac, that’s a plus. If you have a 4.0 postbac and a great MCAT and you hit all your extracurricular targets, you will be competitive for DO schools. Maybe your state MD schools too, depending on the state.

So, say you’ve done all this. Then youngest you’ll be is 38 when applying, which means you’ll be 39 when matriculating and 43 when entering residency. Your residency will take a minimum of 3 years, you’ll be working up to 80 hours per week (including overnights), and you’ll be making $60K/year. You will be 46 at the youngest when you’re finally able to start practicing independently and earning a proper salary (and paying off the $300,000+ of student loans you amassed).

So, you need to do some soul searching. Ask yourself if this plan works with your finances and family obligations. While you’re doing this, you should start shadowing a local physician. This will help you decide if medicine is truly worth the sacrifices you’ll be making.

My biggest challenge is kids, to be honest. They are my priority but at the same time this is my lifelong dream 🙁 My husband makes 200K so I’m not really worried about finances much. I do volunteer at a local community free clinic once a month but it’s not very “medical”. I mostly just help out here and there. Shadowing a physician or volunteering won’t be hard for me as I do have many contacts. I’m just scared about IF I’ll be able to do it. My husband just tells me to go the NP route since I already have a BSN (I will have to take NCLEX) if I really want to start again but I’m really stuck on being a physician 🙁

 

[Cornfed101]

My husband just tells me to go the NP route since I already have a BSN (I will have to take NCLEX) if I really want to start again but I’m really stuck on being a physician 🙁

Why not NP?

 

[Bonne Nuit]

I would assume OP has quite a bit of clinical hours already from pursuing the BSN. Also, 60-80 hours physician shadowing seems excessive, but if you want to do that much you can.

I’m not sure how many clinical hours one gets in pursuit of a BSN, but OP never actually practiced as a nurse. And whatever clinical hours OP received as an aspiring nurse will be at least a decade old by the time they apply. They need to show more recent clinical involvement to be competitive, IMO.

60-80 hours is considered the target number of physician shadowing hours, according to adcoms on SDN. This is also the recommended number of physician shadowing hours at many of the schools I applied to/interviewed at. I can only go off what I’ve discovered in the course of my own non-traditional application.

 

[never-too-late]

Why not NP?

I was thinking the same thing. Depending on the state, your ability to practice could be exactly the same! It would probably be MUCH faster and easier for you to get into an MSN program since you already have a BSN than it would be to get to med school. And now that schools are offering direct entry NP's, an RN isn't necessary if you don't have it!! A direct entry NP program was going to be my backup if I didn't get in after 2 application cycles.

And after you have your NP, you can get a doctor of nursing practice, often online, making you a "doctor" as well. In my state (and others) NP's can have their own practice and do not need to practice under the license of a physician, so what you know about this option might be outdated. Many states are moving in this direction because of the shortages of primary care physicians.

 

[Bonne Nuit]

My biggest challenge is kids, to be honest. They are my priority but at the same time this is my lifelong dream 🙁 My husband makes 200K so I’m not really worried about finances much. I do volunteer at a local community free clinic once a month but it’s not very “medical”. I mostly just help out here and there. Shadowing a physician or volunteering won’t be hard for me as I do have many contacts. I’m just scared about IF I’ll be able to do it. My husband just tells me to go the NP route since I already have a BSN (I will have to take NCLEX) if I really want to start again but I’m really stuck on being a physician 🙁

I’m not a parent, so I can’t really speak to that. I guess the main question is - can you swing 4 years of medical school (long hours) and 3+ years of residency (insane hours) with 4 kids? Maybe you have easy access to childcare and it’s no issue. This sounds like a discussion you’ll need to have with your spouse.

Anyway, there’s no harm in dipping a toe into the premedical process while you figure this all out. Shadow some doctors ASAP. If you remain interested in what you see, enroll in some postbac courses at your local state school this fall. If this is truly the path for you, you will pick up momentum as you go. You’re still about 3 years out from any potential application, so you’ve got some time to figure all the personal/family stuff out.

 

[Cornfed101]

60-80 hours is considered the target number of physician shadowing hours, according to adcoms on SDN. This is also the recommended number of physician shadowing hours at many of the schools I applied to/interviewed at. I can only go off what I’ve discovered in the course of my own non-traditional application.

I'm think I'm just in denial because I only got 20 hours of shadowing (and none of it PCP shadowing)... You are probably right

 

[deleted1001426]

nursing practice, often online, making you a "doctor" as well.

There is so much that is wrong with this sentence lol

 

[never-too-late]

There is so much that is wrong with this sentence lol

Well, it makes one a doctor, though not a physician. I don’t find the online part so concerning when you consider the person already has a degree that allows them to treat patients!

 

[deleted1001426]

Well, it makes one a doctor, though not a physician. I don’t find the online part so concerning when you consider the person already has a degree that allows them to treat patients!

I could have expanded the quote to encompass your entire post but I digress. Just a peon, my opinion in this matter is not important

 

[MD4Me99]

I had some pre-reqs that were a lot older than yours. I got my BA in 1999. I chose not to complete a secondary at 1 of the MD schools on my initial list because of this: so of all the schools I applied to, only 1 had a stipulation that pre-reqs had to be more recent than 10 years! AACOMAS (DO application) wouldn't accept one of the classes I thought qualified as a pre-req, so I was forced to take semester 1 physics all over again this semester, but that was the only issue I had with my old grades. Whether or not you have a chance, I would guess rests on your MCAT score. As a non-trad, I will say that this was my single greatest hurdle. I'm not a great standardized test taker to start and this one is an 8-hour exam that challenges you in breadth and depth of knowledge as well as your ability to think critically. An average score will almost certainly screen you out, but if you can get a 510, you might have a shot at DO school

My story isn't so different from yours, except that I worked off an on while raising my kids. I went back to school 4 years ago am finishing an MS now (after 2 years of postbacc work) and I am starting DO school next year. From my perspective, your biggest disadvantage is the no work thing. You will need recommendation letters. It would help to have a professional one. And do your former professors know you enough to recommend you? You certainly need to reboot your academics, and do something to get some patient contact experience. Can you volunteer? Can you get your license and work some?

For what it's worth, I started back at 38, so you're not too late yet, but It's a bit of a conceptual hurdle to do this thing, so start working on it now. The real question to ask yourself right now is "can I live with myself if I don't try this?" My answer was an emphatic "NO!", and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that answer was why I have succeeded. It has been a long, hard, often discouraging process to get here, if I didn't feel with every fiber of my being that I had to do this, I wouldn't have succeeded!

Wow, that’s great! What did you do your masters in? If you don’t mind me asking, why did you do a masters if you were going to do a post-bacc anyways? What field were you working in before? I’m assuming your kids are much older now? Are they going to move To a different city for your school too? Was your husband ready and supportive for this? Sorry for so many questions but these are my “challenges” I guess and it’d be helpful to see how others overcame this 🙂

 

[MD4Me99]

Why not NP?

Although, NP was my “backup” plan when I started the accelerated BSN, I feel like I’m not going to have enough knowledge to be a good PCP (just my opinion). The other reason is the autonomy and prestige....even on SDN it’s always MD vs NP debate

 

[MD4Me99]

I was thinking the same thing. Depending on the state, your ability to practice could be exactly the same! It would probably be MUCH faster and easier for you to get into an MSN program since you already have a BSN than it would be to get to med school. And now that schools are offering direct entry NP's, an RN isn't necessary if you don't have it!! A direct entry NP program was going to be my backup if I didn't get in after 2 application cycles.

And after you have your NP, you can get a doctor of nursing practice, often online, making you a "doctor" as well. In my state (and others) NP's can have their own practice and do not need to practice under the license of a physician, so what you know about this option might be outdated. Many states are moving in this direction because of the shortages of primary care physicians.

It’s still my backup if all else fails. I’m just leaning more towards a medical model, if you will. I regret wasting so many years but time will go on, regret or no regret. PA school is also an option but if I have to let go my dream to be an MD then NP is a better option coz I can get done sooner and have a better chance at getting accepted sooner.
My husband is supportive of the NP route (childcare n all, that too after much pushing lol). He thinks med school will totally make me out of sight for him and the kids and it’d be stressful for everyone 🙁

 

[never-too-late]

It’s still my backup if all else fails. I’m just leaning more towards a medical model, if you will. I regret wasting so many years but time will go on, regret or no regret. PA school is also an option but if I have to let go my dream to be an MD then NP is a better option coz I can get done sooner and have a better chance at getting accepted sooner.
My husband is supportive of the NP route (childcare n all, that too after much pushing lol). He thinks med school will totally make me out of sight for him and the kids and it’d be stressful for everyone 🙁

are you ok with DO? I think MD is really quite a stretch unless you kill that MCAT. And how widely can you apply? Is the hubs willing to move?

you’re not realistically going to be able to start medical school for at least 3 years! If NP had been as easy for me as it would be for you, I would have totally gone that route! But I had the same amount of prep work either way. Your MCAT is going to tell you a lot, so maybe you want to try a round of prep and some practice exams.

 

[Goro]

Hi, let’s just say I don’t even know where I stand or if I’m even considered a non-trad student or am I just a totally different category? I started off as premed/biomedical sciences in 2003, graduated in 2008 with a BS (3.0 cgpa) with a few repeated science courses due to Ws and Ds. Life just turned upside down due to many life altering situations that I just gave up on dream to become a physician (during those 4.5 yrs). Then, I got married (biggest regret) and forgot about everything that I ever wanted to become. In 2011, I completed an accelerated BSN (it was hard, 3.3cgpa in this program) and never took the NCLEX to even finish what I started because I got pregnant right before the program ended. I just kept delaying the NCLEX and then again “forgot” about it. Then, I had kid after kid after kid (4 total) and forgot about everything! I’ll be 35 in a few months, have never had a career, never worked as a professional in any field....just been a stay at home mom/wife.
Now, I’m starting to rethink about my options. My heart was always towards an MD degree but at this point I’m not even sure if I’ll ever succeed.
All my pre-reqs are 12-14 yrs old. Should I even dream about med school? Is there any hope? What route, if any, can I take? I’m open to any suggestions. Thanks!

yes, it's doable. Some of my all time best students have been int heir 30s and 40s. One graduated at age 50 and is now an attending in Southern CA.
Read this:
Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

 

[MD4Me99]

are you ok with DO? I think MD is really quite a stretch unless you kill that MCAT. And how widely can you apply? Is the hubs willing to move?

you’re not realistically going to be able to start medical school for at least 3 years! If NP had been as easy for me as it would be for you, I would have totally gone that route! But I had the same amount of prep work either way. Your MCAT is going to tell you a lot, so maybe you want to try a round of prep and some practice exams.

I’m ok with DO if all else fails, I guess. My husband says he’s not willing to move UNLESS he finds a better position in the same city :/ But, I think I can make him agree but first I need to get accepted somewhere so that I can show him how determined I am lol. Thanks for your help! 🙂

 

[MD4Me99]

yes, it's doable. Some of my all time best students have been int heir 30s and 40s. One graduated at age 50 and is now an attending in Southern CA.
Read this:
Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

That’s encouraging! Do you think a post-bacc would be a better option in my case or SMP? Thanks!

 

[Goro]

That’s encouraging! Do you think a post-bacc would be a better option in my case or SMP? Thanks!

Both have thier pluses and minuses. I lean to SMPs given at a med school with some sort of linkage. Higher risk, but higher reward.

 

[MD4Me99]

Both have thier pluses and minuses. I lean to SMPs given at a med school with some sort of linkage. Higher risk, but higher reward.

Ok. What do you think would be better in my case? My city has a private school with a linkage but that program grants admission only if you’ve applied to med schools and got waitlisted somewhere (or may be rejected too, not sure). That school also has other SMPs but from all the posts/threads I’ve read on here, it seems like post bacc is the way to go. If I’m not wrong, I also read that SMP gpa isn’t considered for admissions, only bacc or post bacc gpa.....is that true? Thanks!

 

[Goro]

Ok. What do you think would be better in my case? My city has a private school with a linkage but that program grants admission only if you’ve applied to med schools and got waitlisted somewhere (or may be rejected too, not sure). That school also has other SMPs but from all the posts/threads I’ve read on here, it seems like post bacc is the way to go. If I’m not wrong, I also read that SMP gpa isn’t considered for admissions, only bacc or post bacc gpa.....is that true? Thanks!

You read wrong. The whole purpose of SMPs is to show med schools you can handle med school lite. They're audition for med school, and a back door into the host program.

In your case, if you can't relocate, do the DIY postbac

 

[MD4Me99]

You read wrong. The whole purpose of SMPs is to show med schools you can handle med school lite. They're audition for med school, and a back door into the host program.

In your case, if you can't relocate, do the DIY postbac

oh ok. Yes, I’d rather not relocate for a post-bacc or SMP. I have a post-bacc certificate program in my city. Then there are like 4-5 different SMPs at another school in my city as well. Is DIY post-bacc better than a post-bacc pre-health certificate? Thank you so much for answering my questions!

 

[Goro]

oh ok. Yes, I’d rather not relocate for a post-bacc or SMP. I have a post-bacc certificate program in my city. Then there are like 4-5 different SMPs at another school in my city as well. Is DIY post-bacc better than a post-bacc pre-health certificate? Thank you so much for answering my questions!

The advantages are outline din my guide.

 

[MD4Me99]

The advantages are outline din my guide.

sure, will go over it, thanks! When we talk about DIY post bac, is it ok to retake the pre-req classes (at a community college) for lower level science courses? I’ve already taken all the pre-requisites as my major was Biomedical Sciences (12yrs ago though). I’ve made from As-Ds in those pre-reqs (repeated Ds already in Orgo 1 and Microbio). I’m afraid it’ll be hard to come up with additional upper level courses to total up to 30-45 hours because I’ve already taken several of them. So, is repeating ok even with upper level ones too....in my case at least? Thanks!

 

[Goro]

sure, will go over it, thanks! When we talk about DIY post bac, is it ok to retake the pre-req classes (at a community college) for lower level science courses? I’ve already taken all the pre-requisites as my major was Biomedical Sciences (12yrs ago though). I’ve made from As-Ds in those pre-reqs (repeated Ds already in Orgo 1 and Microbio). I’m afraid it’ll be hard to come up with additional upper level courses to total up to 30-45 hours because I’ve already taken several of them. So, is repeating ok even with upper level ones too....in my case at least? Thanks!

Four year college is better. If finances are an issue, then yes, go for CC.

 

[MD4Me99]

Four year college is better. If finances are an issue, then yes, go for CC.

ok.....what about repeating courses I’ve already taken? Upper and lower? Even if I made As and Bs in them previously? Thanks!

 

[Bonne Nuit]

ok.....what about repeating courses I’ve already taken? Upper and lower? Even if I made As and Bs in them previously? Thanks!

You only need to repeat any prerequisites in which you received less than a C (i.e., C- or lower).

That said, in 2015, my DIY postbac school asked me to repeat my biology credits from 2004. Even though medical schools would have accepted the 2004 credits, my state school wanted to see newer biology credits before allowing me to enroll in upper division sciences. Something like that might happen to you too, given the age of your prerequisites.

I recommend buying a subscription to the Medical School Admissions Requirements database today. It’s less than $30 and you can see all the entrance requirements for every MD program in the country. It will help you with your planning by showing you what you need to do to be competitive for your local medical schools. For example, not all MD programs accept community college credits, so you need to check the MSAR entries for your local schools if you’re considering CC postbac work.

 

[acstylin]

Your husband makes enough that you won’t have to worry about the well-being of your kids while you’re at school/shadowing/MCAT prep etc. There is probably enough to hire a nanny when needed BUT I’m sure you don’t love the idea of being replaced by a nanny. Getting everything done and doing well on the MCAT takes a lot of time and it will impact your family considerably. I hear a lot of people say they want to follow their medical dreams as long as it doesn’t take them away from their family. That’s not feasible in my opinion. I am sure some people could pull it off, but I haven’t met any personally. All the school and extracurriculars take a lot of time and there is no shortcut around that. FYI, my story is similar except I’m a male and had a career in construction outside the home and I have 6 kids. I will be going to my state MD school starting in Aug 2020. It can be done, but I missed more family events than I care to admit.

 

[Goro]

ok.....what about repeating courses I’ve already taken? Upper and lower? Even if I made As and Bs in them previously? Thanks!

It's foolish to repeat courses already taken unless you got a C- in them or lower.

The only exception is if you need to repeat the coursework in order to prepare yourself for MCAT. If so, it might be better just to audit them.

 

[MD4Me99]

Your husband makes enough that you won’t have to worry about the well-being of your kids while you’re at school/shadowing/MCAT prep etc. There is probably enough to hire a nanny when needed BUT I’m sure you don’t love the idea of being replaced by a nanny. Getting everything done and doing well on the MCAT takes a lot of time and it will impact your family considerably. I hear a lot of people say they want to follow their medical dreams as long as it doesn’t take them away from their family. That’s not feasible in my opinion. I am sure some people could pull it off, but I haven’t met any personally. All the school and extracurriculars take a lot of time and there is no shortcut around that. FYI, my story is similar except I’m a male and had a career in construction outside the home and I have 6 kids. I will be going to my state MD school starting in Aug 2020. It can be done, but I missed more family events than I care to admit.

Yes, you’re absolutely right. My biggest fear is losing that special bond with my kids. My husband is also not on board with this idea “fully” because of the kids. I do have a part-time nanny right now too but going out of sight for some days/evenings/events/etc scares me. The thought of a nanny picking up and dropping off kids everyday scares me even more. Then again, I want to be an example for them by pursuing my dream, no matter how hard it is. I’m very confused and you scared me a little more lol.

 

[TwoHighways]

Way too many obstacles. If your husband isn’t fully on board, he more than likely doesn’t support it at all and is just going along with it to keep the peace. Factor in your desire to be a good mom, your age, your lack of a career prior to embarking down this path (I don’t at all discount the importance of being a stay at home parent, but others will), a lukewarm at best spouse, the prerequisites you’ll need to take/retake, and your need to do very well on the MCAT, and I just don’t see it happening.

Who knows though? Maybe me telling you that it isn’t going to happen will motivate you.

why did you keep putting off the NCLEX?

 

[TheHumblingRiver]

As an RN who was in their thirties with a terrible GPA once I began considering pursuing medical school, I am here to tell you it can be done. However, as they say, the only thing you have to change in order to make it happen, is absolutely everything.

My suggestion is to first do an introspective analysis (preferably with a neutral third party such as an advisor or therapist) as to whether this is an ego-driven pipe dream or not.

After that, use those same resources and do an even deeper dive into why you are in this predicament. Why did your grades suck (for medical school at least), why the mistake marriage, and how the hell did you "forget" to take the single most important test a nurse can take? Not taking the NCLEX rendered your BSN worthless. You know that and I'm sure you did then as well.

Answer those questions first. Your path to medical school (or not) lies there.

Then start thinking post-bacc or SMP +/- MCAT prep. Read Goro's guide above, I'm literally going to be a doctor because of that s#%t.

 

[MD4Me99]

Way too many obstacles. If your husband isn’t fully on board, he more than likely doesn’t support it at all and is just going along with it to keep the peace. Factor in your desire to be a good mom, your age, your lack of a career prior to embarking down this path (I don’t at all discount the importance of being a stay at home parent, but others will), a lukewarm at best spouse, the prerequisites you’ll need to take/retake, and your need to do very well on the MCAT, and I just don’t see it happening.

Who knows though? Maybe me telling you that it isn’t going to happen will motivate you.

why did you keep putting off the NCLEX?

As an RN who was in their thirties with a terrible GPA once I began considering pursuing medical school, I am here to tell you it can be done. However, as they say, the only thing you have to change in order to make it happen, is absolutely everything.

My suggestion is to first do an introspective analysis (preferably with a neutral third party such as an advisor or therapist) as to whether this is an ego-driven pipe dream or not.

After that, use those same resources and do an even deeper dive into why you are in this predicament. Why did your grades suck (for medical school at least), why the mistake marriage, and how the hell did you "forget" to take the single most important test a nurse can take? Not taking the NCLEX rendered your BSN worthless. You know that and I'm sure you did then as well.

Answer those questions first. Your path to medical school (or not) lies there.

Then start thinking post-bacc or SMP +/- MCAT prep. Read Goro's guide above, I'm literally going to be a doctor because of that s#%t.

Grades sucked because of an abusive household, case of domestic violence by my dad, mom running away with another guy, me being responsible for my siblings coz they were underage, having depression & other health/mental health issues.....etc. Also tried to commit suicide 2 times but failed. I don’t want to go into detail on this publicly but I was put on a gunpoint once by my dad because of something minor. Anyways, I said marriage Was a mistake because I got married and moved to a different state where I couldn’t afford tuition and had to wait a year to become resident (husband wasn’t earning much at that time). I got married basically to leave my abusive parents....at that time it felt like a safer option. We kept moving every 9-10 months until he was stable and I basically supported his career goals and put mine on the back burner. Then when he finally landed a great job in the city I got into ASBN as well, I got pregnant the last month of that program. Then, I “forgot” to take NCLEX because at the same time my parents got divorced and dad eloped somewhere....and mom ended up being homeless. Also, at the same time, husband got an opportunity to work overseas in a totally foreign country to us and we moved away for 6 years! In that time I had 2 more kids! Life just got busy and I got lost in the chaos. Then, came back to the U.S and started looking for RN refresher courses.....got pregnant again. All pregnancies unplanned! Got other health issues during this pregnancy (And later) and was put on bed rest.....I guess I’ve explained some of your queries but I don’t even know where to begin to tell you how life has been 🙁

 

[acstylin]

Yes, you’re absolutely right. My biggest fear is losing that special bond with my kids. My husband is also not on board with this idea “fully” because of the kids. I do have a part-time nanny right now too but going out of sight for some days/evenings/events/etc scares me. The thought of a nanny picking up and dropping off kids everyday scares me even more. Then again, I want to be an example for them by pursuing my dream, no matter how hard it is. I’m very confused and you scared me a little more lol.

Couldn’t agree more with everything you said. There is no black/white right/wrong here. You have decide what is the better option for you and your kids. Don’t let age or past performance be a worry. You’re a new you and you’re going to show them the new you through your amazing achievements. If you decide to do this, there is no part-time way to do it (in my worthless opinion) and it’s going to impact your family. Maybe you’ll inspire your kids that anything is possible as long as you have the will. Maybe they’ll understand the importance of making good decisions while they’re young and easy to make? Who knows? You do.

 

[TheHumblingRiver]

Grades sucked because of an abusive household, case of domestic violence by my dad, mom running away with another guy, me being responsible for my siblings coz they were underage, having depression & other health/mental health issues.....etc. Also tried to commit suicide 2 times but failed. I don’t want to go into detail on this publicly but I was put on a gunpoint once by my dad because of something minor. Anyways, I said marriage Was a mistake because I got married and moved to a different state where I couldn’t afford tuition and had to wait a year to become resident (husband wasn’t earning much at that time). I got married basically to leave my abusive parents....at that time it felt like a safer option. We kept moving every 9-10 months until he was stable and I basically supported his career goals and put mine on the back burner. Then when he finally landed a great job in the city I got into ASBN as well, I got pregnant the last month of that program. Then, I “forgot” to take NCLEX because at the same time my parents got divorced and dad eloped somewhere....and mom ended up being homeless. Also, at the same time, husband got an opportunity to work overseas in a totally foreign country to us and we moved away for 6 years! In that time I had 2 more kids! Life just got busy and I got lost in the chaos. Then, came back to the U.S and started looking for RN refresher courses.....got pregnant again. All pregnancies unplanned! Got other health issues during this pregnancy (And later) and was put on bed rest.....I guess I’ve explained some of your queries but I don’t even know where to begin to tell you how life has been 🙁

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult trajectory your life has undertaken. Truthfully, I posed those questions to be answered by yourself and not necessarily aired on a public forum, though I commend you for your honesty.

I think professional assistance in the form of a therapist or counselor would be a fruitful usage of your time. Your situation is a complicated one to be certain.

I used one, I call him my life coach because it makes me feel better about myself to think I'm a life athlete.

Best of luck.