Hey DO students, what are my chances...

[ScottDoc]

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I am applying to DO school next year. I was going to take the MCAT in August but just made the decison in the last few weeks and cannot possibly study enough. So I will study for the next couple of months. So, my question is about age. I am 32, so figure starting at 34. Is age a factor (negative)? I do have good experience too (chiropractor for a few years so I know the clinical and physical benefits of manipulation). But I have been out of school a few years. I think I graduated with a 3.3 or 3.4, but my classes were not in underwater basketweaving (more like 400 level bio & chem). In fact most of my classes I had will likely be a repeat of the basic sciences when in DO school. I have more "life experience" than I had a few years ago and very diverse clinical.

So what do you all think?

 

[Ryan]

I am applying to DO school next year. I was going to take the MCAT in August but just made the decison in the last few weeks and cannot possibly study enough. So I will study for the next couple of months. So, my question is about age. I am 32, so figure starting at 34. Is age a factor (negative)? I do have good experience too (chiropractor for a few years so I know the clinical and physical benefits of manipulation). But I have been out of school a few years. I think I graduated with a 3.3 or 3.4, but my classes were not in underwater basketweaving (more like 400 level bio & chem). In fact most of my classes I had will likely be a repeat of the basic sciences when in DO school. I have more "life experience" than I had a few years ago and very diverse clinical.

So what do you all think?

Welcome! No worries about age, I know of several COMP students that have graduated or are currently starting in thier 40's. You will also be ahead of the curve in anatomy, having gone to chiro school. While your gpa is a little weak a decent MCAT, solid PS and LOR's should land you a spot at just about any DO school.

Good Luck,
-Ryan

 

[smc927]

A couple of years ago KCOM had a 51-year-old student. In the past two years they have accepted more than one student 30+, and other schools do as well. Don't worry about your age.

 

[wook]

ScottDoc:

I personally think that you have a very good shot at getting in. I would not think that you age is a negative. As other posters have stated, there are plenty of us "old" folk who have gotten in. I applied at age 35. The oldest gentleman in my class is now 53 after 2 years of medical school.

I wouldn't fret too much about the GPA, but would add the caveat that every school is different about what they look for in students.

Wook

 

[dr.z]

You never know till you try. I do know from reading things from DO schools, they like to get people of different backgrounds. Their average age tends to be higher than that of allopathic schools (in my opinion). I think you should go for it since your numbers aren't that weak either. I'm finishing up my Ph.D, and I am trying to enter for class of 2009. I'll be 27 by the time I start. Good luck to you!

 

[box29]

I am 31 and going to start in August! There are many applicants who are "older" (relatively speaking and no offense to anyone) and going to start med school. I say go for it and don't look back!

 

[Ratch]

one good way to show you still have it is to take a high level science class or two before applying, something that would be beneficial for school. do well in that and it more or less erases the gap you have between school and the current. most DO programs love nontraditionals anyway. then all you have is a great range of experiences and a brain that you have proven to the admissions committee can still handle rigorous classwork, plus it shows you have the dedication and drive to make it through all the schoolwork - good luck

 

[Sinnman]

I'm also in the older-than-the-mean club. No problems. In fact, admissions seemed to really value my previous experience.

My only advice would be to crush the MCAT.

Good luck!

 

[ScottDoc]

This all sounds great! I will not be able to go until 2006 so I've got time to study for that April 05 MCAT. Thanks to all!

 

[ScottDoc]

Thanks to all! I've got to wait till April 05 MCAT and therefore will not be starting until 2006. I can't wait!

 

[ScottDoc]

I'm not sure how that happened!