How old is too old.

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XT777

XT777

No I'm...doesn't.
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I am clearly non-trad.

I would likely be 29-30 by application time.

Has anyone here been successful even at that age?

That would make me 38-39 when I got finished...not much time to pay off debt and save for retirement???

Thoughts?
 
I know there have been many successful older, non-traditional applicants. You'll find a few on this board but you're more likely to get better advice for your situation if you visit http://www.oldpremeds.com. Good Luck!!!
 
29 to 30 is not even close to too old! I am 40! The schools do not even raise an eyebrow about your age until 36 years old. You need to start hanging out at OldPremeds.com. Plenty of people go to the med school in their 40s. A very few in their 50s. If you are concerned about the time just pick a short residency like Family Practice, Internal medicine, or Psychiatry. You will be the same age as the neuro surgeons finishing their residency! 😀
 
I have a friend at Georgetown who is a first year, and she's ~35. Several other people in the first year class there are late twenties-early thirties. And I know that a few years ago, UMass graduated one student in his fifties. It's going to depend more on what life experiences you have to show rather than strictly one your age.
 
If I get in next year (I'm applying for 2004), I will be 27 when I start medical school. And I will apply again next year if I don't get in, which would make me 28. The way I look at, why does it matter how old I am if I am in a career that I really love. I'm not going to let age deter me into settling for a career that I don't really like. Even finishing residency in your late 30's will give you 30 more years left to practice... and that's a LONG time to regret not pursuing medical school. And you ARE getting paid during residency, not alot, but still.
 
My mom is 73 and still practicing one or two days a week. They begged her to come back to work. They also pay her very well to do this. She could have retired many years ago but why give up your passion?
 
My childhood family practitioner is 87 and she still works 9-5, m-f in the little town where I grew up (pop. 2,500). Plus she goes to the local hospital one day a week just like she has for the last 50 + years.

Oh, and did I mention ? she was class of 1942 at Yale School of Medicine. So incredibly cooool ! 😍

You never know until you try and like someone said, 30 years is a long time to think about how much you hate your job ... might as well at least TRY and pursue your dreams.
 
I think you are too old when you think you are. I?m 33 now and I?ll be taking the MCAT next April (I hope, if everything lines up this time). I hope to be in school when I?m 34. Retirement I am not all that worried about since I?ve been working full time for 14 years now and I?ve saved already for it. After I get my medical degree I?ll start paying for school. It?ll take about 15 years to payoff, maybe less if I use the equity in the house that I own to pay it off (have to talk to the tax lady before doing this).

The point is if you have a plan then it doesn?t matter how old you are, to a point.
 
I really appreciate everyone?s input. I will certainly start frequenting the oldpremeds forum.

I appreciate the info provided about the 73 and 87 year old M.D.s still working. This certainly indicates that there would be ample time to pay off debt. However, I am not certain that I will want to be working when I am 87...I might like to travel and relax after years of hard work.

Additionally, I wonder if these older M.D.s got into med school when they were thirty. This is really my question...is it possible to get in at that age?has anyone here done it.

Secondly, would this be a rash decision since I would have fewer years to pay off debt and save for retirement, unless, of course I work until I am 87.

Thoughts or experiences?

Thanks
XT777
 
Secondly, would this be a rash decision since I would have fewer years to pay off debt and save for retirement, unless, of course I work until I am 87.
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No one can really answer that but you. Certainly don't make a rash decision, especially if you have prereq's to finish...you need to be very committed as an older student to do well in those classes. I really don't think you are too old. You just need to think about what you want out of a career and if not pursuing medicine is something you will regret one day. I'm sure this is stating the obvious, but really explore the field and other health careers if you haven't already. For me, I decided that even though I'd be older than a lot of my classmates, I HAD to try and get into medical school. I finally have realized the career that would make me the most satisfied, and I really excited. I think you have to have that drive, enthusiasum and certainty even more as an older student, because everything is slightly harder (supporting yourself while taking prereqs, getting used to taking classes again, etc.)
 
Originally posted by XT777
This is really my question...is it possible to get in at that age?has anyone here done it.
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OldManDave

Originally posted by XT777
Secondly, would this be a rash decision since I would have fewer years to pay off debt and save for retirement, unless, of course I work until I am 87.

Thoughts or experiences?

Thanks
XT777
Click to expand...

I've never talked to anyone that has gone to med school due to a "rash decision". It takes years of planning and work just to be qualified to apply. You should sit down with a financial advisor after you speak to an academic advisor and find out if this is really for you.
 
Too old is when you've done too many drugs to be able to go through it... otherwise, even if you practice for 2 years, you reached your goal and did what youwanted to do. It's never too old IMHO. Do it and don't even think about age... think of this way, you say you'll be 30 when you get in... that's only about 5 years older than the average matriculant... which is really only about 1800 days... good luck!
 
I am 35 and was accepted to medical school this past year. There are several students in my class who are in their late twenties/ thirties. I believe the oldesst student is around 45. Of course, many of the students are right out of undergrad, but many have taken a few (or many) years off in between.

There are debt and financial considerations as a non-trad student, especially if you have a spouse and/or children, but being a few years older than the traditional student doesn't enslave you to work like a dog until you are 87.

Don't feel rushed about applying just to make a certain age "cutoff". Non-traditional students are found everywhere.
 
I'm starting my first year of med school in a week and I will be 42 in October. I actually think this a much better time of my life to be doing this. My three kids are grown and out of the house and we own our home. I'm coming back to the same area I live now to practice. Sure, I'll be in my late 40s when I'm done, but I'll have plenty of time to pay off my debt. I think it depends on whether you plan on livin' large and what type of practice and/or specialty you go into as well. Some have longer residencies but are more lucrative. I don't see changing my lifestyle all that much when I am out of school, so maybe that's why I'm not too worried.
 
There are plenty of people here (and elsewhere) who were over 30 when they started medical school - I am one of them and will be over 40 when I finish residency.

Schools will not care, and regardless of your field of choice, you will be able to pay off your loans before retirement (yes, you will still be paying them when your friends are cruising in their fancy cars, drinking expensive wine but you won't care because you'll be a fancy doctor. 😉 ).
 
Hey ! some of you guys make it sound like my childhood doctor is chained to her desk or something, still working at 87.

Of course, I can't speak for her, but it has been my sense that she truly loves what she does. Remember, it's only in the last 25 years or so that women have been 'allowed' to go to medical school in significant numbers, and so to have been able to do this 61 years ago must have been a miracle, and maybe she was grateful for the opportunity Yale gave her.

My grandmother definitely wanted to go to medical school in 1912 (a chemistry major) but of course, doors were closed to her. She was brilliant and I think would have made an excellent physician.

I hope, that if I get in, that I am able to practice until I am 90, as well. I don't think I really want to 'retire'. As for money, well it seems to sort itself out eventually. Just make sure you read Kiplingers and know about personal finance - or have a very trustworthy accountant/advisor !
 
Originally posted by XT777

Additionally, I wonder if these older M.D.s got into med school when they were thirty. This is really my question...is it possible to get in at that age?has anyone here done it.
Click to expand...

As I said before I am 40. I've got three interviews so far so I don't think they are discriminating based on age.
 
I think the oldest student ever to be admitted to a UK school was in her 50s.
 
Go to www.mdapplicants.com !

They got all sorts of info on people who have applied or are applying.

IMHO, in an ideal world, you can say that no number is too high, but in reality, it is true you have to worry about your future... as in retirement, relaxing, or being a soccer grandmom! 🙂 It is a great commitment, and all I can say is to think very very hard, and do what feels right for you! Note that there are other fields, such as nursing, pharmacy, etc.. Good luck!😉 😉
 
At Temple there is a second year med student who is 46. He was a practicing LA County prosecutor for 15 years.
 
Too old is when your dead.......or you can't answer yes to being able to perform the duties of medical school that every school makes you check off or read on the secondary applications. 🙂
Seriously, I am a nontraditional applicant also being 28 and not deciding that I wanted to pursue medicine until I almost graduated from my undergraduate degree. Hard work and dedication will pay off so that you can follow your dreams!
:clap:
 
I was watching a special on TV a while back and there was a lady who was 103 years old still practicing? She walked to work everyday through this trail in the woods and she still wore this really old looking medical uniform. So there you go true story believe it or not.
 
I am over 30 and applied this year....if I don't get it in I'll keep applying....I feel 20 except I have a family of 4 and work full time. I hope there are many 30-somethings in my class.
 
I'll just second what everyone else has already said: you are definitely not too old. There are quite a few people in my class at NYU who are in their late 20's and a few who are older, even though NYU's students have a reputation for being younger than at most other schools. So I'm sure it's even more true elsewhere. If you're as qualified as other applicants, you'll do equally well in the admissions process. I really don't think age becomes a factor until late 30's. As far as the financial aspect, that is something you have to consider. You'll certainly be able to pay back loans and save for retirement, it just may require more careful planning and a few more sacrifices than for a younger person. But if being a doctor is what you really want to do, then it's all worth it. That's what you should focus on, is whether being a doctor is what you really want. If it is, the rest will work itself out.
 
Originally posted by jmwalker
At Temple there is a second year med student who is 46. He was a practicing LA County prosecutor for 15 years.
Click to expand...

Hey, how do you know about our illustrious class leader!
 
Originally posted by ussdfiant
Hey, how do you know about our illustrious class leader!
Click to expand...

He came in and talked to us about the importance of something during orientation. I don't remember what it was, but it was important.
 
Age hasn't been an issue for me so far. I'm 33, married, with 3 kids. I've also had 5 interviews so far. Don't count yourself out!

T
 
No worries:

First time in med school:
My mom was 31 when entering Einstein, I was 6, also had siblings 4 & 8.

Second time in med school:
Myself, will be 29 in Nov., am married & am a first year @ HMS.

Anything is possible!
 
I was graduated from med school at 35 and I'm doing just fine. I've been practicing medicine for 13 years, and plan to practice for many more years to come. I came to med school after grad school in English and several years working as a plumber, of all things...Of course I did all the required pre-med courses, mostly as a Post-Bac, and did quite well on the MCAT exam. If I could do it, so can you. It all depends on your committment.
 
This is so encouraging to hear. I am in first year and 27 years old. There are a few other older people in my class. I started med school 8 years ago and dropped out after first year to pursuit natural medical approaches. And after feeling such strong inexpilicable pulling I find myself back here - and very happy to be here! Its definately a different experience to going straight from school!! And I find a lot of people have deep respect for that - really following your dream!
 
You're never too old. I am currently 36 and in this years application pool for 2004. One of the stories that cemented my journey towards becoming an MD was by Bruce Stafford, who graduated from OSU COM at 51. I searched the web and couldn't find the story, but someone else might know the location.

Financially, I would attempt to stay away from schools with $35K/year tuition, if possible. The debt will be $200K by the time you can start paying it down. Being the engineer type, I ran some numbers and found that I would be farther ahead in 15 years than if I continued what I was doing. This was based on my family income, what we currently save, and realistic growth during the 15 years. For me, where I attend school is based on three major things (no particular order): 1. Cost of attendance (school + living expenses); 2. How will my family be affected (public school quality, cost of homes, urban environment); 3. Quality of education & residency placements.

Good luck.
 
I'll be 30 when I matriculate next yr (have two kids also). My brother was 34 w/3 kids and he's in a 5yr residency. You ain't old........
 
Coming up with a number to answer this question was really tough...but after really thinking about it, I can answer with confidence:

How old is too old?

87 is too old.

At that age, by the time you finished med school and residency, you'd be in your mid-90's. At that age, you probably wouldn't have enough years left in practice to pay off your loans.
 
Originally posted by Teufelhunden
87 is too old.

At that age, by the time you finished med school and residency, you'd be in your mid-90's. At that age, you probably wouldn't have enough years left in practice to pay off your loans.
Click to expand...

On the other hand in your mid 90s you don't really have to worry about paying off your loans now do you?! I wouldn't be making a single payment on my loans if I was practicing in my mid 90s.
 
Originally posted by lisa13579
Even finishing residency in your late 30's will give you 30 more years left to practice... and that's a LONG time to regret not pursuing medical school. And you ARE getting paid during residency, not alot, but still.
Click to expand...

I'm also non-trad but the only problem with your reasoning is if in addition to paying back your debt, you're also trying to save up for your children's college/grad school education, it would definitely be tight. On the other hand, if you're single and don't plan on having kids, it would probably be a non-issue. Another senerio where your financial situation would be good is if you're married and your spouse/family makes a very good living and you either are debt-free when you leave med school or can pay it back quickly and begin to save for your kids and your own retirement. I'm sure that everyone in our situation has a plan, though.
 
Originally posted by gschl1234
... if in addition to paying back your debt, you're also trying to save up for your children's college/grad school education, it would definitely be tight. On the other hand, if you're single and don't plan on having kids, it would probably be a non-issue.
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Yeah, non-issue for me cuz my wife and I are probably not going to ever have children. Plus, I'm HPSP, so I'll have a very small, managable amount of debt.

And, eventually we'll be dual-income (DINKs = dual-income, no kids)...so things should work out just fine.
 
Originally posted by jmwalker
He came in and talked to us about the importance of something during orientation. I don't remember what it was, but it was important.
Click to expand...

I freakin' laughed out loud at this... you made my Friday!😀
 
Originally posted by Teufelhunden
Yeah, non-issue for me cuz my wife and I are probably not going to ever have children. Plus, I'm HPSP, so I'll have a very small, managable amount of debt.
Click to expand...

What's HPSP?
 
50
 
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