Impact of youthful appearance

[josh85]

Hi guys!
I'm applying for admissions to medical school this year (2013 entering class) and was curious as to how I would be affected as a medical student if I have a youthful appearance. Even though I am 24, people actually think I'm 15-16. I was playing basketball the other day and people were surprised that I was in college-they all thought I was a high school freshman. I get carted to watch rated R movies ALL the time. I was wondering how this would affect me as a medical student, how do you guys think this will affect me during my clinical rotations?

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[JP2740]

You should probably delay a few years until you start looking like you're in your 20's. Basically, you don't have a chance.

 

[Bartelby]

I don't think it will matter. You might get more "how old are you?" questions from patients, but I don't think that is common anyhow.

 

[valkener]

While my appearance is older than I actually am I was 3 years younger than the other youngest people in class because I skipped some classes in high school. I believe this has somewhat worked against me as I was ruled out before the interview at some schools. Pure speculation though.

Medical schools like older students (notice, not old, but older) - students that know what they want and are mature (though the correlation doesn't seem to be that high). I would still try to get into medical school if I were you but dress super professionally, and act most mature. A suit/dress can make you look 2-3 years older. Also pick a hair style that will make you look more mature. I know this seems a little silly but I feel like I have been somewhat in your boat! Good luck!


PS: I don't think it will matter during medical school or rotations - it's about how you act and how comfortable you are. If my doctor looks young yet knows what he/she does I have no issues with it. It's all about getting in, that's all!!

 

[Etorphine]

if you PM me your pic I will give you a honest opinion. Also, wear clothes and have a haircut that all spell "mature." This alone can add 2 years.

 

[nychila]

I agree with others - sport a more mature hairstyle. Bulk up if you're a guy & wear light make-up if you're a girl.

 

[Nymphicus]

Checking in the other day at a hotel, the lady was like
"What? How old are you? Can I see an ID?"
*hands ID over*
"Oh, I thought you were 15..."

 

[GoSpursGo]

I honestly don't remember how it impacted me on the interview trail, but from personal experience (looking younger than I am, not actually BEING younger) I don't think it's affected me much on my rotations. Sure I get a few comments about how I look, but generally if I'm wearing a white coat and act confidently that's enough to get the confidence of my patients.

Moving to pre-allo.

 

[NickNaylor]

Doubt it matters too much, but if you're worried about it facial hair can help. I look extremely young if I'm completely shaven but a little hair makes me look more my age.

(sent from my phone - please forgive typos)

 

[weezynation]

Though it's important to note that you'll want a clean shave for interviews.

Clean shave as in no facial hair? Or clean shave as in well manicured and trimmed facial hair?

 

[Praefectus]

Clean shave as in no facial hair? Or clean shave as in well manicured and trimmed facial hair?

If you have a beard, it has to look respectable.

OP, since you look young now you'll still look fairly young when you're 40 (which is definitely a plus).

 

[music2doc]

Clean shave as in no facial hair? Or clean shave as in well manicured and trimmed facial hair?

Neat trim. It needn't be no hair, just well-maintained. I would probably avoid anything longer than a 5-6 clipper and make sure you comb it down and trim it well the day you interview. Basically, you need to look professional.

 

[weezynation]

If you have a beard, it has to look respectable.

OP, since you look young now you'll still look fairly young when you're 40 (which is definitely a plus).

Neat trim. It needn't be no hair, just well-maintained. I would probably avoid anything longer than a 5-6 clipper and make sure you comb it down and trim it well the day you interview. Basically, you need to look professional.

Ok just wanted to make sure. Because I keep my facial hair very well kept and would probably look like a 2 year old without it so I refuse to be clean shaven.

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

Assuming you get in, just go with it and tell everyone that you are 15 years old to intimidate them. Tell them you're going to be the next Doogie Howser.

 

[linebacker57]

Assuming you get in, just go with it and tell everyone that you are 15 years old to intimidate them. Tell them you're going to be the next Doogie Howser.

I couldnt resist, this line is just too funny

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1411697/quotes?qt=qt1497305

 

[AestheticGod]

First world problems.

Consider it as a compliment OP, looking young is a good thing. I myself look fairly young and got complimented on my looks all the time when I did volunteer work at the hospital.