Intentional delay

[JCPhelps]

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Just wanted to get some opinions. I was wondering if it would be normal for someone to intentionally wait to apply for med school until they are in their 30's, as opposed to just deciding at that age that medicine is for you? I hope this isn't confusing. I guess I'm saying would it hurt me to do other things first just because I want to? Thanks in advance for any replies. Peace.

 

[apass]

JC - I think if you wait it can be an advantage. I am 30 and was recently accepted into some med schools this is after eight years of working as a Professional Engineer and obtaining my masters degree in engineering. I am much more focused than I ever have been as a student and I know what I want and what I need to do to get there. Also I bring alot of personal experience with me that most won't.

However - I think if you are younger (as most applicant are) and you know what you want and you are focused then go for it.

If you need time - it won't hurt you there are applicants that are much older than me and they do great.

Goodluck

 

[bonjuju]

JC,
I agree with apass. What I am hearing in your post is that although you believe you want to go into medicine, now is not the right time. Doing other things "just because you want to" may very well make you a stronger candidate and a well rounded doc in the long run. I will be matriculating this year at age 43, and most ad-coms have been pretty interested in my history (dance and art).
Good luck!

 

[DrInW8ing]

JCPhelps,

I beleive that you should wait until you sense that the time is right for you! You will know when this is. Remember that medical school is going to take up 90+% of your time unless you are gifted.

Do the things you are interested in now. You don't want to have regrets by passing on these opportunities. Your applying time to your interests will make you a more rounded physician.

As for applying for medical school in your 30's, I purposely waited until this year to apply. I had other interests to assert myself to. Before I applied, I wanted to be sure that my main focus was going to be on medical school and that my study habits were in tune for the rigorous hours.

😱 One warning that I have for you though is that you don't wait too long. Many of the medical schools want to see a full load of course work, all with high grades, that were taken no later than a year before applying. This hurt me in one interview. It had been 3 years since my last course work.

If you are taking time off from school, be sure that you work in a health-related field. This will show that you have had ongoing interests in healthcare. Because I was a non-traditional student my healthcare experience was of great value to me as I applied and interviewed.

Good Luck 😉