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put a shirt on or something man.. no one wants to see that
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Interviewing at 19 years old
Started by glux
Its too bad he wasn't born 60 years ago. Storming the beach head at Normandy would've been a breeze if he was on the squad:
Haha cool. There's more of us than I thought (well...technically. I'm 18 now but will be 19 when I apply.)
I guess my situation is slightly different. I graduated high school early instead of dual-enrolling and started at university when I was sixteen.
OP your GPA is excellent. Are those mostly GE reqs or are there some prereq classes in there too? Assuming you do well on the mcat, it seems to me you're in pretty good shape.
I would also try to get involved on campus during college, do some ECs that aren't standard premed stuff that ties in with your interests (ex. I helped teach piano and accompanied the choir at a social center for blind people, some people tutor or play sports, join debate team etc.).
How many summer courses are you planning on taking? I have taken courses during the last two summers. If you're only taking one class per session, then you can still have time to do extra stuff on the side like volunteer or shadow if its something manageable like once or twice a week.
Best of luck!
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I pretty much did the same thing you did, entering college at 15.
However, I'd caution that there are some classes that don't lend well to summer sessions. At my school because of the interesting way they're arranged, things like Orgo Lab over the summer are just killer, with two four-hour labs a week, 6 hours of lecture, and 6 hours of discussion, for a 2 credit hour class. Just something to keep in mind.
This is a job, not a religion. No I wouldn't want to do medicine if it was the worst job in the world. The worst job in the world is, by definition, the job I would least want to have. The stability of medicine (you'll never end up waiting tables) is a perfectly good addition to your list of reasons for choosing the profession. It's also alright to admit that waiting tables at the local diner is a crappy job.
OP, people here have reported back that ADCOMs do seem to look down on younger applicants (younger applicants have reported a hard time getting interviews with what seem like good stats and essays). However if your scores are high enough and your personality is good enough you can definitely overcome. Good luck.
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I'm not sure why you're asking for advice because you seem pretty intent on applying now and not delaying it.
With that said, do you think you'll be ready -- not academically, but mentally and emotionally -- to be a doctor at the age of 23??
With that said, do you think you'll be ready -- not academically, but mentally and emotionally -- to be a doctor at the age of 23??
Sorry, I typed that in about 5 minutes at 4 am after studying for exams all day. Reading it again, it isn't nearly as well as it should be, and it is just not good.
But my point stands. There are experiences you can have during college you can never have again, and I think that the OP should take advantage of these instead of rushing through school.
But my point stands. There are experiences you can have during college you can never have again, and I think that the OP should take advantage of these instead of rushing through school.
lol, I'm sorry but I think "I need to do well in school because I don't want to get a crappy job as a waitress" isn't exactly the best motivation for going to medical school. The end result of the motivation might be similar, but your motivation for doing well in school should be "I want to do medicine because I would have chosen it even if it was the worst job in the world." But hey, that's just my opinion.
Also you are assuming people who work as waitresses don't do well in school. While it may have a very high correlation, still, nothing I'd want to put on my med school application 😉
It has already been said here, but in roder to overcome the minor age/rush factor, you need to have a story about why medicine and demonstrated it in some way or another.
Kernel, I totally agree!
The average age of an MS1 is 25. Just something to keep in mind. If you take time off (or just don't rush), you will still be WAY young. Enjoy your childhood!!! You can never, never get these years back before you're completely caught up in med school. Hang out with your friends, have a LIFE outside of getting into med school.
That being said, if you are sure that going into medical school so early is what is going to make you happy, no one here will be able to convince you otherwise, and you should follow your heart.
The average age of an MS1 is 25. Just something to keep in mind. If you take time off (or just don't rush), you will still be WAY young. Enjoy your childhood!!! You can never, never get these years back before you're completely caught up in med school. Hang out with your friends, have a LIFE outside of getting into med school.
That being said, if you are sure that going into medical school so early is what is going to make you happy, no one here will be able to convince you otherwise, and you should follow your heart.
Averages are a bad measure for med school age because it is skewed by the 40+ y/o people they accept. Median is better but they dont give that data.🙁
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I might be wrong here, but it's possible that since you had not graduated HS yet while you were getting these experiences, they might not count on your AMCAS application. Someone correct me if this isn't the case.
I think you're right, unless the OP continues the activity while in college, then it will be part of a lengthy pattern.
Median at mine is 24. Range: 21-36.
Any grades in college level classes count, whether you took them in HS or not (I know because this screwed some friends who took/blew off CC classes while in HS, not knowing that they had a permanent record). Your activities can be from any time, they can be from grade school if you really want them to be. Volunteering in late HS while taking college courses should be fine.
Taking prereqs over the summer might raise some red flags, especially of you do several of them.
In my own personal case, I came into college with plenty of credits, and might have been able to graduate in two years, but I don't know because it never crossed my mind. I'm sure many people here could have done the same. I do know that if I had taken one more class my junior year (I was only taking 14-16 credits a semester), I would have graduated after three. But I refused to do that. I wanted four years at university and was going to get it. Doing so let me devote my senior year to research, and let me take a lot of classes I wanted to throughout my university career. I was able to go on missions trips and personal trips, and get some more interesting experiences. I got involved in several clubs and became an officer in one.
There is an old saying attributed to the namesake of our school, Henry Rutgers. Don't let your studies interfere with your education.
In my own personal case, I came into college with plenty of credits, and might have been able to graduate in two years, but I don't know because it never crossed my mind. I'm sure many people here could have done the same. I do know that if I had taken one more class my junior year (I was only taking 14-16 credits a semester), I would have graduated after three. But I refused to do that. I wanted four years at university and was going to get it. Doing so let me devote my senior year to research, and let me take a lot of classes I wanted to throughout my university career. I was able to go on missions trips and personal trips, and get some more interesting experiences. I got involved in several clubs and became an officer in one.
There is an old saying attributed to the namesake of our school, Henry Rutgers. Don't let your studies interfere with your education.
I doubt that this is true. I'm a full time student in college, not some sort of provisional student, so why would they discredit my experiences? I know that research experience done while in high school doesn't count, but this isn't that situation.
Still, despite people claiming that my mind is made up, I'm unsure of what I'm going to do. Some of the advice on here has been really helpful, some hasn't been. I get the feeling that a few of you are a couple of years older than me but still afford yourself much more life experience. For the time being, I'm leaning towards taking an extra year so that I won't have to do summer classes.
Its, "Don't let your schooling interfere with your education."
Courtesy of Mark Twain
Your impatience in your response only further demonstrates how unprepared you are in life for this. For the record, "adcoms" hate young applicants (fickle) and summer courses (slack).
Of course. It will make him feel special.
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I'm not going to lie. Of course it would be amazing to be a doctor at 23. There's no denying that having such a rewarding job at such a young age would make me feel "special".
It sounds like you have something to prove. I'm sorry that abbreviating admissions committees bothered you. I don't think I'm being impatient. In fact, I really appreciate most of the advice. However, the 21-25 year old posters who think they're worldly does seem a bit pretentious.
BTW, summer courses might represent slacking at your school, but the schedule for summer courses at my school is pretty rigorous.
I'd be curious as to your motivation to rush through summer courses to graduate early and go to med school. If your answer is "because I can," it might be a good idea to think about it.
Also, maybe think about the benefit of going into med school at 19 - in the long run, there is practically no benefit except maybe bragging rights for about a year before no one will care - vs. the benefit of whatever you may choose to do with your summers. These benefits may not just be things that will strengthen your application, but your relationships with family, friends, bf/gf (?) and FUN. Just something to think about. In the end, I have no doubt you will be a doctor.
Also, maybe think about the benefit of going into med school at 19 - in the long run, there is practically no benefit except maybe bragging rights for about a year before no one will care - vs. the benefit of whatever you may choose to do with your summers. These benefits may not just be things that will strengthen your application, but your relationships with family, friends, bf/gf (?) and FUN. Just something to think about. In the end, I have no doubt you will be a doctor.
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229141
Well sadly all that matters is that the adcoms will think you are too young. But if you are willing to sacrifice your college years (more so than pre-meds already do..) go right ahead, but realize many schools will deny you based on age alone (I don't totally agree with it but its the harsh reality)
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229141
I love how people don't understand bodybuilding haha. Sorry didn't mean to make you feel bad..
mmmcdowe
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I don't agree with this. Most schools have anti-discrimination policies about this. Granted, they are usually focused on older applicants. OP, you need EC's, period. If you can get them and graduate at age 19, go for it. In the end, though, I'd make sure I got a lot of practice interviewing.
Eh, graduate early, spend a year doing research, join the Peace Corps, backpack through Europe, or something like that before applying for school.
👍 The age won't hurt you one bit...but you need the ECs/experiences.
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229141
Tell that to all the stellar students (age 23-24) who were denied only to see 30 yr olds with worse stats get accepted....they HEAVILY favor older applicants at some schools. Not all schools but some of them...its discouraging.
👍
Points to you for keeping an open mind about all this. As a 26 y/o who is going to have a heck of a time getting into med school, I'd give anything to be in your shoes. With that said, though, I do have some experiences in life that I wouldn't give up for anything, and if I ever get into med school, I think these experiences will not only help me be a better doctor, but a better person overall.
Ya only get one life. Have some fun and make the best of it.
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Just out of curiousity, do you remember which schools these were?
I think most people here have talked to different Adcoms, thats why many say that Age matters and others say it doesnt.
I remember talking to one Adcom from a very highly ranked school, and out of nowhere he said, "this surprises some people, but age makes a big difference".
After checking some of the MD Apps on here, I can say that I have never seen a applicant younger then 20-21 get accepted to this school.
Think of it like this, why choose a younger applicant when there are other people with 3.7+ gpa, good MCAT, and Excellent Ec's (that they have had the time to work on).
I think that If your ready, then dont waste any time and get started on your medical education because only you know if you are going to truely enjoy time off, or if your going to just waste that time that is better spent in medical school.
But people need to STOP saying that age doesnt matter, because it does.
I remember talking to one Adcom from a very highly ranked school, and out of nowhere he said, "this surprises some people, but age makes a big difference".
After checking some of the MD Apps on here, I can say that I have never seen a applicant younger then 20-21 get accepted to this school.
Think of it like this, why choose a younger applicant when there are other people with 3.7+ gpa, good MCAT, and Excellent Ec's (that they have had the time to work on).
I think that If your ready, then dont waste any time and get started on your medical education because only you know if you are going to truely enjoy time off, or if your going to just waste that time that is better spent in medical school.
But people need to STOP saying that age doesnt matter, because it does.
mmmcdowe
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AGE doesn't matter, experience does. You said it yourself. EC's are what age often gets you. Sitting on your butt for 9 years and then applying doesn't make you a better applicant, its what you do during those 9 years that does.
You don't think age has anything to do with how many experiences you are a part of?
mmmcdowe
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I think it can, but I don't think that you can write someone off who might have had a far more vibrant life in 19 years than we have in 22 just because of a number. On average, I would bet that most 22 year olds have more ecs worthy of a med application, but its an average not a rule.
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I completely agree with mmmcdowe. 👍
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229141
I don't care how much experience a 19 yr old has...he will have more at age 21...or 24, 27, 30 : |
mmmcdowe
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He will have more experiences than he did at 19. That doesn't mean at 19 he doesn't have more experiences than most pre-meds. Everyone is different, and everyone has different opportunities. I'm not pushing for the OP to apply at 19, I'm just saying that it isn't necessarily impossible to be good by then. If I was a betting man, I would totally say the odds aren't in his favor at 19, because most pre-meds at 19 wouldn't be ready. I just think it's possible, if not likely.
15? Wow. I thought I was hardcore lol, that's amazing though.
And yeah, I agree about summer classes. We didn't have a discussion segment but it was about 8 hours of lecture a week (1 hr 45 mins/all weekdays) and nine hours of lab (3 hours/MWF). Its a killer schedule if you have to work or have a lot of other obligations so that is something that the OP should definitely keep in mind.
p.s. I took a peek at your MD apps...you have some awesome ECs (and a triple major too...thats insane haha). Also reminded me that I still haven't finished Faust...
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Anythings possible...but regardless of what anyone says he's going to be examined and dissected by the ADCOMS much more closely than the other, OLDER, applicants. They will be skeptical of such a young applicant and hold him to a higher standard...if he thinks he is a god and can pull it off more power to him, but the road will not be easy.
Age matters all the same. Maturity is the key here and nobody respects teenagers. For good reason, too.
Get off of your high horse. I doubt you're significantly older than me, seeing as how you're not even in medical school yet. Please, I'm sure that at 22-28 you're very seasoned and knowledgeable, but don't disparage me for no reason.
I think I've milked this thread for all it's worth. And I'll probably take the extra year for undergrad.
Edit: And nobody respects teenagers!!??? If you do become a doctor, I sure as hell hope you don't have to treat any, lest you have to treat someone you disrespect. Honestly, do you hear yourself? What kind of a thing is that to say before entering this, of all professions? And please don't retort with sagely wisdom; because educationally, we're at almost the same level.
Having interviewed future med students, I would have to say that I really don't think age will be the issue- it's what you bring to the table and the life experiences you have had and what you gained from them. This will be reflected in your essays and how you answer interview questions. Good luck.
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There are several 40 yr old + pre meds at my school...and quite a few get accepted. They do not have stellar grades...why do they get accepted? Simply because they've lived a whole different lifetime...some worked in healthcare for 20 years, some were engineers, etc. They've seen life from a perspective a 19 yr old, and even someone in their 20's, has not seen.
Sure you can go fly to Africa for 2 weeks and take weights and blood pressures of people in a clinic and claim you are more experienced than everyone...but the truth is that won't cut it and they still have much more experience.
You're going to have a disadvantage applying at 19..but you can do it if your that exceptional of an applicant I guess(3.9 / 35+ mcat/etc). And don't yell at people because they don't tell you what you want to hear...be mature about it.
Personally I don't buy this whole "experience" thing. Do what you want, but looking back I would have put 100% of my time into school and graduated early. Then had 1-2 years free to do ECs and what not WITHOUT PAYING $50,000 A YEAR.
Or have the option of just getting on w/life 2 years earlier. We only live for so long, our time here is not infinite, so keep that in mind. Don't let anyone tell you that you don't have enough "experience" for something because often times that means you haven't "lived" aka "made their mistakes."
Being younger doesn't make anyone more qualified, more experienced, or more mature than you have the potential to be, so don't let AGE keep you back. 👍
Or have the option of just getting on w/life 2 years earlier. We only live for so long, our time here is not infinite, so keep that in mind. Don't let anyone tell you that you don't have enough "experience" for something because often times that means you haven't "lived" aka "made their mistakes."
Being younger doesn't make anyone more qualified, more experienced, or more mature than you have the potential to be, so don't let AGE keep you back. 👍
There were two 19 year olds at my school first year. I also know someone who is now 28 who started at 19. They are/were all very unhappy in med school because they couldn't relate to the people... other students will be very different from you, expect it to be hard to find friends.
Now that I got that out of the way, I think as long as you show you have the poise and confidence of an adult you'll be fine. Have a good reason for wanting to rush things in case interviewers ask, because there *is* a reason they require college before medical school and it's not just to learn facts and prove you can work hard.
Now that I got that out of the way, I think as long as you show you have the poise and confidence of an adult you'll be fine. Have a good reason for wanting to rush things in case interviewers ask, because there *is* a reason they require college before medical school and it's not just to learn facts and prove you can work hard.
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You know what you should do..!? Follow an intern around for a full call shift, 35 hours, look at the decisions he has to make about the people he is caring for and the confidence he has to portray. Ask they guy how much time he has to look for a spouse, the stress he feels when he makes mistakes, and how he has the ability to cope with being responsible for some of the worst human experiences in existance--suffering. Then ask yourself if you really want that at 23.
I think you have had some clinical experience with your research, which is good. Keep in mind that you won't likely have the same job as your research mentors at age 23. The hospital will own you. And as special as being a young doctor may sound, you will *not* feel special, you will feel inferior and will question your knowledge as all good young doctors do.
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