Non Trad: Age as a Factor

[TeethMatter]

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I am very interested in career swith to dentistry, which is my all time passion. I am just finishing up all science pre-requisites on post grad basis. I have BA and MA from many years ago. ,

My concern is how much of a longshot I will be if I apply when I am in my early forties. I understand that schools like non-trads and want a variety of ages, but I also wonder when is "too old"? Will they feel bad giving a spot to a person with a shorter possible career span, over a younger person who can practice for many more years. I look at stats for my local schools, UCLA and USC and it seems that the oldest current students are in their late 30's. Am I wasting my time by applying when I am already in my forties?

 

[student253]

I would suggest sitting down with the school's career/dental advisers. In two separate accounts, my interviewer started their career in dentistry in their late-30's and another mid-40's. I would assume with age and life experience, you have a certain level of maturity that is rare in undergrad students. Just my two cents.

 

[jaypea65]

I am very interested in career swith to dentistry, which is my all time passion. I am just finishing up all science pre-requisites on post grad basis. I have BA and MA from many years ago. ,

My concern is how much of a longshot I will be if I apply when I am in my early forties. I understand that schools like non-trads and want a variety of ages, but I also wonder when is "too old"? Will they feel bad giving a spot to a person with a shorter possible career span, over a younger person who can practice for many more years. I look at stats for my local schools, UCLA and USC and it seems that the oldest current students are in their late 30's. Am I wasting my time by applying when I am already in my forties?

You have an equal chance just like the rest of the candidates. I do not think that age is a factor in admission decisions. In other words, an admission committee will not frown upon you being an older candidate because in essence this would be construed as age discrimination. Yes, some schools like to have a diverse student body, and some admit older students, but I do not think that they will admit you JUST because you are older. I think that you must have acceptable grades, DAT scores, EC's, and experience just like everyone else. I will tell you that I am an older student like yourself (43 y/o). I have a GPA of 3.53 and an AA of 18. I am sitting here with one interview so far in this cycle. I hope that I receive more, but I am not too confident that I will. I am waiting patiently to hear back from 11 more schools. I think that my DAT score has held me back. I do not think that you are ever too old. If dentistry is truly your passion then work hard, achieve a decent GPA, and rock the DAT, and do not accept no for an answer. Best of luck to you on your journey. PM me if I can help you in any way.

 

[sl2obel2ts]

A friend of mine told me that her friend didn't get into Harvard because she was too "old", she was only around 30. Harvard's reason was that the school wants students to specialize and she was too old for that.

 

[PDizzle]

There's a 52 year old dude in my class(actually, 54 by now). Plus, I aint no spring chicken myself!! I was 36 when I started d-school.

 

[devian]

A friend of mine told me that her friend didn't get into Harvard because she was too "old", she was only around 30. Harvard's reason was that the school wants students to specialize and she was too old for that.

I don't think it's true😕 I have a 33 yrs old friend who got into Harvard with no problem wutsoeva. And if that is true, Harvard can get some serious Shi#@$@# because of the age discrimation.

Tell ur friend to hire a good lawyer 😀

 

[sks2286]

When i went to ASDOH, a D1 was in his forties. I dont think age is a factor at most schools. Just get all the pre reqs done and a good score on the DAT and you will be just like anyone else. Good Luck!

 

[sddat]

If you have the stats and determination, you can do anything or be anything! I pinky promise!😀

 

[jaypea65]

A friend of mine told me that her friend didn't get into Harvard because she was too "old", she was only around 30. Harvard's reason was that the school wants students to specialize and she was too old for that.

A good lawyer would have a field day with that case.

 

[TeethMatter]

A good lawyer would have a field day with that case.

She might also be concocting an excuse to rationalize her rejection...