Non-Trad Analysis

[careerswitcher]

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Hey everyone,

As the thread title suggests I'm a "non-trad" candidate. I'm looking for a realistic evaluation of my prospects for medical school. Tell me what you think. Here's my basic info:

Age: 36
Occupation: IT Consulting/Development
Undergrad: Harvard, 3.45 GPA (psych)
SAT: 1500 (720 math, 780 verbal) (this was the old SAT, btw)

As an undergrad I did research for a clinical psych professor and a Harvard med school professor. Also took graduate classes in neuro, pharm, and stats. I was not very studious and also didn't take any pre-med classes b/c I wasn't interested at the time.

As a professional I've learned perhaps a dozen different programming languages, worked with clients to gather/outline requirements, and developers to build some fairly complex systems.

Currently I have no family obligations and lots of money saved from working (enough to pay for med school out-of-pocket if needed). I'm really just wondering if (1) I'm smart enough and (2) I would work hard enough.

Looking at my high school class the people who became docs were smart kids -- top 10% -- but not achieving at my level. (Some of them I even recall helping with classes like physics.) OTOH, they studied more than I did (I barely studied at all in HS, studied a bit more in college). The college classmates who went to med school were smart and studious but not the class geniuses.

My motivations now are (1) interest in psychology and health (2) job security, (3) learning something "real" versus another man-made technology that expires in 5 years. My aim would be psychiatry but I'd also be interested in family practice. If I were stellar I'd go for radiology (my dad was a radiologist).

I'm not concerned about working with younger generation as IT is full of hotshot 23 year-olds. I *am* worried my brain can't memorize like it used to and it's been a long time since I had to pull an all-nighter.

Pursuing this course would require I do a post-bac to cover the pre-med requirements. I did biology, chemistry, calculus, and physics in high school but I assume the college level will be more rigorous.

What do you guys think? How do former "smart slacker" types do in med school? Can the old guys keep up from what you've seen? All opinions/feedback welcome.

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Couple more thoughts:

1. I picked up an MCAT study guide and found I could answer some of the bio, chem, and physics questions. I don't know what that means if anything.

2. I took the LSAT long ago and had a perfect reading comp score. Same on SAT. So I assume I'd do similar on the MCAT.

3. I know the writing score doesn't matter much but writing is my best talent. I'm guessing I could get an S or T.

4. I've worked on some medical-related software apps and could get references from various docs. My neighbor was also the head of Georgetown Psychiatry dept.

 

[Catalystik]

One of the docs in my workplace started med school in his 50s, so your age is no bar to success. Your motivation and ability to stick to a plan for a prolonged period will have more to do with your success. For you to make it, your brain will need to be able to memorize like never before. Naturally, pulling all-nighters comes with the territory in medicine, so it's good you're prepared for that.

A postbac can consist of a formal program (expensive) or instead, your own informal version where you take classes at your own pace, perhaps at a less-expensive state school. Consider dipping your toe into scientific waters slowly at first, maybe taking one class, to see how it goes, perhaps along with some clinical exposure to see if medicine is right for you. Since psych is a potential goal for you, you might choose activities like volunteering in a homeless shelter, crisis hotline, needle exchange, and working or volunteering in a group home, psych unit, or drug and alcohol counseling center, as these activities would also be relevant to residency applications also.

 

[careerswitcher]

thanks Catalystik. I'm in Atlanta so I'll look for a science class at Emory to test the waters. And a good volunteer opportunity, too. I am fortunate to have made good money so I can do the post-bac after that if it's a go. I think I'd benefit from the formal structure and the linkage programs.

 

[twmc3]

I would characterize myself very similarly to you. I got into the one DO school (didn't bother with MD schools for a variety of reasons, locations and feasibility being the biggest).

Take the MCAT, pull a 28, DO is very likely. For MD, you'd have to ask them. The initials after your name means very little, especially if you actually want to practice medicine. If you want to do research, MD might get a little further mileage.

 

[careerswitcher]

Thanks twmc3. I could care less about the initials ;-). I'm only interested in practicing. There is a DO school here in Atlanta which could be a nice fit for me so I'll look into it further. Congrats on your acceptance and best wishes on your future in medicine. 👍