OLDER STUDENT

[Alexander]

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Just a question about being an older applicant(29 Years old). I am a Licensed Practical Nurse in the Army. I will be leaving the Military September 2000 for college full time (Pre-Med). I have been taking classes with the University of Maryland while on active duty. I have done pretty good so far. I will be finishng up my BS in Psychology when I leave the military. Currently my G.P.A. is 3.75. What are my chances of being accepted into Medical school being as old as I am?

Thanks...

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Alex

 

[whynotme?]

Alexander,
It is my understanding that more and more medical schools are matriculating older applicants ( I am also 29 and have about 2 years of prereqs to finish). I have been told that most medical schools like older students due to maturity level and dedication. Do well on your MCATs and have a good science GPA and you will be a very competitive applicant. GOOD LUCK!

 

[fiatslug]

I'm 30, and starting medical school in the fall. And while medical schools often yak about how much they love the non-traditional student, the screening procedures they have in place tend to screen us out (wild generalization: older students generally have good to great GPAs but MCATs tend to be on the good, but not spectacular side). If you look at most med school classes, there are ~10% or so who are 26 or older. There's a woman who will be in my class who is 36 and due to have a baby as we speak! So no, your age won't stop you, but be aware that it will be an issue for many adcoms. Do really well on the MCAT (isn't that helpful advice? as if you were planning to tank it before I said that!). Definitely take a review course; I highly recommend biochem before the MCAT. I had passages on my MCAT bio sections that I swear were lifted out of my Stryer biochem textbook; unfortunately, I took biochem after the MCAT. I would think your military service would be quite helpful. Get started!

 

[Stephen Ewen]

I came into this thread expecting to find a post about an older student who would have lot of trouble because of age getting into med school. But now that I am here, I see that there is obviously no one like that here.

 

[Alexander]

Thank you all for your quick responses. They are encouraging..

 

[1918]

Alexander -- I too am 30 and will be starting this August. Do not be discouraged by your age. As fiatslug said, do well on your MCATs and earn a solid sci GPA and you'll be fine. In fact, take the initiative to stress your experience and accomplishments as an advantage.

Best of luck to you.