Rediscovered a love for Science - Is it too late for me to be an MD?

[Passion4Sci]

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Hello everyone on SDN,

I have lurked here for quite some time, but only recently registered. I hope I put this in the right forum. I was debating whether to put this into the "What are my Chances?" forum, but as I don't really know if I can apply, I thought that'd be jumping the gun a bit!

I'm 27, and I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in English, and I also possess a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor certificate (which is a para-licensure in California) I have been working in the field of human services for the last 5 years, as a Drug and Alcohol Abuse counselor and a Mental Health Aide working in various settings such as milieu and TBS.

In light of the recent economic downturn, and the fact that California can no longer support a great deal of mental health services, I've received word that quite a lot of Bachelor's-level workers such as myself will be furloughed and then possibly laid-off. In other words: Get ready to GTFO, the Governator wants you gone. The lack of employment bothers me not, as I am financially independant in terms of pursuing a new career, due to wise investment/savings decisions. More on that later, but I don't want that to be a focal point at all for this post.

Last fall, I enrolled in a community college and took Algebra, Intermediate Chemistry (I had the pre-req fulfilled from my Bachelor's) and aced them both. I realize that a CC isn't exactly Ivy League quality education, but in California they're considered "core transfer" quality courses, and you use the first 2 years at a CC in lieu of the time at a university. So, they're not completely unrepresentative of the possibility for me to excel at the material.

Now that's out of the way, I feel like I've got an affinity for sciences and math that has previously gone undiscovered by me. I always shyed away from science, particularly math, when I was in high school and then subsequently my university experience. I did well in courses I took (Physics, Severe Weather [harder than it sounds, lol], Chemistry, Biopsych, Pharmacology) and I actually took a year of Pharmacology courses to complete my CDAC certification! My undergraduate GPA was decent, a 3.22 cumulative and 3.49 jr/sr. I could've done better, (And I did in my Pharm/CDAC work) and I've grown a lot as a person as a result of my experience working in the mental health field and seeing folks that would give anything to have the chances I've had and not taken full advantage of - I'm through with wasting my time and taking a free ride through life.

I'm set to enroll in MCB (Microbio), Intermediate Alg, Physics II and Zoology for Fall, and I am truly looking forward to them. I've found that an 85 or 89 on a mathematics exam is infinitely more satisfying to me than a 100 on any Psychology exam I have ever taken.
Yea, I'm definitely a product of Humanities, look at this essay! I'm sorry, to summarize:

Is it too late for me to go back to an undergraduate institution (Like a UC/CSU state school, or my alma mater?) and fulfill the requirements for, say, a Biological Sciences degree and then take the MCAT and "do the deed" as if I was 22 again, not 27? I have applied for several post-bacc opportunities, including UC Davis and University of San Francisco and I'm waiting to hear back (The materials weren't even due until May 1).

I know some of you will say that I'm not "too old" to think about medical school - I fear that I'm more along the lines of "too old" to go back for more UG schooling in the sciences/mathematics, and that by the time I finish that curriculum, then I'll be "too old" to matriculate for an MD.

I have consulted counselors/advisers at both my current CC and my alma mater's alumni services/career center, but I really want your opinion, SDN. For better or for worse, I've come to value the advice (most of the time) that originates from these forums. I have been mostly involved watching the Psychology side of the house for obvious reasons, and I hope that I'll be welcomed here just the same.

I can secure excellent LoRs, I have a ton of work/clinical experience, volunteer hours across California in all sorts of facilities, and I have financial independance to pursue this dream, if it's really even possible. Obviously I've not shadowed a doc. yet, since I've only recently been thinking about medical school as a new path in my life after it was suggested by one of the psychiatrists with whom I have worked with as a professional colleague for 2 years. I haven't taken an MCAT practice test yet since it'd be silly, right? I haven't had OChem yet, nor Calculus, which I understand are both very important to have a strong grasp on.

For anyone who has actually read this entire thing, thank you very much. I hope to become a valuable contributor to this forum in the future!

 

[Bacchus]

It was easy to read, because it was well put together. 🙂

That said, if I were an adcom member, with your background, I'd at least give you an interview 😉 .

That said, I'm glad you realize a post-bacc is the way to go. You need to bring up your cumulative GPA. Did you by any chance calculate your science GPA? If you're doing as well as it seems in the sciences then I don't foresee a problem there. Assuming (bad idea) you do well on the MCAT, I think you'll get some offers as long as you apply outside the state of California and not limit your school selection to only the UC's.

All in all, you're not too old for this. If you want it, get it. Assuming you apply next year, you'll be around 36 when you finish residency, leaving you at least 30 years to practice. The only concern I could see is raising a family, but there is a sect of the med school population that does it.

 

[216397]

For what it's worth, one of my relatives graduated with an MD when she was 32 or so. Her parents discouraged her from ever pursuing medicine because her GPA was low in college and they didn't think she could make it. She applied to over thirty schools and got accepted to ONE school across the country, with the contingency that she had to wait an extra year to attend. She went to the school she got into and is one of the happiest people I know.

If medicine is your dream, I think you should go for it. You're definitely not too old. 🙂

 

[fried rice]

I took a free practice MCAT at my university prior to taking Organic Chemistry and wound up with a 26 and an idea of what the test is like. Couldn't hurt to take one yourself to see how you measure up and how you'll need to improve.

 

[silverlining1]

Agree with Bacchus - for a long post, that was unusually easy to read and follow 🙂 Usually I see tons of text and run for the hills.

Have you checked out the non-traditional students' forum? Looks like there are some FAQs there that may be able to help you. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=110

I'm not familiar with the logistics of going back to UG or doing a post-bacc, but I can tell you that I know 30- and 40-year-old medical students... so I am sure you can make it happen!

 

[DrYoda]

Is it too late for me to go back to an undergraduate institution (Like a UC/CSU state school, or my alma mater?) and fulfill the requirements for, say, a Biological Sciences degree and then take the MCAT and "do the deed" as if I was 22 again, not 27? I have applied for several post-bacc opportunities, including UC Davis and University of San Francisco and I'm waiting to hear back (The materials weren't even due until May 1).


I know some of you will say that I'm not "too old" to think about medical school - I fear that I'm more along the lines of "too old" to go back for more UG schooling in the sciences/mathematics, and that by the time I finish that curriculum, then I'll be "too old" to matriculate for an MD.

If it's something you really want to do I say go for it, I don't think your age is a problem. There are some members older than you on the non-traditional subforum(which I recommend checking out). Just make sure you shadow a doctor, and anything else you can to make sure it's the right career for you(good advice for applicants of any age).

Your unique background will also help you out some when you apply.

I I haven't taken an MCAT practice test yet since it'd be silly, right? I haven't had OChem yet, nor Calculus, which I understand are both very important to have a strong grasp on.

I think waiting till you finish Ochem is a good idea. Good news though, calc isn't important for the MCAT, although it is required by some medical schools.

Edit: I agree with the others, this is quite possibly the most well written long post on SDN.

 

[MidnightSun32]

I would definitely do it and I don't think you are too old! I am 24 and have a year and a half or two years left of undergrad + med school + residency and I'll be in my 30s by then. I know it's a little different than you but I too was skeptical of pursuing this dream after working for 6 years because I thought I'd be too old (which I really don't think that now). In undergrad, I think my work experience has really helped me be a good student and makes me feel confident about going to med school now. I definitely deal with stress better now! I think you will be great, especially with all of that experience!!!!

 

[LaCasta]

You write very well

If you have already taken some introductory chemistry, physics and biology and have math out of the way, it shouldn't take too much longer to finish your pre-reqs. Maybe one year and a full summer course load, and that could even include some upper level bio course which are helpful.

Not to mention, you have a ton of experience in a healthcare field which can really help you apart from the numbers.

 

[Passion4Sci]

Thanks for all the great replies!

That said, I'm glad you realize a post-bacc is the way to go. You need to bring up your cumulative GPA. Did you by any chance calculate your science GPA? If you're doing as well as it seems in the sciences then I don't foresee a problem there. Assuming (bad idea) you do well on the MCAT, I think you'll get some offers as long as you apply outside the state of California and not limit your school selection to only the UC's.

All in all, you're not too old for this. If you want it, get it. Assuming you apply next year, you'll be around 36 when you finish residency, leaving you at least 30 years to practice. The only concern I could see is raising a family, but there is a sect of the med school population that does it.

Bacchus, I don't think I'm ready to apply next year, assuming I'd need to get a bit more science into my transcript (OChem 1 and 2, Physiology, maybe Toxicology/Parasitology) and then take the MCAT. I'm not looking into rushing anything, by any means, I'm just trying to evaluate whether this path is even realistic to pursue at all. There's no easy way to scoot around the issue, as far as raising a family goes, so I will suffice it to say that I have no interest in raising children of my own, but I do enjoy working with children. I am married, and I have been married for 3 1/2 years. My spouse is in full support of whatever I plan to do, and is willing to upkeep a long distance relationship if need be during rotations, residency, or even if I get accepted to a school that isn't in California.

For what it's worth, one of my relatives graduated with an MD when she was 32 or so. Her parents discouraged her from ever pursuing medicine because her GPA was low in college and they didn't think she could make it. She applied to over thirty schools and got accepted to ONE school across the country, with the contingency that she had to wait an extra year to attend. She went to the school she got into and is one of the happiest people I know.

If medicine is your dream, I think you should go for it. You're definitely not too old.

Thanks for that! Anecdotal evidence is mostly what I am looking for here. I can get "hard facts" from advisers, but they're ethically bound not to "suggest" or "plant" ideas in my head supported by conjecture, but SDN posters are not held to these laws, so this is actually a great way for me to see examples that yes, it can and does happen. Good to know!

I took a free practice MCAT at my university prior to taking Organic Chemistry and wound up with a 26 and an idea of what the test is like. Couldn't hurt to take one yourself to see how you measure up and how you'll need to improve.

I'll consider it, but I'm getting the feeling from advisers/other posters and colleagues that taking the practice MCAT before even taking "orgo" to use the vernacular is probably not a wise decision. This varies of course, person to person, and everyone's non-specific user effects of the MCAT will differ.

Have you checked out the non-traditional students' forum? Looks like there are some FAQs there that may be able to help you. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=110

I'm not familiar with the logistics of going back to UG or doing a post-bacc, but I can tell you that I know 30- and 40-year-old medical students... so I am sure you can make it happen!

Thanks! I'll definitely check that out this evening, I appreciate the link.

As far as my science GPA goes, it's actually a 4.0, as I received all As in my undergraduate science classes, however the statistical glitch is revealed upon careful examination of my transcript; I've taken only three upper division science courses, as required by my BA degree requirements. Like I said, I avoided them like the plague during my BA studies, and while I felt very excited about Pharmacology, I simply didn't have the means to even think about medical school when I was fresh out of school. In all of my 1st/2nd year science GE requirements like biology, chemistry, etc., I have all As, for what they're worth. I am under the impression that they will be looked upon with less weight on a scale than, say, As in OChem 1 and 2 😀 I didn't want to misrepresent myself by declaring a stunning 4.0 sGPA when it can hardly be considered a 'science gpa' with 3 classes.

I think waiting till you finish Ochem is a good idea. Good new though, calc isn't important for the MCAT, although it is required by some medical schools.

+2 for the non-traditional students forum, I'll definitely look into that and post there. What's the protocol for linking my post here to there? I assume that's not frowned upon as long as I explain what I'm doing and why I am doing it. And thanks for the Calc news, I was sweating bullets about Calc but I want the challenge.

And really, that's what this boils down to. I'm simply not challenged by my current stead in mental health services, and I am far too out of touch with academia to delve back into something like a clinical psychology PhD. Besides, I am much more into the nitty-gritty, neuron-spinning synapse-firing neurotransmitters! =)

Thanks for all the replies! Can anyone speak at all to what, besides a postbacc, I can do to bolster my science portfolio? Like I said, I am taking as much as I can swallow in a CC level, which are by no means pushover classes (As the California CC system is quite rigorous, I didn't notice a whole lot of difference between CC and UC, maybe that speaks poorly to the University of California system but I doubt it, given the reputation of Berkeley, Davis and LA) but will an "adcom" really care about these CC-level courses? Assuming (I hate doing that) I snag one of the postbaccs, that'll be excellent preparation, but I suspect I'll need more to compete in the reallllllyyyyy competitive MD schools.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your replies. I'm in a bit of a tough spot because I'm a man of action, and sitting on my laurels waiting for my classes to begin is killing me.

I have picked up a couple MCAT study guides (Princeton and Kaplan, they seem to be highly recommended around here) and I peruse them whenever I have down-time at work (which isn't often, as I volunteer wherever I can).

Thank you SDN.

 

[Passion4Sci]

You write very well

If you have already taken some introductory chemistry, physics and biology and have math out of the way, it shouldn't take too much longer to finish your pre-reqs. Maybe one year and a full summer course load, and that could even include some upper level bio course which are helpful.

Not to mention, you have a ton of experience in a healthcare field which can really help you apart from the numbers.

Thank you - It's all the paperwork I do on a daily basis! And I enjoy writing, it's something that relaxes me when I am tense.

That's what I was thinking - A year and then a summer courseload (Or a postbacc) - But the issue is... Where? Certainly not a community college, right? It'll have to be an UG institution, correct? I really would like this question answered most of all, and it seems to be one of the most difficult to answer.

I would definitely do it and I don't think you are too old! I am 24 and have a year and a half or two years left of undergrad + med school + residency and I'll be in my 30s by then. I know it's a little different than you but I too was skeptical of pursuing this dream after working for 6 years because I thought I'd be too old (which I really don't think that now). In undergrad, I think my work experience has really helped me be a good student and makes me feel confident about going to med school now. I definitely deal with stress better now! I think you will be great, especially with all of that experience!!!!

Thanks so much!

 

[LaCasta]

That's what I was thinking - A year and then a summer courseload (Or a postbacc) - But the issue is... Where? Certainly not a community college, right? It'll have to be an UG institution, correct? I really would like this question answered most of all, and it seems to be one of the most difficult to answer.

If you can do the rest of your pre-reqs at a university, then I think you should definitely do that. The consensus on this forum seems to be that pre-reqs at a university is a safer bet than taking them at a CC (this supposedly comes from members of admissions committees).

I have a friend who took some pre-reqs at a CC and took the rest at my state university and he got into our state medical school. So I don't think the fact that you took some at a CC will hurt you too much, but I wouldn't take all the pre-reqs at a CC.

 

[chief illiniwek]

That's what I was thinking - A year and then a summer courseload (Or a postbacc) - But the issue is... Where? Certainly not a community college, right? It'll have to be an UG institution, correct? I really would like this question answered most of all, and it seems to be one of the most difficult to answer.


Thanks so much!

My recommendation would be to get to out of the CC for the rest of your science classes. Some people will tell you it is acceptable to take a few pre-reqs at a community college, but I have never heard anyone recommend all necessary courses be taken there.

If you want a legitimate shot at highly selective schools (such as the UCs), you need to do everything in your power to pad your application. The only additional thing I could think of to show your interest in science would be to do some work in a lab. Of course, this would require a significant time commitment, but if you do this (and get a solid MCAT score), you will get serious looks from every school you apply to.

So, it's all really about how much you want this. It's definitely doable if you have the right motivation (and I think you do) and are willing to put in the necessary work. Just remember, people older than you have done the exact thing you are contemplating and with your experiences, you have a leg up on all of us kids coming straight out of undergrad.

 

[bashir]

I'll give you some advice as someone who was in a very similar situation about a year ago. I'd been working in mental health (only about a year in my case) and was inspired by some of the psychiatrists I worked with to pursue medical school. I had a couple of prerequisites already and decided to try to get the rest in an academic year. It's seems to be working out, though I won't have taken second semester organic when I take the MCAT this summer, but from what I've heard about the depth of understanding needed for the biological science section of the MCAT, this isn't a huge deal.

Does California have undergraduate institutions that you can just enroll in without doing a formal post-bacc? That's what I would do (obviously, since that's what I actually did). See when the courses you need are offered at your local university and figure out whether, with summers, you can squeeze most of them into an academic year. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to have all the prerequisites done when you apply, as long as you complete them before matriculation. Calculus especially I would encourage you not to worry about, since a lot of schools don't even require it and you can take it when and if you get accepted to a school that does.

 

[chief illiniwek]

If you can do the rest of your pre-reqs at a university, then I think you should definitely do that. The consensus on this forum seems to be that pre-reqs at a university is a safer bet than taking them at a CC (this supposedly comes from members of admissions committees).

I have a friend who took some pre-reqs at a CC and took the rest at my state university and he got into our state medical school. So I don't think the fact that you took some at a CC will hurt you too much, but I wouldn't take all the pre-reqs at a CC.

You beat me to it...it really took a long time to get my thoughts out.

 

[Passion4Sci]

If you can do the rest of your pre-reqs at a university, then I think you should definitely do that. The consensus on this forum seems to be that pre-reqs at a university is a safer bet than taking them at a CC (this supposedly comes from members of admissions committees).

I have a friend who took some pre-reqs at a CC and took the rest at my state university and he got into our state medical school. So I don't think the fact that you took some at a CC will hurt you too much, but I wouldn't take all the pre-reqs at a CC.

Thanks for that advice - I definitely see how the CC courses "look" to adcoms... The problem I am having, and this will be a sort of blanket reply to all of the recent posters to my thread, is that I'm not entirely sure how to go about "getting back in" to a 4-year school without doing the entire application/admissions process over again. This will be something I bring up with my alma mater's career center, and perhaps they'll have some good advice for me that's germane to my situation.

Does California have undergraduate institutions that you can just enroll in without doing a formal post-bacc? That's what I would do (obviously, since that's what I actually did). See when the courses you need are offered at your local university and figure out whether, with summers, you can squeeze most of them into an academic year. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to have all the prerequisites done when you apply, as long as you complete them before matriculation. Calculus especially I would encourage you not to worry about, since a lot of schools don't even require it and you can take it when and if you get accepted to a school that does.

Hey, and thanks for your reply too - It's nice to know Psychiatrists are inspiring others in my place. Do you feel somewhat powerless too? I know, as a Bachelor's-level practicioner, I feel that my hands are constantly tied when providing care to Pt's. To answer your question directly, I know that my most local campus, UC Davis, DOES offer "open campus" courses, where you are essentially an admitted student, but not officially, and I don't believe you actually can have an 'official transcript' printed. I'll definitely need to inquire about this program.

Do you folks think that a 3/4 quarters at an "open campus" type scenario with an esteemed 4-year state school would be the way to go, or more along the lines of the post-bacc?

If you want a legitimate shot at highly selective schools (such as the UCs), you need to do everything in your power to pad your application. The only additional thing I could think of to show your interest in science would be to do some work in a lab. Of course, this would require a significant time commitment, but if you do this (and get a solid MCAT score), you will get serious looks from every school you apply to.

This is an excellent point, and something I'll look at. I have no doubt that places in labs are extremely hard to come by, especially recently with the economic downturn making its way into every facet of our lives, even the mostly recession-proof industries. I will most likely face a difficult time convincing a faculty member that I'm a serious candidate for a lab. position without a pretty nice CV, wouldn't you think? Nonetheless, I will explore this option. I've got some contacts at a couple of UCs in this area, and maybe someone can squeeze me in. Time is not really a huge problem for me - Anything worth doing is worth taking the time to do it.

Thanks again... This is a lot for me to chew on and I have a much better, broader outlook than I did when I first posted this afternoon.

 

[Superman78]

Check the postbac forums. SFSU has a postbac program that used to be good (open enrollment so anyone can enroll and take classes and med schools consider it to be a challenging school since it's swarming with UC Berkeley pre-meds doing their post-bac work) but the budget cuts screwed it over and now it's almost impossible to get into classes. There are also other post-bac schools that you should check into, Mills, Scripps, etc.

 

[ZeusonRoids]

Hello everyone on SDN,

I have lurked here for quite some time, but only recently registered. I hope I put this in the right forum. I was debating whether to put this into the "What are my Chances?" forum, but as I don't really know if I can apply, I thought that'd be jumping the gun a bit!

I'm 27, and I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in English, and I also possess a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor certificate (which is a para-licensure in California) I have been working in the field of human services for the last 5 years, as a Drug and Alcohol Abuse counselor and a Mental Health Aide working in various settings such as milieu and TBS.

In light of the recent economic downturn, and the fact that California can no longer support a great deal of mental health services, I've received word that quite a lot of Bachelor's-level workers such as myself will be furloughed and then possibly laid-off. In other words: Get ready to GTFO, the Governator wants you gone. The lack of employment bothers me not, as I am financially independant in terms of pursuing a new career, due to wise investment/savings decisions. More on that later, but I don't want that to be a focal point at all for this post.

Last fall, I enrolled in a community college and took Algebra, Intermediate Chemistry (I had the pre-req fulfilled from my Bachelor's) and aced them both. I realize that a CC isn't exactly Ivy League quality education, but in California they're considered "core transfer" quality courses, and you use the first 2 years at a CC in lieu of the time at a university. So, they're not completely unrepresentative of the possibility for me to excel at the material.

Now that's out of the way, I feel like I've got an affinity for sciences and math that has previously gone undiscovered by me. I always shyed away from science, particularly math, when I was in high school and then subsequently my university experience. I did well in courses I took (Physics, Severe Weather [harder than it sounds, lol], Chemistry, Biopsych, Pharmacology) and I actually took a year of Pharmacology courses to complete my CDAC certification! My undergraduate GPA was decent, a 3.22 cumulative and 3.49 jr/sr. I could've done better, (And I did in my Pharm/CDAC work) and I've grown a lot as a person as a result of my experience working in the mental health field and seeing folks that would give anything to have the chances I've had and not taken full advantage of - I'm through with wasting my time and taking a free ride through life.

I'm set to enroll in MCB (Microbio), Intermediate Alg, Physics II and Zoology for Fall, and I am truly looking forward to them. I've found that an 85 or 89 on a mathematics exam is infinitely more satisfying to me than a 100 on any Psychology exam I have ever taken.
Yea, I'm definitely a product of Humanities, look at this essay! I'm sorry, to summarize:

Is it too late for me to go back to an undergraduate institution (Like a UC/CSU state school, or my alma mater?) and fulfill the requirements for, say, a Biological Sciences degree and then take the MCAT and "do the deed" as if I was 22 again, not 27? I have applied for several post-bacc opportunities, including UC Davis and University of San Francisco and I'm waiting to hear back (The materials weren't even due until May 1).

I know some of you will say that I'm not "too old" to think about medical school - I fear that I'm more along the lines of "too old" to go back for more UG schooling in the sciences/mathematics, and that by the time I finish that curriculum, then I'll be "too old" to matriculate for an MD.

I have consulted counselors/advisers at both my current CC and my alma mater's alumni services/career center, but I really want your opinion, SDN. For better or for worse, I've come to value the advice (most of the time) that originates from these forums. I have been mostly involved watching the Psychology side of the house for obvious reasons, and I hope that I'll be welcomed here just the same.

I can secure excellent LoRs, I have a ton of work/clinical experience, volunteer hours across California in all sorts of facilities, and I have financial independance to pursue this dream, if it's really even possible. Obviously I've not shadowed a doc. yet, since I've only recently been thinking about medical school as a new path in my life after it was suggested by one of the psychiatrists with whom I have worked with as a professional colleague for 2 years. I haven't taken an MCAT practice test yet since it'd be silly, right? I haven't had OChem yet, nor Calculus, which I understand are both very important to have a strong grasp on.

For anyone who has actually read this entire thing, thank you very much. I hope to become a valuable contributor to this forum in the future!

So you would be in medical school in like a couple years say when you are 29...you would be an MD when you are 33, out of residency when you are 36-39 and practicing for 25+ years. I think it is alright. There are PLENTY of people in medical school who are as old as you are (which is not old). You only have one life, when you are looking back on your life you want to have done something that you loved for the majority of your working life. I would do it if I were in your shoes and I think all the experience you have outside of medicine would really help you get into a good school.

To sum up my long paragraph. you have ONE life to live...do what makes you happy.🙂

 

[ZeusonRoids]

I took a free practice MCAT at my university prior to taking Organic Chemistry and wound up with a 26 and an idea of what the test is like. Couldn't hurt to take one yourself to see how you measure up and how you'll need to improve.

With a practice score like that BEFORE organic chem!!! I think you could get 32+ easily

 

[unsung]

I took a free practice MCAT at my university prior to taking Organic Chemistry and wound up with a 26 and an idea of what the test is like. Couldn't hurt to take one yourself to see how you measure up and how you'll need to improve.

I wouldn't suggest taking it prematurely before finishing all the pre-reqs because it may unnecessarily freak the OP out. Even after I had the pre-reqs under my belt (sev yrs old material) and before I started studying, when I took that first practice MCAT, it was just a worthless score. Pretty much the only thing it told me was Boy, I really need to study! 😀

I think the practice tests are only worthwhile once one has had all the pre-reqs AND brushed up on all the material at least 1x. Plus, be sure to take AAMC exams, as all the other practice exams out there vary in how similar they are to the real thing. Do a search on the MCAT forum for details...

But to the OP, if you want to pursue this course, I think it's doable. I concur with previous posters that your writing is quite pleasant to read and definitely your background gives you an advantage in applying. It may even give you an advantage on the MCAT (verbal/writing sections). Math IS important to some degree, but calculus isn't super essential. I took calc in college, and it was only used mildly in even the calc-variant of physics. But MCAT has no calc (some concepts from it might be helpful at times) and a lot of schools don't require it (a few do). If you CAN handle it, I'd suggest taking it just to cover your bases. But for sure make sure you really learn your algebra/trig, etc. well as these WILL come up in physics, etc. Good luck!

Edit: Just wanted to add, if you haven't already, I would start volunteering ASAP. That was one of the first things I started when I decided on the course of trying for med school. It's better when the volunteering experiences are more long-term. As you're volunteering & taking classes, you can start figuring out the other pieces of the puzzle (research experiences etc.-- call up or meet up with a prof and ask if you can volunteer in a lab/on a project).

 

[sarahg]

I'll give you some advice as someone who was in a very similar situation about a year ago. I'd been working in mental health (only about a year in my case) and was inspired by some of the psychiatrists I worked with to pursue medical school. I had a couple of prerequisites already and decided to try to get the rest in an academic year. It's seems to be working out, though I won't have taken second semester organic when I take the MCAT this summer, but from what I've heard about the depth of understanding needed for the biological science section of the MCAT, this isn't a huge deal.

Does California have undergraduate institutions that you can just enroll in without doing a formal post-bacc? That's what I would do (obviously, since that's what I actually did). See when the courses you need are offered at your local university and figure out whether, with summers, you can squeeze most of them into an academic year. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to have all the prerequisites done when you apply, as long as you complete them before matriculation. Calculus especially I would encourage you not to worry about, since a lot of schools don't even require it and you can take it when and if you get accepted to a school that does.

I know some of the CSUs accept second-bachelor's students. CSU San-Marcos does. SFSU stopped due to budget cuts but might start again. SJSU does. SDSU does not, but if you take courses through open university there (which entails showing up the first day of classes asking to be added) you can have access to their pre-health advising office. I believe CSULA does but I might be wrong. Sonoma does not.

Can you tell I'm in a similar boat, haha? I'm not working yet, but I'm a psych major graduating next semester and just got interested in medicine (or rather, I've always been interested, but just became willing to consider the work of med school). I think I'll apply to a couple of formal postbaccs that have linkages, to save me a year, but if I don't get in I'll just attend one of the CSUs as a second bac student for a year.

 

[PeepshowJohnny]

I'd just like to reiterate (just to make sure it's clear) that, in all odds, you pursuing medical school means you may (will?) have to relocate outside California and the west coast entirely.

I think you can definitely pursue your MD dream, but the California system is so ridiculously competitive that the odds are stacked against you. I'd just make sure your dream is still to do medicine if it requires you to move to Detroit or Iowa City.

 

[atomi]

-

 

[Bacchus]

I'd just like to reiterate (just to make sure it's clear) that, in all odds, you pursuing medical school means you may (will?) have to relocate outside California and the west coast entirely.

I think you can definitely pursue your MD dream, but the California system is so ridiculously competitive that the odds are stacked against you. I'd just make sure your dream is still to do medicine if it requires you to move to Detroit or Iowa City.

Or Pennsylvania, New York, or Virginia, because she'll probably have a chance there 😉.

 

[redsquareblack]

Let's put it this way: If I get into medical school this next cycle (fingers crossed!), I will be 30 when I enter. But it's too important to me not to. If it's important enough to you, as well, then do it. You're not alone, and in some cases as an older applicant you are at an advantage.