Starting Med School Late

[threepreludes]

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Hi,


I'm currently 23 and just starting college. I've always been interested in Neurosurgery since I was young, but since I've gotten a late start I'm a little worried it's a bit unrealistic.

Does any have or know anyone with a similar story? Any opinions, tips, etc., would be appreciated.

 

[theseeker4]

Hi,


I'm currently 23 and just starting college. I've always been interested in Neurosurgery since I was young, but since I've gotten a late start I'm a little worried it's a bit unrealistic.

Does any have or know anyone with a similar story? Any opinions, tips, etc., would be appreciated.

Starting college at 23 probably makes it easier, not harder, to be competitive for med school, since you have matured (presumably) enough to not make the same mistakes a lot of 18 year olds do that kill their GPA right out of the gate. It is unrealistic to be completely focused on a single specialty when you are years out from even applying to med school, especially a highly competitive one like neurosurgery, but as long as you have an open mind about the specialties that are out there, there is nothing wrong with having neurosurgery as a goal. Most med students change their minds about what specialty they want to pursue between starting med school and the match, so definitely don't lock neurosurgery into your mind too tightly without being open to other specialties.

Only tips I can give you are to keep your GPA as high as possible. If you decide to do something other than medicine by the time you graduate, a 3.8 GPA is not going to hurt, but a 3.3 definitely WILL hurt you chances at getting into med school if you don't change your mind. GPA is key, and once you have getting A's a set habit, you can start worrying about adding in ECs, preparing for the MCAT, etc. Welcome, and let us know if you have any specific questions.

 

[Jewels86]

Oh honey...23 is late in dog years!! You're fine. Do what the above poster said and you'll be on point 🙂

 

[Silent Cool]

I feel like more and more, starting med school at 25/25 is traditional. A lot of people spend five years in college and work afterwards. Honestly, I think traditional is anything up to 25/26. As for 28, yeah you're fine. Just keep your debt DOWN. Where you attend med school doesn't really matter (except go MD if you can). My mother finished college at 29. Do what's right for your life when you feel good about it. It's a long career.

good luck.

 

[allojay]

Hi,


I'm currently 23 and just starting college. I've always been interested in Neurosurgery since I was young, but since I've gotten a late start I'm a little worried it's a bit unrealistic.

Does any have or know anyone with a similar story? Any opinions, tips, etc., would be appreciated.

IMO, if you have a dream, go for it. I don't think 23 is too old to start. I've heard of 50 year olds being accepted to med school and thriving, so the age thing is an excuse in my book. Focus on college, get good grades, build your app, work hard, be humble and ignore the negative things everyone says. If you want it as bad as it seems, age shouldn't stop you from pursuing it. Best of luck my friend!

 

[threepreludes]

Wow!!! Thank you all for the positive replies! I'm sorry I never got them sooner. Thank you, thank you!

 

[Judson]

Hi,


I'm currently 23 and just starting college. I've always been interested in Neurosurgery since I was young, but since I've gotten a late start I'm a little worried it's a bit unrealistic.

Does any have or know anyone with a similar story? Any opinions, tips, etc., would be appreciated.

I started college at 20, about to start my 5th year and will likely be taking a gap year. From what I understand you are definitely not at any disadvantage. In fact, you might have a leg up over some applicants with similar stats if you've had meaningful life experiences.

My advice:
-Go for it!
-Meet with premed advisers. Ask a lot of questions.
-Don't take too many science courses at one time. Spread them out to avoid science overload/sGPA damage.
-Seek opportunities to volunteer in a clinical setting.
-Keep an eye out for opportunities to gain research experience.

Best of luck to you!

 

[Aloft085]

23 is still young. You'll be 27-29 starting medical school, and younger than most of us. Whatever else you do, get a 4.0 GPA. Preferably study something that will be useful even if you decide not to go to medical school.

 

[Law2Doc]

Agree with theseeker above. Not too old to start med school or to do a long residency field. But if you are doing so focused on a Single, very competitive specialty, not a good idea. If you are merely leaning toward neurosurgery, but would be okay with the higher probability of being a clinician who sometimes refers patients to neurosurgery, that's a much better approach. But if you aren't here to be anything but a neurosurgeon, and would hate other paths, I'd advise against this field. You will be two years into med school and tens of thousands in debt before you get your step 1 results back and may realize you won't be getting any interest from neurosurgery.