Starting out at 26

[Lex82pa]

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I'm planning on either attending PSU online for a B.S in Psychology or Thomas Edison State College, NJ online for a B.A in Psychology. I will be entering as a freshman at 26. Is Med unrealistic to accomplish at this point? TESC allows you to test out of a majority of psych courses. As well will be about 20 grand cheaper then PSU. But I feel I would fair a better chance for graduate school/med if I attend Penn State. Any advice would be appreciated. I begin Fall 09' and will need to continue working full time. I am also considering picking up a minor at Oregon State College (online) for anthropology. Total cost will be an additional 6grand. Which is cheap considering what I will shell out for the BA/BS. Trying to keep costs down until Grad school. Thank you!


Lex

 

[2010houston]

You're definitely NOT too old!

Are you planning to be able to complete the BA/BS in approx 4-6 years?

Also, I don't know anything about TESC - is it online only? I would think that Adcoms and grad schools in general would view a degree from an online-only school with far far more suspicion than they would view one from a known institution that also grants online degrees. So I would probably go w/ PSU, but that's just one opinion.

I don't think the minor would necessarily add anything in particular, unless you just want to do it.

Good luck!

 

[Stratego]

From what I've read, on-line degrees and coursework are not met with enthusiasm by med school adcomms. I'd call a few grad schools and med schools that you'd be likely to target in the future and ask about this before investing money in a potentially useless degree. I'm sure this attitude will change with time, but I'm not sure we're there yet.

Considering the people getting into med school in their 30s, 40s, and beyond, you're not too old for anything you want to do.

 

[Dotsin]

I started at 25 yrs young, so it is totally doable
Don't let people tell u that u r too old.
I know a guy who is currently 45 and in med school and he loves it
I would also shy away from online degrees

 

[penguin24]

If you wanted a degree for the sake of the degree, go the cheaper route. But if you want the degree as a stepping stone to medical school, then go to the more well-respected institution. Medical schools do take into consideration where you went to undergrad.

Especially as a non-trad student, you want as many factors in your favor as possible. If going to a better known college is in your power, you should do it. When you apply to med school, your best bet is to go 'all out', that way you get in on your first shot.

 

[0Complications]

I started at 26 and did a double major in Psych and Bio. I'm applying for Fall of 2010 at 31, So I'm going to take a guess that it's not too late for you. 😉


Good luck! It's a long road, especially if you were used to making a comfortable living before returning to school. Finances were my largest hurdle, but it's manageable. You transition from wine to cheap beer overnight.

 

[ILikeFood]

I'm planning on either attending PSU online for a B.S in Psychology or Thomas Edison State College, NJ online for a B.A in Psychology. I will be entering as a freshman at 26. Is Med unrealistic to accomplish at this point? TESC allows you to test out of a majority of psych courses. As well will be about 20 grand cheaper then PSU. But I feel I would fair a better chance for graduate school/med if I attend Penn State. Any advice would be appreciated. I begin Fall 09' and will need to continue working full time. I am also considering picking up a minor at Oregon State College (online) for anthropology. Total cost will be an additional 6grand. Which is cheap considering what I will shell out for the BA/BS. Trying to keep costs down until Grad school. Thank you!


Lex

Go to the school where you think you can get better grades.

It's about getting great grades, regardless of the profession you plan on getting into.

Why are you working full time? If it's not a choice then I wouldn't pile too much on to being with. Also, keep in mind that some prereqs like ochem lab can be very time consuming. Your minor and your degree are irrelevant. Just choose a degree you like and ace every class. Do not test out of the premed prerequisites, take every single one and do exceedingly well. If you're worried about the prestige of the school then take just the premed prereqs at penn state and your other degree at the cheapo college.

Tah dah! Problem solved.

 

[ILikeFood]

Anyways its not about age, it's about grades. If your grades suck, you stand zero chance of med school, or any other grad school. If they're awesome your educational opportunities are much better.

 

[punkiedad]

You are not too old. I am starting med school in two weeks. I will be 39 in 2 months.

Get great grades.

Rock the MCAT.

You will be fine. You will be taking everything more serioulsy than just about everyone you are in class with. Additionally, your professors mostly will respect what you are doing.

Best of luck. If you want it you can do it.

PS....when you think about quitting (I did about once a month) just know that everyone feels that way...........that always gave me a little extra push.

 

[anon3]

It doesn't matter. All those 18 year old premeds you see? Half of them never make it to the application stage. Over half of those get rejected per application cycle.

Once you figure out the long odds hold true no matter your age, you quit worrying about it and start worrying about what you can actually control.