Thanks from a REALLY Nontraditional

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NMCowboy

NMCowboy

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Hello all. Just found and joined this group while looking for MCAT prep advice. I thought I was all alone out in the sticks thinking of doing this.

I am 57, have put the kids through college, and am making a career switch. 18 months ago I started a post bac course leading to a BS in biology at a small state school in West Texas. My original undergrad GPA was 2.7 in political science. I went to a good east coast law school several years later and graduated 3rd in my class. I have a 4.0 in the biology program, including several grad level courses. My EC's are I am a chemistry TA, and was on the volunteer fire department for a few years before going back to school. I am working out shadowing a local MD. Next semester I will finish OChem and biochem. Due to a scheduling situation with my small school, I will not do physics until next year. (Ahhhhh!).

Any advice on whether taking the MCAT before doing the physics course is worthwhile? I realize I will have to hit that subject extra hard. Really would like to take the test this spring or summer and apply this next cycle.

Also, is med school at this point a pipe dream? I am aware of the time committments and path after school.

Thanks. Sorry if these are stoopid questions.
 
They aren't stupid questions; they're realistic ones.

First, taking the MCAT before taking physics is a very bad idea. These courses are called "pre-reqs" rather than "co-reqs" or "post-reqs" for a reason. You will be taking the MCAT, which is a curved test, against kids 1/3 of your age who have taken all of these courses plus an expensive test prep course besides. You are also starting from a less-than-stellar academic position in terms of college grades, and for an applicant like you, a strong MCAT score will be very important.

That being said, your age is going to be the major issue, IMO. You would be pushing 60 by the time you even started med school, and my honest opinion is that many, maybe most, medical schools will not be willing to take on a student who would basically be at retirement age upon graduation. That's not to say that it's impossible for you to get into medical school, but you need to understand up front that you are fighting a very uphill battle here, and you may wind up having every door slammed in your face. Of course, it only takes one school to say yes, and if you're willing to make the effort knowing the odds, I certainly won't be the one to say that you shouldn't.

I suggest that you start by contacting a few schools you plan to apply to, and ask their admissions deans for some pre-application advising. With the weaknesses you've described, you will want to make the rest of your app as stellar as humanly possible in order to give yourself the best possible chance of success. In addition, you should begin getting clinical experience (shadowing, volunteering, work experience) immediately, as adcoms will use this as evidence that you know what you're getting yourself into.

Hope this helps, and best of luck. 🙂
 
NMCowboy said:
Hello all. Just found and joined this group while looking for MCAT prep advice. I thought I was all alone out in the sticks thinking of doing this.

I am 57, have put the kids through college, and am making a career switch. 18 months ago I started a post bac course leading to a BS in biology at a small state school in West Texas. My original undergrad GPA was 2.7 in political science. I went to a good east coast law school several years later and graduated 3rd in my class. I have a 4.0 in the biology program, including several grad level courses. My EC's are I am a chemistry TA, and was on the volunteer fire department for a few years before going back to school. I am working out shadowing a local MD. Next semester I will finish OChem and biochem. Due to a scheduling situation with my small school, I will not do physics until next year. (Ahhhhh!).

Any advice on whether taking the MCAT before doing the physics course is worthwhile? I realize I will have to hit that subject extra hard. Really would like to take the test this spring or summer and apply this next cycle.

Also, is med school at this point a pipe dream? I am aware of the time committments and path after school.

Thanks. Sorry if these are stoopid questions.
Click to expand...
Good job on the great GPA! You will want the physics before you take the MCAT. Maybe you could self-study enough to score well, but it will be much more difficult to completely learn everything in physics on your own from scratch than it would be to simply review classes you already took. Is physics just not offered at all between now and the summer? It would be better to take the physics I and II and put off Orgo II and Biochem for the MCAT. There will be a lot more MCAT stuff covered in the physics classes than the other two. If you can't take the physics at all, you could try to self-study for it, but I would personally take the classes first. That would, obviously, push you back another year, but you have a lower risk of a poor MCAT score at that point.

Is medical school worth it considering your age? Only you can answer that question, obviously. Do you have a chance at admission? I am sure you have a chance, though I would not be surprised if some schools are not as receptive to your application as they would be if you were applying in your 40's. That doesn't mean you won't get in, but it probably will be more difficult. Rock the MCAT and keep that 4.0 GPA and you will at least get a lot of attention, and probably a number of acceptances to choose from. Good luck!
 
QofQuimica said:
They aren't stupid questions; they're realistic ones.

First, taking the MCAT before taking physics is a very bad idea. These courses are called "pre-reqs" rather than "co-reqs" or "post-reqs" for a reason. You will be taking the MCAT, which is a curved test, against kids 1/3 of your age who have taken all of these courses plus an expensive test prep course besides. You are also starting from a less-than-stellar academic position in terms of college grades, and for an applicant like you, a strong MCAT score will be very important.
Click to expand...
Just wanted to point out that the OP is in Texas, so with the Fresh Start program, his GPA is effectively a 4.0 right now (if I understood his post correctly). Applying outside of Texas of course changes the equation, but his best odds are probably in-state anyway.
 
theseeker4 said:
Just wanted to point out that the OP is in Texas, so with the Fresh Start program, his GPA is effectively a 4.0 right now (if I understood his post correctly). Applying outside of Texas of course changes the equation, but his best odds are probably in-state anyway.
Click to expand...
S/he will likely need to apply much more broadly than just the TX schools. Though if you have to pick a state to be coming from as an underdog, TX is certainly one of the best.
 
Couple things.

I agree w/NuttyEngDude on physics - don't take on the MCAT before you've learned the material. Do you have access to any other schools, maybe extension coursework at a university? Generally you want to avoid online coursework, but in this case, to save time, you could take physics online, and then repeat the effort in classroom/lab.

57 is pushing the envelope for med school admissions. You wouldn't be the new record holder (I think 61 is the record). But I suggest that a proactive stance with admissions would be a good idea. Don't let the first time they see you be when they're looking at you on paper. If you're in NM, get yourself in the loop at UNM - get their admissions folks familiar with you. Get the dean to tell you, to your face, if he/she will give you a chance or not. Put a similar level of effort into PR at lots of other schools.

I expect you'll get a more friendly reception at DO schools, such as AZCOM & ATSU-SOMA. If the stereotype of the older med school applicant being more motivated to practice primary care in underserved populations (ie reservation med) applies to you, make that clear as you go. Note that ATSU-SOMA went line by line through my college transcripts, when I interviewed there, starting with my coursework from 1984. Your GPA is your fate, regardless of how old it is.

Best of luck to you.

Edit: Q beat me to all of this. D'oh.
 
Last edited:
We had someone in my UNE class who was 50 something. It has taken him a couple more years to get through med school than normal, but I think he's finally set to graduate this year.
 
NMCowboy said:
Hello all. Just found and joined this group while looking for MCAT prep advice. I thought I was all alone out in the sticks thinking of doing this.

I am 57, have put the kids through college, and am making a career switch. 18 months ago I started a post bac course leading to a BS in biology at a small state school in West Texas. My original undergrad GPA was 2.7 in political science. I went to a good east coast law school several years later and graduated 3rd in my class. I have a 4.0 in the biology program, including several grad level courses. My EC's are I am a chemistry TA, and was on the volunteer fire department for a few years before going back to school. I am working out shadowing a local MD. Next semester I will finish OChem and biochem. Due to a scheduling situation with my small school, I will not do physics until next year. (Ahhhhh!).

Any advice on whether taking the MCAT before doing the physics course is worthwhile? I realize I will have to hit that subject extra hard. Really would like to take the test this spring or summer and apply this next cycle.

Also, is med school at this point a pipe dream? I am aware of the time committments and path after school.

Thanks. Sorry if these are stoopid questions.
Click to expand...
Welcome, and congratulations on your dedication and achievement.

I took the MCAT without completing physics I and II (and without ever taking a formal physics class in my life). Don't do it. This is a massive disadvantage. Nontraditional students that may already have a red flag in their file cannot afford to voluntarily 'accept' a second red flag by doing something crazy. You've waited this long - don't let one year (for completion of physics I and II) force you into something you will regret later.

The oldest student in my class graduated with me at age 54 and became an ER physician. He was one of our best, and most dedicated students. Good luck!
 
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I admire your motivation and perspective and agree with the other posters. I am 20 years younger than you and have been a PA for 11, and am now a first-year DO student. I am grateful to be here and I am enjoying it immensely, but even at 37 I am not sure it's sane. At 57 I would certainly NOT do it unless I could a) do it for no debt, b) didn't "need" to work but did it for the love of medicine, and c) planned on a very long and healthy life ahead.
In your situation I strongly advise you consider becoming a PA--quicker training, less expensive route, a good income and excellent opportunities everywhere--particularly in Texas.
Of course, if your personality is anything like mine and you cannot be "the assistant", I wish you well and Godspeed!
Lisa
 
Thank all of you for your replies. Not sure what the etiquette is on thank you's, so rather than clutter up the board I will say thanks here.

My school is very small. So, there is ONE ochem, ONE micro, ONE biochem, ONE physics, ONE calc section each year. No one coordinates class schedules or labs, so there are often conflicts. I had to choose and maybe should have gone with the physics.

DrMidlife, I looked into online classes. I am hoping to go to Texas Tech, they have an emphasis on primary care in rural areas. (My hometown is in the Land of Enchantment, we live in rural west Texas.) Tech requires labs for the science classes. I will try to set up a meeting with the admissions people, I talked to them in Lubbock generally last year but will drill down next time. Thanks to all who made this suggestion. I realize my advanced age will be an issue.

I thought about the PA option. It seemed like the training was nearly as long and I want to go back home eventually. In my hometown and several near it, you go 2+ hours to Albuquerque or 1.5 hours to Ruidoso for any medical care. They need docs. Thanks again and adios.
 
Might be worth reaching out to momgracea. If I recall correctly, she's 43, and on full scholarship at El Paso.
 
No advice as I am just starting out, but I wanted to say good luck! I lived in the Coastal Bend of Texas for a year +, and am hoping to go back after Med School, and I know how bad the Dr. shortage is in the rural areas of Texas. I think if you stay in contact with admissions and are really passionate about primary care in rural Texas, you'll be OK. 🙂
 
I can attest that Tech does not discriminate on the basis of age. I am in my first year at Tech and am 52. The FMAT program would be a good fit for you if you are interested in family practice because it shaves a year off from the four year program. Best of luck to you..
 
Legally Insane said:
I can attest that Tech does not discriminate on the basis of age. I am in my first year at Tech and am 52. The FMAT program would be a good fit for you if you are interested in family practice because it shaves a year off from the four year program. Best of luck to you..
Click to expand...

👍
 
NMCowboy said:
Hello all. Just found and joined this group while looking for MCAT prep advice. I thought I was all alone out in the sticks thinking of doing this.

I am 57, have put the kids through college, and am making a career switch. 18 months ago I started a post bac course leading to a BS in biology at a small state school in West Texas. My original undergrad GPA was 2.7 in political science. I went to a good east coast law school several years later and graduated 3rd in my class. I have a 4.0 in the biology program, including several grad level courses. My EC's are I am a chemistry TA, and was on the volunteer fire department for a few years before going back to school. I am working out shadowing a local MD. Next semester I will finish OChem and biochem. Due to a scheduling situation with my small school, I will not do physics until next year. (Ahhhhh!).

Any advice on whether taking the MCAT before doing the physics course is worthwhile? I realize I will have to hit that subject extra hard. Really would like to take the test this spring or summer and apply this next cycle.

Also, is med school at this point a pipe dream? I am aware of the time committments and path after school.

Thanks. Sorry if these are stoopid questions.
Click to expand...







I am currently 53 and in my second semester of my first year of medical school. It is possible.
 
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