the age question

[docnms]

---

Members do not see this ad.

i am sure this has been asked time and time again for the life of this board but, is age a factor when applying to med school? i'm 35 and would been in position to apply in a year and a half. would being 36 or 37 be a strike against me?

 

[ShyRem]

docnms you have nothing to lose by trying. If you don't try because you're scared of the possible "strike against you" YOU are the one saying no.

That being said, I would HIGHLY recommend applying to DO schools as well since they are more non-trad friendly. Also, I am 38 right now applying to med school... I can tell you that at some places I have been told my age is a factor. However, there are people my age who have gotten in to those schools (but they had KILLER stats). In my experience, the older you get the higher your MCAT and GPA has to be to compete with younger applicants. But also remember it's all a crapshoot. All a crapshoot. So roll the dice, do your best, study hard, and get into med school!!

 

[dr.z]

docnms you have nothing to lose by trying. If you don't try because you're scared of the possible "strike against you" YOU are the one saying no.

That being said, I would HIGHLY recommend applying to DO schools as well since they are more non-trad friendly. Also, I am 38 right now applying to med school... I can tell you that at some places I have been told my age is a factor. However, there are people my age who have gotten in to those schools (but they had KILLER stats). In my experience, the older you get the higher your MCAT and GPA has to be to compete with younger applicants. But also remember it's all a crapshoot. All a crapshoot. So roll the dice, do your best, study hard, and get into med school!!

You gotta try to find out.

 

[Law2Doc]

i am sure this has been asked time and time again for the life of this board but, is age a factor when applying to med school? i'm 35 and would been in position to apply in a year and a half. would being 36 or 37 be a strike against me?

If you are an impressive enough applicant, your age won't hold you back. Apply widely.

 

[taddpole]

This is a total shot in the dark, but I noticed EVMS had a decent number of non-trads-i so that may be a good place for you to look. This years M1 had at least one 41 year old I think. My numbers might be off, but I definitely remember taking note of their large portion of older students.

Good luck 🙂

 

[packerfan]

I am 42 and was accepted at a DO school pending interveiw at allopathic. MCAT 27 Q degree twenty years old with 3.33 science gpa and 13 hours postbacc at 4.0. I think your motivation is a major part of your application along with life experience. Go for it.

 

[docnms]

This is a total shot in the dark, but I noticed EVMS had a decent number of non-trads-i so that may be a good place for you to look. This years M1 had at least one 41 year old I think. My numbers might be off, but I definitely remember taking note of their large portion of older students.

Good luck 🙂

what does EVMS stand for. the schools i am very interested are in order
Oklahoma (resident)
Kansas
Texas schools

 

[SailCrazy]

You might want to try posting this in the nontrad forum as well (if you haven't already.) You'll likely receive even more helpful feedback there.

In my experience, age isn't a big deal. The bigger issue is motivation (have you clearly addressed why medicine? and why now?) Age can be a big plus if you have some interesting/unique experiences to show for it. That can help to differentiate you from younger applicants.

I'm a nontrad applying now and age/experience has definitely been a very helpful factor in my admissions process. 👍

Good luck!

 

[BradenDO]

what does EVMS stand for. the schools i am very interested are in order
Oklahoma (resident)
Kansas
Texas schools

I've seen schools that had 50 year olds in the entering class, so I'm sure you'll be fine!

 

[Hollaback Girl]

what does EVMS stand for. the schools i am very interested are in order
Oklahoma (resident)
Kansas
Texas schools

EVMS=Eastern Virginia Medical School

 

[OSUdoc08]

i am sure this has been asked time and time again for the life of this board but, is age a factor when applying to med school? i'm 35 and would been in position to apply in a year and a half. would being 36 or 37 be a strike against me?

In my entering class, the range was 20-41, with 2 people 40+.

 

[ihopetobeado2]

Do not be ashamed of your age, use your age as an asset. I think the trouble some non-traditional applicants run into is when they think their past experiences will compensate for poor GPAs and poor MCAT scores. As long as you earn good grades and achieve a good MCAT score, your age shouldn't be a detriment, rather your experiences will be indicative of your ability to succeed in medical school and to make a positive impact in medicine.

 

[kimmcauliffe]

Do not be ashamed of your age, use your age as an asset.

Agreed! I'm 26. I feel like it's almost an advantage because I've had other life experiences as well, not just school. Good luck to you!

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

what does EVMS stand for. the schools i am very interested are in order
Oklahoma (resident)
Kansas
Texas schools

You're in luck as an Oklahoma resident, docnms. I applied to the University of Oklahoma at age 43, had already flipped the odometer to 44 by the time I interviewed, and I was accepted December 15. OU gave me the best thing any non-trad can ask for: a level playing field - I felt that my age was neither a help nor a hindrance. OSU is a great school that is also open to non-trads. You're also in a better position - I think the eyebrows start going up at some schools when you apply over age 40 - middle '30's is a non-issue at many schools. If you get a good MCAT score and have an otherwise competitive application, I'm sure you'll have choices (although I think "older" non-trads - 35+ - may have better luck at their in-state schools).

I like the new term, "40+", that is being used at several schools to describe their incoming classes. I think I'll just be "40+" for my entire education!

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine - Class of 2010

 

[njbmd]

Hi there,
If you have the energy and the grades/MCAT scores, you age is not going to be a factor in your acceptance. The oldest guy in my class started at age 53. He has now finished his Family Medicine residency (had a NHSC scholarship) and is now practicing on a Native American reservation in Minnesota.

To quote Satchel Paige: "Age is mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter."

njbmd 🙂