The effect of age

[TheRealMD]

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How does age affect a person's chances of getting into a school? Is it viewed as a positive or a negative in some cases when you start deviating from the norm?

I ask because I just turned 18 and plan on applying this cycle and my new MSAR shows a total of 0 matriculants into med school. Then again, it's a large scale but people keep telling me that I'll have to show "maturity" in my interview because I might be too young.

Anyway, here are my stats to put things into perspective for me:

African-American URM
Cum. GPA: 3.76
BCPM GPA: 3.76
MCAT: 32P (10V, 12P, 10B)

Some volunteering at an info desk previously, doing ER and Surgical ICU now.
Some doctor shadowing planned.

I feel that while I might be extremely young and probably didn't get an adequate chance to do what most pre-meds would (explore college and what not), I'm 100% sure on being a doctor. And i have gone through 3 years of college but it's just weird to explain how.

So can someone tell me how my age will affect my app? I'd hate for an adcom to say "You're too young but an otherwise great applicant. Come back next year!" 🙁

 

[chanjurban]

How does age affect a person's chances of getting into a school? Is it viewed as a positive or a negative in some cases when you start deviating from the norm?

I ask because I just turned 18 and plan on applying this cycle and my new MSAR shows a total of 0 matriculants into med school. Then again, it's a large scale but people keep telling me that I'll have to show "maturity" in my interview because I might be too young.

Anyway, here are my stats to put things into perspective for me:

African-American URM
Cum. GPA: 3.76
BCPM GPA: 3.76
MCAT: 32P (10V, 12P, 10B)

Some volunteering at an info desk previously, doing ER and Surgical ICU now.
Some doctor shadowing planned.

I feel that while I might be extremely young and probably didn't get an adequate chance to do what most pre-meds would (explore college and what not), I'm 100% sure on being a doctor. And i have gone through 4 years of college but it's just weird to explain how.

So can someone tell me how my age will affect my app? I'd hate for an adcom to say "You're too young but an otherwise great applicant. Come back next year!" 🙁

Well, the MSAR probably shows 0 matriculants most likely because people at your age are just STARTING college. Your biggest issues are probably going to be proving that you are aware of what you are getting into, that you are committed to it, and that you've seen enough to make an "informed" decision about entering medical school. How you do that is up to you. Nice stats though.

Oh, and I'd consider applying to more places than just within Texas.

 

[IWant2BeADoctor]

Do you happen to be related to Dr. Ben Carson?

Otherwise I'd have to ask are you sure your black? J/k😀
You haven't been on the Tonight Show have you?

18 is not too young. Sho Yano a young Korean boy matriculated at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

You should have applied to some Top Tier Medical Schools. Why aren't you applying to out of state Schools?

You'd make a good poster boy for African American academic achievement being as young as you are. I've seen African American Applicants with stats comparable to yours get Scholarships to top 10 Schools.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/EDUCATION/08/25/sprj.sch.wonder.kid.ap/

 

[jochi1543]

Well, that was in Law, but one of my ex-boyfriends was kind of in a similar boat. He was also African-American, graduated college (double major, honors) at 17, good stats. They had no problem accepting him to law school, though I must note, it was NOT a top 10 university. He was pathologically immature in social terms, but VERY intelligent and career-driven. I think the school in question was fascinated enough by him being a minority AND being that intelligent (they were running VERY low on minority students) and driven that they overlooked the fact that his extremely young age at the time of the application and impressive academic record had all come at a price.

 

[TheRealMD]

Well, the MSAR probably shows 0 matriculants most likely because people at your age are just STARTING college. Your biggest issues are probably going to be proving that you are aware of what you are getting into, that you are committed to it, and that you've seen enough to make an "informed" decision about entering medical school. How you do that is up to you. Nice stats though.

Oh, and I'd consider applying to more places than just within Texas.

It probably isn't 0, but on a scale counting thousands, I guess I wasn't expecting too many. It's a line graph btw, not numbers.

 

[TheRealMD]

Well, that was in Law, but one of my ex-boyfriends was kind of in a similar boat. He was also African-American, graduated college (double major, honors) at 17, good stats. They had no problem accepting him to law school, though I must note, it was NOT a top 10 university. He was pathologically immature in social terms, but VERY intelligent and career-driven. I think the school in question was fascinated enough by him being a minority AND being that intelligent (they were running VERY low on minority students) and driven that they overlooked the fact that his extremely young age at the time of the application and impressive academic record had all come at a price.

Lol, I don't think I'm psychotic. In fact, unless I told you my age, you'd never guess I was so young.

Ohter question that I have is that I've been advised not to talk about my age anywhere in my application. It's supposed to be something that adcoms bring up in my interview (and they probably will, no doubt) simply because it draws too much attention (I think it's probably be gloating at that point). Agree or disagree?

 

[jochi1543]

Lol, I don't think I'm psychotic. In fact, unless I told you my age, you'd never guess I was so young.

Ohter question that I have is that I've been advised not to talk about my age anywhere in my application. It's supposed to be something that adcoms bring up in my interview (and they probably will, no doubt) simply because it draws too much attention (I think it's probably be gloating at that point). Agree or disagree?

Haha, he was not psychotic, but he just wasn't very good with people.


I thought you were supposed to put your age on the application. I know it's definitely asked by AMCAS, I guess the only thing I don't know is whether this information is just for AMCAS identification purposes or if it's also submitted to schools.

If it's available to schools, I wouldn't avoid it - it'll jump out at them anyway, so you might as well do your best to put a positive spin on it. I'm sure you have some worthwhile experiences to share in your PS if you've managed to finish college this early.

 

[notdeadyet]

So can someone tell me how my age will affect my app? I'd hate for an adcom to say "You're too young but an otherwise great applicant. Come back next year!" 🙁

Expect to hear that a lot (though they may say "in two or three years").

That said, with your great GPA and strong MCAT score, you should expect to get some acceptances if you apply broadly enough. Expect to hit folks who will pre-judge you negatively based on your age. But if your app lands on the right desk of someone willing to overlook your age and experience, you'll probably fare quite well.

So definitely apply to a much broader range of schools. And know that there's a very real chance that you would have a much larger selection of schools to choose from if you worked/researched/Peace Corps'd for two years and applied later.

Best of luck with your upcoming application. Exciting times!

 

[notdeadyet]

Ohter question that I have is that I've been advised not to talk about my age anywhere in my application. It's supposed to be something that adcoms bring up in my interview (and they probably will, no doubt) simply because it draws too much attention (I think it's probably be gloating at that point). Agree or disagree?

I wouldn't trumpet your horn about how young you are, since it may be viewed as a liability. But I wouldn't avoid mentioning it either.

They will know how old you are by the most cursory glances at your app. You don't want to give the impression that you're trying to fool anyone.

And do keep this in mind: the average 18 year old is not mature enough for medical school. Right or wrong, you will need to convince a lot of adcoms that you are mature enough. That should come through from your personal statement on, and that's hard to do if you avoid the age issue.

 

[UnderdogMD]

They will know how long you are by the most cursory glance

What the color of his skin?That's just a stereotype

 

[notdeadyet]

What the color of his skin?That's just a stereotype

Yikes. How "old" the applicant is not how "long" the applicant has been out of high school. My bad...

 

[UnderdogMD]

Yikes. How "old" the applicant is not how "long" the applicant has been out of high school. My bad...

No worries, it was just too easy.🙂

 

[Law2Doc]

18 is not too young. Sho Yano a young Korean boy matriculated at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

Bear in mind that that was a bunch of years ago and there hasn't been anyone that age or close to it since. It was more of a unique novelty situation than a norm. In general, if you are still a teenager, you are going to have to come across as very well informed and mature. Medicine involves a lot of dealing with death and disease, most patients in the coming years will be geriatric, and so the tendency is for people who have been on the planet longer to do better in such situations. Not always, but schools go by averages -- they don't really know you well enough to do otherwise. Best if you've racked up a lot of shadowing, volunteering and unique life experiences to go along with the numerical stats. Or even better, just slow things down -- maybe take time off to work or pick up a masters and still be the youngest person in your matriculating class, but with a more marketable background. Just my two cents.

 

[hsperson]

You'd make a good poster boy for African American academic achievement being as young as you are.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/EDUCATION/08/25/sprj.sch.wonder.kid.ap/

How about academic achievement in general.

 

[TheRealMD]

Do you happen to be related to Dr. Ben Carson?

Otherwise I'd have to ask are you sure your black? J/k😀
You haven't been on the Tonight Show have you?

18 is not too young. Sho Yano a young Korean boy matriculated at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

You should have applied to some Top Tier Medical Schools. Why aren't you applying to out of state Schools?

You'd make a good poster boy for African American academic achievement being as young as you are. I've seen African American Applicants with stats comparable to yours get Scholarships to top 10 Schools.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/EDUCATION/08/25/sprj.sch.wonder.kid.ap/

Lol, not related at all. And no Tonight Show appearances.

I don't want to be a "poster boy" for something. I just succeed well at what I do. Oh, but I have no research experience! oh well.

I just got my MSAR today but am stil confused as to what schools I should look at. Also, median MCAT scores are really high? Is there something I'm missing?

 

[uhohspaghettio]

at this thread?

Is the op a troll?

 

[Brennydoo]

I was in the same boat and my school discouraged me. I ended up going to graduate school instead and have now recently been accepted to medical school. I say go for it now and don't let anybody get in your way. Research is a plus though. Good luck!

 

[Oceaner]

Do you happen to be related to Dr. Ben Carson?

Otherwise I'd have to ask are you sure your black? J/k😀
You haven't been on the Tonight Show have you?

Wow, only in America... because all black people are related? Are you related to Obama, because he's clean and accomplished too. There can't be more than a family of accomplished people descending from Africa... 🙄

Despite the "j/k" If he was "east-asian" would you have said the same thing? I am not asking anyone to censor their feelings, but I am honestly curious as to whether stuff like this is the first thought that goes through people's minds in these situations? Because if it is, man this society is just sad---- confining human-beings into race-based stereotypes.

To the OP: eh, probably not, as long as you show up mature. In fact, I think it might give you an edge if you show serious commitment as a younger age ( although to me 18 isn't all that different from 21-24, now 12 is a different story) Just bring out the best in yourself, and show that you have a capacity for growth (since your like four years ahead of everyone-- ps. envying going on here 😉 ) If you really feel your application is weak, which I honestly doubt it would be since many graduates from university at ages 21-24 don't have better numbers/experience than you, then maybe take a year to do serious research to aim for the top schools. No one is going to reject the perfect candidate because they are 3 years too young, trust me. 😉

 

[omegaxx]

I just hit 20 and am starting at WashU St. Louis this August. My age was never brought up in any of my interviews, althought I didn't draw any attention to it in my applications either. I also met a guy at a top 10 school while interviewing there. He's 18 and currently an MS-1. Thus I doubt you will be kept out the door solely on the basis of your age.

 

[Divine Furor]

Lol, not related at all. And no Tonight Show appearances.

I don't want to be a "poster boy" for something. I just succeed well at what I do. Oh, but I have no research experience! oh well.

I just got my MSAR today but am stil confused as to what schools I should look at. Also, median MCAT scores are really high? Is there something I'm missing?

How extraordinary...congratulations on your achievements thus far. Quite a few applicants, as some people are discussing elsewhere, have little to no research experience, and that's all right if you have other activities that show dedication to your interests and commitment to your chosen path. Which may become an issue because you haven't had time to cultivate adult life experiences. Hmmm....

You should apply to a broad range of schools regardless of the MSAR, and perhaps pay even greater attention to your personal affinity towards the campus environment and experience touring/visiting the schools because, unless you're a supra-human gunner, you're going to be personally evolving as a great many people do in undergrad while pursuing your graduate degree. Before the rest of the board jumps down my "touchy-feely" throat here: all I'm saying is it would be easy to rely on stats to form decisions about where to go--matching, ratings, etc. Because you're 18 (and I'd give this advice to any applicant of any age, except I expect nontrads to know this), don't discount happiness/comfort in favor of those stats.

 

[searun]

As long as you don't complete medical school and residency in the next 18 months, you should be good to go. Oh, and don't go into heart surgery because old guys that are getting triple bypass heart surgery are nervous about surgeons who are teenagers.

 

[spicedmanna]

How does age affect a person's chances of getting into a school? Is it viewed as a positive or a negative in some cases when you start deviating from the norm?...So can someone tell me how my age will affect my app? I'd hate for an adcom to say "You're too young but an otherwise great applicant. Come back next year!" 🙁

I think it's great that you are getting feedback from your peers and from current med students, but I also think it would be beneficial for you to pose this question in the mentor forum, possibly on the medical school admissions thread there, so that you can get some feedback from those who are part of actual admissions committees.

Good luck to you.

 

[45408]

Expect to hear that a lot (though they may say "in two or three years"). ...

So definitely apply to a much broader range of schools. And know that there's a very real chance that you would have a much larger selection of schools to choose from if you worked/researched/Peace Corps'd for two years and applied later.

If you do this, don't wait so long that your MCAT expires. You'd hate to have to re-take that, especially since you did pretty well.

 

[TheRealMD]

at this thread?

Is the op a troll?

Lol, I really AM 18. 😛

 

[AnesthesiaMD]

How does age affect a person's chances of getting into a school? Is it viewed as a positive or a negative in some cases when you start deviating from the norm?

I ask because I just turned 18 and plan on applying this cycle and my new MSAR shows a total of 0 matriculants into med school. Then again, it's a large scale but people keep telling me that I'll have to show "maturity" in my interview because I might be too young.

Anyway, here are my stats to put things into perspective for me:

African-American URM
Cum. GPA: 3.76
BCPM GPA: 3.76
MCAT: 32P (10V, 12P, 10B)

Some volunteering at an info desk previously, doing ER and Surgical ICU now.
Some doctor shadowing planned.

I feel that while I might be extremely young and probably didn't get an adequate chance to do what most pre-meds would (explore college and what not), I'm 100% sure on being a doctor. And i have gone through 3 years of college but it's just weird to explain how.

So can someone tell me how my age will affect my app? I'd hate for an adcom to say "You're too young but an otherwise great applicant. Come back next year!" 🙁

How in the hell did you get this far through college at such a young age?

 

[Meatwad]

How in the hell did you get this far through college at such a young age?

... I'm guessing he's very intelligent and skipped a few grades in grade/high school.

 

[da8s0859q]

Wow, only in America... because all black people are related? Are you related to Obama, because he's clean and accomplished too. There can't be more than a family of accomplished people descending from Africa... 🙄

Despite the "j/k" If he was "east-asian" would you have said the same thing? I am not asking anyone to censor their feelings, but I am honestly curious as to whether stuff like this is the first thought that goes through people's minds in these situations? Because if it is, man this society is just sad---- confining human-beings into race-based stereotypes.

Loosen up, Francis.

OP: I have nothing productive to add to the observations above me, so I'll just say "good luck to you" and move along. 👍

 

[TheRealMD]

How in the hell did you get this far through college at such a young age?

Lol, I suppose I had to answer sooner or later.

So after 10th grade, I entered the Texas Academy of Math & Science which is basically a 2 year program that combines the last 2 years of high school and the first 2 years of college. I was already a year younger than everyone else before because my parents put me in school a year early.

So after the 2 years was up, I had about 64 college credits, making me a junior, transferred to UT Austin, did some more college and now I'm applying to med school.

I don't really think I missed out on anything other than maybe doing research (transitioning from one university to another makes that hard, gotta re-learn the system!).

Other than that I don't FEEL 18, but being here on SDN makes me worry so much about it. The other thing is that I probably haven't had as long to accumulate billions of clinical volunteer hours (I have about 40 or so), but have gotten about 100 or so non-medical volunteer hours. My primary worry is that I just mgith be written off as a guy who's too young due to a lack of experience (since average is around 200 I hear) and told to just apply next year. -_-

 

[notdeadyet]

My primary worry is that I just mgith be written off as a guy who's too young due to a lack of experience (since average is around 200 I hear) and told to just apply next year. -_-

Lack of experience might very well be an issue. The one problem with doing the rushed education thing is that you just don't have as many years to pack in the experiences that medical schools sometimes look for.

On the plus side, if you do have to wait an extra year, you'll have lots of time to gain a lot of hours and stories to really wow adcoms. It's really win-win.

 

[Meatwad]

Lol, I suppose I had to answer sooner or later.

So after 10th grade, I entered the Texas Academy of Math & Science which is basically a 2 year program that combines the last 2 years of high school and the first 2 years of college. I was already a year younger than everyone else before because my parents put me in school a year early.

So after the 2 years was up, I had about 64 college credits, making me a junior, transferred to UT Austin, did some more college and now I'm applying to med school.

I don't really think I missed out on anything other than maybe doing research (transitioning from one university to another makes that hard, gotta re-learn the system!).

Other than that I don't FEEL 18, but being here on SDN makes me worry so much about it. The other thing is that I probably haven't had as long to accumulate billions of clinical volunteer hours (I have about 40 or so), but have gotten about 100 or so non-medical volunteer hours. My primary worry is that I just mgith be written off as a guy who's too young due to a lack of experience (since average is around 200 I hear) and told to just apply next year. -_-

You don't feel 18? Damn, that sucks; I feel bad for you. You should be feeling the strongest and the most virile you ever will be if you were feeling 18.

 

[45408]

You don't feel 18? Damn, that sucks; I feel bad for you. You should be feeling the strongest and the most virile you ever will be if you were feeling 18.

This guy won't even be able to (legally) do a keg stand until he's done with Step 1.

 

[spicedmanna]

Lol, I suppose I had to answer sooner or later.

If you interview, you might get asked about it, so get used it. Adcom members are only human; they might be curious. 😉

The other thing is that I probably haven't had as long to accumulate billions of clinical volunteer hours (I have about 40 or so), but have gotten about 100 or so non-medical volunteer hours. My primary worry is that I just mgith be written off as a guy who's too young due to a lack of experience (since average is around 200 I hear) and told to just apply next year. -_-

Yeah, I think that is by far the biggest challenge that you might be up against. You will be competing with folks that have had many more years to accumulate solid experiences. Nobody can truly know what will happen, but if you are convinced that this is the year you want to apply, then I wish you luck. From my brief encounter with you here, it appears to me that you are a mature and reasonably well-adjusted individual who wants to pursue medicine. Hopefully that will show through.

 

[IWant2BeADoctor]

Bear in mind that that was a bunch of years ago and there hasn't been anyone that age or close to it since. It was more of a unique novelty situation than a norm. In general, if you are still a teenager, you are going to have to come across as very well informed and mature. Medicine involves a lot of dealing with death and disease, most patients in the coming years will be geriatric, and so the tendency is for people who have been on the planet longer to do better in such situations. Not always, but schools go by averages -- they don't really know you well enough to do otherwise. Best if you've racked up a lot of shadowing, volunteering and unique life experiences to go along with the numerical stats. Or even better, just slow things down -- maybe take time off to work or pick up a masters and still be the youngest person in your matriculating class, but with a more marketable background. Just my two cents.

Wasn't aware that it was an isolated incident. Just thought it would be an encouraging example.

How about academic achievement in general.

Why not both? I brought up the point of African American Academic achievement because they aren't getting URM without reason. Fewer African Americans have such high GPAs, especially at such a young age. I'm not being racist just stating facts. Why deny racial inequality exists when it obviously does?

 

[IWant2BeADoctor]

Wow, only in America... because all black people are related? Are you related to Obama, because he's clean and accomplished too. There can't be more than a family of accomplished people descending from Africa... 🙄

Despite the "j/k" If he was "east-asian" would you have said the same thing? I am not asking anyone to censor their feelings, but I am honestly curious as to whether stuff like this is the first thought that goes through people's minds in these situations? Because if it is, man this society is just sad---- confining human-beings into race-based stereotypes.

To the OP: eh, probably not, as long as you show up mature. In fact, I think it might give you an edge if you show serious commitment as a younger age ( although to me 18 isn't all that different from 21-24, now 12 is a different story) Just bring out the best in yourself, and show that you have a capacity for growth (since your like four years ahead of everyone-- ps. envying going on here 😉 ) If you really feel your application is weak, which I honestly doubt it would be since many graduates from university at ages 21-24 don't have better numbers/experience than you, then maybe take a year to do serious research to aim for the top schools. No one is going to reject the perfect candidate because they are 3 years too young, trust me. 😉

I wasn't meant to be taken seriously. And I used Ben Carson as an example because he is so well known.

If he was East Asian I wouldn't bother to ask him because it's common knowledge that East Asian parents put a lot of pressure on their kids to go into the Medical field.

Stereotypes are there because that's how humans make sense of the world. We have an innate need to put things into categories. Race exists, Racial inequality exists.

Chances our if an East Asian made it to the NBA there would be a big fuss about him being Asian. That has certainly been the case for Yao Ming. That's just the way the world works.

Race consciouness is not going to disappear until Race disappears. Even then I'm sure we'll still be categorizing people in terms of other attributes.

Lol, not related at all. And no Tonight Show appearances.



I don't want to be a "poster boy" for something. I just succeed well at what I do. Oh, but I have no research experience! oh well.



I just got my MSAR today but am stil confused as to what schools I should look at. Also, median MCAT scores are really high? Is there something I'm missing?

Well research experience isn't that important. Really depends on which schools you want to apply to. The clinical focused ones are probably your best shot.

If you going to apply to top schools you should have some research under your belt.

There is really no way to find out until you apply. So apply and keep us updated!😉

 

[gotmeds?]

How does age affect a person's chances of getting into a school? Is it viewed as a positive or a negative in some cases when you start deviating from the norm?

I ask because I just turned 18 and plan on applying this cycle and my new MSAR shows a total of 0 matriculants into med school. Then again, it's a large scale but people keep telling me that I'll have to show "maturity" in my interview because I might be too young.

Anyway, here are my stats to put things into perspective for me:

African-American URM
Cum. GPA: 3.76
BCPM GPA: 3.76
MCAT: 32P (10V, 12P, 10B)

Some volunteering at an info desk previously, doing ER and Surgical ICU now.
Some doctor shadowing planned.

I feel that while I might be extremely young and probably didn't get an adequate chance to do what most pre-meds would (explore college and what not), I'm 100% sure on being a doctor. And i have gone through 3 years of college but it's just weird to explain how.

So can someone tell me how my age will affect my app? I'd hate for an adcom to say "You're too young but an otherwise great applicant. Come back next year!" 🙁

Honestly, I think your age might work in your favor. The "maturity" issue usaully comes up with 21-year-old applicants who are still in college. Those are the "traditional" medical school applicants and they're a dime a dozen. As an 18 year old applicant in basically the same position (and with good stats, no less), you're a rare commodity. I would think that being able to get through college at such a young age (you were 15 when you started??) demonstrates a lot of maturity.

 

[GuzzyRon]

How does age affect a person's chances of getting into a school? Is it viewed as a positive or a negative in some cases when you start deviating from the norm?

I ask because I just turned 18 and plan on applying this cycle and my new MSAR shows a total of 0 matriculants into med school. Then again, it's a large scale but people keep telling me that I'll have to show "maturity" in my interview because I might be too young.

Anyway, here are my stats to put things into perspective for me:

African-American URM
Cum. GPA: 3.76
BCPM GPA: 3.76
MCAT: 32P (10V, 12P, 10B)

Some volunteering at an info desk previously, doing ER and Surgical ICU now.
Some doctor shadowing planned.

I feel that while I might be extremely young and probably didn't get an adequate chance to do what most pre-meds would (explore college and what not), I'm 100% sure on being a doctor. And i have gone through 3 years of college but it's just weird to explain how.

So can someone tell me how my age will affect my app? I'd hate for an adcom to say "You're too young but an otherwise great applicant. Come back next year!" 🙁

Oh boy! (no pun intended) I wish I were in your shoes!!

I'd say goooooooo fooooooooor iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit! IMO, they way you've responded to the questions you were asked on this thread demonstrates a level of maturity. Being young is not a disease or something to be ashamed of so don't let anyone discourage you or belittle you because of your age. Just as long as you apply broadly, have a good idea of what you're getting into and you don't sound arrogant, cocky or childish on your interviews, I'm near certain that you will get in somewhere.

 

[deleted128318]

You will end up at a better program if you wait a year and build a resume that reflects your interest and overshadows your age. To be fair, your experience to date is minimal. You have the numbers to get into a great program if you present them with a well-rounded application, regardless of age.

Spend a year being 18. I doubt you could find many people that are in med school that would disagree with this advice.

 

[HreComesTheSun]

Hi OP, you have great stats and are a unique applicant...I'll have to agree with the majority here and say go for it! 👍 fwiw, i only had some volunteer experience several years ago, and absolutely zero shadowing, and ended up with multiple acceptances. in addition, one of my MCAT instructors was only 19 and had been accepted to UCSD, UCSF, and was waiting to hear back from Duke post-interview at that time. as stated above, if you're good at your interviews, it would seem like you have a great chance for acceptance regardless of your age, good luck!

 

[hsperson]

Why not both? I brought up the point of African American Academic achievement because they aren't getting URM without reason. Fewer African Americans have such high GPAs, especially at such a young age. I'm not being racist just stating facts. Why deny racial inequality exists when it obviously does?

Whoa! Bottom line is: if this person is a role model of "academic achievement," then he/she is one for academic achievement in general and not just for African Americans. What you said is irrelevant, not to mention logically flawed, but I'm not going to get into it.

 

[Kraazy]

You will end up at a better program if you wait a year and build a resume that reflects your interest and overshadows your age. To be fair, your experience to date is minimal. You have the numbers to get into a great program if you present them with a well-rounded application, regardless of age.

Spend a year being 18. I doubt you could find many people that are in med school that would disagree with this advice.

I agree. Hell, if I were in your position, I would spend a year or 2 expanding my range of experiences, traveling, sampling other career paths...
There's SO much you can do now that you will not be able to do once you get into the cog and wheels of a medical career. I think that while your youth may seem like a disadvantage to some with your current application profile, youth+experience will be a definite advantage.

 

[MrBurns10]

I have an extremely young med school class, including one classmate that is actually younger than you. He was 17 but turned 18 in November. It's certainly possible to get into med school and do well at such a young age, but like other people on this thread said you just have to come across as mature. Though I'll be honest, you can definitely tell my 18 yo classmate isn't quite as mature as the rest of the class, but he's mature enough.

 

[Fermata]

Anyway, here are my stats to put things into perspective for me:

African-American URM
Cum. GPA: 3.76
BCPM GPA: 3.76
MCAT: 32P (10V, 12P, 10B)

With these stats the only way I see you not getting in:
-You are unable to explain in a good manner why you want to be a physician
-You don't apply to enough schools
-You apply late in the cycle
-You are from California = sucks to be them

 

[TheRealMD]

I have an extremely young med school class, including one classmate that is actually younger than you. He was 17 but turned 18 in November. It's certainly possible to get into med school and do well at such a young age, but like other people on this thread said you just have to come across as mature. Though I'll be honest, you can definitely tell my 18 yo classmate isn't quite as mature as the rest of the class, but he's mature enough.

Care to explain how he isn't "mature"? I'd like to learn from other examples.

 

[TheRealMD]

I agree. Hell, if I were in your position, I would spend a year or 2 expanding my range of experiences, traveling, sampling other career paths...
There's SO much you can do now that you will not be able to do once you get into the cog and wheels of a medical career. I think that while your youth may seem like a disadvantage to some with your current application profile, youth+experience will be a definite advantage.

I've actually traveled to Africa twice (parents born there), so it's not really a random thing that I want to be a doctor. My time over there has helped me to see that life isn't all that and a bag of chips when you explore beyond the borders of the United States, so I think it's clear where my talents would help most.

 

[Meatwad]

A guy who is graduating college at your age is most likely a very, very motivated and determined individual. Even if everyone here said don't bother applying, you'll never get in, would that honestly deter you? I think you and I know the answer. My bet is you will apply and have lots of success. Good luck to ya.

 

[MrBurns10]

Care to explain how he isn't "mature"? I'd like to learn from other examples.

There's just somewhat of a difference there. Like, he plays video games or watches TV shows on his computer during lecture. Maybe that's a lame example, but sometimes you can just tell. But I didn't mean he's not mature at all because he of course is, otherwise he wouldn't have gotten in (and he's obviously brilliant), but I don't think anyone can say that there's not a maturity difference between most 17 year olds and most 24 year olds. I mean I was 17 once...

Don't take that to mean that I don't think a 17 year old can't be more mature than people older then him/her...I've definitely seen that. And I've seen my fair share of immature 24 year olds. But I mean in general.

 

[Law2Doc]

Care to explain how he isn't "mature"? I'd like to learn from other examples.

The day they teach the digital rectal exam is usually the day when you find out which of your classmates probably dodged a bullet on the maturity issue.🙂

 

[Law2Doc]

A guy who is graduating college at your age is most likely a very, very motivated and determined individual. Even if everyone here said don't bother applying, you'll never get in, would that honestly deter you? I think you and I know the answer. My bet is you will apply and have lots of success. Good luck to ya.

If the OP were really motivated and determined though, it might be advantageous to set him/herself up for the layup rather than the half court shot. The OP could get a masters, do some better research/ECs and sock away some money in the bank, get looked at by a better crop of med schools and still be in the younger half of his/her MS1 class, rather than settle for the handful of schools that will take a chance on a younger applicant. Food for thought.

 

[notdeadyet]

My time over there has helped me to see that life isn't all that and a bag of chips when you explore beyond the borders of the United States, so I think it's clear where my talents would help most.

Spend enough time in the wrong parts of town and you'll see that life isn't all that and a bag of chips for lots of folks right here at home. Africa sadly doesn't have the stranglehold on squalor and opportunity lost.

 

[notdeadyet]

The OP could get a masters, do some better research/ECs and sock away some money in the bank, get looked at by a better crop of med schools and still be in the younger half of his/her MS1 class, rather than settle for the handful of schools that will take a chance on a younger applicant. Food for thought.

Yeah, this is what I was alluding to earlier. To do the incredible academic feat of graduating college so young requires a lot of ambition. I'd be a little worried that at 24, when most people haven't graduated from medical school, the OP may be looking back thinking, "If I'd taken two years to beef up my app and better position myself, I'd be graduating Harvard right now".

I don't personally care about going to a top ranked medical school, but I'm not ambitious enough to graduate college at 18 either. I was probably lucky to graduate high schoool at 18.