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Non-trads, you will be asked "why now?" in regards to following your dreams and becoming a doctor.
If I were a wise guy, I'd respond with, because I sure don't want to wait another 10 years. I have to be honest this question bothers me a bit. I have built up a good deal of life experience in the last 8 years. I work hard and pay my own rent and bills and put food in my belly. I know what the real world is because I live in it and I am more equipped now than ever to make the decision to go to med school and become a doctor. Why now? Because I know. And 8 years ago, I had other things to do and experiences to live before I committed myself to medicine. (How do you really know that fresh face out of school is really committed?).
I'd think it would be more appropriate to ask a 22 year old "Why Now?" He or she has hardly a realistic perception of the real world and most have yet to struggle with real responsibility. Few have work experience beyond summer jobs and part-time work. Being a student is easy compared to working full-time (unless of course, you do both at the same time). My point is that asking me "Why now?" seems a bit ridiculous if it is because I am 8 years out of school and just applying now.
Do they ask new college grads "Why now?" with similar intensity? It would be a good question to ask. "Son, you have had a few experiences here and there. You have spent your 100 hours shadowing and another 100 volunteering (which by the way, a hospital employee accomplishes in a 5 weeks minimum- so I don't think this shadow/volunteer thing is that big of deal). And you have good grades and a solid MCAT score. But, other than that, you've barely had a chance to see what is out there? Are you mature enough to handle medical school life beyond the academics? Why now? Are you sure this for you? Are you ready?" Would seem reasonable. But this student will not have to worry about the "why now?" question because this is the norm.
Understood. But I think the non-trads "why now?" answer is obvious...
Why now? Because I'm ready. Damn. Seems simple to me.
If I were a wise guy, I'd respond with, because I sure don't want to wait another 10 years. I have to be honest this question bothers me a bit. I have built up a good deal of life experience in the last 8 years. I work hard and pay my own rent and bills and put food in my belly. I know what the real world is because I live in it and I am more equipped now than ever to make the decision to go to med school and become a doctor. Why now? Because I know. And 8 years ago, I had other things to do and experiences to live before I committed myself to medicine. (How do you really know that fresh face out of school is really committed?).
I'd think it would be more appropriate to ask a 22 year old "Why Now?" He or she has hardly a realistic perception of the real world and most have yet to struggle with real responsibility. Few have work experience beyond summer jobs and part-time work. Being a student is easy compared to working full-time (unless of course, you do both at the same time). My point is that asking me "Why now?" seems a bit ridiculous if it is because I am 8 years out of school and just applying now.
Do they ask new college grads "Why now?" with similar intensity? It would be a good question to ask. "Son, you have had a few experiences here and there. You have spent your 100 hours shadowing and another 100 volunteering (which by the way, a hospital employee accomplishes in a 5 weeks minimum- so I don't think this shadow/volunteer thing is that big of deal). And you have good grades and a solid MCAT score. But, other than that, you've barely had a chance to see what is out there? Are you mature enough to handle medical school life beyond the academics? Why now? Are you sure this for you? Are you ready?" Would seem reasonable. But this student will not have to worry about the "why now?" question because this is the norm.
Understood. But I think the non-trads "why now?" answer is obvious...
Why now? Because I'm ready. Damn. Seems simple to me.
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