Where to go?

[rachelbenner]

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Which med schools offer programs designed for the older, non-traditional student?
Thanks.

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

None that I know of.

Most, however, are receptive to non-traditional applicants who seem willing to conform to their programs.

 

[DrMidlife]

The only schools I'd consider to be less than friendly to nontrads are the ones that are heavy BS-MD programs, like Brown and the one in Kansas City.

In my experience as a 41yo applicant/interviewee this year, I've had nothing but encouragement from adcoms about my age.

 

[njbmd]

Which med schools offer programs designed for the older, non-traditional student?
Thanks.

Medical education in this country is fairly uniform which is a good thing. Older, non-traditional medical students don't need any specific medical school programs designed for them. They have the same needs in terms of getting through the curriculum as the traditional students. The information to be mastered in order to become a good physician doesn't know the age of the student.

That being said, you need to attend the school that you can get into and where you feel most comfortable. Investigate things like types of curricula: traditional or classic; systems-based or problem-based or some combination of these. Some people learn best with a classical integrated curriculum and some people thrive under problem-based curriculum. Learn what these are and how you can best navigate through them.

Investigate schools that have strong learning support systems for all students. As a non-traditional student, you will have the same needs as a traditional student when it comes to mastery of coursework. Schools that have strong resources available for students can make this easier. Are lectures on-line(vids and MP-3s)? Is class attendance mandatory? (This can be a huge headache if your learning style is not classroom based). Is the library easy to get to and well stocked with materials that you need? Are faculty supportive and easily accessed? Is the administrative supportive or adversarial? What is available to any student when problems arise such as not passing board exams? Can you get to your school easily and is parking safe and available? (Huge headache if you have to study late and your car gets "broken into" on a regular basis)

Most people (traditional or non-traditional) have difficulty in medical school when something (illness, personal problems, family problems) take time away from their studies. Being able to get help and support for taking care of things that may interfere with studies is key to being able to minimize problems. Any medical school can become pretty "unfriendly" when problems arise and you can't find solutions or resources.

 

[aliDO]

Drexel is catered for the non-traditional student.

 

[DrMidlife]

Drexel is catered for the non-traditional student.

Drexel looks to me like they to cater to anybody with a credit card.

Any data to explain what "catered" means?