So many ask this question and get a stock answer but I say the truth is:
No time line,
Time line that people post on web sites like:
HS, College 3rd year take MCAT apply to medschools, Start medschool right after graduation.
is for the benefit of those asking a question and giving a stock answer. "its lazy" really.
People read all my posts ( on the forum studentdoc ) and say I'm not consistent, they are right I'm not because each person is different and I give out part of the advice that is asked, I stick to what I believe is true for the stats and those that have been successful in the last few years of getting accepted into medical school.
Then I weigh the human factor which is based purely on opinion.
But
No time line is the truth. You can take time to get to medical school and until you are over 50 Age makes little difference. ( After 40 I believe it starts to make some but 50 seems to be the magic number)
Take the MCAT when you are truly ready not because of the "time line"
Do the volunteering and Patient contact time too, this is very important.
Bill.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
NonTraditional Premeds
From time to time I open up a discussion and this time I wanted to give my thoughts that are general on being older and getting into medical school.
First step how old is too old? Are you dead? Good!
I would say realistically over 60 will make a really tough case for a Medical school to accept you. the oldest I have seen is 66 so far but that was in the Caribbean.
Second your College in the past, all grades on any College transcripts will count towards a GPA calculated by the Medical schools. Many GPAs fall when this is done because if you fail or get a D in a class and retake both grades are averaged, An A is then not an A anymore.
MD schools, some do not like older students, its not personal, it has to do with the applicant pool being younger and the feeling that the younger applicants will practice longer and be able to do the longer residencies, but the shortage is in primary care where the residencies are less then 5 years.
DO schools tend to be way more forgiving of GPA and Age.
So get the transcripts go over them.
Life experience and Maturity does count
You need to Volunteer and get Patient contact experience these are essential.
Time, the longer you have been out of school you can can make a case you have changed and if your GPA was low back then, a new degree, Masters/Post Bac / or BS degree depends on each case, when and if you do another Degree that GPA must be high, above 3.5 if possible.
OK schools
MD and DO are equal as far as being a Physician so apply where you can get accepted. Remember you will have to apply to no less then 10 schools when the time comes, you may get into the one or two you really want but then again you need the others in case, only 40% get accepted who apply.
Caribbean is also a possibility, I always say stick with the big 3 AUC, SGU and Ross they have good track records and Federal Student Loans. 18 to 24 months on the island then 2 years in the USA along side US students.
Just get your goals in order and a good plan.
you will succeed
.
First step how old is too old? Are you dead? Good!
I would say realistically over 60 will make a really tough case for a Medical school to accept you. the oldest I have seen is 66 so far but that was in the Caribbean.
Second your College in the past, all grades on any College transcripts will count towards a GPA calculated by the Medical schools. Many GPAs fall when this is done because if you fail or get a D in a class and retake both grades are averaged, An A is then not an A anymore.
MD schools, some do not like older students, its not personal, it has to do with the applicant pool being younger and the feeling that the younger applicants will practice longer and be able to do the longer residencies, but the shortage is in primary care where the residencies are less then 5 years.
DO schools tend to be way more forgiving of GPA and Age.
So get the transcripts go over them.
Life experience and Maturity does count
You need to Volunteer and get Patient contact experience these are essential.
Time, the longer you have been out of school you can can make a case you have changed and if your GPA was low back then, a new degree, Masters/Post Bac / or BS degree depends on each case, when and if you do another Degree that GPA must be high, above 3.5 if possible.
OK schools
MD and DO are equal as far as being a Physician so apply where you can get accepted. Remember you will have to apply to no less then 10 schools when the time comes, you may get into the one or two you really want but then again you need the others in case, only 40% get accepted who apply.
Caribbean is also a possibility, I always say stick with the big 3 AUC, SGU and Ross they have good track records and Federal Student Loans. 18 to 24 months on the island then 2 years in the USA along side US students.
Just get your goals in order and a good plan.
you will succeed
.
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