SevenofNine01 Posted November 16, 2016 Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 I stumbled across this forum and it's been a wonderful source of info. I would like to thank everyone who's contributed so much (especially to the Pre-Med Section). I'm an "older" gal. I'm 27 and I'm just starting my undergraduate degree. I even have a bit of upgrading to do! < Personal Story > I was in school 7 years ago. My father was diagnosed with Cancer, and I dropped everything to have him live with me during his illness. I became his full time care-taker for 5 years, working and supporting him through the ugly process of cancer. He's now living in palliative care, and I'm able to pursue my own life, and my put myself first. </Personal Story> I know that my "reason" for being such a late bloomer is a completely understandable one, but are there other people on this fourm who started the whole process 'late' like me? It's daunting to think that I'm nearly 10 years older than my fellow classmates. I go between thinking it gives me a competitive edge ("life experience") and thinking it makes me look like I lack direction. I'd love to hear success stories if anyone has one! Gogogo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MSWschnoodle Posted November 16, 2016 Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 I'm older than you if it makes you feel any better, as are many of my classmates! I went back to school in my mid to late 20s as well. It's not uncommon to encounter people who are in their 30s or even 40s in medical school (though some schools do tend to skew older than others). There are both advantages and disadvantages to being older in this process... but that means there are also advantages and disadvantages to being younger. As for competitive edge vs lacking direction, I don't think either one is necessarily the end of the world. LOTS of people aren't entirely sure what they want to do when they are younger (or, like you, have other priorities that postpone some of the things they eventually want to do). That's not necessarily a negative thing. If you used that time to learn and grow then you are fundamentally a different person now then you were when you were younger. You likely have a very different perspective on the medical system and what it means to be a doctor because of the life experience you have had. You will bring that with you into medicine and others will learn from you, just as you will learn from them. As you head off down the road to undergrad take the time to explore your interests and the things you enjoy. There will be a lot of great experiences between now and your end goal of applying to medical school (I took some truly awesome classes in undergrad) - don't get so focused on your destination that you miss all the cool scenery on the way! This will sound a bit polly anna-ish but when the time comes to apply focus on creating an application that is the very best reflection and representation of who you are - that is the only thing within your control. You have no ability to control what admissions views as competitive or what other applicants have - but you can focus your energy on creating an application that you are proud of. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
End Poverty Posted November 16, 2016 Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 I'm older than you if it makes you feel any better, as are many of my classmates! I went back to school in my mid to late 20s as well. It's not uncommon to encounter people who are in their 30s or even 40s in medical school (though some schools do tend to skew older than others). There are both advantages and disadvantages to being older in this process... but that means there are also advantages and disadvantages to being younger. As for competitive edge vs lacking direction, I don't think either one is necessarily the end of the world. LOTS of people aren't entirely sure what they want to do when they are younger (or, like you, have other priorities that postpone some of the things they eventually want to do). That's not necessarily a negative thing. If you used that time to learn and grow then you are fundamentally a different person now then you were when you were younger. You likely have a very different perspective on the medical system and what it means to be a doctor because of the life experience you have had. You will bring that with you into medicine and others will learn from you, just as you will learn from them. As you head off down the road to undergrad take the time to explore your interests and the things you enjoy. There will be a lot of great experiences between now and your end goal of applying to medical school (I took some truly awesome classes in undergrad) - don't get so focused on your destination that you miss all the cool scenery on the way! This will sound a bit polly anna-ish but when the time comes to apply focus on creating an application that is the very best reflection and representation of who you are - that is the only thing within your control. You have no ability to control what admissions views as competitive or what other applicants have - but you can focus your energy on creating an application that you are proud of. Good luck! Great response, MSWschnoodle Where are you from, sevenofnine01? I am asking you this question because some universities prefer applicants with strong extracurriculars and unique life experiences ( ex. U of Calgary) , whereas other universities prefer applicants with strong GPA/ high MCAT scores ( ex. U of Alberta). I think med schools look at older applicants favourably, because they tend to be more well-rounded and mature. In the next few years, try to work on maintaining a high GPA. It is essential to have a high GPA, especially if you are thinking of applying to medical schools outside of your province. Additionally, work on exploring your interests, and utilizing your skills in activities that will promote your personal and professional growth. Best of Luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SevenofNine01 Posted November 16, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 Great response, MSWschnoodle Where are you from, sevenofnine01? I am asking you this question because some universities prefer applicants with strong extracurriculars and unique life experiences ( ex. U of Calgary) , whereas other universities prefers applicants with strong GPA/ high MCAT scores ( ex. U of Alberta). I think med schools look at older applicants favourably, because they tend to be more well-rounded and mature. In the next few years, try to work on maintaining a high GPA. It is essential to have a high GPA, specially if you are thinking of applying to medical schools outside of your province. Additionally, work on exploring your interests, and utilizing your skills in activities that will promote your personal and professional growth. Best of Luck I'm in Alberta, actually! U of C is absolutely my preferred program, partly because my life experiences would help me stand out, partly because a 3 year medical program appeals to me. U of A would be great too, but it seems so much more competitive. Either way, I'm planning on keeping my grades up, and applying to both. Thank you for your insight! I appreciate the reply. I really need to get involved with more hobbies I'm passionate about while in undergrad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SevenofNine01 Posted November 16, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 I'm older than you if it makes you feel any better, as are many of my classmates! I went back to school in my mid to late 20s as well. It's not uncommon to encounter people who are in their 30s or even 40s in medical school (though some schools do tend to skew older than others). There are both advantages and disadvantages to being older in this process... but that means there are also advantages and disadvantages to being younger. As for competitive edge vs lacking direction, I don't think either one is necessarily the end of the world. LOTS of people aren't entirely sure what they want to do when they are younger (or, like you, have other priorities that postpone some of the things they eventually want to do). That's not necessarily a negative thing. If you used that time to learn and grow then you are fundamentally a different person now then you were when you were younger. You likely have a very different perspective on the medical system and what it means to be a doctor because of the life experience you have had. You will bring that with you into medicine and others will learn from you, just as you will learn from them. As you head off down the road to undergrad take the time to explore your interests and the things you enjoy. There will be a lot of great experiences between now and your end goal of applying to medical school (I took some truly awesome classes in undergrad) - don't get so focused on your destination that you miss all the cool scenery on the way! This will sound a bit polly anna-ish but when the time comes to apply focus on creating an application that is the very best reflection and representation of who you are - that is the only thing within your control. You have no ability to control what admissions views as competitive or what other applicants have - but you can focus your energy on creating an application that you are proud of. Good luck! That does make me feel better. Thank you for the lovely and kind reply. It doesn't sound too Polly Anna at all. I'll try and keep it in mind to stop and smell the roses. It's not easy when you're obsessing over your GPA, but I'm actually really excited about my classes to come, I genuinely find them interesting. What school are you in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GH0ST Posted November 16, 2016 Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 http://forums.premed101.com/index.php?/topic/41062-success-stories-non-trad-style/?p=953358 Plenty of stories in the non-trad success thread too. Best of luck on your journey, - G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MSWschnoodle Posted November 17, 2016 Report Share Posted November 17, 2016 That does make me feel better. Thank you for the lovely and kind reply. It doesn't sound too Polly Anna at all. I'll try and keep it in mind to stop and smell the roses. It's not easy when you're obsessing over your GPA, but I'm actually really excited about my classes to come, I genuinely find them interesting. What school are you in? I'm at U of C :-) I took an undergrad and masters at U of C too. Feel free to PM me if you have any particular questions that you think I can help with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FutureAmazingDoc Posted November 17, 2016 Report Share Posted November 17, 2016 MSWschnoodle is a rock star :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsdjflks Posted November 20, 2016 Report Share Posted November 20, 2016 v Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Birdy Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 I started undergrad when I was 25 since I got married and started my family young. I got into Mac, the other 3 year program, out of my third year of undergrad and I'm in my second year. I'll turn 30 in March so I'll graduate med school at 31. Kind of lucked out and 'saved' two years this way. There's quite a number of mature students in my program. I think my oldest classmate is in his 40s (and he's awesome.) There's a fair number of us in the late twenties to early thirties range. Not a big deal by any means. Starting later did mean I entered undergrad with a very solid plan about how I was going to approach my studies, and I was actually really surprised when my plan A worked out like it did. The advance planning and strategic selection of courses, for all my moaning and groaning along the way, did make a big difference. Being a bit older does also factor into my evaluation of residency options, though, but that's more because I have kids, including a new baby who will be only 18 months when I start residency, and I don't want to miss out on even more of their childhoods. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Borborygmi Posted December 14, 2016 Report Share Posted December 14, 2016 Another here and also @ UofC. Returned to school at 27 to upgrade and full-time at 28. Entered med @ 35. Very long and windy road that was certainly not easy, but I'm happier now than I have been in many years. There were many times where I didn't think I would meet my goal (and was honestly surprised when I was accepted). I suppose what I'm trying to say is that even if you invest your time and energy into working for a medical school acceptance, know that it may not happen. There are many very highly qualified applicants that are rejected each year. Know this and do your best to put your best foot forward. I'm sorry to hear about your dad's health and that he's now palliative. I wish you both the best through the palliative care process. Having been through a similar process, I would suggest making sure you're in an emotionally stable place before taking on academics. I wish you the best! If you have specific questions, feel free to PM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
futureMD2020 Posted December 30, 2016 Report Share Posted December 30, 2016 Like the others on this thread, I came back to school later in life as well. I finished my first degree at 22 and worked in my field for over 10 years before thinking I would give school another shot and see if I could find something to be passionate about. Medicine is what I eventually came into in my mid 30s, and I am absolutely loving it. I encourage you to follow your dreams and don't worry about being older than your classmates; you can always tell them to get off your lawn like I do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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