I’m so glad I found this site!! I am 29 years old, with a B.S. in Biology from Missouri State University. I graduated in 2002 with a 3.77 gpa and every intention of going to medical school within two years of graduating college. After graduation, I spent a year in seminary while applying to med schools and was accepted to a great med school. However, the summer before I would have started my first year, I was offered an internship at a church to work with at-risk children. I jumped at the chance! As the summer progressed, however, I found myself with an incredible vision to stay and help these kids and therefore decline my seat in the class. I was even hired by a local private university to teach Anatomy and Physiology labs for three years while working at the church. It’s been a few years of working in ministry, but I have never lost my ambition to become a physician. I am now married with no children and working at an amazing church. But I know that I belong in medical school…more than ever!
I guess my primary question is this: Will it look terrible on my future applications that I relented a place in medical school to work at a church?? What can I do (other than retake the MCAT and get a great score) to increase my appeal to admissions boards?? I believe I made the right choice and I’m proud of the work I’ve been able to do, but I don’t want to appear as a “quitter.”
Thanks for any advice!! Blessings!
No not all… you story, your narrative is compelling. with your grades, background, you should be a strong candidate, I don’t know what the limits on MCAT scores are, though it is likely you will have to retake the the exam. You should consider start prepping for that.
…I don’t know what the limits on MCAT scores are…
Typically 3 years from the date of matriculation.
You sound like you’d be a great candidate!! 
I don’t think that you pursuing the other position will be a ding on your record at all. It shows dedication!
Thanks for the encouragement! I just bought my first enormous MCAT prep book and will be consuming it in the next few months. Wish me luck!