As I sit here going back n forth between law and medicine, at 47, I know what I want to do. It surely took me long enough! I will be doing my post-bac at UC Berkeley. Since my undergraduate GPA was low (maybe mid 2.6ish.I was going to school and working fulltime) so I know I will have to kick ass during the post and do well on the MCAT…I am scare, but as I told myself, ever since I was a small child, never go through life wondering what if. If everything goes according to plan, I will be entering med school at 49. With my life experiences I will have great advantage over the 20 - 30 years old. At this age, as I am now, more mature, more stable and sure can deal with a whole lot of stress! Maybe one day in med school a youngster will come to me and ask for my advice…imagine that! I will keep you posted on my journey.
What if -
Here, here! Sounds like you may have to change your forum name to “definately yes!”
I’m finding that I am able to adapt more quickly to figuring out what each course takes to be successful than I was when younger (and less experienced). Trying to work smarter.
Keep us posted on your progress and congrats on haviung the postbacc lined up!
Kate
Thanks Kate! I will do that.
Fear not, you are not alone. I started back to school 2 1/2 years ago in a similar spot. I am now going through interviews at the age of 51 after having practiced law for 26 years. The shoes I wear to my interviews literally are older than most of my fellow interviewees. It is not too late to make a difference in your own life as well as in the lives of others. Best of luck to you.
That’s great! I love what you said about your shoes!
Kate
Hi There!
I feel the same way,but at least you have started your life journey. I keep telling myself that I am too old and BROKE! I am a single parent and just plain scared! I am trying to stay encouraged because , I too , always told myself never wonder"what if" Just do it! “SWOOSH” I am considering registering for a post bc program that I can attend in the evening ,but I keep saying “I can’t afford it” Which I really can’t but GOD will make a way I just have to have faith. GOOD LUCK to you!
- What If Said:
OK 47
2.6 undergrad
Post Bac GPA ?
MCAT ?
49 when you enter medical school? Hmm
You should plan for
Volunteering hours ( the number of hours I came up with was around 200 to 300)
Patient experience hours ( can be done as volunteering)
Shadowing
Post Bac GPA needs to be better then 3.4 to really help
MCAT? at least a 30
then you may be 49 or 50 applying
if you can put a good package together and do well
then yes I think you can succeed but with all that it is ahead of you, you truly must want to do this.
I know I did and my story is a long one.
From starting at a Medical school that turned out to be bogus to finally graduating this year.
I guess what I learned is, the many times I faced failure, I did not give in or give up, I cried then picked myself up again and moved on.
Since we are older ( I was 41 when I started medical school and now 47) it is harder for us but we have experience like you said and if you have that fire burning well enough inside you then you can make this happen.
Good Luck.