I'm 45 and I strongly disagree about your thoughts on the idea of a "plan" B. IMHO, it's not a "state U" rhetoric, it's LIFE rhetoric. We all need something to do if we don't get admitted, preferable something we find reasonably enjoyable. So it's not so much that you shouldn't have one, it's about the fact that sometimes YOUR plan for life doesn't match up yet to God's plan for your life. And that's where "plan B" comes into play.

Sometimes "plan B" can be about getting finances in order, or personal lives in order, gaining confidence, getting kids to college, or maybe all of the above. For the people I know who were delayed in matriculating into med school or whatever other "goal" they had in life, I've never met ONE who regretted the delay, whatever the cause. Because at the end of the day, our lives tend to fall into place exactly the way they're supposed to.

About your "position" on applying to state schools, I hate to say this but it comes across like you have a HUGE chip on your shoulder because of it and I'm sure it would come across in an interview. Check this, I'm Black, I'm female, AND I'm over 40 and I STILL believe I'll be admitted to a med school and not just med school, but an MD/PhD program. And if I had a dollar for the number of times well meaning and not so well meaning people discouraged me from my goal, I'd probably be able to retire by now! But if I had ignored the negativity and stayed focused on MY goal anyway, I'd be DONE by now or pretty close to it!

Now, I put that energy into doing something POSITIVE toward my goal, like studying hard for my Sept. MCAT and enjoying my "plan B" which I happen to do right now as a Scientist using methods common in Pathology. But most importantly, I keep my attitude about this entire process POSITIVE!!!!

Where my over 40 ladies at and what's up?

Me, I'm on the daily "grind" from 9-5, and researching med schools at night. I'm also preparing to do some tutoring in Chemistry, Orgo, and Biochem in the Spring. Finally, I got this stats course that I'm going through at a snails pace, LOL!!!

Hey all, Keep posting! I find you inspiring!

I am 33 and an RN, been a nurse for 10 years, finishing up my BSN. I wanted to be a nurse practitioner, but with increasing requirements for a doctorate degree, I thought, well hell might as well go to med school! So, here I am, contemplating something crazy. It will take me at least another year to get my BSN then I need physics, chems, and calc. I think I must be crazy, but I figure even if it doesn't work out, this dream will keep me getting out of bed each morning and cherishing what time I have with my girls. What could be wrong with that.

Any updates ladies???I've decided to apply this year instead of waiting until next summer.