hi, I am new to the site and wanted to hear from some other women. I am currently 40 a single parent of one in Physical Therapy school (my B Plan) and want to pursue going to medical school (my A Plan) to enter 2011. DPT school is tough...but I love gross and what i am learning. I am very discouraged regarding the nature of the PT's work and the pay. But are there any of you over 40 and in medical school or did you go to school in your 40's??? I need more than a follow your dream kinda thing...I'm on that, but realistically how is it? I never applied to med school because of my husband being unsupportive and now we are divorcing.

Thanks!
EC

I am 40 (mom of 2 boys) and in the middle of the application cycle to enter in 2010 (Class of 2014!) . I always wanted to be a physician and my life got side-tracked. Now, I am back on my way to doing exactly what I want to do.
I have received lots of discouragement from some and plenty of encouragement from others.....so my only advice is just to surround yourself with people of the second variety. I obviously believe it is possible to go back at 40+.
I will echo the sentiment that others have expressed here, though......you may find that osteopathic schools are more open to the older applicant.
I have applied to 7 allopathic and 7 osteopathic schools. I have interviewed at both allo- and osteo- schools, have more interviews coming up, and so far have been accepted at 1 osteopathic school. I know that allopathic schools have the odd older student, but my interviews at allopathic schools thus far have ranged from discouraging to fairly unpleasant..........Well, forget unpleasant, one was a downright nasty experience, whereby I was told in no uncertain terms that I was too old and had no business wasting their time.
My interviews at osteo schools have all been very positive. It seems some even look at having older students as a good thing..........more life experience, more maturity, etc....
Just my experience, which is certainly not comprehensive, so take it for what it's worth.
The only real concern I have is the debt load of med school, as I won't have as many years to work and pay it all off as someone in their 20s. But I have been planning and crunching numbers and have decided it'll be totally worth it to do what I feel I am meant to do.
I don't know if that is any help at all. But here is at least one person going to med school at 40. Actually, I'll be 41 by the time class starts.....probably kind of like a 'den mother' to the class of 2014. LOL

Yes I would be concerned about the debt burden!

I am a physician, mother to two boys as well (ages 8 and 11 now) and I have also been a Den mother to their Cub Scout Dens for over five years!
Anyway, I went through medical school and residency before I had them.
I have worked part time ever since they were born and am happy with the balance I have. However, I know it would have been very, very hard (and most likely I would not be where I am today) if my boys were young during my training years.

Please listen to those who are cautioning you against your chosen path.
Maybe yours are older now so perhaps it will be easier for you.
I saw what my co-residents with young children went through, and believe me, I am very grateful that my life worked out differently!

Good luck!

I'm in my 40's, in a very solid plan "B", but planning to apply to med school in the next 2 years or so. Due primarily to my age, I'm going to be applying to DO schools as well, having had some of the same experiences regarding my age as a previous poster.

At this point, I've already covered the academic presitge factor to my own personal satisfaction, now it's all about doing what's necessary to one day become a Physician.

This is the advice I get from many......and believe me, I understand that it is heartfelt and well-meant, I do.

But people who offer this advice are offering advice in general.....they have no idea of my particular issues and circumstances. Of course, why would they?

Over and over again it is the issues of money and children.

So, here is where I come from.......

I have crunched the numbers, with an acountant, no less, and how it works out is this...
Even if I borrow at the max level (Which I don't intend to do) and even accounting for compounded interest........ I only have to make about $72,000.00 a year until retirement to be (myself and my husband) significantly better off financially than I/we am/are now. $72,000.00 a year until retirement is more than achievable, even in the lowest paid of general practitioners, so that becomes a non-issue for me.

Then there is the issue of children. My children are just about to enter school, so yes, they are young. My children have both been in daycare full-time since they were three months old. They leave the house at 7:30 AM and they return to the house at 6:45 PM. By that time, we can have dinner together and it is time for their stories and bed. This is far from ideal, I know, but it is our reality and always has been. They are happy kids though, bright and well-adjusted, and we have a happy family.

More reality.....if I do not pursue school, and continue on my current, or some alternate path, there will never be a time before they leave home when this schedule will be significantly altered. I will never be able to work anything other than full-time and they will be in before- and after-care, when they are not in school, until they are old enough to stay home alone.

I understand that control of your time, med school and residency, is not yours. I understand that there will be many weeks, during residency, when I never see daylight.
But I have to say, I have a friend in residency at UVA, and although she has those sunless weeks.........she also has lots of weeks where she hits the wards at 6 AM and leaves the hospital by 4. Hence, she is, on average, not spending any less time than I am with her kids.....a good chunk of the year, it seems, she is spending a tiny bit more.

All of the advice I receive is intelligent and well-intended, for sure. But I am not asking for an easy path. I fully expect my path to be hell-on-wheels, at times. However, given the specifics of my life, I still think it is the best decision for me and for my family. I don't believe I will regret it. Obviously, if I did believe this.....I would not continue on this path.
Only you, as an individual, (or with a spouse, if you have one) can make this decision. Do take the time to consider, and reconsider, and consider some more....all of the "ifs" and "buts" and "please don'ts". Then make the best decision you can.

And I'll let you know, in a couple of years, if I was right or wrong with my decision....

What I've come to realize is that the best advice I get is from people who are leaving a very demanding career for medical school. I've found that people whose first real job was as a Resident don't have enough general life experience to draw upon as far as advice about work/life balance is concerned. Sure they can tell me all about how demanding med school/residency is, but they have no idea that there are PLENTY of other VERY demanding professional careers on the same level as medicine as far as time away from family and other issues are concerned.

Didn't take me long to realize that every path I'm interested in requires a HUGE amount of sacrifice, so I may as well sacrifice for something I really want to do.

Exactly my point! It's like the assumption is made that in my current life I have tons of time with my kids and can go to PTO meetings and baseball games, all of which I would be giving up. Unfortunately....not so....

As pathdr2b (I work in pathology right now too, actually.....but I am low-woman on the totem pole for sure) said.....if I am going to sacrifice, I might as well sacrifice for something I truly want.

Ah......in any event, I am lucky enough to have encouraging folks in my immediate circle of compatriots. And a fun thing happened to me this weekend, too. I rec'd a quick e-mail from a man I dated through the last half of our undergrad and all of his medical school years. I had recently written him that I am going back to school and he replied a few days later with this. "Congratulations!" Not "don't' or "but" or "do you really think you should?" or "have you considered?" ....just "Congratulations on this decision".

I agree with pathdr2. I was a high school teacher for the last 8 years. Many nights I stayed after school to tutor students, then I had to bring work home. So, even though I was in the house with my kids I was not spending anytime with them, because I was either grading papers or doing lesson plans. Now that I am laid off (I'm in Michigan) I am thinking of pursuing medicine (either a physician or a nurse). I am somewhat nervous, because I hear horror stories of how you have no life if you are a doctor (and I have a husband and three kids--ages 1, 3 and 6). But I have to realize that it is my responsibility to provide the best life for my family. I will just have to pray for excellent time management:).

Hey ladies! I've started my MCAT prep in earnest. Anyone else with me?

I...am with you, path! Doing bio over the break...making changes in my Spring schedule...being serious, though not applying for 2 more years.

Kris

Count me in too. Last 4 pre-reqs this sp and fall. May be taking a MCAT course this summer. Plan on taking MCAT 2011. Oldest will gradaute high school in 2012.

In my medical school class we had 2 students who were 40. They both found it very difficult to retain the volume of information that their younger classmates could handle. Now that I am 42 I understand that a little better. One of them graduated and the other dropped our "for family reasons".

When considering your options remember that for the 4 years of medical school and at least 3 years of residency you will need to spend nearly every waking hour studying. This studying may be in the classroom, in study groups, in the hospital on rounds or on your own. You will always feel like you did not learn enough and you will probably feel guilty for anything that you do that is not studying. That's at least 7 years that you will miss out on family events and important occasions.

If you have young children, this is especially important! If you are "doing it for them" will they be grown and out of the house by the time you make a reasonable income? If you are paying back your student loans will you have $ to pay for their college expenses? Weddings? Gifts along the way? Medical reimbursement is dropping very quickly and is expected to drop more. Malpractice costs are going up. There might not be much money left to take home once you graduate and get a job as a physician.

Some schools will only consider students who will be able to provide at least 20 years as a physician before retiring. If you are 47 when you finish residency and retire at 65, that's less than 20 years and a red flag. Expect to be asked questions about this!

With all this being said, I love being a physician. Call the admission offices at the schools you are interested in attending and ask them directly about the ages of their oldest students. I even went to their offices and introduced myself the year before I applied. I found out what they were looking for in students and worked on that (more research, more community involvement, more leadership in my community..).

Best of luck in whatever you decide to do!

I'm going to have to disagree with ohbee on a number of points.

1) Decreasing learning capacity doesn't occur with everyone as they age. In my case, I've developed a very keen photographic memory which allowed me to ace medical school courses like Pathology and Histology. I didn't have anything close to one 20 years ago.

2) Quite a few of us in our 40's applying/attending to med school don't have young children and many of us have nests that will be empty by the time residency rolls around. Therefore we won't have to limit ourselves to family friendly specialties. In fact for us, the sky is the limit because we don't have to worry about how balancing future young kids and families (wombs are CLOSED, thank you very much) with our careers, a point I'm sure to make with every school I interview with.

3) The point about time to practice I think is moot because so many women become Physicans in their 20's only to quit medicine it seems for primarily family reasons. So I ask the question, who is the riskier bet, a woman with nothing much in her life that would cause her to quit medicine, or someone younger who you know for sure, is going to have at least some trouble balancing a high stres career with family?

4) Speaking of high stress careers, many of us in our 40's already know how to handle a high stress career with other responsibilities. A 27 year old doctors' first experience with this is as a Physician. With life experience comes much wisdom.

I've said it a gazillion times, older applicants IMHO make better Docs because of their life experiences, Moms make better Docs because of their experiences, the combo? Well now you've got a hellva Doc on your hands, LOL!!! So our job as the "best candidates" is to own it, sell it, WORK IT!!!!!!!

Did you do anything special to improve your memory? Or did that just happen as a consequence of your increased focus and motivation?

Thanks.

you inspire me...I totally agree with you. I just turned 40 this month and am completing my pre-reqs as well. I too have received discouragement and am also dealing with the (insecure husband) issue stuff sometimes too. But it seems the best advice is to pursue your goals and dreams.... I originally had a scientific background in pharma research as well as in the clinical lab as a lab tech while I was in my 20's.

I needed to make a drastic change during the mid 90's to IT and transitioned to systems engineering and software development. Really wish that I could have remained in the scientific arena as originally planned. However, life happens and I got married and started a recruiting firm and then realized when the economic downturn happened in 2008 that medicine was still a very real passion of mine.

I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A PHYSICIAN FROM THE AGE OF 4...I am so much more focused and determined now that I am 40. I believe first that God himself is empowering me. 2ndly, that experience somehow really grounds you. It is something that you really can't explain. I suffered many devastating things growing up from mental, sexual, emotional and verbal abuse to surviving being kidnapped and raped by three men, two of which were murderers. I am so gratful that God even allowed me to be here and pursue my real goal of being a physician..

You know some say that your time of actually practicing will be limited after 40. I say that whatever time God allows me to practice it will be time well spent. Thanks for listening ladies.....

PS: By the way how did you acquire such a great memory? I'm starting Ginkgo Biloba this week. Anyone ever tried it?

Hi Marvak-

You are awesome! I think it's a myth that your memory declines with age. Mine has improved. When I was a medical educator I had a student who graduated and set up private practice at age 68. You can do it when you know that you can. I have worked with people who had the self-esteem and self-love issues that need to be healed coming from a childhood of trauma. Address these and let go of all the non-essentials while you are in school and your concentration and memory in school will surely improve.

-Devi

;)THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT!!!! I am definitely working on all the "non-essentials" right now. I am so glad I know what they are. The hardest part is over...LOL Where are you practicing now? This site is more than an educational resource but a sisterhood of support.... So Glad I found it

I'd say that focus and motivation play a major part, as does being very interested in what I'm learning.

I was also Dx with ADD a few years ago and take alternative meds to treat it. That in and of itself filled a HUGE gap in my ability to not only focus, but also retain what I learn.

Now if I could just remember to to take 2 daily doses, I'd really be doing great, LOL!!!

That's awesome! Would you mind sharing what the alternative meds are? I would like to discuss it with my doctor. Thank you!

I'm 30 and contemplating following my long time dream goal of becoming an OB so I can relate. I did get some discouragement from some saying do PA or etc. I am also researching and considering the certified nurse midwife route as I am deeply interested in homeopathic medicine as well.

I had a photographic memory in high school and while it did decrease it was not from age it has more to do with the muscle that the brain seems to be weakening from lack of "study". I say study because I never had to really study in my life. I reviewed but nothing like hours which I'm sure would be different with medical school. But the brain is like other muscles you have to study and read to keep it up. I completed medical assistant certification in 2008 and had a 4.0 my medical terms and anatomy were almost all scored at 100%. While almost all of the students in my smaller sized class had 4.0 but I was the only one that aced the anatomy with 100%. I am just saying that it all came back to me in my late 20s after years of no formal education classes.

I say go for it. I have heard stories of 60 year olds entering and completing. Best thing you can do is stay inside a comfortable means. Save save save. Don't go buy extravagant house and cars and you can probably have no issues repaying debts and be able to save for retirement and help children with college costs. Weddings is something that is nice to help out with but not required. Just saying nobody paid for my education(to date) or wedding(well we had a short term with wedding from family but repaid it all and it was a VERY small frugal wedding). That part of life had detoured me off my education path and when I went for the MA school was me as a single mom trying to better our lifestyle. So far it has proved useless as I don't have experience and many in my area require bilingual to even be contacted for consideration. I had 3 years of high school Spanish but am far from fluent or even up to communications levels. I am working to get Rosetta Stone or something to improve my pronunciations and learn new terms particularly medical terms. I know our local Mayo clinic offers classes at times during the year.

My apologies for the late response.

I take a product called Neurozyme and purchase it from Whole Foods.

BTW, is anyone taking the MCAT this year? I'm taking it in August!

Hi, I am 47 and taking MCAT for the second time July 30th. I scored a 10 on verbal but bombed the rest. I have my BS in psych and Masters in Counseling (2001 grad). I am just retaking Bio and am in Kaplan course studying for MCAT one more time. I did an online course first time around and now am in a classroom. Learning all kinds of great short cuts for some of the 100's of equations that I didn't learn from my previous course. It is very important for me to score high, 30+ because I am SO OLD! You know what I mean.... I already was discouraged from med school because of my age but who cares? My girls are grown ( well, they are 23,26 but act like high school girls...) and my husband thinks I can be a great doctor. We survived law school for him so now it's my turn to do whatever I want. I opened and ran a wellness center and saw that I wanted to be more than just the owner/ assistant to the doctor. I am very street wise medically ( if that's a term?) and am ready to learn everything else. My grandmother just turned 100 in May so there is plenty of time left in my life for whatever I want! I am applying to osteopath school, in particular to AT Still because they offer one year classroom and then do clinical rotations the last three years. Anyhow, I am in need of cheering on and well wishers. It's tough being thought of as too old when I feel just right! Keep studying and find a study group or tutor for your MCAT! Best wishes!

Just getting started AND having 20 years of experience at the same time.

I am 45 and am preparing for the Sept 3 MCAT.

My thoughts, motivations and apprehensions echo so many comments. I thought I would share a few points brought up throughout this forum.

I have so much more to offer medical school and eventually patients and the medical community now than I would have at 25 or 35. I did apply to medical school way back (1993) when I was wait listed and reassured I was at the very top of the list and would get in.

Since then I have had my 2 boys (now 13 and 15). I worked until 1996 on my PhD (abd). I have several publications in cell bio topics. Then I did a bunch of short gigs. I went bank to research once for a little over a year. I got certified to teach yoga and did that for about 2 years. Today I am a science teacher and have 5 years under my belt. No small task as a NYC TOP fellow for the MS program. I am fully tenured and certified.

All of that I will bring to the classroom, office and conferences!

As for the intellectual capacity, I am sure it is an individual experience. Personally, I am a MUCH better student now than I was at 25. I am calm and focused. I love the content (education or science even history - I had a great course last year in US history I needed as an undergraduate prerequisite, whatever!?)

Financially, whoa? I have a house with big equity
I am divorced and remarried with little help financially.
I am sure loans are the only way. As i see it there is no need to retire at 65. I imagine I will start the second chapter of my medical career at that point.

peace, Joanna

I am 42 years old and I am going into my senior year of college. I have worked as a police officer/detective for 12 years in Washington DC. Before that I was in the military. I am expecting to graduate after the spring of 2012. Is it too late to attempt medical school? I believe that at 42 years old I am mature enough for medical school. I have dealt with very stressful and dangerous situations in my tenure as a police officer. I believe that I can take that experience into a new career as a doctor.

Hey Harley,

It's only too late after you're dead, LOL!!

BTW, LOVE the username! I rode on a Harley for the first time a few weeks ago and it was a complete blast!!!

I'm so glad I found this discussion!! I am 33, a software engineer looking for a career change, and keep find myself considering med school. I've been considering Pharmacy for the most part, but the more I think about it, I think I would end up wanting more patient interaction in my daily work routine. I enjoy interacting with people and get along great with everyone (all ages, personalities, etc.), and I love problem solving (it's the most rewarding part of software). I make excellent grades, find science fascinating, am a good test taker and at memorization (MUCH better than when I was in high school). I originally returned to school to (finally) complete my computer science degree, but with the lack of satisfaction I have in doing that kind of work already, I decided to consider other things. It's awesome to read this discussion - very encouraging!
I wish you all the best in your endeavors!!

I'm so glad I found this website!!! I've read this entire thread and it makes me so happy to see that I am not alone on this journey.

Throughout my life, I've had many thoughts and ideas regarding becoming a physician - unfortunately, it has taken until now (I'm 41 yrs. old) to have the confidence, support and commitment to go after what I want.

My family and friends consistently encouraged me to become a nurse - so I did all the pre-req's, got into a local program, and completed my first quarter of nursing school this past Spring. The problem was, when I actually got into nursing school - I hated it!!! When I finished the quarter, I decided that I would finally pursue medical school. Luckily, I have an awesome husband who supports me completedly. My mom, on the other hand, keeps stammering about me being too old to become a doctor - I am learning to ignore her.

It's so good to have a site like this, to draw strength from and to hear from like-minded women.

Wow! So awesome to find some ladies my age, doing what I am dreaming of doing! You are an INSPIRATION!

My first career choice was that of an elementary teacher. Looking back, I see clearly now that I really just wanted to be a mom.

Still LOVE being a mom to our five children, ages 7-18, and I did receive my teaching certificate and have kept it current. However, I don't believe that teaching school is what I really want to do.

I have discovered I feel a poignant fascination with the human body--all of it's interdependent systems! I think I would LOVE the learning! Also, the application--the 'mom' in me just wants to find out what's wrong and help to make everything all better.

However, I'm not willing to sacrifice too much from my husband/kids. Obviously, everyone's idea of 'too much' is different. I just wish I had a clear 'birds-eye' view of the 'cost' of this dream, so I could truly weigh it against the things which matter most to me.

I have more of a 'journey' mentality, than worrying about the destination--as long as I love what I do. If I'm 55 when I get there, so what? I'm going to be 55 someday, anyway. But, again--what is the 'cost'? How much time will I really miss from my family? They're all in school, which is good, but what about the hours before and after? Can you ever arrange class schedules and residencies, etc. to allow Parent/teacher conferences, soccer games, shopping for Prom etc.? Or, does your life become 'theirs' from your first day of med school? And, at what point in med school do the 'sun-less' days begin; for how long do they last?

I'm also curious about Physical therapy, because I've read about the curriculum (some very interesting classes) and much smaller time frame to complete. But, my 'gut' tells me that I would want to help the whole person, not just mostly help rehabilitate the parts that aren't working. (I'm thinking a D.O. in Primary Care is exactly up my alley.)

But, again, what is the price I will have to pay from all other areas of my life?

Could someone who has been-there/done-that (or is currently doing that) please share some of their wisdom? I will so appreciate it!

I am crying tears of joy for finding this forum! I have always wanted to be a doctor, but was told in high school by a counselor that I wasn't smart enough, (I finished A&P with 99% by the way! HA! Not smart enough!) my parents thought it was too expensive, I was afraid of the "hard" courses....anatomy, chemistry etc....so I let them all talk me out of it.

I have traveled a lot, have 2 children, 9 and 5 years old, and am turning 40 in April....and I still have that nagging feeling that I need to be a doctor. I feel so much turmoil over this, it's actually giving me stomach aches.....

I started pre-reqs 2 years ago for nursing. But it still doesn't feel quite right....My plan was to get a bachelor degree in nursing and then re-evaluate if I still want med school or go nurse practitioner route. I need the bachelor degree anyway....and I will take the required med school pre-reqs as well....

My husband is not supportive of med school...the nearest one is a 2 hour drive away....(if I were to even get into that one!) I

I am so glad that there are other mom's out there who are struggling with the same dreams. It helps to know I am not alone. I am unsure if I am willing to sacrifice missing out on my kids to pursue this dream. Can I handle lack of sleep? Not seeing the sun for days...or my kids? I don't think I can answer that right now.....maybe doing the doctor of nursing practice is more right for me?

Thanks for letting me ramble.....I am hoping the "right" path becomes clear for me soon.......

Have a wonderful day!

Hi Natascha!

I'm in the same boat - although I have been accepted to nursing school, and finished my first quarter. I have a very similar story to you - it wasn't teachers or parents who talked me out of med school, it was my own lack of confidence in science and math. Well, I have since completed all nursing pre-req's and calculus with a 3.9 gpa. I'm 42, with three kids, and a husband who, for the most part, supports my goals. However, he very much wants me to continue nursing school, and I discovered after the first quarter that I don't really feel like nursing is the place for me (I actually took the next quarter off, to really think about what path I should take). I thought the same as you: I could probably do the nursing route if it was as an advance practice nurse (I was really interested in becoming a CRNA), if I could have autonomy and diagnosing scope of practice. My problem is that nursing just does not inspire me! I want to do more! Unfortunately, you have to log a lot of time doing standard nursing in order to qualify for most advance practice degrees. I keep thinking that I should do medicine - I can't get it out of my head, even while I'm in nursing school. It is SO frustrating!

The flip side is that I completely value my time with my kids (other than school, I have been a stay at home mom for 10 years). I am so afraid of doing harm to them, by fulfilling my goals - being selfish.

I completely understand where you're coming from - if you have any insight, I'm all ears...

Danielle

You'll need to take a peek at oldpremeds to find folks our age who have done medicine in their 40's. But rest assured, they are definitely out there!!!!

As for the price you have to pay I think EVERY decision comes with a price, so for me, it's all about what you're comfortable "paying". I've decided to wait until my kid gets closer to finishing high school (she's 14 now), but many others have completed med school with kids at all ages. That said, I think it's critically important to be realistic especially when you have more than one child. Multiple children by NO means ends the med school dream IMHO, but timing becomes key. I'd probably wait until my youngest was at least in middle school before I matriculated in med school, but depending on your support system and what you're comfortable with, there's no reason you can't consider doing it sooner than that!

So ladies, anyone sitting for the MCAT this year? That's MY goal!!!

Thanks Danielle! It helps to know I am not alone in my confusion.

I checked out some practice MCATS and wanted to cry, I have never taken Psychics...it scares the you know what out of me, and then I think there is no point wasting my time because its too hard, and then even if I do pass it, I am too old to be applying to med school. By the time I will have completed a bachelor degree, I will be about 44/45.....they will laugh in my face right??

I agree about the nagging feeling though....my mom is in the hospital right now and am so envious of the doctors, and wish so much I did this before I had children.

Have a happy new year!
Natascha

I'm neck deep in MCAT study for a late August exam. Anyone else studying for the MCAT and how's it going?

What's good ladies?

I too am studying for the MCAT. I will be taking it in Aug as well. I am very blessed that my job is allowing me to work 20 hrs a week. My mom has been sick so I have more time for her.

I always believe that age is only a number and your lif e is what YOU make of it. I will be 40 next year and I am still getting better. My 16 daughter will be in her senior year in high school and my sons will be 6 and 5 when I start medical school. It is an adventure that we, as a family, will be going through together.

Hellloooo!! Is this thing still on, LOL??

Path, I have been studying my BUTT off. Some days I get depressed and have to pray my way back to my books and my Princeton MCAT recordings. How has it been going for you? I also bought the MCAT for Sept 2, 2011. I needed more time.

Hey 3D, it's been up and down for me too, having great highs, occasionally followed by low, lows. When I get into a low, I just put the books down for a day or two to give my mind some time to regroup. And yes, praying has been extrememly helpful staying on task!

It also looks like I'm going to be starting a new gig soon too which will probably prompt me to change my test date from Aug 16 to some time in Sept.

Hang in there girlfriend!

Hello Ladies!

I got that new gig and changed my test date until September. And after rereading this thread, I KNOW there's NO WAY in hell I'm NOT going to take the test this time because I KNOW this IS MY TIME!!!!

September 2011 baby!

I am sorry to hear about your divorce. I went through that with an unsupportive man at 27. I didn't decide to go to med school until about 35. Took 8 years to get a bachelor's thanks to Katrina. I ran into some age bias at the schools I applied to, but your experience may not be the same. I've gotten a second degree and will be retaking the MCAT in order to break 30, but would likely be fine without the retake (it's more of a personal thing...I KNOW I can do it). This round I am only applying to private schools due to a long list of bad experiences with government programs between Katrina and state funded universities. I will be starting med school somewhere in the Fall of 2012. I will be 46. It's been a lot of work, but if I can do it, then you can do it!

Also, the state-U rhetoric to "have a plan B" doesn't sit well with me. That's for kids who haven't lived yet. At our age, we know if we have the grades and the scores to get in. In my opinion, DO schools will be equal to MD schools in the long run and shouldn't be ruled out as an option. Most of them aren't so age biased, either. My only plan B is Ross U in the Carib. I WILL be a doctor when I'm 50

Stay focused, do well in school, get at least 27 on the MCAT, and you won't need a "plan B"

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.