Hello everyone,
I am thinking of applying to Med schools. I am 34 years old and mother of 2 lovely daughters (6years old and almost 2 years old). I have started dreaming about becoming a physician however have no idea where to start from. Here is little bit of my background. I am originally from India and have done my Bachelors and masters in microbiology from India. In 2001 me and my hubby we moved to united states to pursue further education and I have earned M.S. in food science(majoring food microbiology) from U.S. university. At that point, we neither had the money nor the U.S. residential status, so thinking about med school was out of question. So we opted for jobs right after we graduated from school in 2004. so far I have worked in food companies, then took a break from work when my younger one was born. In the mean time last year we got our resident status. few months back I also got a job a an analyst in a geo/chem laboratory.Though with my kids, my job and my house work, I have a busy day...I still want to try for med school now. Is it still possible? Am I too old?Do I need to complete some courses before I start my MCAT? Please advice and help me out. Thanks

Hi wings,

You need to look at the requirements for the medical schools you are applying to, and make sure that those courses are a)current (they usually list a time frame) and b) eligible for consideration.

You can do it with kids, especially if they are school-age when you start, but I wouldn't count on working. It's a bonus if you can, but don't count on it. You should schedule your MCAT around the cycle you would like to apply to as well.

I don't think you're too old at 34, but you should prepare yourself for a large debt load at the end, long hours for about a decade to come, and less stamina than your peers that will be 10 years younger than you. This doesn't apply to everyone, but these are issues that non-traditional students do face. I think with your academic background you will be fine, though.

Another big component is how your spouse feels about this. It's important to have a strong supportive network when undertaking a life change like this when you have a family.

Good luck with your decision, and I'm sure others here will have more to offer wrt advice.

Hi megboo,
Thank you very much for your guidance, I would definitely check with university websites for the requirements.Yes, my husband is very supportive.

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