I'm thinking about going back to school to complete pre-requisites in order to apply for medical school. I've been reading lots of forums/blogs like this one, about non-trad students, but most of them are people in their late 20's and early 30's. I am 40.

I have a BA in English, and other than a basic biology class (12 years ago), have no science and no math background. I'll be starting with a review of basic Algebra, then taking College Algebra before I can take the trig I need for Chemistry. I'll be taking a prep class for both chem and physics before starting the classes, because I've never been exposed at all to either subject.

But, I've always wanted to be a doctor. I did poorly in a math class my sophomore year in high school and was put on the "cheerleader" track. From that time, I assumed that I wasn't smart enough for the career I wanted. Then I turned 40 and now I have a little better perspective on things.

I anticipate that the pre req classes will be hard, but I feel like I can tackle anything I put my mind to (and maybe I'll be paying lots of money for tutors and studying three times longer than everyone else... which is ok). But, by the time I finish the pre reqs, study for the MCAT and take it, I'll be 43.

Is that too old? I know, everyone gives examples of some 52 year old grandmother graduating from med school. But she must be the .002 percent! Assuming that I can complete my classes with a 3.8 or higher GPA and get a decent MCAT score, will I have a shot at all of admittance? I would be 44 when I started med school, 48 when I graduate, and somewhere in the ballpark of 53 by the time my residency is complete.

Is this idea insane?

See the over 40 thread here:

http://www.mommd.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/71785/over_40_and_applying_to_medica#Post71785

IMHO, what's considered insane is relative. Personally, I think it's insane to have more than 2 kids and work more than 20 hours/week, but clearly LOTS of people disagree!

I can also tell you that doubt is a dream killer, so make a decision to be that 0.002%, and keep it moving!

So what if you've lost your mind? You are going to turn 53 anyway! Do it.

Plenty of people have the academic aptitude to learn things they've never tried before. I was a math tutor, in a math lab, & occasionally tutored other subjects. If you are willing to spend the time (& even $), you can definitely do it. One thing I cannot stress strongly enough is that if you do not quickly click with your tutor in any given subject, seek out another one! Learning styles make all the difference, & when you find the right match, it's a beautiful thing! (Same thing goes for professors, but we dont usually have the luxery of switching them around as much.)