re: older applicant

[t1_edward]

I am currently 34 years old and about to complete my post-bac pre-med program in a few months. I have a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering, and a master of science in finance. My current pre-med gpa is 3.70 / 4.0. I have taken the MCAT exam in April 2006 with a score of 21. I think I did pretty well since I was working full time as a software developer, taking part time school at night, volunteering on the weekends, managing an investment partnership I founded, and taking care of two children. But apparently not good enough because I did not get any interviews for the med schools that I applied to for the Fall 2007.

I have over 10 years of diverse paid work experiences as a social worker, civil engineer, financial engineer, and a software developer. With my sister as an emergency RN, my wife as a clinical pharmacist, and my brother-in-law as a M.D. (Internist), I am staying on top of what’s happening in the healthcare industry.

I am very happy with my current job both with my pay and my team. But I am looking for something more intellectually challenging and
a more useful life that can touch more people in a positive way. I am obsolutely sure that I am considering md school not for the money, otherwise, I will stay with my current job.

I have also thought about D.O. for the Fall 2007 but I really rather go for the m.d. What would you recommend to enhance my chance to get into med school next year? Is it more difficult for someone like me to gain admission to md schools?

thank you.

ed

[wshelton]

Dear Ed,
If you are determined to go to medical school, I would suggest that you retake the MCAT exam, but only if you really have the the time to fully prepare. Your prior grades and work experiences are positive but my guess is that your previous score of 21 is a barrier. With a score of 30 or more I think it’s possible for your application to be given some consideration.
Good luck.

Wayne Shelton, PhD
Senior Consultant
Admissions Consultants, Inc.
wshelton@admissionsconsultants.com

AdmissionsConsultants
http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/blog.aspx
703.242.5885

[t1_edward]

Dear Wayne,

Thank you for your reply. I am planning to retake the MCAT but that means medical school will be postpone for another two years (I think it’s too late to re-apply for Fall 2008). I am also considering oversea medical schools such as Ross Medical University based in
Florida / Dominica.

what advises do you have for a U.S. citizen considering an oversea medical school? or is it worth it to retake the MCAT and wait about two years?

I appreciate your guidance.

Sincerely,

Edward

ed

[yokelridesagain]

The usual sequence of events is to take the MCAT in the spring, or in a less than ideal situation, in the fall of the year before one plans to apply. From a timing basis alone, you could certainly apply for admission in fall 2008.

Medical schools in the Caribbean catering to U.S. students who can’t get into U.S. medical schools are usually viewed as the least desirable sources of residents by U.S. residency programs. You are far better off with a D.O. from a U.S. school than a Caribbean M.D.

Things to realize before considering the Caribbean route include:

1. There are several specialties, including dermatology, radiology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, ENT, urology and neurosurgery, that are difficult to get into for US medical students. Obtaining a residency in one of these specialties from a Caribbean medical school would be extraordinarily unusual.

2. Most “prestigious” residency programs will not interview graduates of places like Ross. There are residency programs, mostly in primary care specialties, that routinely accept students from these institutions as there are many more residency slots than US medical graduates. A potential applicant needs to realize, however, that choice of specialty, geographic location, and program will be significantly limited for graduates of these schools.

Physician-resident

[t1_edward]

Thank you very much for the insight.

ed

[Author]

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