<p>A little background about me:
I started college right after HS graduation, and attended a large state flagship (PSU UP) as a science/physics major. I did alright my first semester, but in my second semester it seems everything went downhill and my GPA went down the toilet to 2.4. I came to the realization that my school choice was not a good fit. I also did some soul-searching and concluded that despite my family telling me I needed to stay in school, I simply wasn't ready yet. I truly didn't know what I wanted to do in life... and I felt that impressing others wasn't worth the drain on my sanity, so I withdrew at the end of my first year.</p>
<p>Fast forward to today. I'm now almost 23, I feel I've matured considerably through living as an adult in the "real world," and I think I'm ready for the rigors of college. During those 4 years I thought long and hard about what I want in life -- I'm dead set on becoming a physician. It was my dream throughout my childhood and adolescent years. (I'm wondering why I strayed from it in the first place.) It's truly my passion.</p>
<p>I'm now trying to make a decision on where to start. There is a reputable community college, a decent state school, and a pricier private school in a 45-mile radius from my home. Money is a glaring issue here (I have zero help from parents) so I was thinking about starting at the CC, getting all of my gen ed courses out of the way there, then transferring to the state school after a year or two. The private school has a good reputation but I don't see that as an option right away because at the moment, I simply can't afford it.</p>
<p>That said... is this a good plan? Do medical schools frown upon students starting at a CC? Will my age be a factor in their admissions decision, since I will be 27/28 when I graduate? As long as I get good grades and a high MCAT, will the fact that I attended a smaller state school be an issue?</p>
<p>I'm very excited. I would also appreciate any pointers anyone could give me.</p>
<p>I think starting at your local CC is a viable option, particularly if you do mostly GEs there. There are a handful of med schools which won’t accept CC credits for pre-reqs (JHU, Creighton, EVMS, a few others), but for everywhere else if your CC grades are strong and followed by strong grades at your 4 year college, then you should be OK. When you go to apply you can explain your path and your decision (frame it in terms of financial necessity). Adcomms members will understand that.</p>
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<p>Some medical schools are very non-trad friendly; others less so. When the time comes to apply, you may want to seek advice about which programs are. But your age alone will not bar you from consideration at any school. If anything, med schools often appreciate the maturity and world experience that older applicants bring. (For the record, neither of my kids went straight to med school from undergrad.)</p>
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<p>It shouldn’t be unless there are other serious deficiencies in your application. </p>
<p>Since you have a track record with some low grades, let me mention one other option for you to consider: osteopathic medical programs. DO programs allow grade replacement so only your most recent grade in a class is considered. (For MD programs, all grades from all colleges ever attended will count in your GPA calculations.)</p>
<p>Some things you need to be doing now–</p>
<pre><code> volunteering in healthcare settings to gain exposure to medical practice
shadowing physicians to get exposed to the realities of being a doctor as a career
engaging in community service activities (not related to healthcare)
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<p>The road to med school is a long and daunting path. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for replying. As far as I know, the top three schools on my list (Pitt, WVU, and Temple) don’t have any qualms about community college as long as they make up no more than one-third of your credits. If I have to spend a few additional semesters at the state college to lower that proportion, I’m sure I’ll find a way to do so. I haven’t been able to research the other schools yet.</p>
<p>I took the time to read about other non-traditional premeds who found success, some started in the same boat I’m in, and some were as old as my mother! I found their stories inspiring… it’s never too late to pursue your passion. I think having a clear goal in mind will make a world of difference the second time around. </p>
<p>I did think about osteopathic programs, but I’m still feeling a bit sketchy about them – I’m wondering if a DO degree will make it harder to get into a surgical residency. Also, some people still hold the notion that anyone besides an MD is a quack. I know better, of course, because my own primary care doc is a DO, but I’d hate to lose potential patients because of this misconception. There is a small handful of osteopathic schools in my state, which I included on my still-growing list of places to apply.</p>
<p>Before school starts in fall, I’ve already put volunteering at the area hospital and soup kitchen on my agenda. How do you ask a doctor to shadow them? Do you just cold-call?</p>
<p>First, of all, some advice–don’t set your heart on surgery before you get to med school, Only about 10% of med students nationally qualify for it. General surgery requires a long residency and fellowship training period after med school. (Minimum of 5 years, 7+ with fellowships, which today are basically required.) Keep that in mind. </p>
<p>Surgery is more personality- and physical ability-driven than most medical specialities, but also requires very strong academics.</p>
<p>(D1 qualifies for surgery, but as an older student is reluctant to commit to a specialty where she won’t be in practice until she’s almost 40.)</p>
<p>As for MD vs DO, remember the goal is become a doctor. Don’t start closing doors just yet. If you live in PA, then you know Philadelphia is home to one of the oldest and most respected DO schools in the US. </p>
<p>RE: shadowing. Start by asking your own personal physician. Network from there. Also once you start volunteering, you’ll be able to ask staff members at the hospital. (Don’t start asking immediately. Give yourself some time to get acquainted and gain a reputation for being a good guy.) </p>