Hi,

I am graduating from college this year with a BBA degree with an MIS major. I have not taken any science pre requisites yet for medical school.

I have been offered a job with a bank to work for them. I would like to work for 2 years and pay back off my student loans.

I am thinking of taking all of the science pre reqs after 2 years of working. I will be 25 when I finish the pre requisites and I will be 29 when I graduate from medical school.

These are a few of my questions:

1. I will be 29 when I graduate medical school and I will be 32 when I finish my residency. Is this too old?

2. Am I being foolish throwing away a career in banking to start my science pre requsites?

3. I will be hopefully graduating with a 3.4 GPA from college. What science GPA do I need to get into a US MD/DO medical school? MCAT? How about to SGU?

4. Could someone give me pros/cons? Any other advice please.

I know that I can only make the decisions, but any advice would be helpful from anyone in similar situations.

Thanks

32 isn't 'old' at all for a doctor. Even through the standard route of 18+4+4+3, one would be 29 by the time they come out of the shortest residency program. Many take time off during undergrad, or work after graduation, so most physicians and surgeons are well in their 30's and some even in 40's. Same is true for the majority in extreme professions like PhD.

As for your second question- no one can answer it for you. Your dream or current convenience that sustains your current life style? It's really a personal choice as to which places more priority overall in your head and satisfies your heart. I would encourage you to go into medicine especially if you feel that it's your calling and you don't have any serious financial commitment like a family of your own to support.

GPA 3.4 wouldn't be considered most competitive for most US schools, but with appreciable background in community services, good employment history, excellent MCAT scores (30s), and strong references- you will definitely have a chance. Some research (publication) and travel experiences would definitely enhance your application as well. I believe GPA 3.4 is great for SGU.

My .02 cents!

Best luck~

There are student in their 30s and even 40s that are in m class right now! Age is of no importance. If medicine is what you want to pursue then by all means do it. If you dont want to wait then take your prereqs now and defer your payments. As long as you are a student you can do that and then pay off your bills at the end. Kirst gave you most of the detailed answers. As far as MCAT the school has excepted people with MCAt ranging from 22-34 so with an average of like 26. IF you cant get into US schools SGU does its job in preparing you for the boards. I just finished my 6th term at St. Vincents and am preparing for step 1 for july. I feel confident that we have covered most of everything that the test focuses on and its just up to me to review and practice questions. Hope this helps.

Nimitt
3rd year

Hey when I was 25 I left a killer .COM job, got on a plane and landed in grenada. Looking back it was the best decision I have ever made with my life. I am 29 now and will be starting residency in 6 weeks. You will be suprised how many 'non-traditional' students attend SGU. The average age in my starting class was right around 24 and there were many students in their 30's - 40's.