Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine is an excellent choice for non-traditional applicants. Located in Ohio, the school welcomes students from other states, Canada, and international students. According to the AAMC, only 2.43% of applicants from other states are accepted, but the school does not require a major in science or mathematics. Even with relaxed requirements, acceptance rates remain competitive, with an acceptance rate of 1.2% for state applicants, lower than that of the most prestigious Ivy League medical schools.
The University of California School of Medicine also encourages students to participate in community service initiatives and social justice training. No medical school has an age limit for traditional or non-traditional applicants, so if you're wondering “Am I too old for medical school?” the answer is no. You can become a doctor at any age. However, some graduates may not be able to access residency programs due to their non-traditional attributes such as taking long breaks from school or being international students.
The best medical schools for non-traditional students include John Hopkins and Harvard. John Hopkins accepts many non-traditional students and Harvard's selection criteria indicate that it is suitable for applicants. While there is a demand for more healthcare workers, non-traditional applicants represent a small minority of annual medical school applicants. The most important thing to remember is that the best medical school for you is the one that best suits you.
Admissions committees are interested in your life story and how you went from your previous career to medicine looking for opportunities to do real medical work. It's important to see yourself not as a train that changes tracks, but as a train that gains speed and momentum. Some schools have additional requirements, so you'll need to check the specific schools you're interested in. The MCAT (Medical School Admission Test) is an obstacle you must overcome to enter medical school, although there are medical schools that do not require the MCAT.
Some schools won't accept MCAT scores older than three years, while others have longer deadlines. Non-traditional applicants can stand out among traditional applicants by highlighting unique life experiences and career paths. Many doctors who charted this path before have been generous with their time and wisdom about how to succeed in medical school and beyond.
