I'm also in a similar phase. I am 29 and currently working in a genomics core lab in a cancer center in the US, and my plan is to apply for the 2027 cycle, primarily nutrition, immunology-related programs. If I get in smoothly in 2027, I'll be 31 starting my own PhD.
My story started from Taiwan. I received my BS in Biomed in 2019 and worked as a research assistant (RA) in a hospital unit in Taiwan until 2022 I moved to the US and started my 2-year masters program. Upon graduation I worked in one of my universities' lab for 7 months and then transferred to my current position now. So that's basically the convoluted paths I took navigating my career until I finally realized in before I graduated from my masters that I wanted to do a PhD. The only reason: Passionate in science and research.
I acknowledged that I've not always been the perfect student acing in schools and GPAs, but I am still venturing to plunged myself back into academia giving up the potential opportunity I could have if committed to the industry. So far, I got 3 publications under my belt, h-index 2, with 8 total citations, albeit not as competitive as those top tier Ivy League graduates, I still firmly believe that gives me the leverage to apply for good programs.
For me, age is not a HUGE factor, since I don't have much to lose, because I don't have heavy family responsibilities (for now), single, and not in debt. But it has always haunted me in the middle of the night, like "Why don't you realized that earlier?" "You should've been more focused on academics!". That is the hard lesson I learned along the way is to think ahead (If you can), and don't waste your time anymore!
I still got a plenty of things to chat about on this topic, if you're interested in connecting, please don't hesitate to reply or shoot me a DM and we can set up a quick chat!
Best, Jonathan
