Using a mixed method study, we seek to understand the experiences of pre-medical students in relation to stress and burnout. By surveying 132 pre-medical students, 28 nontraditional and 104 traditional, we were able to complete a quantitative analysis. Quantitative data show that life satisfaction and self-rated health were greater in nontraditional than general pre-medical students, but generally high for both. Burnout and depression were fairly high in both groups, but lower in nontraditional students. A subset of 23 nontraditional pre-medical students were also interviewed independently. Qualitative findings suggest these students experience stress associated with curriculum, achievement, and lack of time. We argue that understanding pre-medical students’ stressors and suicidal ideation is crucial to preventing future burnout in these students prior to and during medical school.