1 year off vs. double debt?!

[Cappricio]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I am currently a Texas resident but missed the TMDSAS deadline last application round. Luckily, I was able to interview for 1 school, LECOM-Bradenton through AACOMAS, and am currently waitlisted. I have been told that I have a great chance of getting accepted but being careful nonetheless, I reapplied through AACOMAS and TMDSAS just this week.

The dilemma I've been playing around is, if I get a late acceptance to LECOM, I will be paying around $120,000 just for tuition. If I hold out and see if I get into TCOM or any other Texas school, I will be paying about $56,000. Should I make preparations for LECOM and a huge debt or take 1 year off and take my chances with in-state tuition?

I'm scared because my stats aren't that good and I wouldn't know what to do during my year off. Jobs and research positions I've been contacting won't hire someone who can't make a 3+ year committment.

Any thoughts would help. Thanks!

 

[theone1979]

I am currently a Texas resident but missed the TMDSAS deadline last application round. Luckily, I was able to interview for 1 school, LECOM-Bradenton through AACOMAS, and am currently waitlisted. I have been told that I have a great chance of getting accepted but being careful nonetheless, I reapplied through AACOMAS and TMDSAS just this week.

The dilemma I've been playing around is, if I get a late acceptance to LECOM, I will be paying around $120,000 just for tuition. If I hold out and see if I get into TCOM or any other Texas school, I will be paying about $56,000. Should I make preparations for LECOM and a huge debt or take 1 year off and take my chances with in-state tuition?

I'm scared because my stats aren't that good and I wouldn't know what to do during my year off. Jobs and research positions I've been contacting won't hire someone who can't make a 3+ year committment.

Any thoughts would help. Thanks!

Well what are your stats?

If they are borderline then I would DEF say to go to LECOM this year if offered a seat. You have no idea if a Texas school will accept you next year, esp. with "not great" stats.

 

[gatorfann14]

bird in the hand

 

[Vishna]

You could always use the year off to make your application stronger with things that aren't work or research. Were your ECs strong? Is it too late to sign up for summer courses to increase your gpa a bit? Retake the MCAT?

Like theone1979 said it's hard to say without knowing exactly where you're at.

 

[FutureDoc1988]

I think you should take the LECOM acceptance if you get off the waitlist because the application process is unpredictable and you don't know if you'll be able to get into a school in Texas. Also if you don't get into a school in Texas, LECOM is one of the cheapest DO schools so if you don't get in there again you will probably wind up paying an even higher tuition.

Also if you look at each year you take off as a year you could have been working, even if you make below average salary for family physician it still is more money then the tuition for LECOM for all 4 years.