-Minimize your expenses. Do not look to take out the maximum loan money you can - look to take out the minimum.
-Your tuition cost is set, but your books/fees can be variable and the rest of the estimated COA is up to you. Cook your own food, brew your own coffee, consider roommates or the studio in the still-safe-but-less-awesome part of town...
-Don't buy any books unless absolutely mandatory. Look to libraries (will often have electronic copies); people from years ahead of you. Share book costs with friends if possible. On the other hand, Step I and II study resources are worth it (FA, Pathoma, UWorld, etc.)
-You (most likely) don't have to buy an expensive otoscope or opthalmoscope - the WelchAllyn people will push it, but usually just a stethoscope will be all you need. And you probably don't need a fancy electronic version, either.
-Develop a budget and stick to it. It can be difficult to have a lump sum of money in the bank and have to break it into monthly allotments. You think it will last forever - and it won't.
-Understand your loan terms! Know how much you're borrowing and your rates. Have a repayment plan in mind.
-Know when your grace period starts and stops.
-Consider refinancing when you hit residency and use your tax returns from MS4.
-If you find out you took out too much, return it in the first 120 days from disbursement to avoid interest
-Budget for Step I, Step II CK and CS. Budget for aways. Budget for interviews.
-For aways/interviews: frequent flier miles, hotel rewards cards, churning, AirBNB, couchsurfing, asking friends in the area, camping. Try booking your interviews in blocks that will let you travel in easily planned routes to link up rental cars/trains/buses etc. Look for alternate ways to get there besides flying.
-Second the suggestions on Roth conversion.
-Invest in the important things. Don't try to make $5 dollars here or there if it will impact your studying. Invest in your mental health, physical health and relationships with the people that really matter.
