Anyone else have family members that don't support their decision?

[Neurocentric]

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I'm getting really aggravated.

I was speaking to my mother on the phone the other day and telling her my class schedule for the upcoming year. I told her I was excited about a few of the English courses I'm taking (since I'm an English major) and she asks me why I don't just become a writer or an English teacher or a copy editor for a newspaper, since I'm so interested in my courses. Why don't I just quit with this medical school dream?

This is the same crap that is spouted by a member of my family all the time. When I first decided that I was going to go back to school to do this, I spoke to my aunt, who basically said my idea was **** and I'd never make it, and the proceeded to talk about my cousin who wants to be a radiologist and "Oh, she's gonna go to medical school .. oh, she's so smart." Meanwhile, she's a tech and hasn't gone to medical school. But I wonder why it's okay for her and not for me?

I guess I'm just really pissed off at the notion that I want to become a physician and my family isn't even the least bit excited. I know I'm only pre-med, so it's not like I'm in medical school yet, but I'm working my @ss off to get where I want to be, and none of them seem to bat an eye at this. It's honestly my hugest motivation to be able to do this without any of their help (especially financially) but it would be really nice if they would actually acknowledge the fact that I'm trying to be able to do this because I can't see myself doing anything else, and support would be nice for a change.

Anyone else dealing with this?

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Well your mom's trying to be help you and keep you from being screwed over. She knows medical school is over 4 years of hell followed by 4 more years of getting fisted. Your aunt on the other hand is being a bitch. When you get into medical school precede to rub it in her face multiple times.
But the problem is that many family's do tend to be a superiority struggle. If your a doctor and everyone else has received a rather low level of education. There comes some associated conflict.
Not to mention your mom will likely always be able to rub it in your aunts face.

Eh there are a lot of dynamic's at play here lol. Needless to say ignore your aunt, love your major and go to medical school.

 

[austinap]

I'm getting really aggravated.

I was speaking to my mother on the phone the other day and telling her my class schedule for the upcoming year. I told her I was excited about a few of the English courses I'm taking (since I'm an English major) and she asks me why I don't just become a writer or an English teacher or a copy editor for a newspaper, since I'm so interested in my courses. Why don't I just quit with this medical school dream?

This is the same crap that is spouted by a member of my family all the time. When I first decided that I was going to go back to school to do this, I spoke to my aunt, who basically said my idea was **** and I'd never make it, and the proceeded to talk about my cousin who wants to be a radiologist and "Oh, she's gonna go to medical school .. oh, she's so smart." Meanwhile, she's a tech and hasn't gone to medical school. But I wonder why it's okay for her and not for me?

I guess I'm just really pissed off at the notion that I want to become a physician and my family isn't even the least bit excited. I know I'm only pre-med, so it's not like I'm in medical school yet, but I'm working my @ss off to get where I want to be, and none of them seem to bat an eye at this. It's honestly my hugest motivation to be able to do this without any of their help (especially financially) but it would be really nice if they would actually acknowledge the fact that I'm trying to be able to do this because I can't see myself doing anything else, and support would be nice for a change.

Anyone else dealing with this?

I understand wanting your family to support you, but if you need their approval of your life decisions then you'll never be happy. That doesn't just go for med school but for everything else as well. Do something because you want to do it, and because it's the right choice for you.

It's possible that they are just concerned that you won't make it, and don't want you to get your hopes up. I don't know you or your family, so I can't say.

 

[chman]

I'm getting really aggravated.

I was speaking to my mother on the phone the other day and telling her my class schedule for the upcoming year. I told her I was excited about a few of the English courses I'm taking (since I'm an English major) and she asks me why I don't just become a writer or an English teacher or a copy editor for a newspaper, since I'm so interested in my courses. Why don't I just quit with this medical school dream?

This is the same crap that is spouted by a member of my family all the time. When I first decided that I was going to go back to school to do this, I spoke to my aunt, who basically said my idea was **** and I'd never make it, and the proceeded to talk about my cousin who wants to be a radiologist and "Oh, she's gonna go to medical school .. oh, she's so smart." Meanwhile, she's a tech and hasn't gone to medical school. But I wonder why it's okay for her and not for me?

I guess I'm just really pissed off at the notion that I want to become a physician and my family isn't even the least bit excited. I know I'm only pre-med, so it's not like I'm in medical school yet, but I'm working my @ss off to get where I want to be, and none of them seem to bat an eye at this. It's honestly my hugest motivation to be able to do this without any of their help (especially financially) but it would be really nice if they would actually acknowledge the fact that I'm trying to be able to do this because I can't see myself doing anything else, and support would be nice for a change.

Anyone else dealing with this?

I know how you feel. I was a horrible high school student and I think that my family is not used to my being successful. I am majoring in psych and my Dad seems to not approve, which is somewhat understandable. But what really makes me angry is he keeps "pretending" to forget my major. For instance; he will go, what are you majoring in again, sociology? He does this maybe once a month.

I had to gradually work up to telling them I wanted to go to med school. They pretty much told me they thought it was a bad idea and I said I don't care. In the end I know they support me, I think they are just nervous I won't make it.

 

[somepremedkid]

I've had a similar experience, though not as severe as yours. The other day, my mom and my grandma were telling me that I don't have to go into medicine. They said, perhaps nursing would be a good field since it isn't as lengthy and stressful as a physician's. This upsets me and only makes me want to pursue medical school even more.

Have you tried explaining how much a career in medicine means to you? Maybe your family will respect your decision more if you express your passion and motivation.

 

[Neurocentric]

Well your mom's trying to be help you and keep you from being screwed over. She knows medical school is over 4 years of hell followed by 4 more years of getting fisted. Your aunt on the other hand is being a bitch. When you get into medical school precede to rub it in her face multiple times.

I plan to. As far as my mother goes, she told me she's just worried about the money. Considering she's not paying for it and it's all on me, she should be happy, add to the fact that I live in Texas and I've heard the medical schools are much cheaper here. Not that I won't apply to a few "reach" schools back in NYC (where I was born and raised) but ya know.

I understand wanting your family to support you, but if you need their approval of your life decisions then you'll never be happy. That doesn't just go for med school but for everything else as well. Do something because you want to do it, and because it's the right choice for you.

It's possible that they are just concerned that you won't make it, and don't want you to get your hopes up. I don't know you or your family, so I can't say.

It isn't really necessarily that I won't be happy if they don't support me, it would just be nice to have that. It's almost like I feel if I were to get in, I could scream in glee and show them my acceptance letter and they'd be like, "😴 Whoopie," ya know? I didn't wake up one morning and go, "I think I'll apply to medical school today."

I know how you feel. I was a horrible high school student and I think that my family is not used to my being successful. I am majoring in psych and my Dad seems to not approve, which is somewhat understandable. But what really makes me angry is he keeps "pretending" to forget my major. For instance; he will go, what are you majoring in again, sociology? He does this maybe once a month.

I had to gradually work up to telling them I wanted to go to med school. They pretty much told me they thought it was a bad idea and I said I don't care. In the end I know they support me, I think they are just nervous I won't make it.

This was me as well. Totally unmotivated, etc. I pulled my GPA up to a 3.5 in CC to get my grades up before I transferred to a 4-year, and I start this fall. I just feel there is a line between being worried about failure, and being excited that the goal is even being attempted. Like, it's fine for them to be worried about the possibility of you not getting in; we all know the application/interview process is insane, but a lot of people say they want to do this, that, and the other thing and NEVER do it. You're following your dream and your huge goal, and that's more than most can say.

 

[Neurocentric]

I've had a similar experience, though not as severe as yours. The other day, my mom and my grandma were telling me that I don't have to go into medicine. They said, perhaps nursing would be a good field since it isn't as lengthy and stressful as a physician's. This upsets me and only makes me want to pursue medical school even more.

Have you tried explaining how much a career in medicine means to you? Maybe your family will respect your decision more if you express your passion and motivation.

This was said to me as well. While I respect nurses, I just can't do it. It's not the job I want. I actually got a certificate in coding and medical insurance because I thought I'd be a bit closer to the action.. yeah. I want to DO the procedures, not bill for them. It's a whole different ball park.

I've expressed the interest many times. When my mother had questioned me about going into a writing career because I love to read, I pointed out the myriad of medical textbooks and stuff that I own. I've read books by Katrina Firlik and Atul Gawande and others, and it's further stapled in my mind. I mean, when I was in high school, I barely hit the books, but I came home and watched live surgeries and documentaries on Discovery Health non-stop. I researched everything I didn't understand because I was enamored with it all. It's just so frustrating to point all that out and still be told, "I think you should be a writer."

 

[FrkyBgStok]

My mother once told me to give up the medical school idea and go something with real value like acupuncture. My parents are small business owners. All three of my sisters are involved in the family business, and I think it secretly kills my parents that I have no interest at all in their business. I also think they want to be the ones that tell me to do something and I listen so they can say "I told you this job is perfect." I tell my parents my intentions at least twice a week, and at least twice a week my mom asks my wife if I have decided what I want to do with my life. So I know exactly how you feel. Screw em. Use it as motivation.

 

[RedSoldier]

My parents support my decision but in the wrong way. They, as Asian scientists, think that academic badassery (GPA, MCAT, research) is the sole ticket to med school. They don't understand the concept that ECs need to be taken seriously. I have to hide my involvement from them or else they get really pissed, like "We bring you to this country so you can help lazy homeless people?!? GO STUDY MEDICAL SCHOOL TEST!! 😡"

I think I'd rather have parents with zero faith in me. At least I could use that as motivation.

 

[Neurocentric]

My parents support my decision but in the wrong way. They, as Asian scientists, think that academic badassery (GPA, MCAT, research) is the sole ticket to med school. They don't understand the concept that ECs need to be taken seriously. I have to hide my involvement from them or else they get really pissed, like "We bring you to this country so you can help lazy homeless people?!? GO STUDY MEDICAL SCHOOL TEST!! 😡"

I think I'd rather have parents with zero faith in me. At least I could use that as motivation.

That must suck. 🙁 It's the other side of the spectrum. Why can't all parents just be somewhere in the middle?

 

[somepremedkid]

This was said to me as well. While I respect nurses, I just can't do it. It's not the job I want. I actually got a certificate in coding and medical insurance because I thought I'd be a bit closer to the action.. yeah. I want to DO the procedures, not bill for them. It's a whole different ball park.

I've expressed the interest many times. When my mother had questioned me about going into a writing career because I love to read, I pointed out the myriad of medical textbooks and stuff that I own. I've read books by Katrina Firlik and Atul Gawande and others, and it's further stapled in my mind. I mean, when I was in high school, I barely hit the books, but I came home and watched live surgeries and documentaries on Discovery Health non-stop. I researched everything I didn't understand because I was enamored with it all. It's just so frustrating to point all that out and still be told, "I think you should be a writer."

Me too. Although nurses are very hand-ons with patients, there isn't much diagnostics involved (except maybe a nurse practicioner to an extent). That's why a career as a physician is so compelling to me.

I don't understand why family members are not supportive of a career that is so respected. I can tell that you are truly passionate about becoming a doctor. Maybe your family will come around once you get accepted into med school. Good luck

 

[JStephens]

I had a recent conversation with a few of my family members about my aspirations and I was told that I "couldn't do it and should give up the pipe dream". I just use it as fuel for the fire 🙂

 

[somepremedkid]

I had a recent conversation with a few of my family members about my aspirations and I was told that I "couldn't do it and should give up the pipe dream". I just use it as fuel for the fire 🙂

👍Same

 

[Neurocentric]

Me too. Although nurses are very hand-ons with patients, there isn't much diagnostics involved (except maybe a nurse practicioner to an extent). That's why a career as a physician is so compelling to me.

I don't understand why family members are not supportive of a career that is so respected. I can tell that you are truly passionate about becoming a doctor. Maybe your family will come around once you get accepted into med school. Good luck

Thank you 🙂 And definitely same to you. This is not an easy road. We should be feeling pretty damn good that we even want to try it!

I had a recent conversation with a few of my family members about my aspirations and I was told that I "couldn't do it and should give up the pipe dream". I just use it as fuel for the fire 🙂

Exactly.. and for the slight pride that will come when I can shove an acceptance letter in my fam's face and go "SUCK IT!"

 

[chman]

Thank you 🙂 And definitely same to you. This is not an easy road. We should be feeling pretty damn good that we even want to try it!

See, that's my philosophy. The fact is that a lot of people on here will not get in. But at least I can say that I gave it my best shot, and that's all that matters to me. Whether my family, namely my parents realize it or not, that is what they have taught me all along.

 

[Neurocentric]

See, that's my philosophy. The fact is that a lot of people on here will not get in. But at least I can say that I gave it my best shot, and that's all that matters to me. Whether my family, namely my parents realize it or not, that is what they have taught me all along.

Exactly. You have a good head on your shoulders. 🙂

And I must admit, with all the threads that I've been seeing on here lately talking about whether it is "worth" it or not, that has made me doubt my decision. But every day I remember that this is something I could never turn my back on (I've tried multiple times and have always come back to it).

 

[Electronegative]

My mom was a doctor in my homecountry so she supports me and wants me to be a doctor, dad on the other hand was vet/phd he wants me to be a vet.


EN

 

[Avoidthetiger]

I am very happy and lucky to have my parents support. Without it, I would be unable to pay the cost of medical school applications, not to mention my MCAT prep course, living costs while preparing for medical school, ect.

I have a good friend who actually has always wanted to be a doctor but ending up getting a nursing degree while an undergrad. Her parents are not supportive of her MD goal as they want her to just be a nurse. She currently works full time as a researcher trying to raise enough money to apply for medical school and find time to study for the MCAT (while not receiving any financial support from her parents). I wish her all the best... but I am very glad I am not in her shoes.

 

[chman]

I am very happy and lucky to have my parents support. Without it, I would be unable to pay the cost of medical school applications, not to mention my MCAT prep course, living costs while preparing for medical school, ect.

I have a good friend who actually has always wanted to be a doctor but ending up getting a nursing degree while an undergrad. Her parents are not supportive of her MD goal as they want her to just be a nurse. She currently works full time as a researcher trying to raise enough money to apply for medical school and find time to study for the MCAT (while not receiving any financial support from her parents). I wish her all the best... but I am very glad I am not in her shoes.

Yep. This is where giving people who are economically disadvantaged a leg up makes a lot of sense. GPA, MCAT, etc., are just not an equivalent measures when one person works full time and another does not. But life ain't fair, as they say.

 

[Rayhaan]

The one thing I hate is when people try to put you down, and think their kids are the greatest and smartest things in the world. People go on and on about how successful their children are going to be, and never stop to think about others.

My one aunt, her son is now doing his residency. Long story short, he didn't do any sciences as undergrad, no Mcat, went to St. Kitts, etc. That's all cool, I really don't care honestly; it is great he is qualified and all and that he will be a doctor soon, but seriously his mother has the audacity to tell me that I will definitely get into a US or Canadian school because it is EASIER than St. Kitts. LOL YOU KIDDING ME?

PS. This is not a knock on Carib schools, I couldn't care less where you qualify. I think Carib schools are great since its so competitive nowadays many people who would make great doctors just cant get in.

 

[Neurocentric]

The one thing I hate is when people try to put you down, and think their kids are the greatest and smartest things in the world. People go on and on about how successful their children are going to be, and never stop to think about others.

My one aunt, her son is now doing his residency. Long story short, he didn't do any sciences as undergrad, no Mcat, went to St. Kitts, etc. That's all cool, I really don't care honestly; it is great he is qualified and all and that he will be a doctor soon, but seriously his mother has the audacity to tell me that I will definitely get into a US or Canadian school because it is EASIER than St. Kitts. LOL YOU KIDDING ME?

PS. This is not a knock on Carib schools, I couldn't care less where you qualify. I think Carib schools are great since its so competitive nowadays many people who would make great doctors just cant get in.

I've heard it's easier to get into Carib schools, but it's hard to STAY in those schools. Honestly, to me it doesn't matter where someone goes, as long as they learn everything and aren't going to kill patients.

However, you're right, it isn't fair when someone says crap like that. Getting into medical school is a very long and hard (I can't help but giggle writing that, sorry) process and you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone on here or in the real world who will say that getting into a US or Canadian medical school in contrast to any other school in another country is "easier". It's just hard to do, period.

 

[Neurocentric]

I am very happy and lucky to have my parents support. Without it, I would be unable to pay the cost of medical school applications, not to mention my MCAT prep course, living costs while preparing for medical school, ect.

I have a good friend who actually has always wanted to be a doctor but ending up getting a nursing degree while an undergrad. Her parents are not supportive of her MD goal as they want her to just be a nurse. She currently works full time as a researcher trying to raise enough money to apply for medical school and find time to study for the MCAT (while not receiving any financial support from her parents). I wish her all the best... but I am very glad I am not in her shoes.

I really feel for your friend. That's a bad situation to be in, but serious kudos to her for continuing to work at it. She'll definitely have something to show for it at the end of the tunnel 🙂

 

[morning]

Personally I don't plan on telling them until I need to shake down my mom for her info for the FAP. and even then I'll swear her to secrecy (which won't work because my mom is gossip incarnate.)

If I could postpone ANYONE knowing until I actually have an acceptance in hand, that would be awesome.

 

[Neurocentric]

Personally I don't plan on telling them until I need to shake down my mom for her info for the FAP. and even then I'll swear her to secrecy (which won't work because my mom is gossip incarnate.)

If I could postpone ANYONE knowing until I actually have an acceptance in hand, that would be awesome.

Yeah, agreed. I guess my issue was when I went to CC with the intent of transferring, I had to have my mom's tax forms so she wanted to know why I was going back to school. Now I'm of age and don't have to use her tax forms, but she still knows. I've learned now not to talk about school with her unless it's to tell her about awesome grades, because anything else just brings her down the path of "I don't know why you're still wanting to do this."

Edit: by the way, I wanted to say that every single time I see your siggy, I'm always singing, "Give it up, give up the toad now, thanks to you, Lando," and the song is forever in my head

 

[MidnightSun32]

My dream of going to med school is like the awkward secret that no one really talks about in my family. My mum would rather I just stop at my bachelor's degree. She doesn't understand why I want to give up my current salary (when and if I get accepted to med school) to be a student for four years. I am able to maintain my job during undergrad, but it's so not happening in med school. It's like she thinks becoming a doctor would be a good goal, but for someone else's kid. I should also mention that my mum is british. The british tend to be...... emotionally cut off lol.

In my years growing up, I could have cured cancer and all I would have gotten was "good; so did you see what my horse is capable of?" It's like it is not acceptable to show encouragement, show emotion or support, and it's definitely never okay to cry or talk about feelings (unless the horse or dog was injured). I don't think all brits are this way, but it is certainly the trend in my family. I win an award, my mum says "cool" in the tone like.. really, who cares? I say I had my heart broken and my mum says "get over it." So I'm used to it and I just don't talk to my mum about anything regarding school other than I got good grades and now I'm at this stage in my undergrad degree. I just get over it- I do talk to my mum and we do have a good relationship, but we just don't talk about certain things. Sorry this section got so lengthy, but it is really hard to explain if you've never been around that type of person.

My sister is super supportive though. It's nice to have someone in the family to talk to about it every now and again. She'll probably be the only one to come to my undergrad graduation.

Like someone else said, it would be awesome if parents could be somewhere in the middle of the spectrum!

 

[StayingFocused]

Use the negativity from your family members to fuel your passion to make you work harder and to prove them wrong.

Your family members have no DIRECT effect on your premedical performance. Nothing your family does can give you a low MCAT score, or a high MCAT score for that matter, or affect your GPA.

Remember, if a path has no obstacles it probably doesn't lead anywhere.
I understand your pain... but really, the path you are taking will be worth it in the end, just stick to it and don't lose sight of your dream.

 

[Daedra22]

My family did what they could to discourage me. They always thought that med school was a terrible idea--they would rather that I get a "normal" job and move "back home" to raise a family. A few months after getting accepted, they realized that things weren't changing and this was what I was going to do. Since then, they've done what they can (in their own way) to be supportive. Hopefully something similar will happen for you. Once they see that you are absolutely committed to your path, they will have to accept it. You don't have to get anyone's approval to make it through the pre-med process... have faith in yourself.

 

[familyaerospace]

My parents are not supportive as far as I can tell.

My partner would rather I go to law school. I don't want to go to law school.

 

[NickNaylor]

I understand wanting your family to support you, but if you need their approval of your life decisions then you'll never be happy. That doesn't just go for med school but for everything else as well. Do something because you want to do it, and because it's the right choice for you.

It's possible that they are just concerned that you won't make it, and don't want you to get your hopes up. I don't know you or your family, so I can't say.

I believe what this good man is saying, OP, is that if you're family doesn't support your decisions but isn't supporting you in some way (i.e., financially), you should deliver a nice "**** you" to them and be on your way.

 

[Avoidthetiger]

Yep. This is where giving people who are economically disadvantaged a leg up makes a lot of sense. GPA, MCAT, etc., are just not an equivalent measures when one person works full time and another does not. But life ain't fair, as they say.

Just curious, but does my friend's story count as economically disadvantaged? Her family seems pretty middle class and she seems to have alot of opportunities up until she completed undergrad (aka a normal middle class upbringing). After finishing college though, she then had to start working full time while trying to prepare for medical school applications. Would she be able to explain this in the AMCAS application without sounding like she's just whining? If so, I will make sure she does note this in her application.

 

[NickNaylor]

Just curious, but does my friend's story count as economically disadvantaged? Her family seems pretty middle class and she seems to have alot of opportunities up until she completed undergrad (aka a normal middle class upbringing). After finishing college though, she then had to start working full time while trying to prepare for medical school applications. Would she be able to explain this in the AMCAS application without sounding like she's just whining? If so, I will make sure she does note this in her application.

Sounds like whining to me. That's not disadvantaged, it's "real life."

 

[Neurocentric]

Just curious, but does my friend's story count as economically disadvantaged? Her family seems pretty middle class and she seems to have alot of opportunities up until she completed undergrad (aka a normal middle class upbringing). After finishing college though, she then had to start working full time while trying to prepare for medical school applications. Would she be able to explain this in the AMCAS application without sounding like she's just whining? If so, I will make sure she does note this in her application.

No, I wouldn't think it's economically disadvantaged. I had to work through school to support myself, and now I don't have a job because of the economy, although I might have one on campus. She's working to support herself, like most people do.

 

[Avoidthetiger]

Thanks for the two responses. I agree with you that "that's just life" and whiny but I just wanted to verify. It's unfortunate though that she won't qualify for FAP because they will want her parent's income... even though they will not be assisting with applications or any of her medical school costs.

 

[Neurocentric]

I believe what this good man is saying, OP, is that if you're family doesn't support your decisions but isn't supporting you in some way (i.e., financially), you should deliver a nice "**** you" to them and be on your way.

I should have been doing that years ago, haha.

Their lack of support has not and will not stop me, it would just be nice if they could actually be proud of me of what I've accomplished considering how I was in high school.

 

[Neurocentric]

Thanks for the two responses. I agree with you that "that's just life" and whiny but I just wanted to verify. It's unfortunate though that she won't qualify for FAP because they will want her parent's income... even though they will not be assisting with applications or any of her medical school costs.

They will want mine too, but I honestly don't think it matters for what I've heard. My mom makes enough that I couldn't get loans and grants for college until I was considered independent .. but I heard medical school is different the way they figure it out.

 

[metalgirl14]

My significant other's grandmother doesn't support my med school decision either. She thinks I should either be a housewife or work a mediocre part-time job (so I have ample time to take care of the family). Lol. That is definitely NOT going to happen.

 

[Avoidthetiger]

They will want mine too, but I honestly don't think it matters for what I've heard. My mom makes enough that I couldn't get loans and grants for college until I was considered independent .. but I heard medical school is different the way they figure it out.

My understanding of FAP atleast is that it doesn't care if you are dependent or independent when determining if you will get help paying for applications. I am unsure of how medical school determines financial aid but I assume it is similar to undergrad. As a graduate student though, I am considered independent automatically though and the FAFSA doesn't even ask for my parents information... so I am hoping (HOPING) medical school will be the same -- though I am still expecting $300,000 in loans (but a grant or two would be nice).

 

[switcheroo]

My significant other's grandmother doesn't support my med school decision either. She thinks I should either be a housewife or work a mediocre part-time job (so I have ample time to take care of the family). Lol. That is definitely NOT going to happen.

Haha, I'm in the exact same boat. When I told her I was applying to medical school, her exact words were "Well it's good to try, I guess." This was at my husband's graduation ceremony from dental school. She then proceeded to ask me what I'm going to do with all my free time, now that I don't have to worry about things like school or working (since husband is now earning an income...and that means I can put my feet up and eat bonbons all day long, I guess?). I think I'm going to have to go into plastic surgery just to rub it in her face.

 

[jadealer]

My understanding of FAP atleast is that it doesn't care if you are dependent or independent when determining if you will get help paying for applications. I am unsure of how medical school determines financial aid but I assume it is similar to undergrad. As a graduate student though, I am considered independent automatically though and the FAFSA doesn't even ask for my parents information... so I am hoping (HOPING) medical school will be the same -- though I am still expecting $300,000 in loans (but a grant or two would be nice).

Hate to burst your bubble... but though FAFSA do NOT require you to put your parents' information, all medical schools require it or else you will not be considered for any money/grants/scholarships through the medical college. 👎 I am 26 years old and have lived independently from my parents for 4 years, but I still had to put their financial information down, which sucks because they are not helping fund any of my medical school education and both have goods jobs while my current job does not pay very much at all. It proved irrelevant though because I didn't get in.. but I asked at all three of my interviews and thus what they told me.

 

[Avoidthetiger]

Hate to burst your bubble... but though FAFSA do NOT require you to put your parents' information, all medical schools require it or else you will not be considered for any money/grants/scholarships through the medical college. 👎 I am 26 years old and have lived independently from my parents for 4 years, but I still had to put their financial information down, which sucks because they are not helping fund any of my medical school education and both have goods jobs while my current job does not pay very much at all. It proved irrelevant though because I didn't get in.. but I asked at all three of my interviews and thus what they told me.

I had a feeling... I was just hoping. NOW the true questions is -- if you qualify for grant money in undergrad, is that the same in medical school. For example, in my undergrad, I was given 1/4 of the cost of attendance in grants because I had financial need. Do they even give financial aid grants or just expect everyone to take out loans... since loans seems to be the route everyone goes.

 

[orthomyxo]

My parents didn't go to college, so they really don't have a clue about the med school admissions process, residency, etc.

When I told my dad he said "Are you serious, what d'you wanna be in school for the rest of your life? Can't you go into something else, like radiology or something?" I basically facepalmed. He didn't know that rads was an MD specialty, not to mention that it's a ROAD specialty.

 

[MightyMoose]

When people tell you what you can, can't, should, and shouldn't do you should take it all with a grain of salt. Ultimately, you will be the one who has to live your life. If your goal is medicine then go for it, if you change your mind, then so be it, but either way, live your life don't relive their life.