At a crossroads...

[deleted1065262]

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Ok, so I am 26 years old and just starting college (my mother would not help me fill out the FASFA and provide her info so I had to wait until I became independent).

I currently work at Walmart in Online Grocery Pickup.

Basically, I am at a loss about being a non-traditional student who does not have access to much money at the moment and is on their own and cannot move back in with family so they can work less and focus more on school.

The least amount of time I would be able to work is 32 hours a week.

Is it even possible for me to consider medical school in the future if I have to work at least for my undergraduate years?

Like, I need to at least get my credit up to where I could be considered for private student loans.

Like, I want to be a Doctor (Psychiatrist or Cardiologist specifically) more then anything, but I am worried that it might not be possible if I move through school slowly due to work.

I also was interviewed today for a promotion at work (I don’t know if I will get it or not, nervous as **** about that too) and that would also take up time (would be working 40+ hours) as well (but could help me get my medical debt paid off so I can up my credit), so I would have to do 1-2 classes at a time.

If I don’t get the promotion I will take more classes and try and get through school faster.

I remember a family friend who is a Doctor who told me I would never become one because my family does not have the money. And that just makes me feel like giving up.

Any advice is appreciated.

Edit: I am also starting at a community college, what classes should I take there before I move to a four year school.

 

[StudentDoGter]

Are you willing to take out student loans so that you don’t have to work as much throughout undergrad? Also, if you are a first time student and you meet certain financial criteria, you could be eligible for federal pell grants which can help pay for your classes and perhaps even some of your living expenses. Because you are starting at a CC, I would recommend researching (googling) financial aid resources in your area. In my home state of California there is a grant that pays for students’ class fees at community colleges- maybe there is something like that in your area too. During undergrad I really don’t think you would need to take out private loans, as federal loans should be available to you if you qualify for financial aid with your income. Lastly, definitely reach out to an academic and financial aid counselor at your prospective school! They can help you with options for scholarships, loans, grants, etc. It took me a long time to complete my undergrad and the biggest piece of advice that I have is to prioritize school over work. I supported myself entirely and after a while I made the decision to put school first so that I could do well and give myself the best chance at getting into medical school. This involved taking out student loans eventually, but it was absolutely doable and worth it.

In terms of classes to take, I would at least recommend taking some of your GE’s for your first semester like English and math just to get used to college.

 

[deleted1065262]

Are you willing to take out student loans so that you don’t have to work as much throughout undergrad? Also, if you are a first time student and you meet certain financial criteria, you could be eligible for federal pell grants which can help pay for your classes and perhaps even some of your living expenses. Because you are starting at a CC, I would recommend researching (googling) financial aid resources in your area. In my home state of California there is a grant that pays for students’ class fees at community colleges- maybe there is something like that in your area too. During undergrad I really don’t think you would need to take out private loans, as federal loans should be available to you if you qualify for financial aid with your income. Lastly, definitely reach out to an academic and financial aid counselor at your prospective school! They can help you with options for scholarships, loans, grants, etc. It took me a long time to complete my undergrad and the biggest piece of advice that I have is to prioritize school over work. I supported myself entirely and after a while I made the decision to put school first so that I could do well and give myself the best chance at getting into medical school. This involved taking out student loans eventually, but it was absolutely doable and worth it.

In terms of classes to take, I would at least recommend taking some of your GE’s for your first semester like English and math just to get used to college.

Yes, I am willing to take out student loans so I can work less.

If I do get the promotion I applied for at work I will probably do that for awhile while taking a class at a time and get my credit up so that when I go to med school I can get private student loans.

I do currently qualify for a pell grant so I can definitely put some of that towards living expenses as well if needed.

 

[acstylin]

Getting the grades, scoring well on the MCAT, and completing the EC’s in order to get into med school is hard. You said you want this “more than anything.” Is that true? You need to ask yourself what that really looks like when the rubber hits the road. In your case I think it looks like taking at least 4 classes per semester while getting mostly A’s (no excuses are acceptable). Then you’re going to have to work 30 hrs/wk to keep food on the table. You may have a little time to date but not much. You may have a little time for a hobby but not much. Your friends are going to go to concerts and fun little vacations but you won’t be able to go because you’ll be working/studying 6-7 days per week. You will not have the fun, free spirited education that your peers will, but if you want this more than anything, this is what many of us did. Some people have parents that pay for this but they’re the lucky ones. I know this sounds like an over exaggeration but for a lot of us, it was what it took to get here. I wish you luck. This is NOT impossible. Hundreds and probably thousands of People like you do it and go to medical school every year.

 

[LunaOri]

Make sure the classes you take at the community college have credit that is transferrable to your state school, because that is most likely where you will finish your last 2 years. Alternatively, there are schools (NESCAC schools come to mind, especially Wesleyan) that will give full tuition and living expenses to underprivileged students. They require work-study, but that's a lot easier than working full time at WalMart.

 

[deleted1065262]

Getting the grades, scoring well on the MCAT, and completing the EC’s in order to get into med school is hard. You said you want this “more than anything.” Is that true? You need to ask yourself what that really looks like when the rubber hits the road. In your case I think it looks like taking at least 4 classes per semester while getting mostly A’s (no excuses are acceptable). Then you’re going to have to work 30 hrs/wk to keep food on the table. You may have a little time to date but not much. You may have a little time for a hobby but not much. Your friends are going to go to concerts and fun little vacations but you won’t be able to go because you’ll be working/studying 6-7 days per week. You will not have the fun, free spirited education that your peers will, but if you want this more than anything, this is what many of us did. Some people have parents that pay for this but they’re the lucky ones. I know this sounds like an over exaggeration but for a lot of us, it was what it took to get here. I wish you luck. This is NOT impossible. Hundreds and probably thousands of People like you do it and go to medical school every year.

Lol, I already don’t date or have many friends.

I am willing to put in the work academically, especially since I do want this more then anything.

Basically my main goals now are to get my debt under control (I have tons of medical debt from before I was insured) and do well in some GE classes before I transfer to a 4 year university.

For medical school I know I will have to apply for private student loans so in order to do that I will have to get my credit up (it’s in the 500s now).

 

[deleted1065262]

Make sure the classes you take at the community college have credit that is transferrable to your state school, because that is most likely where you will finish your last 2 years. Alternatively, there are schools (NESCAC schools come to mind, especially Wesleyan) that will give full tuition and living expenses to underprivileged students. They require work-study, but that's a lot easier than working full time at WalMart.

Also, I will definitely look into work/study!!

 

[deleted1065262]

UPDATE: Both of the community colleges I have chosen will transfer to the 4 year college I want (and the program I want to go to)!!

 

[Goro]

Ok, so I am 26 years old and just starting college (my mother would not help me fill out the FASFA and provide her info so I had to wait until I became independent).

I currently work at Walmart in Online Grocery Pickup.

Basically, I am at a loss about being a non-traditional student who does not have access to much money at the moment and is on their own and cannot move back in with family so they can work less and focus more on school.

The least amount of time I would be able to work is 32 hours a week.

Is it even possible for me to consider medical school in the future if I have to work at least for my undergraduate years?

Like, I need to at least get my credit up to where I could be considered for private student loans.

Like, I want to be a Doctor (Psychiatrist or Cardiologist specifically) more then anything, but I am worried that it might not be possible if I move through school slowly due to work.

I also was interviewed today for a promotion at work (I don’t know if I will get it or not, nervous as **** about that too) and that would also take up time (would be working 40+ hours) as well (but could help me get my medical debt paid off so I can up my credit), so I would have to do 1-2 classes at a time.

If I don’t get the promotion I will take more classes and try and get through school faster.

I remember a family friend who is a Doctor who told me I would never become one because my family does not have the money. And that just makes me feel like giving up.

Any advice is appreciated.

Edit: I am also starting at a community college, what classes should I take there before I move to a four year school.

You're going to have to view this as a multi-year process and accept the fact that your ability to build a good app will be dependent upon your finances.

Thus, I recommend working and saving up your money. Knock off some classes part time at your local CC...just NOT the pre-reqs (except English 1/2and Bio 1/2).

And/oi get in the required ECs.

Save up your money and then go to school full time.

 

[deleted1065262]

You're going to have to view this as a multi-year process and accept the fact that your ability to build a good app will be dependent upon your finances.

Thus, I recommend working and saving up your money. Knock off some classes part time at your local CC...just NOT the pre-reqs (except English 1/2and Bio 1/2).

And/oi get in the required ECs.

Save up your money and then go to school full time.

Yea that is kinda my plan, like I wanna take gen ed classes as a community college and do my pre recs at a 4 year college.

From what I read if I do my GE classes at the community college I go to then I would be able to transfer to the university I want to go to for sure (if I do well).

What do you mean by ECs?

 

[Goro]

Yea that is kinda my plan, like I wanna take gen ed classes as a community college and do my pre recs at a 4 year college.

From what I read if I do my GE classes at the community college I go to then I would be able to transfer to the university I want to go to for sure (if I do well).

What do you mean by ECs?

Extracurriculars.

read this:
Med School Rx: Getting In, Getting Through, and Getting On with Doctoring Original Edition by Walter Hartwig
ISBN-13: 978-1607140627

ISBN-10: 1607140624

 

[deleted1065262]

Well, I ended up not getting the promotion at work so I will be putting my energy towards school and federal student loans towards living expenses and working part time.

I respect who they did pick for the promotion, I did want it in some way, and not in others, but all in all I had a plan for if I did or did not get it so I can’t say I am bitter.

I think me not getting it will work out better in the long run for me as I will be able to put more energy towards school.

 

[deleted1065262]

UPDATE: Well, the former OGP DM who went to pharmacy (as a pharm tech) said I should join her over there when they have a opening in the fall, strongly considering it bc it would be a pay raise (I would make the same amount as I would have if I got OGP DM and for less stress).

I think it would look good that I have some healthcare experience at least.

School starts on the 24th so I am excited for that, waiting on my iPad Air 3 to show up for that.

I really hope they hire some more people for OGP and Express in particular bc my ability to come in everyday of the week like I have been will no longer exist since I have school (and on that note I hope the person they chose for OGP DM succeeds bc after I start school I will not be able to do that role as I have too many classes).

(I hope it’s ok that I post updates btw, if not let me know)

 

[gyngyn]

UPDATE: Well, the former OGP DM who went to pharmacy (as a pharm tech) said I should join her over there when they have a opening in the fall, strongly considering it bc it would be a pay raise (I would make the same amount as I would have if I got OGP DM and for less stress).

I think it would look good that I have some healthcare experience at least.

School starts on the 24th so I am excited for that, waiting on my iPad Air 3 to show up for that.

I really hope they hire some more people for OGP and Express in particular bc my ability to come in everyday of the week like I have been will no longer exist since I have school (and on that note I hope the person they chose for OGP DM succeeds bc after I start school I will not be able to do that role as I have too many classes).

(I hope it’s ok that I post updates btw, if not let me know)

Updates are welcome.

 

[MedDoc305]

UPDATE: Well, the former OGP DM who went to pharmacy (as a pharm tech) said I should join her over there when they have a opening in the fall, strongly considering it bc it would be a pay raise (I would make the same amount as I would have if I got OGP DM and for less stress).

I think it would look good that I have some healthcare experience at least.

School starts on the 24th so I am excited for that, waiting on my iPad Air 3 to show up for that.

I really hope they hire some more people for OGP and Express in particular bc my ability to come in everyday of the week like I have been will no longer exist since I have school (and on that note I hope the person they chose for OGP DM succeeds bc after I start school I will not be able to do that role as I have too many classes).

(I hope it’s ok that I post updates btw, if not let me know)

I actually worked at Walmart as well throughout my undergrad journey to support myself. I worked as a sales associate, DM, support manager, claims associate and was given the opportunity for pharm tech (didn't take it). Take the pharm tech job if given the possibility!!! It won't count as healthcare but Walmart loves to suck the life out of you and makes it much harder to study when you're exhausted. Being in the pharmacy you have certain protections from the Walmart bull****. Just keep your head down, take advantage of your free time to get things done, and keep on trekking. Plenty have done it and so can you. Also, dont be sucked into thinking you can't find a better job! Walmart starts pay at $11, target/whole foods/Costco starts at $15. You'd have to work fewer hours in those places to make the same amount at Walmart. Work smarter not harder.

Edit: 20 hours at target = $300
27.5 hours at walmart = $300
You can always pick up extra shifts from employees who don't want to work if you arent given enough hours. Worst case scenario ubereats/uber/lyft/instacart are great ways to supplement the income on YOUR time (when too exhausted to study).

 

[deleted1065262]

I actually worked at Walmart as well throughout my undergrad journey to support myself. I worked as a sales associate, DM, support manager, claims associate and was given the opportunity for pharm tech (didn't take it). Take the pharm tech job if given the possibility!!! It won't count as healthcare but Walmart loves to suck the life out of you and makes it much harder to study when you're exhausted. Being in the pharmacy you have certain protections from the Walmart bull****. Just keep your head down, take advantage of your free time to get things done, and keep on trekking. Plenty have done it and so can you. Also, dont be sucked into thinking you can't find a better job! Walmart starts pay at $11, target/whole foods/Costco starts at $15. You'd have to work fewer hours in those places to make the same amount at Walmart. Work smarter not harder.

Edit: 20 hours at target = $300
27.5 hours at walmart = $300
You can always pick up extra shifts from employees who don't want to work if you arent given enough hours. Worst case scenario ubereats/uber/lyft/instacart are great ways to supplement the income on YOUR time (when too exhausted to study).

I actually make $14.03 at Walmart right now. I’ve moved around positions.

I worked at Target before and it was even worse actually, I applied again and was rejected.

I basically now don’t worry about anything other then my job and that’s kinda how I stay sane. Management can worry about OGP as a whole, they gave the DM position to someone else so the way I see it is that it is not my job to worry about it excessively (yes I know that sounds bitter but whatever IDC).

I am always looking for different jobs that pay about the same as I make.

One nice thing I will say is that I have a set schedule so I am happy with that and I know at other places that I won’t have that most likely.

 

[deleted1065262]

Also there is the fact that since I am Express after OGP is done with picks I only have to wait for Express orders, so I am able to be on my phone...which I know I won’t have in pharmacy but is nice for now.

 

[PhDStudentCP]

I see you mentioned that you're interested in psychiatry and that med school is definitely your Plan A. Perhaps an option for Plan B could be going down the psychology road, which is obviously closely related to psychiatry.

Most reputable psychology doctoral programs pay 100% of the tuition and provide a living stipend for the 4-5 years spent getting the doctorate. If you find yourself interested in the field, and the Plan A of med school doesn't work out, this may be a good secondary option to consider : )

Best of luck!

 

[deleted1065262]

I see you mentioned that you're interested in psychiatry and that med school is definitely your Plan A. Perhaps an option for Plan B could be going down the psychology road, which is obviously closely related to psychiatry.

Most reputable psychology doctoral programs pay 100% of the tuition and provide a living stipend for the 4-5 years spent getting the doctorate. If you find yourself interested in the field, and the Plan A of med school doesn't work out, this may be a good secondary option to consider : )

Best of luck!

I have thought about that, however I am also strongly considering majoring in engineering and taking pre med classes (at a 4 year university) so that if med school does fail I can get a well paying job outside of medicine...would a psych doctorate be something I can do if I don’t major in psych for undergrad?

I know that the path to be a Doctor could be harder for me bc I am mildly autistic (aspergers) and I do suffer from mental illness (which is controlled by medication)*.

* = It’s my personal opinion that it’s a very individual thing whether or not someone with mental illness can survive in something like medical school, or even anything, some are like Elyn Saks and others are homeless and on the street. I know people ask about it on here but it’s a hard thing for people online who do not know the person IRL to answer. Regardless of the actual mental illness.

 

[Dr Tapatio]

You need to change the way you're going on about this. The smartest way would be to get a job as a security guard at night where you can use 50% or more of your time studying. Take the necessary pre-med courses at a local community college then transfer to the University of Arizona or Arizona State University and complete your degree online. Both schools will give you a diploma equivalent to the one of on-campus students. This way you spend a lot less money and you'll have more flexibility. The traditional route of doing things will get in the way of being successful

 

[PhDStudentCP]

I have thought about that, however I am also strongly considering majoring in engineering and taking pre med classes (at a 4 year university) so that if med school does fail I can get a well paying job outside of medicine...would a psych doctorate be something I can do if I don’t major in psych for undergrad?

I know that the path to be a Doctor could be harder for me bc I am mildly autistic (aspergers) and I do suffer from mental illness (which is controlled by medication)*.

* = It’s my personal opinion that it’s a very individual thing whether or not someone with mental illness can survive in something like medical school, or even anything, some are like Elyn Saks and others are homeless and on the street. I know people ask about it on here but it’s a hard thing for people online who do not know the person IRL to answer. Regardless of the actual mental illness.

I very much agree with you. Mental illness can be like any other illness in that if it's properly identified, treated and monitored, it may not be a barrier to success at all. I wish you the best of luck in undergrad and med school!

(And to answer your question- yes. It's possible to do a psych doctorate with a BA/BS in a different field, but you would have to make the case in your application as to why you believe your engineering/ premed training makes you ready for a PhD and what lead you to pursue psychology)

 

[deleted1065262]

Ok, so school starts in 5 days and I am excited, I am basically all set up, I have my study space mostly set up (desk and chair put together, iPad Air & Bluetooth keyboard is in my possession, etc), just have to clean a bit in the study space.

My bosses at Walmart seem to be getting that I will mostly not be coming in on my days off, tho I am getting asked to come in early, which I will do sometimes if I can (but not everyday bc then they’ll expect it even when I genuinely can’t, that’s how Walmart works).

I am nervous and excited I guess, I almost can’t believe that at 26 I am finally going to college (I feel like it’s late to be going to college but better late then never).

 

[deleted1065262]

Welp, if OGP stressed me out too much I am scoping out if I can go back to overnights...because I would get more pay, I would not have to deal with the customers (our store’s customers have a high anger rate), and I would be able to listen to headphones so I guess I could listen to study aids/textbooks/lectures while working.

I just want to know if it’s an option for me...basically a ton is being thrown on me bc our ASM hires minors who stare at their phone and refuses any confrontation whatsoever.

Like, dealing with less stress and listen to headphones while working seems like it would be better tho I know overnights can be a lot.

 

[Shotapp]

I know you said that you're interested in majoring in engineering but that major is known to be very hard to maintain a high GPA. Pick a major that you like and will allow you to maintain a high GPA. Stats might not be everything but that is the first thing medical schools see so major in something where you can get a lot of As in. What about Psychology or Neuroscience?

 

[deleted1065262]

I know you said that you're interested in majoring in engineering but that major is known to be very hard to maintain a high GPA. Pick a major that you like and will allow you to maintain a high GPA. Stats might not be everything but that is the first thing medical schools see so major in something where you can get a lot of As in. What about Psychology or Neuroscience?

I have thought about psych, but my concern is that if I do not get into med school I basically have as my only option pursuing a PhD in psych as a bachelors for psych can’t be used for much I hear.

But then again I am interested in psych so that could work.

I have thought about biochem also. But there is the same issue...you have to get a higher degree.

I’m sure I’ll figure it out.

 

[GreenDuck12]

I have thought about psych, but my concern is that if I do not get into med school I basically have as my only option pursuing a PhD in psych as a bachelors for psych can’t be used for much I hear.

But then again I am interested in psych so that could work.

I have thought about biochem also. But there is the same issue...you have to get a higher degree.

I’m sure I’ll figure it out.

Your degree does not necessarily determine your career. There are plenty of things you can do with a psych major. That being said, engineering is a very time intensive program - something that would not lend itself to going to school while working. Engineering also tends to result in lower GPAs which may negatively impact your application to medical school.

Just out of curiosity, you keep mentioning getting your credit up for private student loans, why not pursue federal loans instead? Most do not have credit requirements.

 

[deleted1065262]

Your degree does not necessarily determine your career. There are plenty of things you can do with a psych major. That being said, engineering is a very time intensive program - something that would not lend itself to going to school while working. Engineering also tends to result in lower GPAs which may negatively impact your application to medical school.

Just out of curiosity, you keep mentioning getting your credit up for private student loans, why not pursue federal loans instead? Most do not have credit requirements.

Would federal student loans cover medical school?

Like maybe partially but I don’t think they would cover the full cost.

Like I am getting them now so I can work a little less, but I don’t know that I would be able to borrow enough for medical school.

But good point about engineering being time intensive, I had not thought of that tbh.

 

[deleted1065262]

And I just googled that apparently for med school you can borrow more in federal student loans, which is an option to consider.

 

[GreenDuck12]

Would federal student loans cover medical school?

Like maybe partially but I don’t think they would cover the full cost.

Like I am getting them now so I can work a little less, but I don’t know that I would be able to borrow enough for medical school.

But good point about engineering being time intensive, I had not thought of that tbh.

Federal loans would cover up to the full cost of attendance at undergraduate and graduate programs for US citizens and permanent residents. Schools provide estimates that are used to determine the cost of attendance that include tuition, fees, materials, and living expenses. Financial aid offices are then able to process federal loans for students up to those amounts (additional amounts can be awarded in special circumstances). I highly recommend reaching out to your college's financial aid office, they can go over your options much more clearly than I can.

 

[GreenDuck12]

And I just googled that apparently for med school you can borrow more in federal student loans, which is an option to consider.

Some loans increase in amounts for medical school (federal direct unsubsidized). At the undergraduate level you have access to different types of loans which are separate from the loans for graduate programs.

 

[deleted1065262]

Some loans increase in amounts for medical school (federal direct unsubsidized). At the undergraduate level you have access to different types of loans which are separate from the loans for graduate programs.

I truly had no idea, thank you!

I do still plan to get my credit up tho, since it is good to have good credit.

I don’t have like a ton on medical debt, under $5,000 thank god.

 

[Osteosaur]

I'm sorry your family has not been more supportive.

Its absolutely not too late to start. Just take it slow. A lot of people are taking post-bacc classes and such, so if it takes you a bit longer to finish because you're going at a slow pace... better to do that than end up with a bunch of D's, F's, and W's.

 

[deleted1065262]

I'm sorry your family has not been more supportive.

Its absolutely not too late to start. Just take it slow. A lot of people are taking post-bacc classes and such, so if it takes you a bit longer to finish because you're going at a slow pace... better to do that than end up with a bunch of D's, F's, and W's.

I am actually at the undergrad level, just starting college now.

My Mom would not fill out the FASFA so I had to wait until I was 25, tho I am 26 now but stuff got in the way of me going.

 

[deleted1065262]

Ok, so I am in my second week of school and it’s going GREAT!!

Dropping down to 3 days a week at work and using federal student loans to pay rent/bills for the semester.

 

[GreenDuck12]

Ok, so I am in my second week of school and it’s going GREAT!!

Dropping down to 3 days a week at work and using federal student loans to pay rent/bills for the semester.

Great to hear - good luck this semester!

 

[deleted1065262]

Well, I have set plans in place to move back to overnights.

I will be able to listen to things such as lectures and stuff, and have a lot less stress.

I am also going to change my schedule so I can have 4 days off in a row, so that I can devote more time to studying (which I need to do).

 

[deleted1065262]

Basically school wise I am treading water, I am very stressed at work bc they have piled a lot on me, so in addition to moving back to overnights I have looked into a job opportunity that would allow me to pick my shifts (if it works out I’ll post more about it).

My ASM might try and block my move back to overnights but I’ll fight it or quit.

School has to come first and I can’t stress myself over Walmart anymore.

 

[NTF]

The other option to consider is getting a job at an academic hospital with tuition reimbursement benefits. Before medical school I worked at a university hospital as a unit clerk and then a medical assistant. It was shift work so I worked three 12hr shifts a week (I did night shift 7pm-7a). With tuition reimbursement I took 2 free classes per term in addition to getting good exposure to patients. I networked with the attendings and that opened up shadowing opportunities and also volunteered in one of their research labs.

 

[GreenDuck12]

The advice above is excellent. Remember, if being a doctor is your end goal, you must earn high grades in your courses. Period. I would encourage you to make decisions about continued employment prior to your grades dropping. It much harder to raise grades once a decrease has occurred.

 

[deleted1065262]

The other option to consider is getting a job at an academic hospital with tuition reimbursement benefits. Before medical school I worked at a university hospital as a unit clerk and then a medical assistant. It was shift work so I worked three 12hr shifts a week (I did night shift 7pm-7a). With tuition reimbursement I took 2 free classes per term in addition to getting good exposure to patients. I networked with the attendings and that opened up shadowing opportunities and also volunteered in one of their research labs.

The advice above is excellent. Remember, if being a doctor is your end goal, you must earn high grades in your courses. Period. I would encourage you to make decisions about continued employment prior to your grades dropping. It much harder to raise grades once a decrease has occurred.

Yea, that’s why I am taking action now.

School has to come first, I cannot let that slide.

I am finding I am doing good on the homework but struggle in tests, so I need to find time to devote to reviweing.

Also, I have ADHD and aspergers (yes I know this could make licensing hard) so I am also working with my psychiatrist on meds.

 

[deleted610572]

I went to community college for 2 years and worked 30-35 hours per week throughout my undergrad. I am standing here on the other side a doctor. I went to CC and then the cheapest state school I liked because the cost.

 

[GreenDuck12]

Yea, that’s why I am taking action now.

School has to come first, I cannot let that slide.

I am finding I am doing good on the homework but struggle in tests, so I need to find time to devote to reviweing.

Also, I have ADHD and aspergers (yes I know this could make licensing hard) so I am also working with my psychiatrist on meds.

Check our if you school has a center that offers academic support for different things. Test taking struggles are quite common and there are many strategies that may help.

 

[deleted1065262]

Check our if you school has a center that offers academic support for different things. Test taking struggles are quite common and there are many strategies that may help.

I am going to look into that!!

TY!!

 

[deleted1065262]

I went to community college for 2 years and worked 30-35 hours per week throughout my undergrad. I am standing here on the other side a doctor. I went to CC and then the cheapest state school I liked because the cost.

I’m going to a state school as well.

 

[deleted1065262]

So apparently I was told by my old OGP DM that she was told by our Store Manager that bc Walmart is opening Walmart Care Clinics (tho she said Hospital at first, but then said clinics) they are going to be open to paying for schooling to become a Doctor.

Ok, Walmart does have a program where they will pay for most of an Associates schooling in select majors for select (diploma mill) schools.

I find this suspect for a few reasons.

a) Medical School is EXTREMELY expensive, I don’t see Walmart just footing the cost of that tbh.

b) Even if Walmart did foot the cost of it, I don’t know if many medical students could work at Walmart beyond maybe 1-2 days a week. So basically these people are not working at Walmart that much, so why pay for their schooling.

Like honestly I think the SM is full of **** if she said anything like Walmart will pay for medical school (and even if she did not bc our store is extremely poorly run, I’ll update you on our inventory when I hear about it, it’s tomorrow, luckily I have nothing to do with it).

I think our SM just wants people to not quit.

Anyways, it seems I will be moving to overnights, so I have found some audiobooks about biology that I can listen to while I work so I can have just that much more time with the material (The Great Courses from Audible seems great and with a free trial it’s free so why not).

 

[Osteosaur]

A lot of people don't know what 'medical school' is, to be honest, it just means 'going to school to do medical stuff' so they might think its nursing, pharmacy, pharmacy tech, etc. I've heard of some med students doing part time gigs in nursing and such, if they have liscenses, but that is a lot more money for picking up a weekend shift. I think, given your ADHD diagnosis, you should use your free time in medical school to relax.

At this point you don't want to think about working in medical school. Right now you just want to get those grades so you can get in.

 

[deleted1065262]

A lot of people don't know what 'medical school' is, to be honest, it just means 'going to school to do medical stuff' so they might think its nursing, pharmacy, pharmacy tech, etc. I've heard of some med students doing part time gigs in nursing and such, if they have liscenses, but that is a lot more money for picking up a weekend shift. I think, given your ADHD diagnosis, you should use your free time in medical school to relax.

At this point you don't want to think about working in medical school. Right now you just want to get those grades so you can get in.

Exactly (to the last part) so I need to just focus on school and minimize work stress as much as possible.

Plus on overnights if I am able to listen to s*it that can help me in school that has to be a plus.

 

[deleted610572]

Exactly (to the last part) so I need to just focus on school and minimize work stress as much as possible.

Plus on overnights if I am able to listen to s*it that can help me in school that has to be a plus.

Even if they meant actual medical school then you don’t want to take that deal. Don’t sell your soul to “the Wallmart”

 

[deleted1065262]

Even if they meant actual medical school then you don’t want to take that deal. Don’t sell your soul to “the Wallmart”

That’s what I was honestly thinking...I just did not want to say it.

If you look at my signature it says something like, “I will not work for Walmart Care Clinics,” bc I know first hand the Walmart BS and if I make through something like medical school and residency I am not going to throw it all away by going back to Walmart.

 

[TragicalDrFaust]

Ok, so I am 26 years old and just starting college (my mother would not help me fill out the FASFA and provide her info so I had to wait until I became independent).

I currently work at Walmart in Online Grocery Pickup.

Basically, I am at a loss about being a non-traditional student who does not have access to much money at the moment and is on their own and cannot move back in with family so they can work less and focus more on school.

The least amount of time I would be able to work is 32 hours a week.

Is it even possible for me to consider medical school in the future if I have to work at least for my undergraduate years?

Like, I need to at least get my credit up to where I could be considered for private student loans.

Like, I want to be a Doctor (Psychiatrist or Cardiologist specifically) more then anything, but I am worried that it might not be possible if I move through school slowly due to work.

I also was interviewed today for a promotion at work (I don’t know if I will get it or not, nervous as **** about that too) and that would also take up time (would be working 40+ hours) as well (but could help me get my medical debt paid off so I can up my credit), so I would have to do 1-2 classes at a time.

If I don’t get the promotion I will take more classes and try and get through school faster.

I remember a family friend who is a Doctor who told me I would never become one because my family does not have the money. And that just makes me feel like giving up.

Any advice is appreciated.

Edit: I am also starting at a community college, what classes should I take there before I move to a four year school.

It is possible to pay for a premed education independently on a minimum wage while working. I managed to do it without receiving money from my parents. But I lived at my mother’s house. And even then it took me 8 years. I paid out of pocket for CC then was covered by grants and scholarships for university. Worked for living expenses.

I worked full time and went to school half time while getting prerequisites. I also enrolled in summer and winter sessions. Then I switched to school full time and work part time by the time I transferred from CC to university. If you keep your grades up, you should have access to scholarships that will help you pay for university. If you don’t keep your grades up in CC med school is most likely off the table.

As for what classes to take, pick a few of your favorite med schools and check their prerequisites. Also find out if the ones at your CC will transfer to the university where you’re likely to end up.

Also don’t be afraid to take out loans AFTER you have established a pattern of doing well in school. It would have made my life a lot easier if I’d just bitten the bullet and taken out a couple thousand a semester, especially when I was in school full time. a few thousand in debt is worth the 15-30hrs in study time that it buys you, particularly if you become a physician and can pay off amounts of that magnitude quickly.