Can you deduct your application expenses on your taxes?

[MightyMoose]

Ok, so now it's tax time and I spent loads of money in 2010 on my medical school applications (primary, secondary, travel, hotel, etc.), just like many of you. The question now is whether any of those expenses are tax deductible? I spent in the ballpark of $10,000 on medical school related application expenses and would love to be able to get some type of tax break if it's available. Does anyone know of any way to get a deduction for application expenses?

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[mauberley]

Short answer, no, you don't get any tax breaks.

This is from pre-dent (and only current to the 2007 tax law) but it links to pre-med topics and it should be generally and presently applicable:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=490948

 

[Helen Wheels]

Hi, MightyMoose,

I have spent over $7,000 just to get into med school. 😱 I am not a tax professional but I did look into this pretty carefully on the irs.gov web site.

The answer to your question, basically, is no. 🙁

At first I thought maybe interview and travel expenses could be deducted. I found out that you can only do that if these are job hunting expenses. Getting into a medical school is not a job so you can't deduct them. Pity.

Then I thought maybe my MCAT prep or some of my pre-req course expenses might be deducted. No, again here. You can only deduct school expenses if they are directly related to or required by the current job that you have. There is no way prepping for the MCAT or taking biochem could remotely be needed for my actual job so that was out, too.

It seems a shame that hard working people like us trying to get into a service profession can't catch any breaks, doesn't it? Obama are you reading this?

 

[mauberley]

For what it's worth, I have no issues with the fact that I don't get tax breaks for application expenses.

 

[Silverman780]

well when you travel for interviews you can put in an application at mcdonalds or a airport shop in each city and then it becomes job hunting. You would have to find a bigger loophole to get that application money in though.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

jesus how does one spend 10K on apps?

 

[NickNaylor]

Hell no.

 

[MightyMoose]

Thanks for the responses. I didn't really think there was much hope in writing them off, but I figured I would put it out there and see if anyone else came up with a way to do it that wouldn't raise any red flags.

jesus how does one spend 10K on apps?

It wasn't really all that hard when you apply broadly ~35 schools, get lucky enough to get some interviews, and keep traveling to them until you find a school you really like.

Quick approximate calculation:

$32 x 35 (schools) = $1,120
$90 (avg. cost of secondary) x 35 = $3,325
$350 (avg cost of airfare) x 7 = $2,450
$200 (avg cost of hotel - got stuck in one state due to weather) x 7 = $1,400
$25 (avg cost of rental car - no car on some trips reduced the cost) x 7 = $175
$50 (avg cost of food on trips) x 7 = $350
$500 (cost of suit, with tailoring)
$1000 (deposit for spot)

Ballpark total = $10,320


So, this number is over 10k and it is fairly conservative. I didn't get buck wild on any of my interviews or get crazy extravagant. I'm sure there are quite a few people who spent as much as me if not more.

I might try to add in the 1k deposit to my tuition section of my taxes, since technically it is tuition paid during the 2010 calendar year... That could bump up my tuition deduction, but that's about the only idea I have...

 

[mauberley]

I might try to add in the 1k deposit to my tuition section of my taxes, since technically it is tuition paid during the 2010 calendar year... That could bump up my tuition deduction, but that's about the only idea I have...

Technically, you weren't enrolled in 2010, so you wouldn't be able to. From Publication 970: "Generally, the deduction is allowed for qualified education expenses paid in 2010 in connection with enrollment at an institution of higher education during 2010 or for an academic period beginning in 2010 or in the first 3 months of 2011."

 

[theWUbear]

Hey guys,

I've seen many an old thread on this. The only loophole that people think to discuss is the "expenses related to your current job" be it training, getting a degree to assist you with it, etc.

That being said, I have worked in an infectious disease practice and remain on staff there. I need an MD to move up in rank at the ID clinic and get a higher paid position. Therefore this degree is indeed training related to my current job.

Have I successfully navigated the loophole with a successful argument?

 

[NickNaylor]

Hey guys,

I've seen many an old thread on this. The only loophole that people think to discuss is the "expenses related to your current job" be it training, getting a degree to assist you with it, etc.

That being said, I have worked in an infectious disease practice and remain on staff there. I need an MD to move up in rank at the ID clinic and get a higher paid position. Therefore this degree is indeed training related to my current job.

Have I successfully navigated the loophole with a successful argument?

Good luck with that one when the IRS is sending you to federal pound-me-in-the-ass prison.

 

[mauberley]

Hey guys,

I've seen many an old thread on this. The only loophole that people think to discuss is the "expenses related to your current job" be it training, getting a degree to assist you with it, etc.

That being said, I have worked in an infectious disease practice and remain on staff there. I need an MD to move up in rank at the ID clinic and get a higher paid position. Therefore this degree is indeed training related to my current job.

Have I successfully navigated the loophole with a successful argument?

I would say no. The MD degree qualifies you for a new trade or business, so it is not qualifying education. (See Pub. 970 again.)

 

[theWUbear]

lulz. k looking forward to blowing a few thou

 

[avatarftw]

No, you have a lot of variable costs that can be greatly reduced. For example, average airfare for a round trip ticket in the US (for most places) is not 350. You can get good deals if you look around.

You don't have to spend 50 dollars for a day of food while traveling. You can pick up some grub at the local store for a few bucks.

I doubt that most people go on 7 flights for their applications. Most people don't get TOO many interviews and some of them may be in driving distance. But, whatever, its your money.

I concede that much of your costs will be fixed; like secondary costs and primary costs. However, if you apply early then you can get accepted to your higher ranked schools and then cancel the other interviews. Also, when I applied, which was very recent, secondaries averaged about 50 dollars. I doubt that they jumped up 80% in one year.

Thanks for the responses. I didn't really think there was much hope in writing them off, but I figured I would put it out there and see if anyone else came up with a way to do it that wouldn't raise any red flags.



It wasn't really all that hard when you apply broadly ~35 schools, get lucky enough to get some interviews, and keep traveling to them until you find a school you really like.

Quick approximate calculation:

$32 x 35 (schools) = $1,120
$90 (avg. cost of secondary) x 35 = $3,325
$350 (avg cost of airfare) x 7 = $2,450
$200 (avg cost of hotel - got stuck in one state due to weather) x 7 = $1,400
$25 (avg cost of rental car - no car on some trips reduced the cost) x 7 = $175
$50 (avg cost of food on trips) x 7 = $350
$500 (cost of suit, with tailoring)
$1000 (deposit for spot)

Ballpark total = $10,320


So, this number is over 10k and it is fairly conservative. I didn't get buck wild on any of my interviews or get crazy extravagant. I'm sure there are quite a few people who spent as much as me if not more.

I might try to add in the 1k deposit to my tuition section of my taxes, since technically it is tuition paid during the 2010 calendar year... That could bump up my tuition deduction, but that's about the only idea I have...

 

[MightyMoose]

No, you have a lot of variable costs that can be greatly reduced. For example, average airfare for a round trip ticket in the US (for most places) is not 350. You can get good deals if you look around.

You don't have to spend 50 dollars for a day of food while traveling. You can pick up some grub at the local store for a few bucks.

I doubt that most people go on 7 flights for their applications. Most people don't get TOO many interviews and some of them may be in driving distance. But, whatever, its your money.

I concede that much of your costs will be fixed; like secondary costs and primary costs. However, if you apply early then you can get accepted to your higher ranked schools and then cancel the other interviews. Also, when I applied, which was very recent, secondaries averaged about 50 dollars. I doubt that they jumped up 80% in one year.

You must have applied to inexpensive schools. The least expensive school I applied to was $50 for the secondary. The most expensive was $150, but the average is what the average is.

I don't expect you to critique my spending, nor did I ask how to cut my costs on applications, interviews, etc.. My question was pertaining to tax deductions...

Thanks for giving me spending tips though... 🙄

 

[MightyMoose]

Thanks for the clarification on the deposit/attendance requirement, mauberley. It was worth a shot... Sigh...

Hey guys,

I've seen many an old thread on this. The only loophole that people think to discuss is the "expenses related to your current job" be it training, getting a degree to assist you with it, etc.

That being said, I have worked in an infectious disease practice and remain on staff there. I need an MD to move up in rank at the ID clinic and get a higher paid position. Therefore this degree is indeed training related to my current job.

Have I successfully navigated the loophole with a successful argument?

Unfortunately, this won't work. The tax code specifies that your training has to be in order to keep your current job. Not training for a future job...


I think I might have found a small loophole, WUBear. If you dump ~5k into a traditional IRA, you can save ~1k on taxes. Then next year (2012), you can pull the cash out of the IRA for "education expenses" and bypass the 10% penalty for withdrawing the cash prior to 59.5. Then the 5k will become your income for the year, which should qualify you for the EIC, garnering you ~1,200 back in cash (this is just a guesstimate), so overall, you can save close to $2,200 in tax and gain access to all your cash in January of 2012. That's the best I can come up with... I'm going to keep digging to see if there are any other loopholes, but if anyone finds anything else, or problems with my "loophole" I would appreciate your insight.

 

[Helen Wheels]

Good luck with that one when the IRS is sending you to federal pound-me-in-the-ass prison.

Hi, Cole, What's happening? We need to talk about your TPS reports.

 

[DCBFan]

I think I might have found a small loophole, WUBear. If you dump ~5k into a traditional IRA, you can save ~1k on taxes. Then next year (2012), you can pull the cash out of the IRA for "education expenses" and bypass the 10% penalty for withdrawing the cash prior to 59.5. Then the 5k will become your income for the year, which should qualify you for the EIC, garnering you ~1,200 back in cash (this is just a guesstimate), so overall, you can save close to $2,200 in tax and gain access to all your cash in January of 2012. That's the best I can come up with... I'm going to keep digging to see if there are any other loopholes, but if anyone finds anything else, or problems with my "loophole" I would appreciate your insight.

If I have a 401K, can I cash it out to pay for educational expenses?

 

[mauberley]

If I have a 401K, can I cash it out to pay for educational expenses?

No. http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc558.html

 

[vickpick]

Who spends 200 bucks a day on hotel as an undergrad? Only rich people who don't exactly need a tax break anyways.. SMH

 

[gravitywave]

I think I might have found a small loophole, WUBear. If you dump ~5k into a traditional IRA, you can save ~1k on taxes. Then next year (2012), you can pull the cash out of the IRA for "education expenses" and bypass the 10% penalty for withdrawing the cash prior to 59.5. Then the 5k will become your income for the year, which should qualify you for the EIC, garnering you ~1,200 back in cash (this is just a guesstimate), so overall, you can save close to $2,200 in tax and gain access to all your cash in January of 2012. That's the best I can come up with... I'm going to keep digging to see if there are any other loopholes, but if anyone finds anything else, or problems with my "loophole" I would appreciate your insight.

the EIC requires earned income, an IRA distribution wouldn't count. sorry.

 

[333926]

...

 

[MightyMoose]

Who spends 200 bucks a day on hotel as an undergrad? Only rich people who don't exactly need a tax break anyways.. SMH

Who says I'm an undergrad? Just because I'm not poor I shouldn't get any tax breaks? I busted my ass in UG, worked 50+ hours a week, took full-time classes, and paid my own way. I got no handouts and worked for everything I have. Why shouldn't I get tax breaks if they are available? Because you didn't work as hard?

This.

I never spent more than a C note on a hotel room this cycle even when I was in NYC.

Have you guys ever thought that maybe people had to stay more than one night? I have had trips where I needed to stay 3 nights in order to save money on travel. I traveled wisely, but enjoyed my trips. I'm sorry that you didn't have that luxury.

the EIC requires earned income, an IRA distribution wouldn't count. sorry.

If you cash out an IRA it becomes standard taxable income... Thus you have an earned income of 5k. Which falls into EIC territory.

 

[gravitywave]

If you cash out an IRA it becomes standard taxable income... Thus you have an earned income of 5k. Which falls into EIC territory.

true, it's taxable income - but not earned income. earned income is income from working, and it shows up on a W-2. An IRA distribution isn't; it shows up on a 1099.

you have to be at least 25 to get the EIC too, unless you have a kid. without a kid, i think the most you could get would be ~$400

 

[mauberley]

true, it's taxable income - but not earned income. earned income is income from working, and it shows up on a W-2. An IRA distribution isn't; it shows up on a 1099.

Agreed on this. The instructions for the EITC say to start with line 7 on your 1040, which is your W-2-reported income. IRA distributions are reported on line 15a.

 

[333926]

...

 

[gravitywave]

Agreed on this. The instructions for the EITC say to start with line 7 on your 1040, which is your W-2-reported income. IRA distributions are reported on line 15a.

yep. otherwise, moose's plan is a good one. shelter your income one year with an IRA and then pull it back out the next at a lower (maybe 0%!) tax rate after you've started school.

 

[MightyMoose]

true, it's taxable income - but not earned income. earned income is income from working, and it shows up on a W-2. An IRA distribution isn't; it shows up on a 1099.

you have to be at least 25 to get the EIC too, unless you have a kid. without a kid, i think the most you could get would be ~$400

Good point. I really wasn't as concerned about the EIC as the tax break though. I just figured it could be an extra perk if it worked out.

 

[obscurehero]

Thanks for the responses. I didn't really think there was much hope in writing them off, but I figured I would put it out there and see if anyone else came up with a way to do it that wouldn't raise any red flags.



It wasn't really all that hard when you apply broadly ~35 schools, get lucky enough to get some interviews, and keep traveling to them until you find a school you really like.

Quick approximate calculation:

$32 x 35 (schools) = $1,120
$90 (avg. cost of secondary) x 35 = $3,325
$350 (avg cost of airfare) x 7 = $2,450
$200 (avg cost of hotel - got stuck in one state due to weather) x 7 = $1,400
$25 (avg cost of rental car - no car on some trips reduced the cost) x 7 = $175
$50 (avg cost of food on trips) x 7 = $350
$500 (cost of suit, with tailoring)
$1000 (deposit for spot)

Ballpark total = $10,320


So, this number is over 10k and it is fairly conservative. I didn't get buck wild on any of my interviews or get crazy extravagant. I'm sure there are quite a few people who spent as much as me if not more.

I might try to add in the 1k deposit to my tuition section of my taxes, since technically it is tuition paid during the 2010 calendar year... That could bump up my tuition deduction, but that's about the only idea I have...

Wow, OUCH. This makes me SOOO thankful that I qualified for the FAP. I applied to 20 schools, of those I only had to pay for 6 primaries ($192). I also only had to pay for one secondary ($80). The MCAT was only ~$80 and I only applied interviewed at relatively local schools (driving distance), so no airfare costs.

I think I spent a total of $700 including MCAT test prep (prep books...MCAT fee). I guess that just goes to show you there's a terrible range of what one might pay to apply to medical school.

 

[tomh98]

Thanks for the responses. I didn't really think there was much hope in writing them off, but I figured I would put it out there and see if anyone else came up with a way to do it that wouldn't raise any red flags.



It wasn't really all that hard when you apply broadly ~35 schools, get lucky enough to get some interviews, and keep traveling to them until you find a school you really like.

Quick approximate calculation:

$32 x 35 (schools) = $1,120
$90 (avg. cost of secondary) x 35 = $3,325
$350 (avg cost of airfare) x 7 = $2,450
$200 (avg cost of hotel - got stuck in one state due to weather) x 7 = $1,400
$25 (avg cost of rental car - no car on some trips reduced the cost) x 7 = $175
$50 (avg cost of food on trips) x 7 = $350
$500 (cost of suit, with tailoring)
$1000 (deposit for spot)

Ballpark total = $10,320


So, this number is over 10k and it is fairly conservative. I didn't get buck wild on any of my interviews or get crazy extravagant. I'm sure there are quite a few people who spent as much as me if not more.

I might try to add in the 1k deposit to my tuition section of my taxes, since technically it is tuition paid during the 2010 calendar year... That could bump up my tuition deduction, but that's about the only idea I have...

35 schools???

 

[Helen Wheels]

35 schools???

Applying to 30+ schools isn't all that uncommon these days as med school has become more and more competitive. I applied to 32 programs in my first application cycle.

 

[235009]

Have you guys ever thought that maybe people had to stay more than one night? I have had trips where I needed to stay 3 nights in order to save money on travel. I traveled wisely, but enjoyed my trips. I'm sorry that you didn't have that luxury.

oh so you turned your interview trips into vacations and want to get a tax break for your vacations? this makes your whining even more ridiculous ....if you were actually trying to be frugal you would have spent half as much money but you decided you wanted to splurge...which is fine...unless you start b*tching about it...then it's just annoying

There is absolutely no reason anyone should spend upwards of $10k on med school applications....unless you are a california applicant and were so unlucky that each of your interviews was across country all at different times....and even then you can try to save money by staying with student hosts and not spending $50 a day on food when traveling.

oh, also buying a suit is not a med school application expense. every adult man should own at least one nice suit.

basically the answer to your initial question is a resounding NO

I might try to add in the 1k deposit to my tuition section of my taxes, since technically it is tuition paid during the 2010 calendar year... That could bump up my tuition deduction, but that's about the only idea I have...

fyi it doesn't work that way. the max deduction for tuition is actually very low so even if you add that deposit to your tuition it won't make any difference....

....not to mention the amount of tuition you can claim has to correspond to the tax form your school sends you

 

[familyaerospace]

Like obscurehero, I am soooo happy I qualified for FAP.

Spent $100 on MCAT materials, $85 on MCAT, and I will get 14 free MD primaries. Trying to get the equivalent of FAP for DO schools so I can get 3 free DO primaries.

But this thread reminds me that at some point, I need to see if my suit still fits.

 

[MightyMoose]

oh so you turned your interview trips into vacations and want to get a tax break for your vacations? this makes your whining even more ridiculous ....if you were actually trying to be frugal you would have spent half as much money but you decided you wanted to splurge...which is fine...unless you start b*tching about it...then it's just annoying

There is absolutely no reason anyone should spend upwards of $10k on med school applications....unless you are a california applicant and were so unlucky that each of your interviews was across country all at different times....and even then you can try to save money by staying with student hosts and not spending $50 a day on food when traveling.

oh, also buying a suit is not a med school application expense. every adult man should own at least one nice suit.

basically the answer to your initial question is a resounding NO



fyi it doesn't work that way. the max deduction for tuition is actually very low so even if you add that deposit to your tuition it won't make any difference....

....not to mention the amount of tuition you can claim has to correspond to the tax form your school sends you

Does the fact that I was asking about tax deductions qualify as b!tching or whining? I never once complained about what I spent. I asked a question, to which you have added nothing towards an answer.

I never said I stayed to turn my trips into a vacation, I did say that on occasion I would need to stay longer in order to reduce costs. I'm guessing you don't travel much if you don't understand how this works. I'm sure you're scratching your forehead right now going "huh". So, I'll fill you in. Sometimes travel can actually be LESS expensive (as in costing less money) if you travel on certain days. On one trip I saved $200 by staying an extra day.

Why do I have to be a CA resident to spend 10k on my applications? are you familiar with travel from every state? I'm guessing you aren't, so how can you imply that you are? Good luck on Step 1 champ, since you show such a keen ability to evaluate situtations beyond a very narrow experience base.

 

[235009]

Does the fact that I was asking about tax deductions qualify as b!tching or whining? I never once complained about what I spent. I asked a question, to which you have added nothing towards an answer.

I never said I stayed to turn my trips into a vacation, I did say that on occasion I would need to stay longer in order to reduce costs. I'm guessing you don't travel much if you don't understand how this works. I'm sure you're scratching your forehead right now going "huh". So, I'll fill you in. Sometimes travel can actually be LESS expensive (as in costing less money) if you travel on certain days. On one trip I saved $200 by staying an extra day.

Why do I have to be a CA resident to spend 10k on my applications? are you familiar with travel from every state? I'm guessing you aren't, so how can you imply that you are? Good luck on Step 1 champ, since you show such a keen ability to evaluate situtations beyond a very narrow experience base.

1. i've traveled more than you (maybe not domestically though) but in general if you buy your ticket early, shop around (among several airlines using one of those websites that does it for you) and keep an eye on prices (which change daily) you'll find what you need. (this advice isn't for you because you are obviously an expert in everything, it's for future applicants who may be reading this)

2. I should have said "unless you are from CA or a marginal/sub-par applicant you shouldn't have to apply to 35 schools". CA is notorious for having extremely competitive state schools so CA residents are forced to cast a wider net that inevitably includes many east coast school so things can get very costly for them. Otherwise, competitive applicants (MCAT > 32 and GPA > 3.5) shouldn't have to apply to more than 20 carefully selected schools to land an acceptance.

3. no idea what step 1 has to do with this. i didn't see a clinical vignette or multiple choice answers anywhere in your post. oh wait, is this a new take on the classic "you'll make a bad doctor" that some SDNers say when they feel slighted?

anyway, i'm sorry you spent $10k on a not-so-successful application cycle but i (and the IRS) definitely don't think i (the taxpayer) should subsidize your poor choices

 

[mvenus929]

2. I should have said "unless you are from CA or a marginal/sub-par applicant you shouldn't have to apply to 35 schools". CA is notorious for having extremely competitive state schools so CA residents are forced to cast a wider net that inevitably includes many east coast school so things can get very costly for them. Otherwise, competitive applicants (MCAT > 32 and GPA > 3.5) shouldn't have to apply to more than 20 carefully selected schools to land an acceptance.

CA is not the only state in which it is difficult to get into medical school in. CO and WA both have really competitive state schools, and few other medical schools in the area that accept OOS students. Students in MT, WY, ID... they don't have any medical schools in the state and have to go to a neighboring state to be considered in state.

Not that I'm arguing with your logic, I'm just saying CA isn't the only state that should get that consideration. At least they have multiple medical schools.

 

[MightyMoose]

1. i've traveled more than you (maybe not domestically though) but in general if you buy your ticket early, shop around (among several airlines using one of those websites that does it for you) and keep an eye on prices (which change daily) you'll find what you need. (this advice isn't for you because you are obviously an expert in everything, it's for future applicants who may be reading this)

Once again, you are making assumptions in all parts of your argument. I did these things you describe as 'advice', I have traveled the globe and been to 49 of the 50 state in the US. My point was that some states are simply more expensive to fly out of and into.

2. I should have said "unless you are from CA or a marginal/sub-par applicant you shouldn't have to apply to 35 schools". CA is notorious for having extremely competitive state schools so CA residents are forced to cast a wider net that inevitably includes many east coast school so things can get very costly for them. Otherwise, competitive applicants (MCAT > 32 and GPA > 3.5) shouldn't have to apply to more than 20 carefully selected schools to land an acceptance.

Maybe it's quite a few, but as it's my life and my choice, I decided not to take any chances.

3. no idea what step 1 has to do with this. i didn't see a clinical vignette or multiple choice answers anywhere in your post. oh wait, is this a new take on the classic "you'll make a bad doctor" that some SDNers say when they feel slighted?

anyway, i'm sorry you spent $10k on a not-so-successful application cycle but i (and the IRS) definitely don't think i (the taxpayer) should subsidize your poor choices

The Step 1 comment was in reference to your narrow-mindedness and was probably a little excessive, so I do apologize about making assumptions about your cognitive capabilities, I was just working with what you gave me. It was unnecessary.

As far as my application cycle, why do you believe it was unsuccessful?

I have been offered 9 interviews, attended 7, canceled 2, and have been offered acceptances as every school I have interviewed at with the exception of one waitlist. I wouldn't qualify that as unsuccessful, but I guess opinions differ.

As far as subsidizing my poor choices, I'm fairly certain you have paid little to no taxes in your life, but I admit that I could be wrong, while I have paid >250k in taxes, so who is subsidizing who's life and choices? I won't get into the politics of your response, but it is clear by your statement that we would not see eye to eye there either.

Thanks again for all your help and insight.

 

[235009]

As far as my application cycle, why do you believe it was unsuccessful?

was just judging by your post history

As far as subsidizing my poor choices, I'm fairly certain you have paid little to no taxes in your life, but I admit that I could be wrong, while I have paid >250k in taxes, so who is subsidizing who's life and choices?

1. you're wrong, unfortunately.
2. for someone your age i'm surprised you didn't already know the answer to your original question

 

[MightyMoose]

for someone your age i'm surprised you didn't already know the answer to your original question

Age is not directly correlated with the number of times one would try to deduct application costs to medical school.

 

[edmadison]

That being said, I have worked in an infectious disease practice and remain on staff there. I need an MD to move up in rank at the ID clinic and get a higher paid position. Therefore this degree is indeed training related to my current job.

Have I successfully navigated the loophole with a successful argument?

Sorry, that's a no-go. See our discussion from several years ago:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=219518

Ed

 

[jdsargen]

As far as my application cycle, why do you believe it was unsuccessful?

I have been offered 9 interviews, attended 7, canceled 2, and have been offered acceptances as every school I have interviewed at with the exception of one waitlist. I wouldn't qualify that as unsuccessful, but I guess opinions differ.

Six acceptances... why would you continue to go to interviews if you have that many acceptances. Also if you were that competitive why would you apply to 35 schools...

Sounds to me like someone above states and you want tax breaks for vacations. I am all for vacations but you obviously did not need to go to 7 interviews.

 

[MightyMoose]

Six acceptances... why would you continue to go to interviews if you have that many acceptances. Also if you were that competitive why would you apply to 35 schools...

Sounds to me like someone above states and you want tax breaks for vacations. I am all for vacations but you obviously did not need to go to 7 interviews.

I can see what you're saying, but you are missing some critical information. Schools don't give you a decision the day you interview. This means that you need to continue to travel and attend interviews until you get accepted. I only attended one interview after I had one of my top two acceptances and that was because the school was also in my top 2.

I applied to so many schools, because last year I applied to four and never heard a peep.

Regardless, I have found no deductions for interview costs and, as some have posted already, there is no deduction for interview/application costs.

 

[STAT EKG]

I wish you could. 🙁

 

[235009]

I applied to so many schools, because last year I applied to four and never heard a peep.

seems from this and your application costs that moderation isn't your strong suit 😛

 

[MightyMoose]

seems from this and your application costs that moderation isn't your strong suit 😛

Haha. So true.

 

[denco88]

Okay the one thing that is really bothering me about this thread is that people keep saying "if you get your plane tickets early". For the interviews I went on early in the app season, I was called a week or two before the next available interview date.... So getting tickets early is not always a possibility

 

[NickNaylor]

Six acceptances... why would you continue to go to interviews if you have that many acceptances. Also if you were that competitive why would you apply to 35 schools...

Sounds to me like someone above states and you want tax breaks for vacations. I am all for vacations but you obviously did not need to go to 7 interviews.

I lol'd.

 

[ozzi22]

Hi, MightyMoose,

I have spent over $7,000 just to get into med school. 😱 I am not a tax professional but I did look into this pretty carefully on the irs.gov web site.

The answer to your question, basically, is no. 🙁

At first I thought maybe interview and travel expenses could be deducted. I found out that you can only do that if these are job hunting expenses. Getting into a medical school is not a job so you can't deduct them. Pity.

Then I thought maybe my MCAT prep or some of my pre-req course expenses might be deducted. No, again here. You can only deduct school expenses if they are directly related to or required by the current job that you have. There is no way prepping for the MCAT or taking biochem could remotely be needed for my actual job so that was out, too.

It seems a shame that hard working people like us trying to get into a service profession can't catch any breaks, doesn't it? Obama are you reading this?

7 k on apps😱, enough to be me a nice ride😎.

 

[StudyShy]

I just keep having children. That's 1,000 bucks a pop. 3 more kids, and I could be for application fees and expenses! j/k