Does being on social support/welfare hurt your chances?

[RowaH]

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Hi everyone, canuck here (Toronto, Ontario).

Heard through the grapevine at premed101 that being on welfare somehow hurts your chances for applying to an american med school, true or faux? Like, is there a section on the apps that ask whether if you've been on social assistance or not.

My situation, long story short: moved out of my parents house with younger bro. Living with my 10 year-old brother in a rented basement and on welfare right now.

Thanks in advance.

 

[cpants]

They won't ask you on your applications, and it will have no direct influence on your chances at admission. Indirectly, of course, you will have significant barriers to overcome to be admitted. Applications, travel to interviews, preparation for exams, appropriate clothing....all of these things can be very expensive in terms of both time and money. Another factor to consider is that it may be difficult to get financial aid and student loans as a foreign matriculant. I wish you the best of luck. It will be a tough road, but if you have the will, you can do it.

 

[KeyzerSoze]

cpant's advice would be good for an American applicant, but as a foreign applicant you may have to show schools that you have enough money to pay 4 years of tuition before you enroll, which could be very difficult if you are on welfare.

 

[searun]

cpant's advice would be good for an American applicant, but as a foreign applicant you may have to show schools that you have enough money to pay 4 years of tuition before you enroll, which could be very difficult if you are on welfare.

Good point! So what is up with applying to Canadian med schools? I would think that would be your first option. Great schools and you are a citizen of Canada. Apply to Candadian med schools and see how it works out.

Good luck.

 

[L Ron Hubbard]

Being on welfare would not affect your chances of admission at any American Medical Schools. However, it would make it more difficult pay for the tuition and also to travel, interview, and find housing.

 

[RowaH]

Thank you for all of your wonderful advice.

Good point! So what is up with applying to Canadian med schools? I would think that would be your first option. Great schools and you are a citizen of Canada. Apply to Candadian med schools and see how it works out.

Good luck.

Just want to broaden my options 🙂