Frustrated!

[bgreet]

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I was wondering if anyone else was in a similar situation as I am in now. I am going into my junior year, and am taking the highest credit load I've taken yet, 19 credits. This isn't that big of a deal, but on top of it I'm working 17 hours a week and researching an additional minimum of 10 hours a week. I really wanna cut back on working, but I have to financially as my parents are unwilling to help me out at all. I just feel that I might not be able to keep my head above water. I've done 18 credits a week while working 17 hours but I really think the additional 10 hours a week of research is going to break the camels back. Any advice/comments are more than welcome. Thanks!

 

[kaikai128]

Have you looked into your eligability for a few stafford loans to get you over the hump? I had a few bad semesters where I could not work as much as I needed to, so I took out some stafford loans to make up the difference. Disclaimer, this worked for me because I was on almost a full ride and had did not use loan money on a regular basis.

If this is not an option, maybe look into private payors for loans. Many private payors will give you loans at relatively low rates and only make you pay interest until graduation and completion of your education.

Finally, talk to your financial aid office...they are used to dealing with these sort of problems and will probably have some good ideas. 🙂

Regardless, remeber that your classes are going to have to be your first priority in order to keep your grades up...I lost track of that for brief periods of time and had a few rough ends of semesters due to it.

 

[bgreet]

Yea, but its more of a thing that my parents WANT me to work, not so much about the money. They think I should have to work while in school (they think that I should even continue working part time once I get into med school). *shrug* im at a complete loss as to what their problem is and why they feel I should constantly have to have a part time job (they have pushed this idea since I was a sophmore in high school).

 

[pratik7]

it might not be an option...but try working as a reseacher or research assistant... they pay decent($10-15) and you can quit your current job

 

[bgreet]

it might not be an option...but try working as a reseacher or research assistant... they pay decent($10-15) and you can quit your current job

Yea I was offered this but the doctor in charge said it wouldnt be immediate I would need to, in essence, prove my worth.

 

[mkmgal]

Maybe your parents should slip into your shoes for a day or two, and I'm sure they would change their minds. I'm a big believer in funding your own education, being self-sufficient, and working your tail off throughout school, but I'm also a big believer in being realistic and not working yourself into a mental breakdown. It's apparent you have a work ethic, and you have a definite goal in mind. You may be surprised that the added load of working 10-20 hours a week may have a significant impact on your grades, and eventually, your ability to gain acceptance to med school. I realize I don't understand your entire situation, but I can definitely empathize with you. Maybe you can find some other source of financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) so you can concentrate 100 % on doing well in school and getting into med school. Being in debt an additional few thousand dollars is minimal in the big picture.

For MOST people, working while in med school is plain stupid. Believe it or not, I've found med school to be less stressful than undergrad, and I've had more time with my family because I have more time to study. I spend less time doing other extraneous things (clubs, working part-time, volunteering, church responsibilities, etc.) Best of luck, but remember to keep the long-term perspective in mind!

 

[medtechv79]

Isn't yer job right now being a student? Sure a part time job is good for some spending money but u should tell yer parents that yer job right now is studying and doing well in classes or u won't get into med school...hopefully they will understand. If not why don't u just do one job part time? WHy tell yer parents that u dropped a job? DO u still live with them? A little white lie wouldn't hurt anyone....

 

[DD214_DOC]

You're in college -- make your own decisions. Forget what your parents think and dump the job if you can.

If not, dump the research. You don't really *need* it, especially since you're posting this in a DO forum. I don't know of many DO schools that stress the improtance of having research.

 

[Littleg1225]

Hey Bgreet, I just wanted to encourage you a little with my story.

This past semester I was taking 22 credit hours, not just at one school. I have two jobs that I work about 28-30 hours a week between the two. I have a family (wife and son) and a house of my own that I have to take care of. Was it hard or frustrating at times? Sure, but all I can say is that it builds character and prepares you for what your future holds for you. Also, just a side note, I am currently holding a 3.7 gpa. I am not saying any of this to brag by any means, just to show that you can do it. Oh yeah, one other thing that was thrown into the mix, studying for the MCAT. What a load, but it can be done and it sure is worth it. 🙂 👍

I wish you the best of luck and don't ever give up because you can do anything that you put your mind to. 😉

 

[FutureDocDO]

You can always cut back and take one or two of those classes during the summer or even next semester.

 

[medicomel]

I agree with the above poster on scaling back and taking summer classes.
That, or the loan. You don't want to sacrifice your grades in this endeavor and considering the debt you'll be in for medical school, what does it really matter?

With Stafford loans, you can defer undergrad repayment until you finish med school.

 

[jonb12997]

I'd venture to say drop the research if you really need the money. Also, don't plan to work during med school. classes are 8-5 (at least) then you have time outside of that to study... You can always do research over the summer. That'd be my suggestion. Best of luck

 

[bigbassinbob]

That's insane to take on that amount of work. I never understood people who don't want their kids to have any fun in college, it just seems cruel to me. You're obviously focused on what you want to do and are already taking a TON of hours. You only get this opportunity once in your life (and it goes by way too fast), so drop the job, go out, and have a few beers!

 

[dulcinea]

I think you'll be fine, if you're really good at time management. I worked 10 hours a week too and was in athletics all through college, which amounted to 3 hours a day plus all of my weekends were taken up with meets. But I'm really good at handling lots of commitments, I"m not trying to boast but just be realistic. Take a look at your schedule and realize what you can handle. I agree that the grades need to be top priority, I would cut down on the research hours though if you are feeling overwhelmed. Good luck!