how important is it to save some cash before going into medical school?

[bravofleet4]

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Hi guys,

I found out recently that I was accepted at one of the schools I interviewed at. Therefore, I no longer have to worry about whether I'll be a doctor or not. Most of my worries understandably have changed. In particular, my dad thinks I should try to get a full-time job and try to save some money before I go to medical school. I'm not sure if that's how I want to spend the rest of my year off (not that I really have any other plans). For the most part, my parents expect me to cover my medical school expenses through loans. Therefore, I won't have any help in that regard. The reason is I have two other brothers and my parents will be paying college tuition for them for the next 6 years at least.

 

[loveoforganic]

I'm in a similar situation, just not accepted (haven't applied). I do plan to work for a year (in a job I'd enjoy, not necessarily the highest paying), with part of the reasoning being saving up money for medical school. This would in part be 1) 'safety money' in case I fail to budget my student loans accurately in my first year, 2) emergency money, for well, unforseen necessity, and 3) fun! I think it would be great to have money to have fun with on the chance those opportunities come up during school.

Edit: I think I should clarify a little - I'm not planning on working solely for the money - the money is a very secondary benefit. I plan to work because I want the experience of a particular job, and I'm not sure if I would work for money alone (assuming I couldn't find a job I would get enjoyment out of).

 

[brooklynblunder]

i did the opposite and im gonna quit my ft job, i still have a source of earning (teaching) that im gonna use to just get by and i have a bit saved up. i think its always nice to have 5k+ in the bank account for emergency

 

[sgtbrushes]

Absoutely, having money saved up is a priority. If you are out of school, and you're talking about working full-time, I promise you, you will want to work after having about a month or two of absolutely nothing. If you take a full-time job, you will have a lot of time left to play video games, spend time with friends etc., and that money will both decrease the stress you're under to pay the bills, as well as let you go to the bar and grab a drink more often when you need to chill out after a day of studying.

 

[Jolt21]

clean out your debt. credit cards, loans, etc. that's really important and can effect any sort of aid you may receive.

but having money should be always important. if you are already accepted, i would actually do the opposite of what another poster said, and go for the job with the highest pay. you know its only going to be temporary, so its just a matter of gritting up and doing the work necessary. now if this was for resume building, then yea, by all means do something for experience purposes...

...but screw that, you're in med school. same up for that rainy day. there will be a lot while you're living on loans.

 

[xanthomondo]

Hi guys,

I found out recently that I was accepted at one of the schools I interviewed at. Therefore, I no longer have to worry about whether I'll be a doctor or not. Most of my worries understandably have changed. In particular, my dad thinks I should try to get a full-time job and try to save some money before I go to medical school. I'm not sure if that's how I want to spend the rest of my year off (not that I really have any other plans). For the most part, my parents expect me to cover my medical school expenses through loans. Therefore, I won't have any help in that regard. The reason is I have two other brothers and my parents will be paying college tuition for them for the next 6 years at least.

Yes you do

Congrats on the acceptance.

The more money you have saved up the nicer your apartment will be furnished. You'll probably have plenty of money to throw around during the year for fun if you take out enough in loans, though.

 

[ThaliaNox]

It sounds like a good idea to get a job to support yourself before medical school, and if you can save some money, all the better. However, do not burn yourself out. Lets face it, anything you save now will seem like pocket change to the 50 grand or so on average you'll take out in loans for next year. Your loans next year will give you everything you need for living, fun and food next year. A couple grand either way will make little difference.

So the moral of the story is to make sure you get enough rest and fun before starting medical school that you're emotionally ready for it, but keep yourself busy enough that you don't go bonkers before you even start!

 

[DannyGlover]

Dude, spend most of your money. I'm serious here. I'm going on a 2 month trip backpacking throughout South America this summer. You'll have the rest of your life to make money, and, as you said, your education will be financed through loans. Do something you'll never have the opportunity to do again.

 

[20minutes]

Do something you'll never have the opportunity to do again.

What he said.

 

[JJMrK]

Probably, but it might not matter depending on the school. For example, if you're trying to establish residency somewhere new for medical school you may not even be able to use whatever you've saved.

 

[Jolie South]

I say work and save the money. Relaxing and doing nothing gets old after a month or two.

You'll also be glad for the savings when you get to med school. Moving always incurs expenses, and you never know when your car/computer will break down. It's nice to have the cushion and not be stressed out about how you're going to fix the problem.