Hi guys. I am going to NYCOM in august, and I am in the same boat. You should have recieved a packet in the mail a while ago that had your Fafsa, loan entrace interview paperwork, costs of living advance application etc... If you didn't do all of that stuff, call the FAO at NYCOM and get that done. Like John DO said, you are going to get the 38, 500 for sure. All medical students can if they choose. If that isn't enough, you have to seek out private alternative loans. I applied for another 12,000 in private alternative loans and was just approved last week. I used key's medachiever loan. They had the most competative rates with a 4.20% interest. This is who NYCOM's FAO is telling us to use. Here is how it works, you call 1-800keylend. You file over the phone with a representative (takes a few minutes). They get back to you in 2 days and tell you if you were approved. If you were not approved, you will need a cosigner. If you are approved, they send the promisary note in the mail to your home address. You date and sign it, then send it to NYCOMs FAO. NYCOM finalizes everything and adds it to your financial aid package. Then you are given this alternative money from key in 2 disbursements. One in September and one in December. Just keep in mind, you can't borrow more than $52,000 a year. So if you are taking the full 38,500, you cannot exceed more than about $13,000 in private loans. If you have questions, call the FAO and check with them. But they aren't much help. You are better off calling the 1-800 number and talking with a key rep and asking them all of your questions.
(actually they aren't that helpful at all) 
