Paying for US Medical Schools, for International Students

[Liventuz]

Hello everyone, I am an international student doing my undergrad in the U.S. So far, thanks to God, I have a very high GPA, and I'm planning to take the MCAT this summer. I will be graduating in less than two years. Also I've been trying to involve in some extracurricular activities like research, volunteering, shadowing, etc. However, medical school here requires a lot of money. What's the best option available for international students like me who can't take loans, or can't afford to pay for medical school? Is there any possibility that I can find some sort of financial aid/scholarship, or are there any medical schools that are particularly helpful in this regards for international students? Thanks.

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[violet7]

I know one international student, and he will be applying to MD/PhD program, so that he doesn't have to pay for med school. Also, only a small percentage of international students gain admission every year compared to citizens/permanent residents, so your MCAT/GPA and the whole application have to be outstanding in order to get in. At least that's what I've heard.

As far as I know, med schools do not provide any kind of financial aid/scholarship to international students, in fact some of them demand that you present a bank statement with like $200,000 in order to be accepted.

And by saying all this I don't mean to discourage you at all. I just think it's better to be informed and know what you'll have to face in advance. Good luck!

 

[trinitee22]

Hello everyone, I am an international student doing my undergrad in the U.S. So far, thanks to God, I have a very high GPA, and I'm planning to take the MCAT this summer. I will be graduating in less than two years. Also I've been trying to involve in some extracurricular activities like research, volunteering, shadowing, etc. However, medical school here requires a lot of money. What's the best option available for international students like me who can't take loans, or can't afford to pay for medical school? Is there any possibility that I can find some sort of financial aid/scholarship, or are there any medical schools that are particularly helpful in this regards for international students? Thanks.

I'm applying this cycle and have been fortunate enough to get interviews at some pretty good schools. The thing is some give aid to international students and some don't. I know that schools like Yale give you some assistance while at other schools you are eligible for merit-based scholarships.

The bottom line is don't get discouraged. There is a way to make it work. Do your research to find funding. There are some private loans out there that you may be able to apply for. Just don't let people make you think you can't get into a US medical school just because you're an international student although you went to college here. Many before you in your situation have succeeded and so will you. 🙂

 

[Liventuz]

I looked deeply into the MD/PhD program, but I didn't want to jump into it until I've exploited all my options. I believe there is a way for international students to make it to medical schools here even though it's very competitive. I don't want to sound cocky, but I'm modestly confident in my application package's competitiveness. With the help of God, I think I can take care of the academic/intellectual portion of the application. The only thing that's killing me is $$$ part. The MD/PhD thing would have to be a last resort if I couldn't find anything else better.

 

[loku]

hi, i dont know if this thread is still alive but i stumbled upon it.
u guys r talking something about md/phd program thats fully funded, which univ does that (can i have the name).
just wanna know, what should be our mcat score to get into a med school?my current gpa is 3.6 but i can move it upto 3.8 atleast. Right now iam scoring(in practise tests) abt 12-14 in ps and 10 in vb and 10 in bs. Do u think i need to bump up my grades?