Penn State class of 2010

[hardy]

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Not sure if I met anyone? Did you go out Friday night?

I did.... what was that irish pub called? And what's up with the irish pubs on 2nd street? There were two basically right next to each other!

 

[The JockDoc]

Anyone know when the first day of orientation is? I don't think we were given any info on it yet - unless I missed it.

 

[Scalpellum]

Anyone know when the first day of orientation is? I don't think we were given any info on it yet - unless I missed it.

By looking at last years orientation schedule I would "guess" that it would be the second Monday in August. But the scond Monday is the 14th, which seems a little late because last years orientation was on the 8th. If it is not the 14th then it will be on the 7th of August.

 

[PhillyEaglesFan]

At 2nd Look, August 14 was mentioned. I believe it was the first day of classes, but not sure.

 

[Scalpellum]

At 2nd Look, August 14 was mentioned. I believe it was the first day of classes, but not sure.

If August 14th is the first day of class then the 7th is the 1st day of orientation.

 

[socal1015]

Hey yall

Found this thread and will be starting with you guys this August. It sucks because I missed the 2nd look weekend. I really wanted to go but oh well. I look forwarding to meeting you guys when we start.

Just out of curiosity, anyone out there like to play basketball or soccer? Those are my sports and it'd be cool if we can set up something regular. I was told by one of the students there that they usually play outdoor soccer during the summer and indoor soccer during the winter. That sounds like a whole lot of fun.

Peace

 

[LT2]

Hey yall

Found this thread and will be starting with you guys this August. It sucks because I missed the 2nd look weekend. I really wanted to go but oh well. I look forwarding to meeting you guys when we start.

Just out of curiosity, anyone out there like to play basketball or soccer? Those are my sports and it'd be cool if we can set up something regular. I was told by one of the students there that they usually play outdoor soccer during the summer and indoor soccer during the winter. That sounds like a whole lot of fun.

Peace

welcome! are you from so cal (just wondering from your screen name...i'm from san diego myself)? i believe they have a soccer league set up for students. i play soccer and would love to get something started if there isn't anything.

wistarrat- i was the one sitting immediately to philly's right. it is weird that so many of us were in the same PBL group!

i think the first day of classes is aug 14, leaving aug 7 for orientation.

 

[Scalpellum]

Any one play lacrosse or golf? Is there any indoor driving ranges for golf in or around Hershey? Do these even exist? I am from California so the weather is not an issue.

 

[hardy]

Any one play lacrosse or golf? Is there any indoor driving ranges for golf in or around Hershey? Do these even exist? I am from California so the weather is not an issue.

I looked into Golf courses and there are a few... but no indoor driving ranges as far as I can tell.

 

[LT2]

Any one play lacrosse or golf? Is there any indoor driving ranges for golf in or around Hershey? Do these even exist? I am from California so the weather is not an issue.

ok that's a bit bizzare. i play (women's) lacrosse and golf. both being from SD is also weird. anyway, there's a driving range close to school -> $10 for a large bucket. expensive. there is a new public course that just opened up that has relatively cheap rates if you walk during the week. no indoor or heated mat places for winter that i saw though...

 

[4424]

Any one play lacrosse or golf? Is there any indoor driving ranges for golf in or around Hershey? Do these even exist? I am from California so the weather is not an issue.

lacrosse:
http://www.twinponds.com/lacrosse/index.htm
http://www.susq-sports.com

 

[veruckt]

I'm a swimmer
any word on a pool near by? 🙂

 

[socal1015]

welcome! are you from so cal (just wondering from your screen name...i'm from san diego myself)? i believe they have a soccer league set up for students. i play soccer and would love to get something started if there isn't anything.
QUOTE]


Yes, I am from so cal. I live about 30 miles east of LA in a city called Rancho Cucamonga.

Just out of curiosity, where exactly is everyone coming from?

 

[Scalpellum]

Just out of curiosity, where exactly is everyone coming from?

I am coming from San Diego!!!

 

[FDoRoML]

I'm coming from pretty close... about 80 miles away in MD.

Darn, it must be really hard for you guys to leave San Diego!! I love that place. Hardest transition to central PA from SD = weather (bigtime yikes), no good Mexican food, and no good sailing.

 

[Scalpellum]

I'm coming from pretty close... about 80 miles away in MD.

Darn, it must be really hard for you guys to leave San Diego!! I love that place. Hardest transition to central PA from SD = weather (bigtime yikes), no good Mexican food, and no good sailing.

Is there any good surfing in PA? j/k

 

[Scalpellum]

Do the med students at Penn State know where they stand in terms of class ranking after each exam, course, year, or after all 4 years? Just curious because they grade something like Honors/High Pass/Pass/Fail, which is basically A/B/C/F. If the students know their class ranking wouldn't this produce a more competitive environment for the students?

 

[Scalpellum]

Did anyone ask why there is no AOA at Penn State during second look week?

 

[FDoRoML]

Did anyone ask why there is no AOA at Penn State during second look week?

Oh, heck, I meant to ask about this for confirmation. I asked on this thread a while back and one of the current students said there IS an AOA chapter there... run by one of the surgeons on the faculty. I'm being lazy and not thumbing pack through the previous pages to find it... but I should have remembered that one during 2nd look. It's always better if you hear it from the Dean or something to be sure.

 

[LT2]

there is AOA at penn state. our student during our case spoke very briefly about it. so it is there.

 

[FDoRoML]

Is there any good surfing in PA? j/k

Only if a Slip-n-slide counts!! Hey, there's like 500 acres for the campus. We could build a gigantic slip-n-slide for everyone on the med campus-- think of it, 1/2 mile of slippery plastic pleasure (oh, don't go there). I figure it will be cheaper than a wave pool... and we could indoctrinate the materials science students from State College to plan and construct it... free labor. 😀

 

[ewells]

Do the med students at Penn State know where they stand in terms of class ranking after each exam, course, year, or after all 4 years? Just curious because they grade something like Honors/High Pass/Pass/Fail, which is basically A/B/C/F. If the students know their class ranking wouldn't this produce a more competitive environment for the students?

After each exam the grades are posted on a graph. They are anonymous, but you can see where your score falls and have a pretty good idea of where you are. You don't know how anyone else is doing though. After four years, I have very little idea of who is AOA, because no one here pounds their chest about it. I have never noticed the least bit of competitiveness, and it seems like the students in the classes after me feel the same way. Materials are shared and books are left unattended all the time without fear of being stolen.

Good luck.

 

[veruckt]

I am from Maine(about 500miles away) so the climate change should be for the better. It just snowed like 5 inches today, in April!

 

[jackb960]

After four years, I have very little idea of who is AOA, because no one here pounds their chest about it. QUOTE]

Penn State's AOA is: Robert G. Atnip, M.D., Vascular Surgery - MC H053

As for the distance thread, I am a local... about 20 miles, maybe. Oh, and it snowed here yesterday too!

 

[Avianburner]

Man I leave the forum for a couple days and there's a page of stuff to read??

First of all, welcome SoCal! Look forward to seeing you next year.

I have a goatee and was wearing a black hat when we were out friday night...does that help anyone?
about the Irish pubs....we were at Coeltas last weekend for 2nd look day. It's only a couple months old. A couple blocks down 2nd street is Molly Brannigan's, a quite popular Irish bar. Then there's a smaller pub type on one of the side streets. Not quite sure why there are so many irish pubs, but I like them, so I don't have any complaints...

Scalpellum - Yes there's lax here....I'm a player as well. There used to be a Harrisburg men's team, but that fell apart this spring....hopefully they'll get in good graces with the league in the next couple years. There's a summer league that plays once a week about 20 minutes from Hershey (keg league...very relaxed). There's also some pickup during the winter at In The Net in Palmyra (about 5-10 minute drive). It's mostly high school kids that play around here, so there's lots of opportunity to help as well.

LT - I dunno anything about women's lax here....Lots of high school teams to help coach though...

Veruckt - Most of the fitness centers around here have pools, but of course that costs $$...

I have to second EWells on the competitive aspect. There's none. You'll always have your gunners, but even the gunners in my class are quiet and help everyone else by sharing materials and such. I don't know many High Pass/Honors people actually....Those people study all the time. (ALLLL the time)

 

[wtwei02]

After four years, I have very little idea of who is AOA, because no one here pounds their chest about it. I have never noticed the least bit of competitiveness.
Good luck.

Very True. Just found out today that 2 of my roommates are senior AOA. Nobody really runs around singing their own praises here, it's very low key and non-competitive. People don't make that big of a deal out of AOA, and it's definitely not something you need to be worried about anytime soon...

 

[ewells]

After four years, I have very little idea of who is AOA, because no one here pounds their chest about it. QUOTE]

Penn State's AOA is: Robert G. Atnip, M.D., Vascular Surgery - MC H053

As for the distance thread, I am a local... about 20 miles, maybe. Oh, and it snowed here yesterday too!

I meant that I don't know which students are AOA.

 

[fingersxed]

Do any of you know if the waitlist at Penn State is ranked? Or are people moved off of the waitlist in the chronological order in which they were placed on it? Thanks!

 

[Scalpellum]

I know someone asked when orientation starts but we still don't have a defenite answer. Does anyone know for sure?

 

[veruckt]

They said at 2nd look weekend orientation would begin August 7th.

 

[Scalpellum]

When are we supposed to receive our financial aid packages? I heard some time in May but I did not get an exact date.

 

[ashabee4]

I seem to recall the financial aid lady at the 2nd look day say that if we haven't gotten our packets by the beginning of May, to call the office.

 

[sf1991]

hello all, first time logging onto this thread. i interviewed back on nov 7th and was accepted dec 22nd. i am totally thrilled at the prospect of being part of the class of 2010 at psucom (i live in san francisco but grew up in pittsburgh), but i haven't made my final decision yet. i was just waitlisted at stanford (that was my first choice), and now i have to decide between my two acceptances psucom and nymc. i loved both their campuses and curriculums, also like that they are both in more rural areas. for psu, i like the msr (i think it will help with applying for residency), i also like that the trauma center/hospital are right there, has a regional cancer center, known for cardiology, great fitness facilities, smaller class size. nymc has new anatomy lab/class faclilities, next to nyc, i think the clinical exposure would be more diverse, plus they prep you well for the boards and match well. plus my wife is a nurse and i think she would have more career opportunities in nyc. my heart says psu (i really am proud to be accepted there), but i am a mountain of indecision. any feedback would be greatly appreciated. i think we are going to fly back and tour the campus again and visit harrisburg. thanks for any input, and maybe i'll be seeing you in a few months.

 

[astrolux]

hello all, first time logging onto this thread. i interviewed back on nov 7th and was accepted dec 22nd. i am totally thrilled at the prospect of being part of the class of 2010 at psucom (i live in san francisco but grew up in pittsburgh), but i haven't made my final decision yet. i was just waitlisted at stanford (that was my first choice), and now i have to decide between my two acceptances psucom and nymc. i loved both their campuses and curriculums, also like that they are both in more rural areas. for psu, i like the msr (i think it will help with applying for residency), i also like that the trauma center/hospital are right there, has a regional cancer center, known for cardiology, great fitness facilities, smaller class size. nymc has new anatomy lab/class faclilities, next to nyc, i think the clinical exposure would be more diverse, plus they prep you well for the boards and match well. plus my wife is a nurse and i think she would have more career opportunities in nyc. my heart says psu (i really am proud to be accepted there), but i am a mountain of indecision. any feedback would be greatly appreciated. i think we are going to fly back and tour the campus again and visit harrisburg. thanks for any input, and maybe i'll be seeing you in a few months.

Go with your gut man. Nurses are in high demand and it is cheaper, a lot cheaper, to live in Hershey. What I think is irrelevant but I liked Penn State a lot more. Here's the way I look at it, the first two years you are pretty damn busy and so it will be nice to be in a laid back area. The second two years you can travel to do rotations in areas where Penn State is lacking. I also liked Penn State's curriculum format a little more and the humanities component. You have a wife to think about, and that complicates things, and makes it all the more obvious that only you can figure out which school is the right one. Good luck, indecision sucks.

 

[FDoRoML]

hello all, first time logging onto this thread. i interviewed back on nov 7th and was accepted dec 22nd. i am totally thrilled at the prospect of being part of the class of 2010 at psucom (i live in san francisco but grew up in pittsburgh), but i haven't made my final decision yet. i was just waitlisted at stanford (that was my first choice), and now i have to decide between my two acceptances psucom and nymc. i loved both their campuses and curriculums, also like that they are both in more rural areas. for psu, i like the msr (i think it will help with applying for residency), i also like that the trauma center/hospital are right there, has a regional cancer center, known for cardiology, great fitness facilities, smaller class size. nymc has new anatomy lab/class faclilities, next to nyc, i think the clinical exposure would be more diverse, plus they prep you well for the boards and match well. plus my wife is a nurse and i think she would have more career opportunities in nyc. my heart says psu (i really am proud to be accepted there), but i am a mountain of indecision. any feedback would be greatly appreciated. i think we are going to fly back and tour the campus again and visit harrisburg. thanks for any input, and maybe i'll be seeing you in a few months.

I'm also married and have chosen PSU as the best place to go (of my acceptances) for BOTH of us. NYMC will end up being SUPER expensive b/c of cost of living and the fact that most will be better off moving to NYC for 3rd and 4th year (although many do commute from Westchester). NYC has ample job opps for pretty much any career and the pay seems pretty good until you start looking into living expenses (but being from SF, you should be used to that). However, if you and you're wife are really keen on the access to NYC, then certainly NYMC is probably better. It's a very different demographic that you'd be caring for all around Westchester and NYC. Of course, away rotations will cover anything you might miss at either school.

About PSU-- have you looked at some of the openings for nursing at Hershey med center and also the other area hospitals? They are abundant and pay pretty well for the area's cost of living.

My suggestions for choosing PSU vs NYMC:

1. Look at what specialty you think you are most interested in and check how each school matches (no pun intended) with that-- look at the faculty, the size of the department, any labs they might have, clinical research or centers, the match list for the past ~3-5 years, etc.

2. Check out housing and job opps WITH your wife (I doubt she'll have a problem finding one as a nurse!). All things being equal with the schools, you can even let her be the deciding factor. You both have to be happy b/c she'll be your support structure for the next 4 years (and beyond).

3. Check out general way of life, culture, etc of the surrounding for each school. If you're used to SF, then Central PA will be a bit of a culture shock. Very few (good) ethnic restaurants and not a very diverse population in general. HBurg is trying to get there, but you do have Philly, Baltimore, DC, and New York in driving distance for a weekend getaway. Again, you should both be cool with it.

4. You didn't mention kids (or the prospect of having them)... but it could also be a factor if you check out the schools, too. I am not caught up with schools in Valhalla or White Plains (think White Plains is not as nice, though), but I can say that the schools in Hershey are very good. In PA, people pay taxes that go specifically to the schools and you can kind of tell by the area you would live in (how much that tax is), how good the schools will be. Hershey is upper-middle class and has good schools... other surrounding towns are pretty good, too (E-town, etc). I think the HBurg city schools are not so hot, though.

Hope this helps. If you have any PA questions, you can PM me. Good luck on your decision (and Stanford!)... I know how tough it can be when you have to factor in more than just yourself!

 

[veruckt]

I have personally decide to go to Penn State over NYMC, based on curriculum and environment. I feel like PSU is more patient as a person oriented and i really like the idea of having the different humanities options.
Also i feel like you will see a "diverse enough" population, as well as a variety of socio economic statuses.

Also sf1991, i think we might have interviewed together at NYMC. Jan 30th?

 

[sf1991]

hey veruckt, yes i interviewed on the 30th of jan. i am jon, ex-navy guy, went to cal for mcb. i can't place you from your photo?? it's funny, that was like my worst interview day, i was borderline sick all day. i couldn't really tell how my interview went, but i guess it was fine. thanks so much for the input all. i feel ya. my heart definitely says penn state. in the end, i bet my head will too. i am gonna give the curriculims and match list stuff a thorough examination tonight. i am very interested in oncology and cardiology, either of those requires an internal medicine residencey. i am also interested in clinical trial exposure, any feedback on which of the schools (psu or nymc) have better clinical trial exposure (i need to research that too). lastly, i have alot of personal interest in alternative/complementary medicine. i noticed psu has a couple of clubs for that, anyone out there interested in that stuff?? thanks again all.

 

[LT2]

hey veruckt, yes i interviewed on the 30th of jan. i am jon, ex-navy guy, went to cal for mcb. i can't place you from your photo?? it's funny, that was like my worst interview day, i was borderline sick all day. i couldn't really tell how my interview went, but i guess it was fine. thanks so much for the input all. i feel ya. my heart definitely says penn state. in the end, i bet my head will too. i am gonna give the curriculims and match list stuff a thorough examination tonight. i am very interested in oncology and cardiology, either of those requires an internal medicine residencey. i am also interested in clinical trial exposure, any feedback on which of the schools (psu or nymc) have better clinical trial exposure (i need to research that too). lastly, i have alot of personal interest in alternative/complementary medicine. i noticed psu has a couple of clubs for that, anyone out there interested in that stuff?? thanks again all.

from what i heard, there is a lot of research going on at PSU. Also, if you're interested in alternative medicine, penn state offers humanities electives in just that. anyway, i hope you decide to join us but of course, do what's best for you!

 

[veruckt]

I'm Michelle, and I'm from Maine, thats usually how people remember me, since i am usually the only one from the state at interviews and conferences. We talked alittle about psu while we were there. From what i gather Penn state has more patient exposure, whether it is clinical or not, is debatable. Or at least the thinks i am thinking about are like the Patient project. Lion care seems like it can get you max clinical exposure, though. Along with all of the possiblities for traveling with surgeons etc, on international projects.
I dont know how much pateint intx you have in the first 2 years at NYMC, its pretty old school traditional though so i assume not much.

 

[Scalpellum]

FYI, students last year received their financial aid packages during the 2nd week of May. Also make sure to do the special circumstances form if you are leaving a job to enter medical school. The form is located here.

 

[FDoRoML]

Warning to everyone about the special circumstances form:

At 2nd look, the Fin Aid woman (trying to be polite here-- she was pretty unpleasant one-on-one, unlike her smile during the group presentation!) gave me a tidbit b/c I asked her about the award letters, circumstances, etc. Apparently, she won't even look at individual people until like mid-June (her words, not mine).

She won't consider the form now, and the one on the website isn't even for this year (so she not-so-politely said I would have to fill out the new one when she gets it posted anyway).

I had already done it, thinking (and apparently wrongly so) that it should be done before the award letters, so they take that into account. I was maligned for trying to be prepared and think ahead (can't tell her mannerism ticked me off, can you??), so for your own sake, don't bug her until at least after May 15th (when true commitments to attend PSU seem to be more solid).

I backed off and didn't think it was worth an argument in front of everyone else (other potential apps and their parents), in case anyone is wondering what I did. I decided I won't call her on the 'tude until after I get the award letter. Maybe she'll be all warm and fuzzy then and it won't be an issue. I know they probably get bugged like crazy this time of year and won't have a lot of answers, but I really have an issue with poor customer service. After all, without us students, she'd have no job to do. 😡

Another tidbit-- if you are dual-income right now and will be going to single income (spouse), according to her, the award really won't change much. Not like they'd be considering you for in-house scholarships or grants based on 1/2 your household income going away (again, her words). As much as the message came across rather mean-spirited, I do believe that she was speaking from experience-- so just a warning to those being hopeful that the magical special circ form will change your award significantly. Bottom line is you will be borrowing anyway.

(of course, my point was not "please give me free money" but more like, so what can I expect for distribution of federal vs private aid after the loss of income is taken into account-- no firm answer on this)

Like I said, I'm going to contact her again with an open mind and give her a chance to redeem herself with me. Everyone can have a bad day, after all. Maybe it was one for her... 🙄

 

[Scalpellum]

She won't consider the form now, and the one on the website isn't even for this year (so she not-so-politely said I would have to fill out the new one when she gets it posted anyway).

The special circumstances form says its for 2006-2007.

 

[LT2]

Warning to everyone about the special circumstances form:

At 2nd look, the Fin Aid woman (trying to be polite here-- she was pretty unpleasant one-on-one, unlike her smile during the group presentation!) gave me a tidbit b/c I asked her about the award letters, circumstances, etc. Apparently, she won't even look at individual people until like mid-June (her words, not mine).

She won't consider the form now, and the one on the website isn't even for this year (so she not-so-politely said I would have to fill out the new one when she gets it posted anyway).

I had already done it, thinking (and apparently wrongly so) that it should be done before the award letters, so they take that into account. I was maligned for trying to be prepared and think ahead (can't tell her mannerism ticked me off, can you??), so for your own sake, don't bug her until at least after May 15th (when true commitments to attend PSU seem to be more solid).

I backed off and didn't think it was worth an argument in front of everyone else (other potential apps and their parents), in case anyone is wondering what I did. I decided I won't call her on the 'tude until after I get the award letter. Maybe she'll be all warm and fuzzy then and it won't be an issue. I know they probably get bugged like crazy this time of year and won't have a lot of answers, but I really have an issue with poor customer service. After all, without us students, she'd have no job to do. 😡

Another tidbit-- if you are dual-income right now and will be going to single income (spouse), according to her, the award really won't change much. Not like they'd be considering you for in-house scholarships or grants based on 1/2 your household income going away (again, her words). As much as the message came across rather mean-spirited, I do believe that she was speaking from experience-- so just a warning to those being hopeful that the magical special circ form will change your award significantly. Bottom line is you will be borrowing anyway.

(of course, my point was not "please give me free money" but more like, so what can I expect for distribution of federal vs private aid after the loss of income is taken into account-- no firm answer on this)

Like I said, I'm going to contact her again with an open mind and give her a chance to redeem herself with me. Everyone can have a bad day, after all. Maybe it was one for her... 🙄

oops, i just emailed her office to ask basically everything you just answered here... (although i'm single income, i'd like to know how/if my award will change based on the fact that i'll no longer be employed after July via the special circumstances form!!!) oh well. i'm lost when it comes to financial aid...

 

[FDoRoML]

The special circumstances form says its for 2006-2007.

I guess she did finally get it posted, then. I hadn't looked at it since 2nd look. Progress is good. 🙂

 

[FDoRoML]

oops, i just emailed her office to ask basically everything you just answered here... (although i'm single income, i'd like to know how/if my award will change based on the fact that i'll no longer be employed after July via the special circumstances form!!!) oh well. i'm lost when it comes to financial aid...

Yeah, me too! That's why I was trying to be efficient and looked forward to asking her real questions during the 2nd look. Oh well!!

Your case may actually be better than mine since you will go to zero income, and only your investments/savings will count "against" you for Fin Aid. I'd say fill it out ASAP now that the new one is actually posted.

Of course, she may still not even look at individual situations until the committment it more certain (post-May 15th, but according to her, mid-June). Maybe if you send a letter or give verbal notice that you are ONLY considering PSU, she will look sooner. As of May 1, I will be dropping my other waitlists (the hubby needs time to find a job for our final decision and ~1 day's notice for the other schools after the deadline just isn't going to be enough), so then I figured I'd try to do just that.

Best of luck.

If anyone finds out anything regarding aid, please post it here (and I will do the same). I think we are all in the same boat. This first year of transition will be very interesting, indeed.

 

[fingersxed]

Hi guys, I just got my acceptance letter in the mail this past Monday. Penn State was my first choice.... so I will definitely be seeing you all in August! I am also a little overwhelmed with all the financial aid stuff..... I think that the max we can get per year in stafford loans is around 40,000, but is everyone allowed to take the full amount if they need it, or do they tell you that you're only allowed to take out a certain amount?

 

[FDoRoML]

Hi guys, I just got my acceptance letter in the mail this past Monday. Penn State was my first choice.... so I will definitely be seeing you all in August! I am also a little overwhelmed with all the financial aid stuff..... I think that the max we can get per year in stafford loans is around 40,000, but is everyone allowed to take the full amount if they need it, or do they tell you that you're only allowed to take out a certain amount?

According to Fin Aid lady (sorry, I don't remember her name!), yes, except under really odd circumstances (like you have a boatload of money in the bank), everyone pretty much gets the max Stafford sub and unsub (I think it's 38.5k??).

CONGRATS ON YOUR ACCCEPTANCE!!!
And, welcome. 🙂

 

[fingersxed]

According to Fin Aid lady (sorry, I don't remember her name!), yes, except under really odd circumstances (like you have a boatload of money in the bank), everyone pretty much gets the max Stafford sub and unsub (I think it's 38.5k??).

CONGRATS ON YOUR ACCCEPTANCE!!!
And, welcome. 🙂

Thanks, I had pretty much prepared myself for a waitlist letter. I was ELATED, to say the least, when I got my acceptance letter.... a lot of jumping up and down, a lot of screaming, and a lot of tears ( of joy).... I 've been on cloud nine for the past week. 😀
....and I'm not coming down anytime soon!

 

[The JockDoc]

So...maybe I'm missing something. If tuition costs 40,000, and the max loans we can get are 40,000, where do we get the rest for living expenses?

 

[hardy]

So...maybe I'm missing something. If tuition costs 40,000, and the max loans we can get are 40,000, where do we get the rest for living expenses?

You can at most get $38,500 in Stafford loans. Then there is also work-study (at most $3,000, if you qualify) and probably Perkins loans. If they don't offer you any other kind of aid (maybe they have additional institutional loans?) then you will have to take out private loans for the difference between the offered aid and total cost of attendance. It's like this at some other schools from which I received a financial aid package already, and it should be pretty similiar for PSU.