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Thoughts/Comments?

Discussion in 'Pre-Dental' started by Smalls, Aug 19, 2001.

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  1. Smalls

    Smalls Junior Member

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    I have been reading the forums at the sdn for about 6 months. I have had a lot of insight from many of the posts. Now I am in need of some advice.
    I am 21, and I have known that I want to go into dentistry for 2 years. I have done volunteer work with my own dentist, so I know that the field appeals to my nature and heart. I was in the process of getting a business managment degree. Now I have that I am going for a chem degree.
    I am now 3 years away from even being able to apply to dental school. I am not bothered by how much longer I have before I can get to my profession. But my present situations have brought me to have to make a decision that could delay my dream destination even further.(dentist)
    Because of the road and some of the lessons that God wants me to learn while I am here on earth, I have had to pay for everything in my life since I was 16.(lost my father) Since that point in my life I have been living w/ stepmother. The ONLY thing provided by her is a place to sleep.
    Without going into any detail it is time to move out.
    There is no way that I am going to be able to afford school,rent,vehicle,and living expenses while I work part time and go to school full time. Also a chem degree is going to require my ass in a chair and a book in my face alot so I really cant work as much as I would need to.
    As to my situation I have come up w/ 2 options. 1: keep going to school and taking out student loans in order to live. which I know many people in the world to this for their education. Now one obstacle to this is that the state in which I live allows 40-45 residents annually into dental school, on the flip side there are 110-120 that apply each year. So the odds for acceptance on my first try are already against me. So if for some reason I would not get in on my first try I would have only 6 months before I would be required by my pre existing student loans for the start of repayment. Option
    2: I have been thinking very seriously about the Air National Guard or Army National Guard. The crapy think about either of these is that there are not any opening for a dental tech or assistant in either place.
    So I was thinking about joing the Air Guard,
    they will pay back my pre existing loans, cover tuition untill bachelor degree is achieved and still give me enough money during the month to move out. The down side is that what I would be doing would require me to put my education on hold for 1 year. But while I would be gone I would rack up enought $ to pay off vehicle, then my part time job while in school would be for living and not the bank.
    So basically I need some input on whether making my 3 year journey for chem degree and dentalschool a 4 year trip given my situation would be worth it.
    I would greatly appriciate any thoughts or advice anyone has to give to me. Thank everyone for the post they have been posting, they are an inspiration never to quit my dream.

    "God will never let you go through more than you can handle"
    "Every thing you go through in your life, you will in turn help some one because of the lessons you have learned"
     
    #1 Smalls, Aug 19, 2001
  2. suctionplease

    suctionplease Junior Member
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    I understand your situation. I had to take out loans for school also. I was 100% on my own also. I do not recommend the armed forces for anyone in dentistry. The military pay is very, very considering you are a dentist. Captain's (03) is also low compared to what you would make on the outside. I considered the air force residency after school. I am so glad that I backed out when I did. There are MANY options to pay back the loans that you need to borrow for school. I went to a relatively inexpensive school (I left the Columbia's and NYU's alone). I also received a scholarship. I picked my school based on the money they would offer me also. I now am in a studen loan repayment program for the state of pennsylvania and I am in the army reserves loan repayment program. And I make over double what I would make as a captain in the army/airforce etc fulltime. I gross $126,000 with army bonus (10K), reserves pay ($3600)and job (110K). AND My state pays $9800 annually.The army pays $50K in loans but I get that in 2 more years. That aint bad for only working 2 years...i finished my residency in 7/1999. There are options. But if money is an issue, you will make enough money to repay student loans that you need. Just dont over borrow. And choose your school carefully. I left school oweing $111K for private undergrad, 1 year grad school, and state dental school.

    Good Luck!
     
    #2 suctionplease, Aug 19, 2001
  3. waiting

    waiting Senior Member
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    my 2 cents....

    are you going to a public college? If so, definitely take out the loans rather than work your ass off while trying to study too. Even if you don't get in right off the bat after school, most loan programs I know of have something called an "economic hardship" deferment. This allows you to postpone your repayments for another year after the six month grace period is up. This year would give you time to get into school at which point your loans would be automatically postponed again since you'd be a student. I know about this since I'm doing an "economic hardship" myself right now....soo...take out the loans, stick to a strict budget, and focus on school and doing well so you can pursue your dream of dentistry. Hopefully you'll get into your state school so you won't incur an insane amt. of additional dental loans. My philosophy has always been to not let financial matters interfere w/your dreams...where there's a will there's a way! :)
     
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    #3 waiting, Aug 19, 2001
  4. crimson

    crimson What up Smokey!
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    yo smalls, much respect 2 what u r going through. a few thoughts:
    1. I sincerely believe that undergrad education in this country is VERY possible without having to worry too much about money. how? a. go to a public university college where your tax dollars are going to. b. PLEASE go and explain your situation to the financial aid office. I cannot imagine if u laid out your situation that they would be unable to find you enough aid (combination of federal pell grant, subsidized stafford, state grants etc.) -- also talk to the dean of student affairs. c. work-study even for a chem degree is a viable option.

    i would not enter army or air force unless i believed in their mission or the lifestyle. i would much rather do what i want to, have the peace of mind and pay back loans as I make money upon graduation.

    also, even though it sounds a bit corny, the only lesson i have learnt in my life is that given enough persistence things eventually work out. and yes, planning too far out in future and doing something drastic now is not a good idea. things and people, including overselves change with the passing seasons and greater wisdom.

    in any case, may the force be with you.
     
    #4 crimson, Aug 19, 2001
  5. Smalls

    Smalls Junior Member

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    Thanks for all of the advise, it has given
    me alot more to think about. I shall see you all in the forums. If anyone can think of any thing else drop your thoughts. Thanks
     
    #5 Smalls, Aug 20, 2001
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