What would it take to graduate medical school with no debt for an M2?

[IntoTheNight]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I recently read a blog post about the importance of asking questions, even if they seem outlandish, because sometimes you will find better tools along the way.

So, if I am an M2, what would it take for me to graduate medical school with no debt? I am not looking to do something like PSLF but am more inclined to look into private scholarships. Does anyone know anyone who has won an external scholarship as an M2-4?

 

[SpoiledMilk]

Onlyfans
Just hide your face.

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

HPSP or NHSC are your only realistic options.

 

[DocWinter]

Rich parents.

You're looking at 300k minimum once it all adds up. No way to make a meaningful dent in that while in school.

 

[RangerBob]

How important are your kidneys?

Seriously though, getting scholarships to medical school is extremely difficult, especially after you've already matriculated. Realistically if you get something, it's not going to be very much.

Take comfort in the fact that there are many more like you, including many/most of those who have come before you and who will come after you. I owed $350k when I graduated. Most of my friends did as well, though a handful had wealthy parents and owed nothing--I was happy for them, albeit still jealous.

If you're not familiar with WhiteCoatInvestor, start with his blog. Keeps your costs down in medical school. Borrow the minimum. Continue living on less in residency/first few years of attendinghood and you'll get those loans paid off.

If you want to go all-in, check out MrMoneyMustache regarding how to live on as little as possible.

 

[xffan624]

Serve 3+ years active duty as an officer. Gather some savings. Use Post 9/11 GI Bill or vocational rehab to pay for school. That's what I did.

Otherwise yeah, find some private unicorn scholarship and get a full ride. Good luck on that.

 

[IntoTheNight]

I appreciate everyone's insight. Assume I'm naive: is there a reasonable chance one could apply en masse to many private scholarships? Once you get a few core essays, a CV, and a few other parts of the app, the applications could fly. It sounds like not many people even bother applying for private scholarships, right?

I don't mean to dismiss anyone's advice; it just feels as though it might be more feasible to get scholarships than initially expected. Am I wrong?

"Nobody goes there anymore...it's too crowded."

 

[DocWinter]

I appreciate everyone's insight. Assume I'm naive: is there a reasonable chance one could apply en masse to many private scholarships? Once you get a few core essays, a CV, and a few other parts of the app, the applications could fly. It sounds like not many people even bother applying for private scholarships, right?

I don't mean to dismiss anyone's advice; it just feels as though it might be more feasible to get scholarships than initially expected. Am I wrong?

"Nobody goes there anymore...it's too crowded."

In a word, yes.

Military is the only reasonable way to go.

Even if you were the perfect shade of DEI in this day and age you're still looking at a unicorn situation.

Many don't apply because many don't meet the stringent criteria.

 

[RangerBob]

I agree with the above.

I haven't actually heard of any scholarships for students already in medical school. And the only meaningful ones I know about for med students to begin with are the ones the school gives you. And the military (which typically costs people more money long-term due to decreased attending earnings, but it allows you to graduate debt-free. However, by and large the military route is only recommended if you actually want to be in the military)

I have never heard of a common application/essay for scholarships. So in the event you did find a lot of scholarships, you are unlikely to be able apply "en masse" and would likely need to tailor every application.

If your goal is to save money, find a roommate, walk/bike to school, eat beans/rice, shop second-hand, etc.

Home | White Coat Investor
Mr. Money Mustache

 

[AJS59]

I appreciate everyone's insight. Assume I'm naive: is there a reasonable chance one could apply en masse to many private scholarships? Once you get a few core essays, a CV, and a few other parts of the app, the applications could fly. It sounds like not many people even bother applying for private scholarships, right?

I don't mean to dismiss anyone's advice; it just feels as though it might be more feasible to get scholarships than initially expected. Am I wrong?

"Nobody goes there anymore...it's too crowded."

I don't think scholarships are easy nor should you expect to pay off debt with it but if you have time to burn (i.e. doing well in all other aspects of being a med student) I don't think it can hurt, right? I personally am of the mindset that every dollar counts, but maybe that's a naive perspective?