What would you do?

[Mannel]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey guys,

I know this is probably the hundredth thread about this, but my case is a little different. I applied this last summer to 20 schools, got interviews at 9 and was only admitted to 4, including UCSF, UNLV, Loma Linda and Tufts. I know these are all great schools but I really can't afford their tuition, especially because I hope to open a practice and need all the $$ for my clinic. I got an interview at Baylor and went, but I haven't heard back from them since the interview. I applied as OOS with an ok GPA and DAT score- 3.43 oGPA and 3.39 sGPA, 22AA/19TS/21PAT. I already accepted the offer at UCSF but their tuition is sky high and I didn't get a scholarship. To complicate matters even more, because I am Muslim, I am not supposed to pay or receive interest, so I would be breaking Islamic code by taking out loans. I tried finding relatives who could loan me the money without interest, but no one simply has that amount of money lying around.


So I am wondering, should I wait another year until maybe I get an acceptance from a Texas school? What would you guys do if you were me?

 

[destinedsirius]

You are in a very crazy predicament. A very very high majority, like up to 90-95% of dental students take out some sort of financial aid loan. Even if you come from a well-off background, it is hard for dental students to pay $100k-350k in tuition straight out of pocket. For your sake, I really hope you get into a cheap Texas school THIS cycle because it would be really crazy for you to put off all your acceptances this year and apply again next year because nothing is certain. Are you willing to wait 1 to even 3 years to get into the cheapest dental school? UCSF is a great school. I think you should go. You should look into outside financial grants. Maybe there are scholarships for Muslims in the health professions for this very reason.

 

[wired202808]

Hey guys,

I know this is probably the hundredth thread about this, but my case is a little different. I applied this last summer to 20 schools, got interviews at 9 and was only admitted to 4, including UCSF, UNLV, Loma Linda and Tufts. I know these are all great schools but I really can't afford their tuition, especially because I hope to open a practice and need all the $$ for my clinic. I got an interview at Baylor and went, but I haven't heard back from them since the interview. I applied as OOS with an ok GPA and DAT score- 3.43 oGPA and 3.39 sGPA, 22AA/19TS/21PAT. I already accepted the offer at UCSF but their tuition is sky high and I didn't get a scholarship. To complicate matters even more, because I am Muslim, I am not supposed to pay or receive interest, so I would be breaking Islamic code by taking out loans. I tried finding relatives who could loan me the money without interest, but no one simply has that amount of money lying around.


So I am wondering, should I wait another year until maybe I get an acceptance from a Texas school? What would you guys do if you were me?

I understand your religious beliefs but I dont understand how you plan to buy a house or do anything in life that ever requires interest. Unless you are highly observant im sure your family would approve you taking out loans.

 

[timwatley]

You're choosing to pursue a career in a country that loves credit cards, loans, and interest rates. I'm not Muslim, but I still have an intense desire not to take out loans. A lot of us do
I'm sure. If you want the American lifestyle (via dentistry) you don't really have a choice..unless you luck out and get into a Texas school. Congrats for getting into some great schools.

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

Hey guys,

I know this is probably the hundredth thread about this, but my case is a little different. I applied this last summer to 20 schools, got interviews at 9 and was only admitted to 4, including UCSF, UNLV, Loma Linda and Tufts. I know these are all great schools but I really can't afford their tuition, especially because I hope to open a practice and need all the $$ for my clinic. I got an interview at Baylor and went, but I haven't heard back from them since the interview. I applied as OOS with an ok GPA and DAT score- 3.43 oGPA and 3.39 sGPA, 22AA/19TS/21PAT. I already accepted the offer at UCSF but their tuition is sky high and I didn't get a scholarship. To complicate matters even more, because I am Muslim, I am not supposed to pay or receive interest, so I would be breaking Islamic code by taking out loans. I tried finding relatives who could loan me the money without interest, but no one simply has that amount of money lying around.


So I am wondering, should I wait another year until maybe I get an acceptance from a Texas school? What would you guys do if you were me?

I heard TX schools are crazy to get into. You are lucky that you have four offers, congrats!

With that... Why did you apply to these schools if high tuition was a concern? I'm Muslim too but I took out loans for college and I will take out loans for dental school too. Most dental students take out loans for school, even Muslim students. Aside from students, most people take out loans for cars and houses, even Muslims. It's very common, at least in this country.

In my opinion, stick with the school you deposited at. You can also ask other Muslims for advice as to how they went through life without loans

 

[joshwake]

Welcome to the USA


Take out a loan

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

Welcome to the USA


Take out a loan

I ditto that... While in rome, do as the romans do.

 

[r2thekesh]

I would 1. Apply to the NHSC scholarship, and if you haven't volunteered a bunch volunteer. 2. If you're allowed to join the armed forces, do that scholarship. 3. Contact every mosque in this country and tell them your predicament and hope they can help. Maybe some muslim dentist has gone through this before. 4. How can you afford TX schools and not any other school? They still cost a lot of money. And why are you thinking about saving for a practice before you're in dental school. The quarter million dollar dental school hurdle is much more important. It would behoove you to clear your savings on dental school and work as an associate or something to save for a practice/house/whatever.