Why it sucks to have poor parents

[Karina]

I know there's probably a lot of people who have it worse than me. But I'm feeling rather hopeless right now. I'm about to start the most exciting time of my life...something that I have been working for...dreaming of since I was 6! And the only thing that I can think about...it's money!
I mean, just look at the price of education in this country! I came to the US almost 5 years ago. And I am forerver thankful for all the opportunities I have encoutered here. I worked my precious butt off for 4 years and managed to graduate with a nice gpa and no undergrad debt (except a lil credit card debt after applying to med school...which will be paid off after I get paid on monday). But, I am moving out...and my parents cannot give me a dime! I pretty much have to count on loan money to pay rent, cell phone, waxing, even getting a car..since they paid for the one I drive and I will not take it with me, since they need it. That means loan money is going to have to pay for car insurance as well...I will have no income for the first time in my life...I will not be working...and my parents are thinking I'm gonna be completely independent. I wouldn't want them to feel responsible for me, either. They have two other kids in college. But damn! I think about how my life is going to look like money wise...while in school...and a few years after I'm done...and it makes me want to cry 🙁

*sigh*

Karina

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[MWillie]

Don't you get better financial aid? You're better off than the people who have rich parents that don't give them a dime but the school still assumes parental contribution of 50,000 a year due to beareaucratic idiocy.

 

[Haybrant]

know what else kinda sucks; to have parents that are middle income but unwiling to financially support you in med school. Their status screws you over for financial aid.

 

[Blue Scrub]

that sucks im really sorry....money is a concern for many med students, including myself....the only thing that I can think of for you is to work with your financial aid office at your school....your school should be able to take care of your financial needs during your time there....debt will be our concern once we're out, but remember why we're here in the first place....everything will work out, and physicians are always able to pay back whatever they owe......yeah debt and money sux but it's worth it, if not we wouldn't be doing this

 

[mfrederi]

Relax, I know that it does not seem possible right now, and certainly not fun, but it will work out just fine. You are much, much better off than some people. I don't say that to minimize your situation, but rather to praise the responsibility you have demonstrated with your finances. Alot of med student may be great in the classroom, but are not very swift when it comes to the checkbook. They are used to mommy and daddy giving them hook-ups in undergrad and end up way over-extended finacially when they start med school. I mean, you are really in quite good shape if you look at from the optimistic point of view. Some people have thousands in credit card debt, have bought an expensive car, some even with houses and mortgages and kids. You will be fine, I promise. Just remember the frustration you are feeling now and promise to put away some money for your kids so they don't have to deal with the same problems.

 

[crys20]

I am the same way, I have no real help but also my parents don't make much at all. You will get sufficient financial aid, and you will take out the maximum amount of loans that you can and you'll be able to get thru. I know it sucks though.

 

[VPDcurt]

Adversity sucks. Everyone has to deal with it.

 

[Blade28]

Your parents' status won't affect your financial aid, since as a med student you're considered an independent.

Med school is tough on the pocketbook...I've had to rely 100% on financial aid for the past 4 years. Everything I pay for - tuition, books, rent, food, utilities, bills - is thanks to financial aid. I'm going to hope I can defer/claim forebearance long enough during residency to delay paying back my loans until I'm in practice.

 

[lagringa87xc]

To the OP:

it sucks a helluva lot more to have rich parents that give you nada. trust me. if you really do have poor parents, then you should get good financial aid (ie GRANTS!). especially stanford. they are wonderful for people like you.
like haybrant said...the people who really get screwed are the ones with parents making enough money to help but choose not to. i'm going to end up with well over $200,000 debt while someone with poor parents at my school may end up with $50,000 debt. Now who would you rather be, come on!

consider yourself lucky you have no current debt to speak of, and best of luck with financial aid stuff.
oh yeah, there are tons of schools where a car is not really required, so keep that in mind.

 

[crys20]

I agree that the people w/ middle-range parents who aren't forthcoming are the ones who get screwed the most. I feel so lucky that w/ free money plus loans I can live a life without major depravity.

Oh yes and I already have not pretty undergrad loans going in, so you do have it better off than me! 🙂

 

[usandylim]

Like someone said on this thread if you're over 21 you are considered independent and your parents income no longer matters to the financial aid application process. Also some schools have grants/scholarship for those who agree to practice in-state or in underpriviliged areas.

 

[45408]

Your parents' status won't affect your financial aid, since as a med student you're considered an independent.

Med school is tough on the pocketbook...I've had to rely 100% on financial aid for the past 4 years. Everything I pay for - tuition, books, rent, food, utilities, bills - is thanks to financial aid. I'm going to hope I can defer/claim forebearance long enough during residency to delay paying back my loans until I'm in practice.

no, but lots of people can be in undergrad debt because their parents didn't help them then, and neither did financial aid.

 

[SarahGM]

Like someone said on this thread if you're over 21 you are considered independent and your parents income no longer matters to the financial aid application process. Also some schools have grants/scholarship for those who agree to practice in-state or in underpriviliged areas.

I have no idea why you all are under this impression. Med schools don't give a damn if you're independent. If we went that route, we'd ALL be considered high priority for financial aid!

In the two years I've been applying for fin aid for med school, I've definitely submitted my parent's info... and the school has definitely asked for it.

 

[ramblinwreckie]

Like someone said on this thread if you're over 21 you are considered independent and your parents income no longer matters to the financial aid application process. Also some schools have grants/scholarship for those who agree to practice in-state or in underpriviliged areas.

you couldn't be more wrong. they use parents' income to determine who gets need-based grants, which is ridiculous because not many people's parents contribute a dime towards med school.

 

[KiKat37]

To the OP: if it makes you feel better, I am in the exact same situation. My parents don't make enough to help me financially (they also have two other kids in college), so I'll have to pay everything with loans.

AND, i have both undergraduate and graduate loans that I need to pay off *while* in med school!! Long story... I was still considered "international" when I took them. So, I didn't qualify for federal aid and had to take private loans, which can' be deferred during med school.

Even if I take out the maximum possible in loans, I'll only have about $10,000/year for everything that's not "educational expenses." I have no idea how I can possibly pay for rent, utilities, food, personal stuff, AND undergard/grad loans with that kind of money... It's getting to the point when I'm starting to wonder if I can really matriculate and make it. 🙁

 

[MWillie]

Your parents' status won't affect your financial aid, since as a med student you're considered an independent.

As we have already established, parental finances DO matter for need based financial aid. For example, here at Wash U, if parents have little income, you're pretty much guaranteed about $20,000 annually in need based grants, if your parents are making a decent ammount of money, you get ZERO.

 

[on_the_fence]

Even if I take out the maximum possible in loans, I'll only have about $10,000/year for everything that's not "educational expenses." I have no idea how I can possibly pay for rent, utilities, food, personal stuff, AND undergard/grad loans with that kind of money... It's getting to the point when I'm starting to wonder if I can really matriculate and make it. 🙁

You can do it! A roommate or two (think other broke med students) would probably help with rent/utilities.

To the OP: Good job on getting as far as you have w/ minimal debt! It's only natural to be freaking out a bit. Try not to worry too much. I used to feel overhwhelmed/unprepared when I looked at all the things I have to accomplish in the next 4-8yrs. Then I realized it's best to just take everyone one step at a time -- first get money for med school, get through med school, and then think about paying the money back. You'll be fine! You've already made it further than some people.

 

[bio_research]

Well, My parents made great money while I was in school...that means that they HAVE to claim me for a tax write off through school...or pay even more at tax time...this killed me when it came to submit my financial aid info to the school…paying $1000+ now that I am out of school for just my undergrad loans is killing me….and I’m not even working in my field…and since I make too much they won’t consider forbearance or deferment…they don’t take into account my house payment and car payments…That is why I am having trouble figuring out if I really want to attempt to get into med school…it’s just the money. I’m sure if you are THAT bad off there is a grant or something out there for you. My cousin was able to get her PhD paid for by the government because of my aunts’ status. Even thought she lived with her father and he made good money…

 

[45408]

As we have already established, parental finances DO matter for need based financial aid. For example, here at Wash U, if parents have little income, you're pretty much guaranteed about $20,000 annually in need based grants, if your parents are making a decent ammount of money, you get ZERO.

so the poor kids become the rich ones 😛

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

And the rich kids remain rich. The middle class really gets the shaft...

 

[maddscientist]

[/QUOTE]I will have no income for the first time in my life...I will not be working...and my parents are thinking I'm gonna be completely independent. I wouldn't want them to feel responsible for me, either. They have two other kids in college. But damn! I think about how my life is going to look like money wise...while in school...and a few years after I'm done...and it makes me want to cry 🙁

*sigh*

Karina[/QUOTE]
Welcome to the real world!
I know that you feel really down right now, but at least you have the chance to go to med school-a lot of folks don't have that luxury. While going into debt sucks just be thankful that your college education is paid for. I have been on my own since I was 18, and I am doing fine. Just look at it as an opportunity to be completely independent from your parents and to finally become an adult.

 

[LSU-Tech]

I know there's probably a lot of people who have it worse than me. But I'm feeling rather hopeless right now. I'm about to start the most exciting time of my life...something that I have been working for...dreaming of since I was 6! And the only thing that I can think about...it's money!
I mean, just look at the price of education in this country! I came to the US almost 5 years ago. And I am forerver thankful for all the opportunities I have encoutered here. I worked my precious butt off for 4 years and managed to graduate with a nice gpa and no undergrad debt (except a lil credit card debt after applying to med school...which will be paid off after I get paid on monday). But, I am moving out...and my parents cannot give me a dime! I pretty much have to count on loan money to pay rent, cell phone, waxing, even getting a car..since they paid for the one I drive and I will not take it with me, since they need it. That means loan money is going to have to pay for car insurance as well...I will have no income for the first time in my life...I will not be working...and my parents are thinking I'm gonna be completely independent. I wouldn't want them to feel responsible for me, either. They have two other kids in college. But damn! I think about how my life is going to look like money wise...while in school...and a few years after I'm done...and it makes me want to cry 🙁

*sigh*

Karina

Wow! That’s been my life since high school. Welcome to the real world where nothing is free and sacrifice goes a long way. I'm starting LSU-S this fall and have worked since I was 16 at the same job, in order to pay for my own transportation, as well as my own way. Instead of being sad, you should be grateful that your parents helped you out as long as they did. I think you are a little to old to be dealing with these types of problems for the first time. I really hope you are kidding when you complain about paying for waxing. You sound like a pampered princess to me. One that has made few sacrifices but now complains because things aren’t going her way. Therefore, you now have to work and pay your own way, like every other independent American. I think a little independence and self sacrifice would do you a lot of good. Lord knows it long over due. Here's a solution to your problems. You still have a good 3 months before school starts for the fall semester. Therefore, you could work those three months doing anything (flipping burgers, grocery store, department store, ets) Save up a few thousand and buy your own car. Buy a razor instead of paying a fortune for waxing. In other words stop complaining and do something to better your life besides complaining about it. I’ve really heard some tear jerkers in this forum from students who have really had a rough time in life/college and have paid for their own undergrad degree without any help what so ever from their parents. Believe me, your story is not one of those of inspiration. It’s not the fact that your parents help that bugs me (That’s great and very generous of them to do so). You need to be more appreciative. Beware you taking out loans for stupid reasons like waxing your d&mn legs. I’ve heard it all now!

 

[plickfu]

It's far worse to have parents who refuse to contribute despite having the means, trust me. It could much worse. You were able to live with your parents for your undergrad; others are not as fortunate. Also, regardless of your true situation (married, kids, whatever), med schools consider anyone under 30 a 'dependent' student, and they factor in parental contribution.

The grass is always greener...

 

[thirdunity]

I know there's probably a lot of people who have it worse than me. But I'm feeling rather hopeless right now. I'm about to start the most exciting time of my life...something that I have been working for...dreaming of since I was 6! And the only thing that I can think about...it's money!

There are some advantages that you have that those rich kids don't.

* Your parents can't manipulate you with their money. This is the biggest one. Seen it over and over. The money becomes like this permanent umbilical cord. You are freer to establish your own identity.

* As a doctor, you will have greater compassion for those less fortunate. All of your hard work will actually mean something to you. You aren't one of these really sheltered kids. You have more experience with the human condition.

 

[krelian]

Maybe it sucks to have rich parents when the financial aid letters come rolling in, but it definitely sucks way more to have poor parents if you're looking at all those years before med school. While all the rich kids were getting sports/music lessons in high school and traveling to 3rd world countries to build hospitals in college, the poor kids have to work various jobs to support themselves and sometimes even their parents. It may suck now for the rich parents to drop the ball on the kid and make him/her pay for med school bills, but I'm sure that person was well-provided for while growing up. Maybe it's time the playing field became more level.

 

[Karina]

To the OP:

it sucks a helluva lot more to have rich parents that give you nada. trust me. if you really do have poor parents, then you should get good financial aid (ie GRANTS!). especially stanford. they are wonderful for people like you.
like haybrant said...the people who really get screwed are the ones with parents making enough money to help but choose not to. i'm going to end up with well over $200,000 debt while someone with poor parents at my school may end up with $50,000 debt. Now who would you rather be, come on!

consider yourself lucky you have no current debt to speak of, and best of luck with financial aid stuff.
oh yeah, there are tons of schools where a car is not really required, so keep that in mind.

Wow...I never thought these many people will reply. Anyways, I got a place right across the street from school...so I can just walk. But if you ever visited south florida (Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area), then you must know you need a car to get around. I'm willing to suck it up for a couple of months...but I'm sure gonna miss driving my car everywhere I want to go 🙁

 

[Karina]

you couldn't be more wrong. they use parents' income to determine who gets need-based grants, which is ridiculous because not many people's parents contribute a dime towards med school.

That is true. That is why I didn't get anything as an undergrad. My dad is an airplane mechanic, to put in simple terms, and he works for an airline. He makes more than 80K/year. I don't know how FAFSA people work, but they calculated my EFC during undergrad to be able to cover all my costs, not counting my dad had another kid in college, a mortgage, car, lawyer fees (for green card), among other things. The only thing schools offered me were loans...and I didn't want them then. I had no other choice than to go out and find myself a job...with kick-a$$ benefits to cover tuition and books...

 

[Karina]

Wow! That’s been my life since high school. Welcome to the real world where nothing is free and sacrifice goes a long way. I'm starting LSU-S this fall and have worked since I was 16 at the same job, in order to pay for my own transportation, as well as my own way. Instead of being sad, you should be grateful that your parents helped you out as long as they did. I think you are a little to old to be dealing with these types of problems for the first time. I really hope you are kidding when you complain about paying for waxing. You sound like a pampered princess to me. One that has made few sacrifices but now complains because things aren’t going her way. Therefore, you now have to work and pay your own way, like every other independent American. I think a little independence and self sacrifice would do you a lot of good. Lord knows it long over due. Here's a solution to your problems. You still have a good 3 months before school starts for the fall semester. Therefore, you could work those three months doing anything (flipping burgers, grocery store, department store, ets) Save up a few thousand and buy your own car. Buy a razor instead of paying a fortune for waxing. In other words stop complaining and do something to better your life besides complaining about it. I’ve really heard some tear jerkers in this forum from students who have really had a rough time in life/college and have paid for their own undergrad degree without any help what so ever from their parents. Believe me, your story is not one of those of inspiration. It’s not the fact that your parents help that bugs me (That’s great and very generous of them to do so). You need to be more appreciative. Beware you taking out loans for stupid reasons like waxing your d&mn legs. I’ve heard it all now!

Hah! I don't even wax my legs...just my eyebrows! (Joke!) I was just trying to make a point that even if I'm gonna spend 5 bucks in something. The money is coming from loans. Gosh! I think the last thing I am is a princess! My car is a beat up '94...leaks oil (which I have to check twice a week). I'm working full time...and I haven't bough anything for myself in...close to 6 or 7 months. All I make, I save and use to it to pay credit card...which is why I'm gonna be out of debt on monday. My parents do help...they're letting me live in their house for free, pretty. I pay some of the bills in the house...but I still consider it to be free. But I don't get any type of financial help from them. Last night I was talking to my mom, about money of course...and she was like "Oh!, I thought you made more money than that!"...I think they're a lil bit clueless about what's about to happen to me. It's OK, I have my plan and an idea of how much I will have saved by the fall...I think I can pull off buying a car...if not, it's walking for me 😛

 

[PookieGirl]

Like someone said on this thread if you're over 21 you are considered independent and your parents income no longer matters to the financial aid application process. Also some schools have grants/scholarship for those who agree to practice in-state or in underpriviliged areas.

This couldn't be more wrong. Schools want parental info if you expect any type of institutional aid. And there is virtually no way of getting around it.

As for the OP, I have $3oK in undergraduate debt. You think that will be taken into account with financial aid? I highly doubt it. The real problem here is not the packages we get. Schools aren't overflowing with money, at least most aren't. THe real problem is the cost of medical education. We should all look into this more and see what we can do to help cap it or keep it more in line with inflation.

 

[jeantm]

I really think some of you should step back and realize how lucky you really are to have parents. Why should your "rich" or "middle" class parents pay for your medical school? They have been paying for you since you were born and maybe they are making you pay for it because they think you might not appreciate what they give you...and maybe you don't since you all seem to feel slightly entitled to a free ride or support from them? What makes you entitled to all the money they have made most likely through hard work.

And I also think you may have some misconceptions about financial aid for poor kids. Not every kid from a poor family gets a free ride from financial aid. I have 100s of thousand in dept from undergrad and not to mention what med school will cost. And no I am not borderline low income, I spend my junior and senior years in high school moving from shelter to friends houses to avoid foster care and getting switched to a different highschool (where I ranked #2 in my class) because my father was incarcerated and my mother was homeless.

I would do ANYTHING to have a family (a slightly healtheir version)...so I really hope you guys try talking to your parents and maybe they have a reason they are doing this.

good luck

 

[PineappleGirl]

To the OP:

it sucks a helluva lot more to have rich parents that give you nada. trust me. if you really do have poor parents, then you should get good financial aid (ie GRANTS!). especially stanford. they are wonderful for people like you.
like haybrant said...the people who really get screwed are the ones with parents making enough money to help but choose not to. i'm going to end up with well over $200,000 debt while someone with poor parents at my school may end up with $50,000 debt. Now who would you rather be, come on!

consider yourself lucky you have no current debt to speak of, and best of luck with financial aid stuff.
oh yeah, there are tons of schools where a car is not really required, so keep that in mind.

This is so true. My father a decent amount of money, certainly enough to contribute towards medical school, but flat out refuses to give me any financial support whatsoever. He will not even submit his financial info to the schools. This sucked for me so much in undergrad. I had to give up on my dream school because they refused to understand that even though he HAD the money to contribute he would not help me out. I can only imagine the same thing will happen for med school. It's really unfair that schools refuse to help out students whose parents are jerks and refuse to contribute any money, yet give people who's parents' have no money grants, because effectively, both students have no money from their parents to finance their education. Especially in the case of kids whose parents are divorced or estranged, schools really need to be more understanding.
Okay, end of rant.

 

[PookieGirl]

I'm sorry to hear about your family. It sounds like you've come out of it more than ok. Congratulations on that.

I agree with you that many people applying to med school feel entitled to money, either from their parents or schools. But there are reasons for this. First, there are many people who apply to med school from low-paying jobs and the only means for paying for the application process is through money from credit cards, loans or parents. Having lived in a high cost-of-living city on a small salary, I've lived paycheck to paycheck. Before that I was in the Peace Corps, and had a yearly salary of $2000. So I literally have NO savings. If I had not asked my mom and she had not helped me pay for applying and flying to interviews, I would have racked up over $8000 in credit card debt with no way of paying it back in the next several years. Add the $5000 I already had in credit card debt plus some interest and yeah, you can bet I'd be desperate for some parental help. When it comes down to it, many people's parents can help them out, and parents can be willing to help because they want to help their children reach their goals. I know for me, one day when I do have more money, I will more than pay back my family for their generous assistance.

I think also that both schools and parents help perpetuate a mentality of entitlement. Even though my mom has helped pay for application/ interviewing costs, and even though I've explained how people finance their medical education NUMEROUS times, she still expects me to get a lot of aid as I did in undergrad. She just doesn't get it that I want get 25% of my schooling paid for. So she expects the school to dish out the dough to me, way more than I do. Now, let's talk about the EFC-- expected family contribution. How the financial gods derive this number I don't know. My mom is a single mom, my dad doesn't make enough money to necessitate filing taxes, and yet I have to come up magically with a rather large sum of money. So there you go with the schools & government feeling entitled to money that quite frankly in my situation is just not there.

 

[Peterock]

I really think some of you should step back and realize how lucky you really are to have parents. Why should your "rich" or "middle" class parents pay for your medical school? They have been paying for you since you were born and maybe they are making you pay for it because they think you might not appreciate what they give you...and maybe you don't since you all seem to feel slightly entitled to a free ride or support from them? What makes you entitled to all the money they have made most likely through hard work.

And I also think you may have some misconceptions about financial aid for poor kids. Not every kid from a poor family gets a free ride from financial aid. I have 100s of thousand in dept from undergrad and not to mention what med school will cost. And no I am not borderline low income, I spend my junior and senior years in high school moving from shelter to friends houses to avoid foster care and getting switched to a different highschool (where I ranked #2 in my class) because my father was incarcerated and my mother was homeless.

I would do ANYTHING to have a family (a slightly healtheir version)...so I really hope you guys try talking to your parents and maybe they have a reason they are doing this.

good luck

I think this is an excellent post. I never understood the frustration of middle class students who made up the majority of most colleges and medical schools.

Some of us have to use our loan money to send it back home. I am fairly certain that I will have to support my mother 100% financially at some point in medical school and I'm quite happy to do it.

 

[PookieGirl]

But let me also add that if medical school weren't so expensive, these issues of who is contributing wouldn't be so important. Medical school tuition has risen over the past several years at rates much higher than inflation. I'm curious to know why. THere are probably many many reasons that I don't yet know but once in medical school this is something that I want to get into. I know that there are schools out there that do take action to keep the cost to a minimum, and I'd like to learn more. I encourage others to do the same.

 

[PineappleGirl]

I really think some of you should step back and realize how lucky you really are to have parents. Why should your "rich" or "middle" class parents pay for your medical school? They have been paying for you since you were born and maybe they are making you pay for it because they think you might not appreciate what they give you...and maybe you don't since you all seem to feel slightly entitled to a free ride or support from them? What makes you entitled to all the money they have made most likely through hard work.

In my case, my parents are divorced. I grew up with my mother who worked menial jobs doing cleaning, day care, etc. to support us. I certainly do not come from a privledged middle class or upper class background. However, after my parents divorced, my father went on to make a lot of money in business. He continued, of course, to pay child support, but made no contributions to my education beyond what was required by my parents' divorce agreement. When it came time for me to go to college he refused to submit his financial information so that I could be considered for grants at private schools. I had to give up my top choice because of that. My mom has always been generous with what little she has. She paid for me to take all my AP exams and lots of college applications. It makes me so mad that I can not be considered for aid at a lot of school just because my father is a jerk and refuses to even submit his financial info, let alone pay ANY money for med school.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

And the rich kids remain rich. The middle class really gets the shaft...

right, this country has always hurt the middle class....and education is the prime example

 

[Psycho Doctor]

I know there's probably a lot of people who have it worse than me. But I'm feeling rather hopeless right now. I'm about to start the most exciting time of my life...something that I have been working for...dreaming of since I was 6! And the only thing that I can think about...it's money!
I mean, just look at the price of education in this country! I came to the US almost 5 years ago. And I am forerver thankful for all the opportunities I have encoutered here. I worked my precious butt off for 4 years and managed to graduate with a nice gpa and no undergrad debt (except a lil credit card debt after applying to med school...which will be paid off after I get paid on monday). But, I am moving out...and my parents cannot give me a dime! I pretty much have to count on loan money to pay rent, cell phone, waxing, even getting a car..since they paid for the one I drive and I will not take it with me, since they need it. That means loan money is going to have to pay for car insurance as well...I will have no income for the first time in my life...I will not be working...and my parents are thinking I'm gonna be completely independent. I wouldn't want them to feel responsible for me, either. They have two other kids in college. But damn! I think about how my life is going to look like money wise...while in school...and a few years after I'm done...and it makes me want to cry 🙁

*sigh*

Karina

waxing???? oh come on...that's listed as your top priorities, even above food? that's almost like saying you don't have enough money to get your manicure every week. the thing is if people used their money wisely and prioritized what is really necessary and made due with less, many people could manage just fine on very little....and what an accomplishment to get out with minimal loans

congrats, you've done well for yourself up to this point.

 

[musiclink213]

Wow, I feel like one of the lucky ones. My parents worked hard all there lives to support me and my sister. Why should I whine and complain that they're not paying for med school when they've already done so much for me? We may not be rich, but I know that anything I need, they'll try to help me. So what if I'll be 100,000 in debt. Who won't be? Eventually, it'll get paid off. I know that I too may have to give up my car because my mom's car is on it's last leg. That doesn't make it the end fo the world. So to everyone complaining about what they don't have or that there parents aren't paying a dime, I say suck it up and be thankful for what you do have. There will always be somebody who has it worse than you do.

 

[tinkerbelle]

When it came time for me to go to college he refused to submit his financial information so that I could be considered for grants at private schools. I had to give up my top choice because of that. My mom has always been generous with what little she has. She paid for me to take all my AP exams and lots of college applications. It makes me so mad that I can not be considered for aid at a lot of school just because my father is a jerk and refuses to even submit his financial info, let alone pay ANY money for med school.

Colleges really need to reconsider how they determine financial aid for kids. My dad refused to submit his info or give me money for college... he wouldn't even help me get interest-free loans (which i could have gotten thru his work). I paid full tuition for my undergrad which is ridiculous considering my mom made 35k a year teaching.

If some of you are realllllly worried about money, take a year off before you go to med school and work. That's what I did and it was a great decision. I managed to save most of what I made and it makes me feel better knowing that I have money tucked away for an emergency.

 

[skiracer90]

The thought of being in debt over 200,000 dollars does scare me. However, med students do it all the time!! It's okay! I'm thankful that my parents were able to pay for undergrad and are willing to offer me some financial support these next 4 years (not much but anything is better than nothing). I can't wait til I rack in some cash (a long long looooong time from now) and I can give back. The middle class defintely gets the shaft in this process, but come on now...we are gonna fulfill our dreams and become doctors. That is pretty freakin' cool if you ask me.

 

[mcandy]

I know there's probably a lot of people who have it worse than me. But I'm feeling rather hopeless right now. I'm about to start the most exciting time of my life...something that I have been working for...dreaming of since I was 6! And the only thing that I can think about...it's money!
I mean, just look at the price of education in this country! I came to the US almost 5 years ago. And I am forerver thankful for all the opportunities I have encoutered here. I worked my precious butt off for 4 years and managed to graduate with a nice gpa and no undergrad debt (except a lil credit card debt after applying to med school...which will be paid off after I get paid on monday). But, I am moving out...and my parents cannot give me a dime! I pretty much have to count on loan money to pay rent, cell phone, waxing, even getting a car..since they paid for the one I drive and I will not take it with me, since they need it. That means loan money is going to have to pay for car insurance as well...I will have no income for the first time in my life...I will not be working...and my parents are thinking I'm gonna be completely independent. I wouldn't want them to feel responsible for me, either. They have two other kids in college. But damn! I think about how my life is going to look like money wise...while in school...and a few years after I'm done...and it makes me want to cry 🙁

*sigh*

Karina

Why should your parents pay fo ryou rmedical school. It sounds like they have been more than generous..paying for your car and insurance at age 21 (?). There are more than enough loans to be had..banks and lenders love to give money to future doctors. You should be completely independent, you are learning to be a doctor and an adult. Best of luck

PS I have 32K in undrergad debt and am completely loan financed as a student. Debt sucks, but life ain't bad.

 

[crys20]

Everyone is in debt and everyone will pay it off, it isn't a big deal. You have to think of it as less of a deal to come out with some substantial loan because it's just the way it is. You're a huge step above a lot of people w/o having undergrad loan, PLUS it seems like you've lived a decent life. If we're going to talk about cars we drive around don't EVEN get me started 🙂 All to say that your situation is fine and you will get by. Minus the pry $3000/school yr I make working EVERYTHING i buy is w/ loans or grants...And I am not the best with money either...Like, I like clothes and nice things once in a while. So loans have financed my wardrobe for the past 2 years because you NEED clothes, you know, and loans are really all that's going to do it for me. I know this is a little silly and irresponsible but I say it all to prove that you can live a decent life in med school solely using your loan money for the $5 biweekly eyebrow waxes...Where I live I could not find them for less than like $15, coincidentally so I took up plucking and it works just fine 😉 But I know stressing over money is like THE WORST...Just chill, you will get thru it fine, people do have it worse off, and one day you'll laugh at how meager you had to live in school, when you're in the big house on the hill 🙂

 

[crys20]

PS I have 32K in undrergad debt and am completely loan financed as a student. Debt sucks, but life ain't bad.

right on these are my sentiments exactly.

 

[PookieGirl]

Colleges really need to reconsider how they determine financial aid for kids. My dad refused to submit his info or give me money for college... he wouldn't even help me get interest-free loans (which i could have gotten thru his work). I paid full tuition for my undergrad which is ridiculous considering my mom made 35k a year teaching.

If some of you are realllllly worried about money, take a year off before you go to med school and work. That's what I did and it was a great decision. I managed to save most of what I made and it makes me feel better knowing that I have money tucked away for an emergency.

My dad and mom agreed when they got married that he would pay for all kids' college education. They divorced. I stopped talking to him when I was 14. He filed bankruptcy and burnt his house to the ground after the bank officially declared it theirs-- all to avoid paying my mom child support. I didn't talk to him for several years and when it came time to apply for financial aid in college, I told my college that I was not in contact with him. If any of you are in a position where you legitimately do not talk or have contact with a parent, I would suggest you pass that information on to your financial aid office. Some med schools do not allow it. As such, I had my father this time write a letter, and get it notarized, as to his financial status and why he doesn't file taxes. If you are really in a bind, the college will see it. If you're not, the college will see through anything you try to tell them. Atleast in my case, this worked.

 

[Ross434]

I think its funny that some of you guys *expect* your parents to pay for your education, like it's something they owe you, and that you should get mad at them if they dont. If I have a kid, I'm going to make it clear that he's going to pay his own way for undergrad and beyond. If yall are so dedicated and hardworking, you should have been able to get a full ride for undergrad.

 

[fun8stuff]

I know there's probably a lot of people who have it worse than me. But I'm feeling rather hopeless right now. I'm about to start the most exciting time of my life...something that I have been working for...dreaming of since I was 6! And the only thing that I can think about...it's money!
I mean, just look at the price of education in this country! I came to the US almost 5 years ago. And I am forerver thankful for all the opportunities I have encoutered here. I worked my precious butt off for 4 years and managed to graduate with a nice gpa and no undergrad debt (except a lil credit card debt after applying to med school...which will be paid off after I get paid on monday). But, I am moving out...and my parents cannot give me a dime! I pretty much have to count on loan money to pay rent, cell phone, waxing, even getting a car..since they paid for the one I drive and I will not take it with me, since they need it. That means loan money is going to have to pay for car insurance as well...I will have no income for the first time in my life...I will not be working...and my parents are thinking I'm gonna be completely independent. I wouldn't want them to feel responsible for me, either. They have two other kids in college. But damn! I think about how my life is going to look like money wise...while in school...and a few years after I'm done...and it makes me want to cry 🙁

*sigh*

Karina

you're preaching to the choir

don't a majority of med studenst live off financial aid? at least you will get grants!

 

[Hoberto]

Wow, it never occurred to me to have my parents support me as an adult. What have I been doing all these years, working full-time buying my own food, paying my mortgage, paying my tuition and all of life's other expenses!??? You mean, it's their responsibility to continue raising and financing me and my life until I tell them not to?

I can't believe it. My parents really pulled the wool over my eyes on this one. Jerks.

 

[tinkerbelle]

You should be completely independent, you are learning to be a doctor and an adult.

Riiiight. So if your parents were willing to help you out a bit you'd turn it down just to show how independent you are? I doubt it. And what's the point of being a parent and having money if you can't help your kids out? I have every intention of helping my kids pay for college and grad school and whatever else they feel like doing.

 

[Ross434]

Riiiight. So if your parents were willing to help you out a bit you'd turn it down just to show how independent you are? I doubt it. And what's the point of being a parent and having money if you can't help your kids out? I have every intention of helping my kids pay for college and grad school and whatever else they feel like doing.

I dont know what the point of being a parent is, but it certainly isnt so you have another opportunity to spend money. The point of having money is to spend it on yourself, not give it to somebody else.

 

[Blue Scrub]

I dont know what the point of being a parent is, but it certainly isnt so you have another opportunity to spend money. The point of having money is to spend it on yourself, not give it to somebody else.

Spoken like a true Hardcore Neoconservative! Of course, if your parents aren't paying for your education, what else would they be doing with all their money other than supporting their own habit(s), whatever they may be, good or bad! Preferably bad, but you know, sometimes people like to go golfing or sailing or stuff like that