Working 15h/week?

[FosterWallace]

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So I have a decision to make before I start college (pre dental, probably bio major) next year.

Im commuting to school so I need a car. I can either work very little (over the summer and then a bit during the school year) and buy a car I don't like and wont have fun with or...

I can work throughout college (and over the summer) and finance a more expensive car I would very much look forward to driving for the next four years.

My question is, how hard is it to work 15-20 hours a week as a predental student? Is it not worth the trouble to get the car? My future goals are obviously more important than the car I get, and if it will be too hard to keep my grades up I want to know in advance and make the right decision.

 

[deleted696582]

I've worked about 15 hours a week these last two years of undergrad, and I've managed to keep my grades up. It's not too hard, but you have to make occasional sacrifices when it comes to social life. If you really want the nice car, go for it.

A better idea might be to put some earnings toward applications and interview travel costs, or a volunteering trip where you get a meaningful experience.

 

[Likkriue]

I worked 40-60 hour weeks as a full-time student. The thing is, doing that left me no time to do shadowing/clubs/volunteering, not to mention studying. 15 Hours a week of work is a piece of cake.

 

[DC206R]

^^ That's not the norm but I would just get the cheap car because it will be less of a financial burden. Trust me, working a ton during college isn't fun, sometimes necessary for some people but if I could go back, I'd take out some loans and have more free time to study and do EC stuff.

 

[Likkriue]

😱 I had to financially support myself somehow.

 

[BYU4you]

Work 15 hours per week and still get the cheap car.

You can thank me later.


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[FosterWallace]

A better idea might be to put some earnings toward applications and interview travel costs, or a volunteering trip where you get a meaningful experience.

Only about 60% of what Id earn would go to the car, probably some more if you count gas costs. Id be saving the rest so Im sure by the time interviews come Ill have something saved up.

 

[DC206R]

😱 I had to financially support myself somehow.

I feel you man. Same boat.

 

[clutchfans]

I worked 40-60 hour weeks as a full-time student. The thing is, doing that left me no time to do shadowing/clubs/volunteering, not to mention studying. 15 Hours a week of work is a piece of cake.

Get that overtime pay!

 

[Socolaphile]

So I have a decision to make before I start college (pre dental, probably bio major) next year.

Im commuting to school so I need a car. I can either work very little (over the summer and then a bit during the school year) and buy a car I don't like and wont have fun with or...

I can work throughout college (and over the summer) and finance a more expensive car I would very much look forward to driving for the next four years.

My question is, how hard is it to work 15-20 hours a week as a predental student? Is it not worth the trouble to get the car? My future goals are obviously more important than the car I get, and if it will be too hard to keep my grades up I want to know in advance and make the right decision.

The main purpose of a car is for transportation, if it runs it works. New car will depreciate over time.
I do recommend that you do well in undergrad, get in dental school, then buy a fancy car later.

Working 15-20 hours/week is doable while being a pre-dent. But plan ahead, how will you finance for your application, flights, and hotels for dental interviews? 🙂

 

[schmoob]

You'll have to prioritize. If you want the nicer car, go for it, but with caution. 15 hours isn't bad, but you really have to work on your studying. There will be more sacrifices, specifically less of a social life because you will need that time AND money. Studying is the number 1 priority.
Keep in mind, as a college freshman life is different. If you go through a lot of the threads, you will see many people have a lower GPA because of their freshman year (me included). Don't fall into that hole. Sometimes it's hard to resist a weekend with your friends when you would be better served studying, but if you want to stay competitive that's what you do. Especially if you're working half-time.
If 60% is going to go towards car payments, there will be more going towards gas, insurance, and maintenance. This does not leave you with very much for anything else.
My recommend is work, get a cheaper car, save your money. Honestly, you don't really need anything super nice at 18 anyway. My first car at 18 was crap, but it was mine and it did the job.

 

[clutchfans]

You'll have to prioritize. If you want the nicer car, go for it, but with caution. 15 hours isn't bad, but you really have to work on your studying. There will be more sacrifices, specifically less of a social life because you will need that time AND money. Studying is the number 1 priority.
Keep in mind, as a college freshman life is different. If you go through a lot of the threads, you will see many people have a lower GPA because of their freshman year (me included). Don't fall into that hole. Sometimes it's hard to resist a weekend with your friends when you would be better served studying, but if you want to stay competitive that's what you do. Especially if you're working half-time.
If 60% is going to go towards car payments, there will be more going towards gas, insurance, and maintenance. This does not leave you with very much for anything else.
My recommend is work, get a cheaper car, save your money. Honestly, you don't really need anything super nice at 18 anyway. My first car at 18 was crap, but it was mine and it did the job.

100% truth

 

[SrJulio]

No dental school will accept you unless you have an Aston Martin, trust me...


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[FosterWallace]

You'll have to prioritize. If you want the nicer car, go for it, but with caution. 15 hours isn't bad, but you really have to work on your studying. There will be more sacrifices, specifically less of a social life because you will need that time AND money. Studying is the number 1 priority.
Keep in mind, as a college freshman life is different. If you go through a lot of the threads, you will see many people have a lower GPA because of their freshman year (me included). Don't fall into that hole. Sometimes it's hard to resist a weekend with your friends when you would be better served studying, but if you want to stay competitive that's what you do. Especially if you're working half-time.
If 60% is going to go towards car payments, there will be more going towards gas, insurance, and maintenance. This does not leave you with very much for anything else.
My recommend is work, get a cheaper car, save your money. Honestly, you don't really need anything super nice at 18 anyway. My first car at 18 was crap, but it was mine and it did the job.

I can afford to sacrifice some social life, not a big deal for me. And the car has good fuel efficiency and my parents are paying for insurance

 

[FosterWallace]

America is just a land of opportunity. Working just part-time in the summer and that will get you a car? You would only get the tires in many other countries with that money. 🙂 Anyway, OP has a good plan in mind and I wish him great success in becoming a future dentist.

Working part time in the summer most likely wont get me a car. I can get a cheap car working pretty much full time in the summer and then part time for maybe 1 year. If I want the nicer car Id be working part time for all 4 years of college.
And thank you by the way 🙂