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What happens if I don’t get enough money through scholarships and do not qualify for financial aid and my family can’t afford tuition?
I am a senior in high school and want to peruse my dream of becoming a surgeon.
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Elizabeth’s Answer
Hello!
That is a great dream to have, and I understand the concern of not being able to pay for it.
I can't advise on your particular circumstances as I don't know them, but there is a lot of information about the FAFSA and other Loan options for paying for schooling online on the government website for student aid (google FAFSA to find it)! You may still qualify for a partial loan for school based on your situation, or you can take out a direct loan of some sort. You may also be qualified for programs that will cover the costs of medical school after you've received your bachelors and have been accepted to medical schooling.
Any loan for schooling will have some terms of repayment, even if you qualify for FAFSA, and you'll want to consider it carefully. Schooling is expensive, and if you plan to go for medical school to be a surgeon, even more so as you'll have even more years of school to pay for! But it can really be worth it if that is your dream.
If you aren't sure about it or want to learn more about what schooling is required and what courses you'll need to take, go visit the university you are hoping to go to and talk to the department! That can give you an idea of if you will like the program, feel confident you'll make it through the courses, and know what to expect for costs and any scholarships available or financial aid that university can help with.
Google "FAFSA" to visit the student aid website
Visit the college/university you hope to attend to learn about their specific program and financial aid options.
That is a great dream to have, and I understand the concern of not being able to pay for it.
I can't advise on your particular circumstances as I don't know them, but there is a lot of information about the FAFSA and other Loan options for paying for schooling online on the government website for student aid (google FAFSA to find it)! You may still qualify for a partial loan for school based on your situation, or you can take out a direct loan of some sort. You may also be qualified for programs that will cover the costs of medical school after you've received your bachelors and have been accepted to medical schooling.
Any loan for schooling will have some terms of repayment, even if you qualify for FAFSA, and you'll want to consider it carefully. Schooling is expensive, and if you plan to go for medical school to be a surgeon, even more so as you'll have even more years of school to pay for! But it can really be worth it if that is your dream.
If you aren't sure about it or want to learn more about what schooling is required and what courses you'll need to take, go visit the university you are hoping to go to and talk to the department! That can give you an idea of if you will like the program, feel confident you'll make it through the courses, and know what to expect for costs and any scholarships available or financial aid that university can help with.
Elizabeth recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Hi,
One of the most useful things you can do as a HS student that is college-bound, is to build your resume! Find a place to volunteer, even if the position isn't directly related to your major. Ask your local hospitals and medical centers if you can help out for a few hours a week. It will give you exposure to the medical field, and will give you an experience that will translate well on your college applications.
Good luck to you,
Rich
Make a list of all the medical facilities in a 10-mile radius from where you live and reach out to each of them to see if they could use a volunteer.
One of the most useful things you can do as a HS student that is college-bound, is to build your resume! Find a place to volunteer, even if the position isn't directly related to your major. Ask your local hospitals and medical centers if you can help out for a few hours a week. It will give you exposure to the medical field, and will give you an experience that will translate well on your college applications.
Good luck to you,
Rich
Richard recommends the following next steps: