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What steps can I take as a current sophomore in high school to get into medical school and pursue a career in medicine with as little debt as possible?
I would like to graduate med school with as little debt as possible. I currently plan on being a pediatrician, but I am open to learning and exploring different careers related to medicine, biology, chemistry, and science.
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6 answers
Updated
Rita’s Answer
There is a medical school with free tuition but I'm sure it's hard to get into that school. Also, you may try to get into a state school. One option is the have the government support you through Army, Navy, or Air Force. You can also work in an area with less physicians and they will help pay back your loan.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Brenda
Updated
Mary Jane’s Answer
Hi , Brenda! It's great that you are thinking about this early, but you should know that medical school typically does result in a lot of student loan debt (about $200,000 on average). There are, however, many programs that will allow you to get assistance with paying off your med school loans if you choose to practice in high-need areas or the armed services. To minimize debt, I would focus on trying to keep your undergrad loans down so that you enter med school in a strong financial position. Some things you can do:
1) Explore options like dual enrollment through a community college or AP credits. This can save you some time and money in college tuition, but be careful to understand whether the courses you are taking will actually transfer into a 4-year school. Sometimes the content is not the same between campuses and you're at a disadvantage if you miss important material or labs by completing science prerequisites via AP in high school. Similarly, I've seen folks take all their gen ed requirements (English, history, art, etc) as dual credit or as a community college student and then have to grind through many, many science classes with labs in their final years on a 4-year campus -- that's a really tough slog! Consider starting the general chemistry sequence, since there are the most chemistry courses in the list of med school prereqs, and maybe some math and/or physics in addition to a few gen eds. You can also start at a community college and then transfer, but be aware that sometimes you can get a 4-year scholarship that will actually put you in a better position financially than going for a cheaper associate's degree and transferring. Be sure to do the math and ask about typical transfer student scholarship amounts as you weigh college financial aid offers.
2) Do as well as you can in all your high school classes and take the PSAT and SAT or ACT seriously. Buy some prep books or check them out from your local library. A high enough PSAT qualifies you for scholarship money and many schools offer scholarships based on your GPA and SAT or ACT scores. Don't blow these exams off! Also look around your community for scholarships that you might qualify for in your senior year. If you have a PEO chapter in your community, they offer scholarships for young women. There are also national scholarship databases you can find online.
3) Work and save money in high school. Get a summer job and save your money to help offset your college costs. I would caution you not to work too much during college because your grades will be important for med school applications. Sometimes it can be better to take out a small loan and cut back your employment hours if it means you will do better in your classes and have more opportunities to increase your income down the line. Always balance your activities against your academics and learn where that balance point is. If you can find a job that is clinical in nature, that will put you ahead of the game for med school applications. You might see if your high school offers vocational training and certifications like CNA, EMT, or phlebotomy, which would allow you to work at a clinic, nursing home, or hospital, both now and in college. Know that if you pursue the sciences in college, there are many summer programs that will pay you to do research in a lab -- those applications are usually due in January or February so you'll want to start searching by winter break for the following summers.
4) Look into programs like the Health Professions Scholarship Program (https://www.medicineandthemilitary.com/applying-and-what-to-expect/medical-school-programs/hpsp?) and the National Health Service Corps (https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/). You have lots of time to investigate but it may give you some peace of mind knowing they exist. Your state may have additional programs. The AAMC has a wealth of information at https://students-residents.aamc.org/financial-aid/loan-forgiveness-loan-repayment-assistance-programs-and-scholarships, including a searchable database (https://systems.aamc.org/fed_loan_pub/index.cfm?fuseaction=public.welcome). You might also consider taking a gap year or two after college to work and save money for medical school -- gap years are becoming very common so there's no rush to get into med school these days.
5) Know that nobody enjoys debt and student loans, but unfortunately, an MD degree is rarely something a person can achieve at a steep discount. Shadow doctors and ask them about this. How do they manage their student loan debt and is it impacting their quality of life? Would they do it all over again if they got to choose? You might also shadow or do informational interviews with PAs and Nurse Practitioners, who have shorter degree programs and therefore less student debt, to ask similar questions. In the end, you may decide the lifestyle of a mid-level practitioner is preferable to that of a physician (and all my suggestions above would also prepare you well for those degrees).
Good luck!
1) Explore options like dual enrollment through a community college or AP credits. This can save you some time and money in college tuition, but be careful to understand whether the courses you are taking will actually transfer into a 4-year school. Sometimes the content is not the same between campuses and you're at a disadvantage if you miss important material or labs by completing science prerequisites via AP in high school. Similarly, I've seen folks take all their gen ed requirements (English, history, art, etc) as dual credit or as a community college student and then have to grind through many, many science classes with labs in their final years on a 4-year campus -- that's a really tough slog! Consider starting the general chemistry sequence, since there are the most chemistry courses in the list of med school prereqs, and maybe some math and/or physics in addition to a few gen eds. You can also start at a community college and then transfer, but be aware that sometimes you can get a 4-year scholarship that will actually put you in a better position financially than going for a cheaper associate's degree and transferring. Be sure to do the math and ask about typical transfer student scholarship amounts as you weigh college financial aid offers.
2) Do as well as you can in all your high school classes and take the PSAT and SAT or ACT seriously. Buy some prep books or check them out from your local library. A high enough PSAT qualifies you for scholarship money and many schools offer scholarships based on your GPA and SAT or ACT scores. Don't blow these exams off! Also look around your community for scholarships that you might qualify for in your senior year. If you have a PEO chapter in your community, they offer scholarships for young women. There are also national scholarship databases you can find online.
3) Work and save money in high school. Get a summer job and save your money to help offset your college costs. I would caution you not to work too much during college because your grades will be important for med school applications. Sometimes it can be better to take out a small loan and cut back your employment hours if it means you will do better in your classes and have more opportunities to increase your income down the line. Always balance your activities against your academics and learn where that balance point is. If you can find a job that is clinical in nature, that will put you ahead of the game for med school applications. You might see if your high school offers vocational training and certifications like CNA, EMT, or phlebotomy, which would allow you to work at a clinic, nursing home, or hospital, both now and in college. Know that if you pursue the sciences in college, there are many summer programs that will pay you to do research in a lab -- those applications are usually due in January or February so you'll want to start searching by winter break for the following summers.
4) Look into programs like the Health Professions Scholarship Program (https://www.medicineandthemilitary.com/applying-and-what-to-expect/medical-school-programs/hpsp?) and the National Health Service Corps (https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/). You have lots of time to investigate but it may give you some peace of mind knowing they exist. Your state may have additional programs. The AAMC has a wealth of information at https://students-residents.aamc.org/financial-aid/loan-forgiveness-loan-repayment-assistance-programs-and-scholarships, including a searchable database (https://systems.aamc.org/fed_loan_pub/index.cfm?fuseaction=public.welcome). You might also consider taking a gap year or two after college to work and save money for medical school -- gap years are becoming very common so there's no rush to get into med school these days.
5) Know that nobody enjoys debt and student loans, but unfortunately, an MD degree is rarely something a person can achieve at a steep discount. Shadow doctors and ask them about this. How do they manage their student loan debt and is it impacting their quality of life? Would they do it all over again if they got to choose? You might also shadow or do informational interviews with PAs and Nurse Practitioners, who have shorter degree programs and therefore less student debt, to ask similar questions. In the end, you may decide the lifestyle of a mid-level practitioner is preferable to that of a physician (and all my suggestions above would also prepare you well for those degrees).
Good luck!
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Starting early on the path towards a career in medicine is a great way to set yourself up for success and minimize debt. Here are some steps you can take as a sophomore in high school:
1. Focus on your academics: Medical schools will be looking for students with excellent academic records, so it's important to prioritize your studies. Take challenging courses in science, math, and English, and aim for top grades.
2. Get involved in extracurricular activities: Medical schools want well-rounded students, so consider joining clubs or organizations that align with your interests. Volunteer work, internships, and job shadowing opportunities can also help you gain experience and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
3. Start preparing for the MCAT: While you won't take the MCAT until after college, it's never too early to start familiarizing yourself with the test and the material it covers. Consider taking a prep course or using study materials to help you prepare.
4. Research colleges and universities: Look for colleges and universities that have strong pre-med programs, as well as good financial aid packages. Consider attending a public university or community college to save on tuition costs.
5. Plan ahead financially: Medical school can be expensive, so it's important to start planning ahead now. Look for scholarships and grants, and consider working part-time during college to help offset costs. You may also want to consider attending a medical school with lower tuition costs or applying for loan forgiveness programs after graduation.
Remember that the path to medical school is a long and challenging one, but with hard work, dedication, and careful planning, you can pursue your dream of becoming a doctor while minimizing debt.
1. Focus on your academics: Medical schools will be looking for students with excellent academic records, so it's important to prioritize your studies. Take challenging courses in science, math, and English, and aim for top grades.
2. Get involved in extracurricular activities: Medical schools want well-rounded students, so consider joining clubs or organizations that align with your interests. Volunteer work, internships, and job shadowing opportunities can also help you gain experience and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
3. Start preparing for the MCAT: While you won't take the MCAT until after college, it's never too early to start familiarizing yourself with the test and the material it covers. Consider taking a prep course or using study materials to help you prepare.
4. Research colleges and universities: Look for colleges and universities that have strong pre-med programs, as well as good financial aid packages. Consider attending a public university or community college to save on tuition costs.
5. Plan ahead financially: Medical school can be expensive, so it's important to start planning ahead now. Look for scholarships and grants, and consider working part-time during college to help offset costs. You may also want to consider attending a medical school with lower tuition costs or applying for loan forgiveness programs after graduation.
Remember that the path to medical school is a long and challenging one, but with hard work, dedication, and careful planning, you can pursue your dream of becoming a doctor while minimizing debt.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Brenda
Updated
Lesly’s Answer
Hello there! Numerous paths exist for entering medical school and pursuing a medical career while minimizing debt. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Reduce initial expenses: Look for ways to cut costs before starting your medical journey.
2. Seek financial assistance: Explore various options like grants, fellowships, and scholarships. The AAMC offers a helpful list of consumer and federal financial aid resources.
3. Boost financial knowledge: The more informed students are about finances, the better equipped they'll be to handle debt effectively.
4. Opt for an income-driven repayment plan: The federal government offers repayment plans where monthly payments are based on a percentage of your discretionary income, making it easier for borrowers to manage.
5. Explore loan forgiveness programs: These programs can help reduce or eliminate your debt.
Best of luck on your journey!
1. Reduce initial expenses: Look for ways to cut costs before starting your medical journey.
2. Seek financial assistance: Explore various options like grants, fellowships, and scholarships. The AAMC offers a helpful list of consumer and federal financial aid resources.
3. Boost financial knowledge: The more informed students are about finances, the better equipped they'll be to handle debt effectively.
4. Opt for an income-driven repayment plan: The federal government offers repayment plans where monthly payments are based on a percentage of your discretionary income, making it easier for borrowers to manage.
5. Explore loan forgiveness programs: These programs can help reduce or eliminate your debt.
Best of luck on your journey!
Thank you for giving me advice.
Brenda
Updated
Yoseph’s Answer
Brenda,
I see that you are in New York City, so here are some NYC specific points in addition to the excellent answers from the previous contributors.
- Go to a City of NY college like CUNY, Hunter, Queens, or Brooklyn. They are academically excellent and demanding four year colleges with very low tuition costs for NY residents. You can also get scholarships that reduce the already low tuition.
- Consider NYC's Macaulay Honors College. It is tuition free (zero dollars for all four years) and integrated with all the City of NY colleges. You can even get support for some study abroad. However, you must carefully consider your obligations. You will have to take one course per semester that is specifically designed for Macaulay students. This could overload you if you are taking lots of pre-med courses too.
- Live at home and commute. This will save you the surprisingly huge expense of campus room and board. You don't need the cultural enrichment of a campus setting because you already live in a culturally enriched city. Think of the city as your campus.
While you are in high school, take as much chemistry and biology as you can, and ask yourself if you can excel at these subjects. As a pre-med you will need to take quite a few courses in these subjects. The hardest part of the MCAT is the chemistry section. Success in med school depends on a solid foundation in these subjects.
Learn and use advanced study techniques. Use a planner to schedule your study time. Create your own flash cards to memorize collections of data, like the periodic table. Get a study buddy or a study group.
Manage your grades. Sorry, but admissions algorithms look at numbers first and people second. It is much better to get an A in a standard course than a B+ in an advanced course. If you can get the A in the advanced course, so much the better, but don't hurt your GPA.
I see that you are in New York City, so here are some NYC specific points in addition to the excellent answers from the previous contributors.
- Go to a City of NY college like CUNY, Hunter, Queens, or Brooklyn. They are academically excellent and demanding four year colleges with very low tuition costs for NY residents. You can also get scholarships that reduce the already low tuition.
- Consider NYC's Macaulay Honors College. It is tuition free (zero dollars for all four years) and integrated with all the City of NY colleges. You can even get support for some study abroad. However, you must carefully consider your obligations. You will have to take one course per semester that is specifically designed for Macaulay students. This could overload you if you are taking lots of pre-med courses too.
- Live at home and commute. This will save you the surprisingly huge expense of campus room and board. You don't need the cultural enrichment of a campus setting because you already live in a culturally enriched city. Think of the city as your campus.
While you are in high school, take as much chemistry and biology as you can, and ask yourself if you can excel at these subjects. As a pre-med you will need to take quite a few courses in these subjects. The hardest part of the MCAT is the chemistry section. Success in med school depends on a solid foundation in these subjects.
Learn and use advanced study techniques. Use a planner to schedule your study time. Create your own flash cards to memorize collections of data, like the periodic table. Get a study buddy or a study group.
Manage your grades. Sorry, but admissions algorithms look at numbers first and people second. It is much better to get an A in a standard course than a B+ in an advanced course. If you can get the A in the advanced course, so much the better, but don't hurt your GPA.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Brenda
Updated
Midwest’s Answer
There are two important parts to your question: 1) getting into medical school 2) pursuing a career with as little debt as possible.
For the first part, your medical school application will have many components including academic record, experience, service, MCAT, letters of recommendation, personal statement, etc. Unfortunately, since medical schools see such a large amount of applications, they will not get into granular detail about your academic record, but will expect it to be excellent. Among the most competitive applicants, academic record and MCAT sort of cancel out because they're all similar, which makes the other categories even more important in order to stand out. As a sophomore in high school, you have everything ahead of you and will have plenty of time to build those areas of your application, especially through direct healthcare experience whether through volunteering, shadowing, internships, or part-time work. If possible those experiences should be tailored to your interests within specific areas of medicine, such as pediatrics.
There are many strategies in order to minimize medical school debt, while also realizing the vast majority of medical school graduates routinely have 6 figures of debt when they leave medical school. Here are some potential strategies to mitigate this major debt:
1) Minimize costs and debt during college. This can be done by in-state rather than out-of-state tuition, living at home if that is an option for you, getting a part time job to earn extra money while an undergrad (bonus if this is healthcare related)
2) Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) - Investigate options through HPSP which typically is a 2, 3, or 4 year medical school scholarship at a civilian medical school after which you incur some level of military payback either after medical school or in some instances after residency. There are pathways to both military and civilian residencies when you emerge from this program. This is a major commitment so must be something you learn about and consider closely before committing
3) Moonlighting - There may be opportunities to moonlight either during your clinical residency or during a research component of residency which could help you chip away at your medical school debt after incurring it. This depends on the type of residency you choose and specific program requirements and allowances but is very common
4) Working between medical school and residency - If there is part or full time work which aligns with your career plans and interests then this extra income could help offset some of the debt, but would also push back your progression to eventually complete training and earn a full salary. Gaps between medical school and residency are extremely common
5) Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program - This program has a few criteria in order to qualify but after 10 years of payments your debt will be entirely forgiven. The criteria include enrolling in an income-based student loan repayment plan, employment at a non profit or government organization (almost every academic healthcare institution qualifies for this), and making 10 years of qualifying payments. This is an attractive option if you choose a medical or surgical specialty, since you will be paid a relatively low amount for the majority of the 10 years and that salary amount is what's used for your income based monthly payment amount. This makes less sense for shorter residencies/training periods since you start getting paid higher sooner. Depending on the amount of debt you eventually incur, this may still be a worthwhile option if you enter pediatrics.
6) Residency incentive programs - Some primary care specialties offer incentives for student loan forgiveness if you train or work in a rural setting. This may be available for pediatrics as well, if you do decide to pursue this.
Hope this helps!
Tailor your college choice with these considerations in mind
Investigate the HPSP and see if this is for you
Focus on excelling academically
For the first part, your medical school application will have many components including academic record, experience, service, MCAT, letters of recommendation, personal statement, etc. Unfortunately, since medical schools see such a large amount of applications, they will not get into granular detail about your academic record, but will expect it to be excellent. Among the most competitive applicants, academic record and MCAT sort of cancel out because they're all similar, which makes the other categories even more important in order to stand out. As a sophomore in high school, you have everything ahead of you and will have plenty of time to build those areas of your application, especially through direct healthcare experience whether through volunteering, shadowing, internships, or part-time work. If possible those experiences should be tailored to your interests within specific areas of medicine, such as pediatrics.
There are many strategies in order to minimize medical school debt, while also realizing the vast majority of medical school graduates routinely have 6 figures of debt when they leave medical school. Here are some potential strategies to mitigate this major debt:
1) Minimize costs and debt during college. This can be done by in-state rather than out-of-state tuition, living at home if that is an option for you, getting a part time job to earn extra money while an undergrad (bonus if this is healthcare related)
2) Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) - Investigate options through HPSP which typically is a 2, 3, or 4 year medical school scholarship at a civilian medical school after which you incur some level of military payback either after medical school or in some instances after residency. There are pathways to both military and civilian residencies when you emerge from this program. This is a major commitment so must be something you learn about and consider closely before committing
3) Moonlighting - There may be opportunities to moonlight either during your clinical residency or during a research component of residency which could help you chip away at your medical school debt after incurring it. This depends on the type of residency you choose and specific program requirements and allowances but is very common
4) Working between medical school and residency - If there is part or full time work which aligns with your career plans and interests then this extra income could help offset some of the debt, but would also push back your progression to eventually complete training and earn a full salary. Gaps between medical school and residency are extremely common
5) Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program - This program has a few criteria in order to qualify but after 10 years of payments your debt will be entirely forgiven. The criteria include enrolling in an income-based student loan repayment plan, employment at a non profit or government organization (almost every academic healthcare institution qualifies for this), and making 10 years of qualifying payments. This is an attractive option if you choose a medical or surgical specialty, since you will be paid a relatively low amount for the majority of the 10 years and that salary amount is what's used for your income based monthly payment amount. This makes less sense for shorter residencies/training periods since you start getting paid higher sooner. Depending on the amount of debt you eventually incur, this may still be a worthwhile option if you enter pediatrics.
6) Residency incentive programs - Some primary care specialties offer incentives for student loan forgiveness if you train or work in a rural setting. This may be available for pediatrics as well, if you do decide to pursue this.
Hope this helps!
Midwest recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, this was incredibly helpful!!
Brenda