10 answers
Hershey Marie
Student
Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines
1
Question
Asked
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Confuse on what course to take
I don't know what's the best course to take, kindly give me some guidance. I'm interested in medicine but my parents are not well off.
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10 answers
Janel Gomez
Sr. Project Program Manager
4
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Janel’s Answer
Marie- I did not grow up with a lot of money either, but I have a different mindset. My very personal opinion/suggestion is that our parents should not carry the financial responsibility of putting us through school. This is how we learn to navigate things in life. First I suggest you start looking for groups to join for the filed you are interested in, find a way to volunteer, look for scholarships; there are many based on income, background, grades, etc..., once you surround yourself by people who are all working towards the same goal you have built your support group and they will help you find a way. Be creative and stay confident. I hope this helps Marie, good luck!
Moadh Saef
Medical school graduate, applying for residency
7
Answers
Bakersfield, California
Updated
Moadh’s Answer
Hi, I recommend focusing on Biology courses like Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Biochemistry, Statistics, Microbiology, etc.
Don't let your parents situation effect you, apply for financial aid in college which will cover your school and give you extra money too. For further education you'll get a loan, that. you'll pay later on once your done. Thus it is possible if you really want to go that path.
Don't let your parents situation effect you, apply for financial aid in college which will cover your school and give you extra money too. For further education you'll get a loan, that. you'll pay later on once your done. Thus it is possible if you really want to go that path.
Melisa Cameron
Sr. Project Program Mgr., AT&T Community Engagement
168
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Melisa’s Answer
Hi Hershey,
You have some great advice and suggestions here already. I'll just add and further promote seeking out organizations that are offering unique scholarship applications. It may take a lot of work on your part to apply and be proactive about finding those opportunities to fund your education, but they are out there.
One of my daughters is working now in a medical profession and early on in high school and her undergraduate work she took many courses on biology and then later in the medical sciences. She found a great school close to home for her graduate work and is now working in the field that was her first choice. She got a job and worked through some of her school years and then applied for a lot of scholarships.
Take a look at some student Facebook groups you may be able to join and ask questions of other students currently in their journey to med school too. There may be some helpful information there.
It's great you are thinking about this now and reaching out for answers. Keep asking great questions and best wishes to you in your career and educational goals.
Check out unique scholarship opportunities, like this https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/ethnicity/filipino
You have some great advice and suggestions here already. I'll just add and further promote seeking out organizations that are offering unique scholarship applications. It may take a lot of work on your part to apply and be proactive about finding those opportunities to fund your education, but they are out there.
One of my daughters is working now in a medical profession and early on in high school and her undergraduate work she took many courses on biology and then later in the medical sciences. She found a great school close to home for her graduate work and is now working in the field that was her first choice. She got a job and worked through some of her school years and then applied for a lot of scholarships.
Take a look at some student Facebook groups you may be able to join and ask questions of other students currently in their journey to med school too. There may be some helpful information there.
It's great you are thinking about this now and reaching out for answers. Keep asking great questions and best wishes to you in your career and educational goals.
Melisa recommends the following next steps:
Raegan Williams
Molecular Technologist
22
Answers
Flower Mound, Texas
Updated
Raegan’s Answer
Hi Marie, I believe you should follow your heart and gut. If medicine and the sciences are something you would be interested in, I think you should go for them! I am 25 years old and have been on the pre-med track since I was 18. I always knew I loved science and that I wanted to help people. I thought about many occupations like becoming a nurse, doctor, or business owner to help the autism community, organ procurement professional, occupational therapist, physical therapist, board-certified behavior analyst, etc. When I graduated college, I panicked. I started trying new things and realized that going to medical school and getting my master's was something I wanted to do. A lot of money is involved, but it's worth it to get to your dreams. Spending money on an undergrad degree (even a master's degree) is beyond worth it as it will increase your likelihood of career success. Regarding medical school, and you'll know when the time comes, I wouldn't pay for it if it is something you're not passionate about.
In undergrad, I knew I wanted to do the sciences, so I majored in biology and minored in chemistry while taking all of the medical school prerequisites. The most extensive advice I can give is to do something you want to do regardless of what others think about it but make sure the outcome of that job/experience will make you happy in the long run.
In undergrad, I knew I wanted to do the sciences, so I majored in biology and minored in chemistry while taking all of the medical school prerequisites. The most extensive advice I can give is to do something you want to do regardless of what others think about it but make sure the outcome of that job/experience will make you happy in the long run.
Stacey Rearick
Paralegal
23
Answers
Georgetown, Texas
Updated
Stacey’s Answer
If you are interested in actual medicine, try finding work in a pharmacy. I am not sure how pharmacy's work in Manila, but you may be able to work right beside the pharmacist and find out just how interested you are in the medicine they are preparing.
Daniel Maynes
Credit Manager
188
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
This is a great question! Some thoughts below:
1. I would first research/find some different schools that you want to attend. There are pro's/con's being close to home the first couple years of university. I would advise asking friends or networking to find good schools that you would like to attend. You have to be carful reading publications about the "best" universities to attend because these publications usually get paid a fee to "sell" the university to their readers.
2. Once you find a school to attend I would connect to counselors at the school to get their opinion and assistance on the best courses to take. Also, while visiting the school I would try and connect to other students to get their "take" on different classes the university has to offer.
Counselors also can advise you on any scholarships or financial aid that the university offers its students. Some of the requirements may be stringent but I would encourage you not to give up.
3. Research different scholarships/financial aid on the internet. I was shocked how many different grants/financial aid there are for students. Many requirements are not to bad and some will even open up additional aid. Many students do not go down this avenue because it seems overwhelming and time consuming. However, I would encourage you to keep an open mind and set your self smaller goals to accomplish each requirement.
Good luck on the journey!
1. I would first research/find some different schools that you want to attend. There are pro's/con's being close to home the first couple years of university. I would advise asking friends or networking to find good schools that you would like to attend. You have to be carful reading publications about the "best" universities to attend because these publications usually get paid a fee to "sell" the university to their readers.
2. Once you find a school to attend I would connect to counselors at the school to get their opinion and assistance on the best courses to take. Also, while visiting the school I would try and connect to other students to get their "take" on different classes the university has to offer.
Counselors also can advise you on any scholarships or financial aid that the university offers its students. Some of the requirements may be stringent but I would encourage you not to give up.
3. Research different scholarships/financial aid on the internet. I was shocked how many different grants/financial aid there are for students. Many requirements are not to bad and some will even open up additional aid. Many students do not go down this avenue because it seems overwhelming and time consuming. However, I would encourage you to keep an open mind and set your self smaller goals to accomplish each requirement.
Good luck on the journey!
Nicole Pugachenko
6
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
I'm not sure if I can help with the choice of the course, but there are options on how to find cheaper education. I hope this guide helps you a little.
✻ Apply for grant to any university you will be applying.
✻ Search for medical university courses in your country that are not expensive for you.
(Look for grants in your country and grants in other countries if you are thinking to travel abroad).
✻ Look up the countries with cheap living for students.
✻ Search up the countries where there are courses with a medical education that are financially available to you.
✻ Combine the country and university.
✻ Apply for grant to any university you will be applying.
✻ Search for medical university courses in your country that are not expensive for you.
(Look for grants in your country and grants in other countries if you are thinking to travel abroad).
✻ Look up the countries with cheap living for students.
✻ Search up the countries where there are courses with a medical education that are financially available to you.
✻ Combine the country and university.
Sikawayi Williams
Counselor
229
Answers
Hampton, Virginia
Updated
Sikawayi’s Answer
Hello Hershey, great question I knew a lot of people who wanted to go into the medical field but because they didn't come from affluent homes, they didn't think they would qualify for the programs available. Work very hard and apply for any and every scholarship they have. If you are able to get a full ride for your bachelor's degree. you can work while obtaining your bachelor's degree. You will end up owing some money, but you can make it without mom and dad being filthy rich. Best of luck.
Karina Tsimerman
12
Answers
Bath, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Karina’s Answer
Hi Hershey!
That’s a great question.
First of all, I would suggest not to narrow down course options based on financial situation because there is a variety of scholarships available. Try to search for financial aid. Also, it would definitely help to research and contact specific universities you would want to attend, admissions teams there will be able to answer specific questions regarding your future application. Lastly, I would encourage you to pursue education in the field you are passionate about because that’s what makes a professional!
Hope it helps!
That’s a great question.
First of all, I would suggest not to narrow down course options based on financial situation because there is a variety of scholarships available. Try to search for financial aid. Also, it would definitely help to research and contact specific universities you would want to attend, admissions teams there will be able to answer specific questions regarding your future application. Lastly, I would encourage you to pursue education in the field you are passionate about because that’s what makes a professional!
Hope it helps!
Dylan Wintrode
Financial Advising
6
Answers
Toms River, New Jersey
Updated
Dylan’s Answer
Hi Marie,
If I was to restart college I would start by taking classes that genuinely interested me. Then from there speak with professors and your advisors about career paths and tracks for certain degrees. Bottom line is nothing is more difficult than taking a class that you have absolutely zero interest in, then you will have no drive to be present or study. In terms of the financial burden I would recommend looking into careers that encompass what you like to do on a day to day basis whether that is following financial markets, following politics, news, science, etc... I have found that it is easy to do a job well that you enjoy doing, and when you like what you are doing it sets you up for success in the future.
If I was to restart college I would start by taking classes that genuinely interested me. Then from there speak with professors and your advisors about career paths and tracks for certain degrees. Bottom line is nothing is more difficult than taking a class that you have absolutely zero interest in, then you will have no drive to be present or study. In terms of the financial burden I would recommend looking into careers that encompass what you like to do on a day to day basis whether that is following financial markets, following politics, news, science, etc... I have found that it is easy to do a job well that you enjoy doing, and when you like what you are doing it sets you up for success in the future.