First off, my desired career is to be a physician-scientist. I will need an undergraduate degree and then have to get accepted into one of the specifically designed dual degree programs for physician-scientists.
Currently I have been attending community college, and I just finished my first (full) semester, but I am out of the little money that I had saved. I have no idea how I will pay for school and living expenses.
I was denied federal grants, and I do plan to use the allotted amount of the federal loans. Then I guess I will have to supplement with private loans, but this is just my undergrad. I know its bad to take money out for pre-med, but what other choice do I have? Would it be different for my career path, and the amount of free funds (like scholarships) that are available?
I was told by one of my professors that the MD, PhD programs often pay for tuition and can sometimes be fully funded, is this accurate?
Btw, I do plan on apply for scholarships from here on foward, especially for my undergrad. I have a 4.0 so I hope that will help with getting them.
Yes, MD/PhD are fully funded but the admission bar is higher than MD, so higher GPA and MCAT.
MD/PhD programs also look for research aptitude since you are required to do a PhD over a 4 year period, splitting time between MD and PhD.
Most MD/PhD programs are fully funded, but MSTP funding is only available for US citizens and permanent residents.
MD/PhD program admission is extremely competitive–much more than MD-only programs… Research aptitude & experience is a must.
Why were you denied federal grants? Are you a US citizen or permanent resident? Do you have a criminal record?
What was your HS GPA? Your SAT score?
With only one semester completed, some colleges may consider you a freshman and if you’re lower income you may qualify for scholarships from “meet need” colleges. What’s your family’s income? Are they able/willing to help you?
MDPHD’s are indeed fully funded, but they expect a very high GPA and excellence in research. Read the tumbler by AFrenchie36 to have an idea of what you should do in order to qualify for a MDPHD. He’s a good example (was hard working, a top 10% but not top 1% student in HS, found his calling in research and surgery).