Let me start off by saying this might come off a little whiny, for that I apologize.

Okay, here is the deal, I'm currently in college and aspiring to go to medical school. Now, I know that medical students leave medical school with around 80,000 - 100,000 dollars of debt, if not more. I also know that the price of transitioning is quite steep as well. So, how do I manage to transition working 30 hours a week at minimum wage job, while still making it through college and proceeding to medical school?

It seems no matter how I crunch numbers something is going to give. I really want to go to medical school, and I really need to afford to transition. Lucky for me, I'm living with my mum for now, and she is fulling accepting of my GDI. Basically, it won't be a problem for another two years, until my mum gets reassigned (currently a nurse in the military). I'm a little hesitant to move with her and lose another year of college, which happened when I moved back in with her. Colleges are very greedy

(edit)
It occurred to me that I probably should elaborate why I don't have enough money. Due to moving out on my own and some poor choices I ended up with about 5.4k in CC debt. 3,000 of that was to help pay for school for a year, which was a private loan. Also, because my mum makes so much money and I'm still considered a dependent, I don't get a lot of money from financial aid, so I usually end up paying about 1.2k for a semester. Although my GPA is currently at a 3.65, I never hear back from any scholarships I apply for.

I know there are a lot savvy women out there who have transitioned. So, does anyone have any advice?

First you have to be accepted to med school. The interview will be difficult it you are in transition. Finish the first four years first that way you have a degree to help make good money if you do not get accepted. Then you can transition.

I'm honestly not worried about being accepted to medical school, I'm smart enough to do it, I'm determined enough to do it, therefore I will do it. However, I think it's important to look forward especially regarding a transition since it's such a major life turning event. So, While it may not be important to look at an event that has yet to occur - I think it's important to consider all aspects.

Also, I'm already in the process of transitioning, and it something I have to do. I'm not going to wait until I finish a four year degree to transition, if I did that I might end up dead in a ditch somewhere.

Regardless, I thank you for your opinion and advice.

QuoteI'm smart enough to do it, I'm determined enough to do it, therefore I will do it

It does not matter how smart or confident you are. The AMA controls the number who go to med school. If the AMA does not like you they will not accept you. My daughter wants to be a VET along with 450 in her school. She worked for a VET that is on the interview team. They only accept 115. The others are out of luck. You better have a back up plan.

I don't see how, with a 3.65 GPA, you are so confident you'll be accepted into med school.  3.65 ain't so hot.

Quote from: Mister on August 03, 2009, 04:20:48 PM
I don't see how, with a 3.65 GPA, you are so confident you'll be accepted into med school.  3.65 ain't so hot.

Clearly it was a bad idea to ask for any advice towards this subject, since people seem to be intent on informing me that I will not get into medical school for x, y, or z reason. My advisor informs me that I stand an incredibly good chance of getting into medical school for my extracurricular activities, some of which include Habitat for Humanity, job shadowing a doctor and a nurse, missionary work, and volunteering at a hospital.

Admission boards don't just look at a GPA, they look at the MCAT's scores, and volunteer work.

However, if it makes you feel better, I always have/had a back up plan

as a lot of people here, Mister included, I don't often agree with Mister, but in this case, I'm going to cut him a break.  Med Schools want more than that for a GPA, hell, I went to grad school in History, and I had a 3.8, and that was low.

Budget, budget, budget.

Know what you have, where it is going, and what will be left. Any clinics in the area? Can you go to a cheaper group support meeting rather than paying for the expensive one on one? Insurance coverage?

If you can only afford to take hormone blockers through college then be content with that and know that once you are done that you can ramp up on transition. This does not need to be an all or nothing situation. Baby steps may take awhile but you will eventually get to your destination.

As for med school, go for it and kick some butt along the way. I had people tell me I would never get into a school and program that was rated higher than other prestigious universities but I did it in the end. And then decided not to attend but that is another story.

Med school is expensive, but the loans are reasonable and are scaled to what will work for you ( you're a good risk ).  As well, after med school you have the chance, pretty quickly, to be making a very good living.  Hence I wouldn't worry too much about those $$.  The transition $ are more pressing issue because that has to be paid up front.  Budget and plan... good luck