Financial Aid

Nontraditional Premed Discussion
1

Hi again,


I’m looking into starting a post-bacc totally on my own. Probably through a UC extension. I have a quick question. Since I’m a single mom, I need to continue to work full-time. I think puts me above anything that qualifies for financial aid… but I don’t make enough to pay ~$500-600/class + books/supplies.


Have any of you gone through this? Did you apply for private loans? I was hoping I could get some sort of financial aid…


Thanks a million, ANY advice would be appreciated!!!

2

Hello EllaMaara,


I have not gone through the process yet but have done enough research to hopefully answer your question. I’m sure you would qualify for unsubsidized/subsidized federal student loans. Most post-bacc programs are viewed as a graduate program (most schools anyway) and students are eligible for the Stafford Loan and in your case the Loan Plus for being a parent. Depending on the schools CSU or UC, the cost of the program will vary so some students do end up taking out an additional private loan in order to cover living expense (room & board etc.) which again depending on the school will most likely be off campus. Private Loans will come through a 3rd party like a Banking Firm.


The problem with being from California is that most of these programs are offered in cities that have a fairly high cost of living. For me, I’m looking at SFSU or CSU East Bay as they are the most affordable programs at the moment. But I have to factor in the cost of living in the Bay Area which is really high.


However, if you plan on living at home and is someone who doesn’t have to worry about making any mortgage payments then just take the least amount of loans needed. Remember there is a maximum that can be borrowed and the cost of med school does start to add up so keep that in mind when starting a post-bacc program as they can end up being anywhere from 1-2 years. So add that to the 4 years of Med School could equal to 6 years worth of loans. Then again, I don’t think many people ever reach the max allowance.


Hope that helps.


Regards,


Cliff

3

Hi Cliff!


Thanks so much for the info… I was just reading up on these subsidized/unsubsidized loans. The eligibility requirements states that the borrower needs to be working towards a degree or certificate. Seeing that i"ll be doing a “doing it on my own” post-bacc through UC extension… I’m worried I wouldn’t qualify? As I search more and more, it’s looking like us informal post-bacc students do not qualify…


are you applying to a formal program?


thanks again for all of your help, i really appreciate it!


ella

4

… and btw, if all else fails, i’ll just have to wait for spring quarter or summer quarter to save up some much needed $$ to enroll in 2 classes…


we gotta do what we gotta do!





-ella

5

I’m hoping to eventually move into a formal program at SFSU or Cal State East Bay. Those programs are viewed as a graduate or certificate program which will qualify students for loans when accepted into the program.


UC extensions are good but just make sure the courses are transferable. I believe there is a number range of 1-199 (pertaining to course number) that are transferable. Also I would recommend contacting some of your local schools if they have a post-bacc program. Many of the Colleges do have some sort of program whether you’re in Northern California or Southern.


Also check out this website if you haven’t already:


http://services.aamc.org/postbac/

6

thanks again cliffpremd,


i found that working or not, we can qualify for a portion of federal loans (i forgot, but it was one or the other of sub or unsub.).


i also found that if we work at a uc (like i do), we can qualify for a discounted tuition.


i wish you all the luck in your post-bac program!!! thanks again and again and again!..


-ella

7

You’re welcome ella! Good to know you’re able to get some discounts for working at a UC. Now then, any pointers on how I can get into one of those UC med schools?

8

haha i would love to give you pointers on UC medical school acceptances, but… i’m barely getting back in the game to start my post-bac. your guess is as good as mine! although, i’ve heard that UC medical schools weigh your stats pretty heavily, some more than others… and are very competitive!!


maybe you can try talking to admissions ppl at the programs, and of course… try doing a search on SDN!


-ella