OMG!!!! Why is it so expensive..med school??? Up to $300,000!!! I want to faint
By Renhard
@Renhard (3471)
Jamaica
April 25, 2011 5:13pm CST
I really want to be a neurosurgeon. Really. Do you personally think it is worth paying up to $300,000. That is alot. Really alot. Where can I even get all that money in the first place.
Do you have any tips to tell me please, anything will help? ANything at all.
I am wondering if I really can survive that.
I seriously never knew it would really cost that much just to learn some medicine. I guess it is a special medicine.
Please share all your views. I would appreciate every single one of them.
5 people like this
17 responses
@K46620 (1986)
• United States
27 Apr 11
Sure.
“government's various restrictions on entry into medicine” Mandatory licensing and other regulations on schools and doctors increase the costs of entering the medical field.
“inflation” Anytime new money is created out of thin air by the banking system, you have more money chasing the same amount of goods. This results in rising prices. It’s why the cost of living is always going up.
“subsidized student loans” When the government subsidizes student loans, they increase the amount of money students can afford to pay. Colleges can charge more money, since students now have more to spend. That’s why nearly everyone needs a student loan these days to make it through. A long time ago one could often pay for college with income from a summer job.
I suspect these three reasons play a big role in the shocking $300K price tag that’s staring you in the face
@Kirinx (1688)
• United States
25 Apr 11
dude thats wayy to much money.i dont know if i wouldnt jump into that right away.I mean you could get into some serious debt.almost anything dealing with the medical field is in and booming.
so you may want to change what you want to do.i mean at least until you can afford it.
Goodluck!
@Renhard (3471)
• Jamaica
25 Apr 11
If i wait until I can actually afford it then I would have a major problem. What I mean is that the years to fully complete everything to be a neurosurgeon will take around 16 years. i really dont have that much time to waste even one year. I have to try to get thorugh straight, without any stopping.
I was wondering though if I should just stick to student loans. The only disadvantage of that however is that I HAVE TO MAKE IT THROUGH ON ONE GO WITHOUT FAILING NOT EVEN ONCE!!!
If i can do that and become a successful neurosurgeon, I will be able to pay off that loan in 1 to 2 years? What do you think about that?
A neurosurgeon salary is over 200,000 anually. But if for some reason I cant make it through to be a neurosurgeon or I do graduate but still cant get a job (which i doubt) then I will be in serious debt. Real serious.
Should i take the chance? I think I can make it through but at the same time, anything is possible.
@Kirinx (1688)
• United States
26 Apr 11
im not really sure what you should do.you have to calculate with a 200,000 yearly salary would you be able to pay back those loans.dont forget you have to calculate food,rent,clothes if you live on your own.
Im not sure if you should take the chance but i would talk it over with your parents as finiacial aid will tell you anyting you want to hear.
@Renhard (3471)
• Jamaica
28 Apr 11
Yes it is like $200,000 the first year, but as you advance or progress through the career, the salary increase. I have seen a bit of interviews of neurosurgeon. Some saying that the minimum get is up to $300,000 and the maximum you can get is up to $1,000,000 per annum. But i prefer to stick with the lowest salary $200,000 for now. But based on all the other stuff i feel I will still be able to live life comfortable while paying off those loans.
@celticeagle (168142)
• Boise, Idaho
26 Apr 11
I don't really have any tips but something perhaps to help you realize why medical school is so expensive. First, it is 2011. Secondly, do you know what all you will learn in the next four years? Everything there is to know about cells, blood, arteries, chemicals, muscles, bones, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and then your best side manner. Its all expensive. It is a grand endeavor. And then there is a two or three years residency on top of that.
@celticeagle (168142)
• Boise, Idaho
27 Apr 11
I am just trying to give to you the reality of the situation. I wish you well.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
28 Apr 11
Wow, that is a ton of money. I wanted to be a doctor when I was younger, but I put that dream to the side because the other thing that was important for me was to be a mother and I was granted the opportunity to be a mother before I had applied to medical school. With that said, I would probably look into seeing what kinds of loans that you could get because you would probably be able to pay them off without any kind of problem after you start a practice. Wow, neurosurgery is a very specialized field though.
@Renhard (3471)
• Jamaica
28 Apr 11
Neurosurgery, yup, very specialize. And i hope after going into medical school i dont find anything else in medicine that i would change my mind for. I got to stick straight with my goals and dont shift anyway from becoming a neurosurgeon. It also looks like loans are the best way to go.
@Loneliest1 (4)
• United States
2 May 11
Well you can work your way through it... the school that you currently attend has a great old boy/alumni standing..... you may not be a pure G student but they will appreciate a passionate letter and a passionate student.... and you can probably get that scholarship you just gotta have the attitude for it...... try the Canadians though.... there is the one guy that makes 15 billion pounds a year...... lol ikr isnt tht a lot..... idk if he makes tht every year but tht was the quota last year.... and you can even apply for the jps one.... i could try a link their
@ohsodianne (433)
• Philippines
26 Apr 11
I have the same dream. :) I will start medical school this June. My family hasn't got the money to send me to medical school so I tried to get really good grades in my pre-med course. Fortunately enough, my hard work payed off and I got a full scholarship at the school I enrolled in. Maybe finding a school that will give you scholarships will help! Work hard for it! best of luck!
@katrinapaz (2436)
• Philippines
26 Apr 11
hey dianne have you already taken the nmat? :) i have a reviewer you might want to buy :)
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
26 Apr 11
Never borrow more for education than your first years' salary. Are you wanting neurosurgery for the money or are you really passionate about it? You could become a registered nurse first then work your way through college with that salary, that's what a lot of medical students here in the U.S. do. Others have the military pay their education in exchange for a couple of years of service, do you have that option?
Examine your motives, your needs and your ambitions to see if you're sure of your field of study. You may want to stick to family practice, nursing, or even go into something else like engineering. Just be sure you're not in it for the money or you'll be very unhappy.
@Renhard (3471)
• Jamaica
26 Apr 11
I really am passionate about it. Really. Last year I was about to go straight into college and do computers even though my ultimate career was to become a neurosurgeon. But the only reason i was thinking to do computers last year was because I just wanted to leave school early. No other reason. I just wanted to be a "working adult" as soon as possible. But then I learn there are no shortcuts in life, so I am just sticking to my true goals, to become a neurosurgeon.
@LadyMarissa (12148)
• United States
26 Apr 11
It IS a lot of money & it could conceivably be more!!! 
I guess the question is...do you believe in yourself??? 
The next question should be...can you earn a living to take care of your family & your debt for 8-10 years before you actually become a Neurosurgeon??? Are you capable of going to school for 8 years while working a full time job??? When I was 17, I thought I had the desire to be a veterinarian!!! However, by the time I graduated high school, reality had shown me that I didn't have a real desire nor the dedication needed to complete the task!!! DON'T sell yourself short!!! On the other hand, don't oversell yourself either!!! Look close at yourself & weigh the pros & cons of everything you have to reason with!!!! I think it is wise that you start thinking of this now in place of waiting until it's time to put in your college applications. Maybe you should begin checking out scholarships in your chosen field!!!
I guess the question is...do you believe in yourself??? The next question should be...can you earn a living to take care of your family & your debt for 8-10 years before you actually become a Neurosurgeon??? Are you capable of going to school for 8 years while working a full time job??? When I was 17, I thought I had the desire to be a veterinarian!!! However, by the time I graduated high school, reality had shown me that I didn't have a real desire nor the dedication needed to complete the task!!! DON'T sell yourself short!!! On the other hand, don't oversell yourself either!!! Look close at yourself & weigh the pros & cons of everything you have to reason with!!!! I think it is wise that you start thinking of this now in place of waiting until it's time to put in your college applications. Maybe you should begin checking out scholarships in your chosen field!!!
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
26 Apr 11
According to your profile you are 17 so you could take you ambition one step at a time. First of all getting into medical school is the first step. There may be scholarships available. In my country there is a system called H.E.C.S. where the government will lend student tuition fees with the agreement that it will be paid back when he or she starts working. Is there any such assistance in your country? The other option is taking on a job and studying part time, not an easy one but it can be done; my brother in law put himself through engineering school by working and studying at the same time. You could work towards a medical degree; get a job as a doctor and study to specialize in neurosurgery while you are earning a good income. Do not give up on your dreams; just take one step at a time. Good luck...
@Renhard (3471)
• Jamaica
26 Apr 11
Yup I am going to take it once step at a time. One more thing though. I really would want to work and study in the USA but I now currently live in Jamaica. I really really want to fly out. How would that be possible. If I study as an international student then the med school fee would be much more. Wow things are so difficult.
1 person likes this
@Renhard (3471)
• Jamaica
28 Apr 11
Hey thanks, by the way the salary for a neurosurgeon per annum is basically OVER that. So I wasn't really looking at it as not being able to pay back. All i am saying is that anything is possible and if i so happen to fail med school in anyway then I would be in serious debt.
@sender621 (14893)
• United States
26 Apr 11
Anything worth achieving is worth the sacrifice. it can seem almost out of our reach at times, but if it is something we truly want for our lives, we manage to find a way to realize it.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
28 Apr 11
I surely believe it my friend because just my own 4 year college cost me $140,000 in loans. If you are going to medical school it may be well worth it in the end if you can think about the earnings later.
@GoldenAsh (290)
• United States
26 Apr 11
You remind me of my dreams to become a doctor. I could not achieve my dream but I wish that you are successful.
I think that you should try to make some money online or offline. Then you should save a little for your dream. I think you should try your best to accomplish your objective to become a surgeon. In United States of America, medical school is also very expensive./ I have heard of many people who save up money for some years and then join medical school.
@katrinapaz (2436)
• Philippines
26 Apr 11
i think you should try and scout for available scholarships in the school you wish to attend. I know of a school here in the Philippines which provides books subsidy to the medical students and that already helps a lot because of the many books that med students read.
@Renhard (3471)
• Jamaica
26 Apr 11
You see I really want to study in the USA but I currently now live in Jamaica. Actually I want to live there as well. And I am suppose to be applying for college the end of this year to go college next year September. Don't know which college/ university to pick though.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
26 Apr 11
Wow. That is alot of money but if you can make it through it, you would definitely make your money back in no time. Maybe you could get a student loan or something like that?
@Renhard (3471)
• Jamaica
26 Apr 11
I was also thinking the student loan. But the only problem is that I would, it is a must that I would have to go through everything in one go and dont ever fail one course. Fail one course and it is basically over and I would seriously be stuck in some debt. I really cant afford that.
@ElicBxn (63640)
• United States
26 Apr 11
there is a reason why doctors cost so much, and it isn't them trying to cheat the insurance, its that they are trying to pay their medical bills!
IF you do well enough in school, you can get scholarships, I know someone who was so outstanding that he got a scholarship to med school, and then to become an eye doctor...
So, if you want to be a doctor, and then specialize, work REALLY hard in school in hopes you can get scholarships!
@Renhard (3471)
• Jamaica
26 Apr 11
I guess i actually will have to try to work hard to actually reach the point where I can earn a scholarship because I really need it in these time. I am now aiming for the best grades. If you try to be the best at what you do, you will get great rewards.
1 person likes this
@cgrant (270)
• Spanish Town, Jamaica
26 Apr 11
I think it is worth paying the $300,000 to become a neurosurgeon. If this is something you want to do and you are serious about this then you should go ahead. One of the reasons why medicine is so expensive is because it is one of the highest paying professions. Most persons who study medicine eventual make back their money. It is important to understand that education is one of the best investment to make and one should not forfeit such investment.
Government offer scholarships on a yearly basis and you could shop around and find out whether of not there is any available which you can take advantage of. There is also the choice of working part time and going to school.
Good luck my friend and do not give up on your dream. God will work out a way for you.
@Renhard (3471)
• Jamaica
26 Apr 11
Ok i guess I have to just work and try my best to go right through it. I am about to do exam now like in the next 2 weeks. Everybody is expecting me to pass all of them with one of the highest grade. Right now I feel like the pressure is on and I dont want to disappoint my teachers. But all this pressure is making me feel like not to study. I have a basic understanding and knowledge of all the topics in each subject. And that basic understanding is making me feel like I am practically ready for the exam. I know I am not though. I think I wont sleep tonight. I am just going to study right throughout the night. I hope it pays off in the end.
