How does an intelligent, passionate (and poor) 18 year old punk become a doctor?

Question

I have always known that i wanted to live my life for the benefit of others, it seems that helping people may be one of the few things that make me truly happy. Being a doctor is a way i think i could do this.. Im not interested in the money, social status, or the stupid title, i want to help people, but i come from a very poor family, im 18 and have been on my own for two years, but after being layed off from my once stable job, and finding how difficult it is in todays world for a tattood 18 year old to find good work, i barely manage to scrape together enough for rent every month. I don't care how hard it would be from my position, im just asking if anyone has a bit of advice for a humanitarian who wants to see change?

Answer 1

look into md/phd programs.  generally they are fully funded.  of course since you are earning the research degree on top of the medical one, school will take longer, but hey it's free.

also, your phd research just might save lives too.

Answer 2

Well, you need to go to college.  You can start by going to community colleges and then go from there.  There is financial aid (grants and student loans) that are available.  FAFSA is where you need to look.  Also, be prepared to work hard and be poor for a little while.  The financial aid will help you out a little.

Good luck

Answer 3

Start by filing a FAFSA. This will give you a pell grant, work study, and student loans.

Next, apply to college. The college you go to will depend on your high school grades and extracurriculars. Make sure to choose a university with a decent reputation. If you have poor grades, you'll need to start at a community college. There's nothing wrong with this. I had to do the same thing and am now attending a university. If you do the community college route, try for a high GPA and make sure the classes you take will transfer to your university of choice.

While in college, you should be able to get scholarships with a high enough GPA. Try state, national, and online databases. You can also try for Americorps which will give a living stipend and education reward. You can apply for this now, since all you need for most of the programs is a high school diploma. Medical schools look at everything, not just grades. They like to see experience with patients, such as hospice, hospital, etc. They also like leaders/educators. Most colleges will have a leadership/service department. Knowing a foreign language couldn't hurt, as well as studying abroad.

Look through all the links and email me if you need anymore help.

Don't give up. I came from a poor background and am now almost a junior in college. I plan on being an Occupational Therapist.

Answer 4

You can go into the military and they will pay for med school

Answer 5

go to a hospital and steal a name tag and lab coat?

Answer 6

You're right, its going to be hard.  However, someone your age living on their own would likely get most or all of your tuition paid for at a community college or university depending on your previous grades and test scores.  You'd have to either take out school loans or work close to full time to pay for living expenses and other costs that that college doesn't cover, but it's possible.

I come from a family that was middle class.  We never had enough money to go on vacations but we never had to worry too much about paying bills.  However, my dad was laid off and spent 4 years unemployed due to his lack of a college degree.  Now he works for 50% of his old paycheck, and obviously our family is now in the lower bracket...I got fairly good grades in school (3.2+) and have had all my tuition paid for every year of college so far.  I've had to spend about 10k a year on living expenses, but my job covers close to all of that! Go for it!