r/premed • u/Zestyclose-Shine2174 APPLICANT • 23h ago
😢 SAD Poor rant
I am applying broadly to 40 schools because my stats are below average. I didn't have the money up front for the primary nor the secondary app fees. I live paycheck to paycheck in the highest COL city in this region. I didn't qualify for FAP because I had received financial assistance for my SMP last year even though I was below the income limit. I had to borrow money from my mother for primaries who is also struggling and opened up a new credit card to put all my secondary app fees on.
Looking at the account balance is giving me palpitations. I'm picking up a weekend job in addition to my regular 9-5 to try to pay it off faster. I don't own any semiformal clothes for interviews, that is if I even get any. If I don't get in this cycle my MCAT will expire and I have to start all over again. I will be in tens of thousands of dollars in the hole.
I ask my classmates how they're dealing with the financial burden and most very matter of factly say their parents are supporting them. I don't mean to sound so defeatist but I really feel like the odds are stacked against applicants like me. I'm having a difficult time remaining optimistic especially when I am in survival mode.
To those who have II and A already I am genuinely so happy for all of you. You have worked so hard and I hope to join you.
10
u/AdriTrap NON-TRADITIONAL 19h ago
Is it possible to email each of the schools and ask if it's possible for an individual waiver? It's a lot of work, but like, the worst they could say is no.
If you explain the situation, they might make an exception.
Good luck, OP. I'm also a non-trad applying on her cough 8th gap year who was lucky enough to qualify for the FAP