Dear So and So

[emily_in_nc]

Just heard from my insurance company about how much the dog bites is going to cost me....worse than I feared. Sigh....

Going to go ride some of this stress off on my bike. I could almost purchase another bike for what this will cost me, so am VERY glad I already have the mountain bike

I'm so sorry...that really sucks that you are having to pay for something that is clearly someone else's total responsibility. Not to mention the pain and scaring (emotional and physical) you're dealing with.

[Owlie]

Catrin, that sucks!

Dear master's program and financial aid system--
Your whole intent is to leave me broke, isn't it? $12,000 a year, not including books and living expenses. I don't have that kind of money. Unfortunately, my parents were far too conscientious about saving money for my education. So it's not like I have no money...meaning I get no financial aid apart from federal loans, and will graduate with a master's degree, no money, no real job prospects, and in debt. (I wonder what would happen if I blew all my savings on a car...)

For my end goals, this is probably the best thing to do. It's not the smart thing to do.

[tulip]

Catrin, that sucks!

Dear master's program and financial aid system--
Your whole intent is to leave me broke, isn't it? $12,000 a year, not including books and living expenses. I don't have that kind of money. Unfortunately, my parents were far too conscientious about saving money for my education. So it's not like I have no money...meaning I get no financial aid apart from federal loans, and will graduate with a master's degree, no money, no real job prospects, and in debt. (I wonder what would happen if I blew all my savings on a car...)

For my end goals, this is probably the best thing to do. It's not the smart thing to do.

Owlie, can you go to an in-state school? It's very much worth it to not end up in debt after graduation. In the end, it doesn't so much matter where you went to school as much as it matters what you can do for your employer.

Also, they cannot count your parent's income since you are an independent student (all grad students are considered independent from parents for financial aid purposes. At least that's how it worked when I was a financial aid counselor at a large university).

[tulip]

Catrin, arguing with insurance companies and hospitals is no fun, but it really is worth it. I find that if I put myself in the position of advocating for someone else (i.e., pretend I'm calling for someone else--like it's my job), I can stand up for my "client" (moi) a whole lot better than if it's just little ole me. Might work for you, too.

At the very least, whatever you owe the hospital, you should be able to work out a payment plan that will work with your finances. $100 a month or whatever--better than losing money on your bike, not to mention losing your bike.

[Owlie]

Tulip, this is a state school, and I count as an in-state student. It's not even a big state school. Ohio has expensive public universities compared to some. I looked at California students' outrage over tuition increases and went "Huh? Even with the increase, that's less than OSU's!" (Granted, Ohio is much cheaper than California to live in...)

I'm filing my FAFSA anyway, but the money in question is in my name, not my parents'. (Well, one is joint, which is where it gets weird.) This was not my first choice of plans (thanks, federal grant situation!), so while it may put me in a better place when it comes to PhD admissions--they like academics--the fact of the matter is that in the long run, it's probably not a good idea. And frankly, I'm not even sure at this point that the PhD is worth it. Not enough jobs.

I should have been an engineer. (ha!)

[indysteel]

Owlie, I know you've probably mentioned this in past thread, but what do you intend to study and what's your intended career path?

[Owlie]

Owlie, I know you've probably mentioned this in past thread, but what do you intend to study and what's your intended career path?

Toxicology or pharmacology and toxicology. As for my intended career path, that's all sort of up in the air at the moment. Academia isn't a great option because academic jobs, especially tenure-track ones, are so scarce. Industry...I could go into the food or consumer products (toothpaste, cosmetics) industry, as much as I don't like the idea. Pharmaceuticals, while probably more suited to my interests, isn't in a good place because there's nothing in the pipeline at the moment. And the only other places I can think of that would hire me are the EPA, FDA or NIH, and that's not an option for the next couple years, at the very least.

[tulip]

I have a friend who got her bachelors in toxicology and works in the state medical examiner's office doing forensic toxicology. Paid very well and she loves it. She's been doing to since waaaay before CSI, Bones, and the like. No graduate school needed in her case (but I have no idea about the particulars and job advancement opportunities).