Grad school | June 4, 2020 | Joshua Yang
Joshua Yang, grad student and Sallie Mae Bridging the Dream for Graduate Student Scholarship recipient, gives tips on paying for grad school, using tools like scholarships, fellowships, and even the financial aid office.
I had always dreamed of being at the frontiers of medicine and science, advancing innovation both at the bedside and benchside. I earned my way to a fully funded MD-PhD position at the Johns Hopkins University. I was on a path to make my dreams happen, and even better – I didn’t have to think about how to pay for it. What more could I have wanted?
Yet, sitting in lecture halls listening to why X therapeutic works best for Y disease, I wondered if I was in the right place. While I strongly believe in the value of practicing medicine, my experiences in healthcare entrepreneurship showed me that I would rather lead and spark innovation than practice as a pure clinician. Was this fully funded program even the right path for me? Suddenly, a lesson from a former business class popped into my head: pivots are essential for long-term success. To gain credibility in the biotechnology space and to be a future leader in healthcare, I knew that I needed to complete an MBA. It was time for my pivot. But at what cost?
After some serious research on my options, including how to pay for grad school myself, I decided to enroll in Stanford’s business school. It’s a decision I’m supremely happy with, but it took countless hours to discover what financial resources would be available.
To help other students considering grad school (or their own pivot), here’s what I learned about paying for grad school:
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Reflecting on my path to grad school, and my decision to pivot, I asked a mentor of mine about the difficulties of predicting determining the trajectory of one’s career. Her response continues to resonate with me: "In this time of your life, do what you are really passionate about. It tends to put you in a direction that will open other doors later."
If you’re passionate about continuing your education, don’t let the thought of paying for it be what stops you. You can work directly with the school to identify financial aid opportunities, and who knows, maybe even win a huge scholarship or two. Apply for grad school, and doors may open for you, too.