Question: I am from Tennessee and I want to get an associates degree here. After that, I want to get my bachelor’s degree and go to med school in another state. For the medical school, would I have to pay out of state tuition or could I get in state tuition since I would be getting my bachelor’s there?
Answer: Good question. For tuition purposes, you generally need to live in a state for one year. Some states are a little stingy about that, though. Some states, for example, will say that if you are in the state just going to college, that doesn’t count You have to be working.
So, call the medical schools where you are thinking of applying and ask about “establishing residency for tuition purposes.” Generally you’ll talk to the registrar at the school. You could also call the medical school’s financial aid office. They would know the rules and who to contact.
The two states with the most public medical schools are California and Texas, so if you’re interested in medical school, those are good states to move to. Texas medical schools are also a lot cheaper than California medical schools (like $14,000 vs. $30,000).
It’s good to start doing other things now as well to start making yourself a great medical school applicant. Being a resident of a state with a lot of medical schools is a good start. Medical schools look at 8 main categories to accept a student, described in my eBook and on my admissions page. If you start preparing yourself in those areas now, you’ll be able to get into the school of your choice.
Good luck!