<prompt> Human: I am currently accepted to a medical school in the NYC area. I dont think I have taken my finances seriously until recently, meaning now that I am accepted. I have 15K in debt, which Ive paid down from 17.5K since January. a good amount of the debt came from paying off medical bills 1 year back while I was uninsured, which Ive been paying off slowly but not making a priority. I know, a stupid decision. Family cant help me.I work in research and Im making decent money. Should I consider deferring reserving my acceptance but delaying entry a year to stay in research and publish more papers while simultaneously paying off all my debt before going to school? I dont know how I will be able to handle this debt once I begin school since I really only have myself to rely on. and myself to blame.Only other asset includes 401k, which I know should is usually seen as a terrible option to dip into. Also, some people suggest paying off credit debt with school loans, but I think I have way to much debt for that.Any advice will help.  <response>: you cant afford NOT to go to school.think about it... you want to delay 6 figure income by a year to try and repay 15k? Get out of med school 1 year earlier and youll offset 15kinterest in your first 3 months. 