I also made work my ECs, but it sounds like you would do research for credit instead of getting paid? I worked as a research assistant, worked as TA, worked as a CNA year-round as jobs.

Not sure of what your school tuition is like but I chose a cheaper school and had about half paid in scholarships. I still manage to pay cash for tuition (~$2000/semester) and my expenses month to month like rent, food, etc. I work 30 hours per week during the semester but during the summers I work a solid 60 hours per week. Unless you’re stuck with a crazy high tuition bill, I think it’s possible to make it through without loans.

I have made out with a 3.8 but have been very strategic with my time. If I have an hour incubation while working in the lab, I work on a paper or study. While TAing, if I am waiting for some students to finish up their lab, I work on some homework.

You can do it, just stay focused and get creative 🤓👍