Cary Benedict, age 16, of Bennington, Vt., for his question:

CAN A POOR PERSON GO TO MEDICAL SCHOOL?

Medical schools are very expensive and a student who plans to enter one must look forward to many years of hard study. To become a doctor, a young woman or man faces a long, difficult and expensive training period. But even if he or she is poor, it is possible for any bright young person to become a doctor.

If you feel that your family will be unable to meet the high costs of four years in a college or university followed by another four years in a medical school, discuss the problem with your folks and with your teachers. Your teachers, especially, will be able to give you assistance in helping you to apply for scholarships.

Many bright young people who are unable to obtain scholarships work part time to pay for their medical training. This is a very difficult way of life, but it can definitely be done if there is determination.