I was an Eagle Scout and put it on all of my applications, even for residency. Interviewers almost always want to talk about it because it makes you unique.
Usuhs
- Thread starter AubreyMaturin
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I was an Eagle Scout and put it on all of my applications, even for residency. Interviewers almost always want to talk about it because it makes you unique.
Hi people,
So happy to see you people helping each other out. My situation is so unique that I couldn't get a single good advise, but I hope I can get some here.
Here is my situation:
1. I'm currently a foreign nation, planning to join the military through unique program (if open) and get my citizenship. If I join, I have to serve 4 years of active duty followed by 4 years of reserve. I don't know if I can change from active to reserve after BCT, but 4:4 is the standard now. And I will join as a medical specialist if the spot is available.
2. I finished my undergrad in a UK school 3 years ago (science major). The big problem is that their curriculum is totally different from the US one. Most UK schools use 3-year-trimester system with core subjects only. All my assigned classes were science/medical related ones with tons of labs (eg. Microbio, physio, anatomy, biochem, pharma etc.), but there was no such thing like 1 year bio or 1 year chem class. I'm confused if I have to take the pre-requisites all over again in the US school or the admission committee will consider those as pre-requisites.
3. Need to wait at least 2 years to join the military, so I will be doing all extra curricular activities once i get there including MCAT. Need to decide whether I should get a job or go to a school during the 2 years.
4. I'm a female, single, turning 27 this year, no plan to get married ever. OK with deployment (if needed). Want to have some time to visit my family abroad though.
5. I'm a 'learn-dy-doing' person and I want strong clinical-focused education rather than academic/research-focused education.
In this situation, what would be the best plan to prepare for a med school?
And I heard that some schools want candidates to take some courses in a U.S. school. Is this true? What about distance learning or online courses? Or should I go to classroom? If I take premed during that 2 years before military, it may 'expire' when I'm actually able to apply to any med school including USUHS.
And does the USUHS only accept candidates graduated from a U.S.,Canada, puerto Rico? If so, it's another BIG problem to me.
I know it's really complicated, but can anyone suggest me with a good plan? It's going to be a big life changing plan.
살려주세요 ㅠㅠㅠ
So happy to see you people helping each other out. My situation is so unique that I couldn't get a single good advise, but I hope I can get some here.
Here is my situation:
1. I'm currently a foreign nation, planning to join the military through unique program (if open) and get my citizenship. If I join, I have to serve 4 years of active duty followed by 4 years of reserve. I don't know if I can change from active to reserve after BCT, but 4:4 is the standard now. And I will join as a medical specialist if the spot is available.
2. I finished my undergrad in a UK school 3 years ago (science major). The big problem is that their curriculum is totally different from the US one. Most UK schools use 3-year-trimester system with core subjects only. All my assigned classes were science/medical related ones with tons of labs (eg. Microbio, physio, anatomy, biochem, pharma etc.), but there was no such thing like 1 year bio or 1 year chem class. I'm confused if I have to take the pre-requisites all over again in the US school or the admission committee will consider those as pre-requisites.
3. Need to wait at least 2 years to join the military, so I will be doing all extra curricular activities once i get there including MCAT. Need to decide whether I should get a job or go to a school during the 2 years.
4. I'm a female, single, turning 27 this year, no plan to get married ever. OK with deployment (if needed). Want to have some time to visit my family abroad though.
5. I'm a 'learn-dy-doing' person and I want strong clinical-focused education rather than academic/research-focused education.
In this situation, what would be the best plan to prepare for a med school?
And I heard that some schools want candidates to take some courses in a U.S. school. Is this true? What about distance learning or online courses? Or should I go to classroom? If I take premed during that 2 years before military, it may 'expire' when I'm actually able to apply to any med school including USUHS.
And does the USUHS only accept candidates graduated from a U.S.,Canada, puerto Rico? If so, it's another BIG problem to me.
I know it's really complicated, but can anyone suggest me with a good plan? It's going to be a big life changing plan.
살려주세요 ㅠㅠㅠ
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I'm a little bit confused by your timeline.
-You have a BS (from UK) 2013
-You will have an MCAT score performed in 2016-2017
-You will be completing a post-bac in 2016-2017
-You won't be able to get join the military until 2017.
Do I have that right?
Your situation is interesting...interesting enough to ask the schools that you will be applying to, because I doubt that many have gone down your route before. Certainly being a US citizen will be essential to USUHS. When will you gain your citizenship? I believe the issue may come down to whether or not you would get accepted coming from the UK. I honestly don't know, and everyone that I have personally known who has gone to USUHS was American. Again, I would ask the school.
The other issue is your military commitment. You have a 4:4 commitment, but you seem unsure what that commitment even consists of. Are you even eligible to be apart of the medical corp within that time? Will you receive your citizenship the moment that you sign up for the contract, or do you have to spend your time on active duty before becoming an US citizen? If the latter is the case...you will likely have to shoot for med school as your reserve years approach.
Know what you are signing before you sign it.
Good luck.
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간절히 원하시면 온 우주가 도와준다는 말을 들었습니다.
좋은 결과 있으시길 바래요.
좋은 결과 있으시길 바래요.
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나는 한국어로이 번역.
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Hey everyone! USUHS is my top choice right now but I don't plan on applying until next summer. I have started on my AMCAS application and have requested a few of my LORs to try and be proactive. I have a cgpa of a 3.1 from one year at the new university I transferred to but before this I completed three years at a different school and got my AS in veterinary technology there. My cgpa at that school was a 3.7 and this wasn't factored into my current cgpa. My science gpa overall is about a 3.6. When I transferred I went from an extremely small school (~1800 students) to a very large school (~26000) and certain classes were much larger and more difficult and I had trouble adjusting. However, I didn't fail anything but i did receive my first C's. I plan to take the MCAT this winter so I do not have any scores to go off of.
I have no experience or family history with the military. I am currently a volunteer fire fighter which I do during the school semesters and am working on my EMT certification. I'm also certified as a wildland fire fighter. I have a lot of medical experience in the veterinary field. I have worked in various clinics as a vet tech and went abroad to South Africa for a wildlife conservation program where we spent time volunteering with the SPCA and working with a veterinarian on game animals. I have probably spent about 600+ hours working as a vet tech but due to multiple factors I decided to change direction from pre-vet to pre-med. I have been switched for about a year and am involved with the pre-med group on campus so I shouldn't have a problem getting a committee letter from them. I also worked as a tutor for about two years and have spent time volunteering at a museum working with their wildlife and educating the public about these animals. I have also been shadowing an emergency physician that also serves as the chief of emergency medicine residents at the university I work as a vet tech for.
I have a very mixed background but I'm very concerned about my current cgpa. Does it sound like I would be a competitive applicant? I still have a year left to work on my gpa and I've been taking summer classes to try and improve it.
I have no experience or family history with the military. I am currently a volunteer fire fighter which I do during the school semesters and am working on my EMT certification. I'm also certified as a wildland fire fighter. I have a lot of medical experience in the veterinary field. I have worked in various clinics as a vet tech and went abroad to South Africa for a wildlife conservation program where we spent time volunteering with the SPCA and working with a veterinarian on game animals. I have probably spent about 600+ hours working as a vet tech but due to multiple factors I decided to change direction from pre-vet to pre-med. I have been switched for about a year and am involved with the pre-med group on campus so I shouldn't have a problem getting a committee letter from them. I also worked as a tutor for about two years and have spent time volunteering at a museum working with their wildlife and educating the public about these animals. I have also been shadowing an emergency physician that also serves as the chief of emergency medicine residents at the university I work as a vet tech for.
I have a very mixed background but I'm very concerned about my current cgpa. Does it sound like I would be a competitive applicant? I still have a year left to work on my gpa and I've been taking summer classes to try and improve it.
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Get your gpa up as much as you can. Once you get your MCAT scores come back. Then further guidance can be given. Good luck.
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What makes you feel those are low stats?
I'm really not being rude in asking but a 39 MCAT is phenomenal and if you have two published papers, hospital volunteer work. The GPA is the ONLY thing that is low in that. Continue volunteering and don't let your grades slip any more. I'm not sure if I'd mention the video game part.
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An extreme amount of debt or very close connection with someone who has committed an offense, ties to countries that are not friendly, etc
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There is a straightforward...though expensive way to fix your GPA. Go do a Special Master's Program, place in the top third or top quarter and apply. I am also not talking about a "do it yourself" post bac and taking random upper division bio classes like immunology and physiology but actually go to a program that makes you take classes and exams with medical students and you are being graded against the medical students. USUHS is actually holistic in their review of your numbers unlike most other schools in the country since all USUHS cares about is if you can handle medical school course loads. Successful placement in the top percentages of a medical school class is more than enough evidence for that. I was in a very very similar situation.
You do not need military service background but definitely find a few retired medical officers to shadow or at least talk to.
Thanks a lot! "ties to countries ..." My parent has relatives in China. Will that be an issue?
Thanks a lot for the advice! With a low undergraduate GPA, it might be hard for me to get into a good master's program. But I'll think about it.
Thanks for the advice.
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Your MCAT is sufficient. And by sufficient I meant really high so you should have no problem getting into one of the SMP I have been talking about. One thing to consider is to make sure the program you end up going to has a very high percentage of their graduates making it in to their native medical school or medical schools in general (~30-40%). And if they count Caribbean school matriculation as a "success" for their alumni go to another program.
Thanks a lot! Most graduate programs require GRE scores and a min undergraduate GPA that's higher than mine. I haven't found any master's program that accepts MCAT in stead of GRE. But I'll do some search in that direction. In the meantime, I wonder if I'll have any chance for USUHS with my current numbers.
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You want to look at premed grad programs. Those ones will look at MCAT. They will also be better prep.
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Thanks!
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Hello all. I have an interview here soon and have a quick question. I lost access to my MSAR and could not find this info on Google. I see 30 is the average MCAT but I am looking for 10th percentile. This was my farthest "reach" school due to a dismal MCAT 2015 score. I have a decent gpa and prior service and was utterly shocked to receive an interview but I want to hit this head on and approach it up front. My father was diagnosed with leukemia 4 months before my MCAT. I could not reschedule due to the Ed delay requirements for my rotc program. How should I approach this, or should I even mention it as I was given an interview so surly they feel I can handle the rigors of med school? Thanks in advance!
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I'm sorry to hear about your father and I'm hoping for the best.
Believe me, they know your MCAT score and you were granted an interview regardless. Be honest if they bring it up but just be yourself. If I remember correctly the interviewers will not have access to your scores (though you might want to verify this...I'm not 100% sure) since they are there to assess your character and personality. They will have your essays though.
If anything, the admissions office might send you an email asking if you are going to take the MCAT again and you might be able to explain your situation there.
Be calm, be cool. Good luck and congrats on your interview invite!
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I can confirm the interviewers will not have your scores or your GPA. I interview at USUHS once per year and as an interviewer you get personal statements and AMCAS application. Be yourself, you are being granted an interview despite your poor scores. Good luck!
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Hello, all. I had my own thread that delineated to whether or not I meet the requirements for USUHS, and I just wanted to hear some input regarding if I have a realistic shot at an ed delay for either HPSP or USUHS.
Background:
Bio: AROTC cadet at the University of Missouri
Grades: 3.8 CGPA, ~3.7 BCPM, majoring in biochemistry
EC's: Volunteer in the ER, student gov't, pre-med club, triathlon club team
Research: Good shot of being a paper I'm a contributor on being published by the time I would interview.
MCAT: scoring from 502-504 (27-28 on old scale)
I'm leaning towards HPSP or self funding (if possible) to cling onto a few last years of civilian life in my 20's (even if it is in medical school where your life is school). USUHS seems easier to get into than a lot of medical schools and being from MO, I'm pretty limited on state schools**, so I'm mostly relying on private out-of-state schools. I believe I definitely qualify for USUHS physically because the standards are probably similar to ROTC. I'm honestly just worried about the academic side of things. I am only going to worry about an interview if the opportunity arises.
**UofMissouri is the only [normal] public school, WashU (in my dreams) and SLU are private so I'm assuming they'd rather outsource from other states, and UMKC starts in January which doesn't line up well with ROTC.
Background:
Bio: AROTC cadet at the University of Missouri
Grades: 3.8 CGPA, ~3.7 BCPM, majoring in biochemistry
EC's: Volunteer in the ER, student gov't, pre-med club, triathlon club team
Research: Good shot of being a paper I'm a contributor on being published by the time I would interview.
MCAT: scoring from 502-504 (27-28 on old scale)
I'm leaning towards HPSP or self funding (if possible) to cling onto a few last years of civilian life in my 20's (even if it is in medical school where your life is school). USUHS seems easier to get into than a lot of medical schools and being from MO, I'm pretty limited on state schools**, so I'm mostly relying on private out-of-state schools. I believe I definitely qualify for USUHS physically because the standards are probably similar to ROTC. I'm honestly just worried about the academic side of things. I am only going to worry about an interview if the opportunity arises.
**UofMissouri is the only [normal] public school, WashU (in my dreams) and SLU are private so I'm assuming they'd rather outsource from other states, and UMKC starts in January which doesn't line up well with ROTC.
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I have no idea about what the odds of an ed delay are for an ROTC cadet. Your MCAT is low, but your other stuff looks good. It would be a mistake to assume that USUHS is easier to get into without a direct comparison. USUHS has fairly solid stats for accepted students with regard to GPA and MCAT scores.
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Yes, the USUHS stats slipped a little during the height of the Iraq war, but these days they're about as competitive as any other non-Ivy allopathic school. It's an excellent school.
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Hi there! I have lots of questions about USUH. I hear little information about the PHS route, which I am interested in. Is it highly competitive, due to limited spots? Not very popular? How many spots per year available? Any advice on how to increase my chances to get commissioned into PHS?
How does residency work? Do you get to choose/are you required to do residency in a military setting? What does the service commitment look like as far as freedom of choice?
Finally, I am starting to study for the MCAT and will need to do good. I have some rough personal issues in UG (BS Biology) and my last two years are the worst with overall GPA of 3.1. I just finished an MPH at Emory with a 3.9 GPA and have research experience from CDC, UNICEF, and the Carter Center, and did a UG fellowship with NSF. Also one year of work as a clinical lab tech. Also former Peace Corps volunteer. Non-traditional student as Peace Corps and MPH make me a bit older. I graduated UG in 2010 and am planning on applying next summer at the ripe young age of 34. How do my chances look for admission?
How does residency work? Do you get to choose/are you required to do residency in a military setting? What does the service commitment look like as far as freedom of choice?
Finally, I am starting to study for the MCAT and will need to do good. I have some rough personal issues in UG (BS Biology) and my last two years are the worst with overall GPA of 3.1. I just finished an MPH at Emory with a 3.9 GPA and have research experience from CDC, UNICEF, and the Carter Center, and did a UG fellowship with NSF. Also one year of work as a clinical lab tech. Also former Peace Corps volunteer. Non-traditional student as Peace Corps and MPH make me a bit older. I graduated UG in 2010 and am planning on applying next summer at the ripe young age of 34. How do my chances look for admission?
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Looking for some insight on chance of acceptance to USU.
I am a active duty physician assistant looking to apply to USU in the next 2 years (due to operational commitments) I have a 3.3 cGPA and a 3.2 sGPA. My PA school GPA was a 3.5. I have an old MCATof 29 so I expect with some solid studying I could be in the same ballpark. I have 2 published articles and have presented case studies and a reasearch project at several military medicine symposiums.
Please give me honest feedback on how to improve my chances. Thank you in advance
I am a active duty physician assistant looking to apply to USU in the next 2 years (due to operational commitments) I have a 3.3 cGPA and a 3.2 sGPA. My PA school GPA was a 3.5. I have an old MCATof 29 so I expect with some solid studying I could be in the same ballpark. I have 2 published articles and have presented case studies and a reasearch project at several military medicine symposiums.
Please give me honest feedback on how to improve my chances. Thank you in advance
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Your GPA is the barrier. Apply DO.
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I'm prior military (8 years AD Air Force, currently Air National Guard with no break in service) and I'm interested in USUHS, but I have a VA disability rating from my time active duty. I have no issues serving in the Guard with VA disability (there's just a form you fill out once a year to waive VA benefits for the days you had drill/orders), but I have no idea what the process would be to return to active duty or if it's even possible with a VA disability (mines a bit high). The medical issues that are service connected aren't interfering with my service in the guard and I'm world wide deployable. Is there a chance I could be accepted? Or should I withdraw my application?
My stats are meh: 506 MCAT, 3.61cGPA 3.69sGPA (I've had a 4.0 since I separated from active duty, but I did some college at 18 and did NOT do well), EMT since I was 17 (both volunteer and paid), and undergraduate research (hopefully published within the next year or so), not a medical AFSC, but I did 3 deployments as a 1A8X2
Thanks in advance
My stats are meh: 506 MCAT, 3.61cGPA 3.69sGPA (I've had a 4.0 since I separated from active duty, but I did some college at 18 and did NOT do well), EMT since I was 17 (both volunteer and paid), and undergraduate research (hopefully published within the next year or so), not a medical AFSC, but I did 3 deployments as a 1A8X2
Thanks in advance
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1. To increase your chance of commissioning into the PHS, you must rank it #1 on your service selection form at the time of your interview. I imagine that your history of public service with Peace corps, CDC, will help you matriculate into the PHS.
2. All USUHS graduates must do a military internship by law; however, you may apply for deferred civilian residencies after your PGY-1 year. Just understand that you will not be paid as an active duty officer if you do a deferred civilian residency. The public health service will only allow you to apply to specific specialties. I do not know what those are (contact USUHS directly regarding this). Air Force, Army, Navy allow you to pick from any specialty; however, competitive residencies such as Dermatology, Neurosurgery, and Radiation Oncology have very limited training slots so you have to be competitive to match (which isn't surprising because it's the same situation in the civilian world).
3. USUHS requires a seven-year service commitment following the completion of residency/fellowship training.
4. You are a competitive applicant for USUHS. Your goal MCAT should be 510. That would set you up for success.
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1. Apply an see what happens. The average GPA at USUHS sits around 3.6-3.7; however, a 3.5 GPA in PA school should provide the admissions committee confidence in your ability to complete the medical school curriculum.
2. Score 510 or above on the MCAT to leave no doubt.
3. Prior Service matters to the admissions committee because it shows that you are acclimated to military life. Applying to USUHS as a prior service member shows the committee that you are committed to the Military. If you have good OPR's and LORs from your chain of command it will go a long way.
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1. Never withdraw an application to medical school once you submit it regardless of your perceived "chances" of admission. The admissions process is fluid: many people get late interviews and late acceptances off the wait list.
2. Your GPA is mets the standard but your MCAT score is below average. If you aren't accepted, re-take the MCAT and shoot for a 509-510.
3. I can not speak for your medical eligibility. A medical board will have to decide whether you can serve on active duty to "finalize" your acceptance to USUHS. If you are rejected by the medical board, you have to immediately apply for a medical waiver. Be prepared to provide as much evidence (medical records, labs, etc) as you can to prove that you are "medically ready" to serve.
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I think you should check your sources. USUHS shall be given a military internship, but they may request deferment even for internship or for full residency (internship included) during the match. They are not hard and fast required by law to do a military internship. Source: I have a friend who did it.
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During the fourth year at USUHS can one elect to do NASA's clerkship? Would USUHS students be competitive for it? Aerospace Medicine Clerkship
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Just posting again to re-follow this thread. Interested to see next year's cycle after taking some time off SDN.
