Could you PM me also? Thanks so much.
2009-2010 Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Application Thread
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I was just wondering, does anybody know at what point do you actually accept all the legal obligations of attending? As in, if you get an acceptance, and then tell them to hold your spot, does that constitute "I agree to 7 years of service"?. Or do you only enter the legal obligations once you attend officer training in August? I really really hope to get an acceptance to USUHS, but I am also waiting to hear from other schools. Anybody know the answer to this one?
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It's just like any other school in that if you get an acceptance and have them hold a spot, you have until May 15 to make a decision. If you chose USUHS, then sometime in late May/June you'll get your commissioning paperwork in the mail. With it will be your service obligation and when you sign that and return it to USUHS you are committed to the 7 years of service.
22 for me no word.
Congrats on the acceptances! Look forward to meeting you all in a few months.
I'm a non-prior accepted navy and I was wondering if it's possible to do ODS earlier than the June date and then go onto a training course for the interim. If this is possible, anybody know what types of training opportunities are available?
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Have you graduated from college yet? The class before starts May 23rd, but you would have to be complete with school before anyone would even consider allowing you in the class. As far as extra training goes you would need to find a school that is 1) not a waste of time, 2) has open slots, 3) convince the Navy that the school is worth paying for. Many schoolhouses have downsized their offered classes in order to save money, so most of the good schools fill up very quickly. Second, you are going to be non-deployable for the next 5 years at least. The odds of you convincing a detailer to put you in a class over someone headed to the fleet immediately are slim to none. Third, you have zero leverage until you have orders to active duty which could be very late in the process (maybe only days or weeks before ODS).
Bottom line, it might be possible to make something work, but I think the likelihood is low and the pain factor is very high. If you want to make it work,you are going to have to get someone on the inside (maybe the commissioning coordinator or Navy company commander) involved early in the process.
Thanks, I also look forward to meeting everybody! It's cool to see a few people from my interview group (Oct. 15) posting.
That said, does anybody know how often applicant's that are offered conditionals aren't offered unconditional acceptances? For some reason I have this (possibly irrational?) fear that somehow my physical or security clearance will be rejected! I can't think of any reasons why they would be, but something about the word "conditional" is just unnerving.
Hey guys,
I am still waiting on my papers to come in the mail, but I have a burning question that I'd like to get an answer for: now that I'm accepted to USUHS, can I drop the BS classes that I was going to take in the Spring (just to pad my transcript) and drop down to 10 credit hours? My current spring schedule is: Biochemistry, Marine Biology, Speech (those three are required to graduate), Into to Pharmacology, and Epidemiology (the last two I want to drop from my schedule). I find the last two interesting, but I'm sure I'll get enough of that in medical school, and I'd like to have tons of time to study for Biochem. With the three classes that I need to graduate, I will have 10 credit hours. Do I need to take the other courses since they were on my AMCAS, or is my only obligation NOW to graduate?
Thanks!
AHOWARDMD
I am still waiting on my papers to come in the mail, but I have a burning question that I'd like to get an answer for: now that I'm accepted to USUHS, can I drop the BS classes that I was going to take in the Spring (just to pad my transcript) and drop down to 10 credit hours? My current spring schedule is: Biochemistry, Marine Biology, Speech (those three are required to graduate), Into to Pharmacology, and Epidemiology (the last two I want to drop from my schedule). I find the last two interesting, but I'm sure I'll get enough of that in medical school, and I'd like to have tons of time to study for Biochem. With the three classes that I need to graduate, I will have 10 credit hours. Do I need to take the other courses since they were on my AMCAS, or is my only obligation NOW to graduate?
Thanks!
AHOWARDMD
you'll be fine dropping those classes.
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Speak for yourself. I'm telling CDR Calloway about this.
Oh, he's a funny one. Anyway, after speaking to the financial aid office, it turns out I would lose one of my scholarships if I take less than 12 credit hours. I always dreamed of having an easy senior year, alas that dream is no more 🙁.
Besides, I finally got my letter and my only obligation is to graduate. There isn't anything in there about taking those other classes (which I would have only taken if I needed to reapply, thankfully I dont). Heck, if I wanted to I could drop down to 6 credit hours, but I've been wanting to take Marine Biology for 2 years (only offered every other Spring). So don't be a jerk and give a recent acceptee an MI, DWB8P!
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Just wondering when you were complete at USUHS? I added the school late in the cycle but am hoping for an interview!
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When I was volunteering downrange, I always felt bad for the docs who were forced to ration out the medical care to the civilians.
Now I will probably end up in the exact same position (probably at 28th CSH lol) in a not so distant future. Not looking forward to it to be honest. 🙁
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Make sure to not only watch the movie but explore the entire home page. There are some sobering and important issues discussed as well as some entertaining milmed history.
I was thinking today, where do students at USUHS usually live? I had originally thought about living in the city, but I'm not sure I could live in DC or Maryland. Anybody know of people living in Virginia, like Arlington perhaps? What kind of commute time would I be looking at?
I ask because apparently the 2nd Amendment isn't upheld in either DC or Maryland, and I own a few firearms; I carry concealed in FL. Also, apparently open carry is allowed in Virginia? Ever see anybody doing it, or is it just a law on the books? Any insight would be appreciated 🙂
I ask because apparently the 2nd Amendment isn't upheld in either DC or Maryland, and I own a few firearms; I carry concealed in FL. Also, apparently open carry is allowed in Virginia? Ever see anybody doing it, or is it just a law on the books? Any insight would be appreciated 🙂
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From talking to my friends at USUHS, most students live in Bethesda or in the MD suburbs just north (Rockville, Gaithersburg etc). You could live south of D.C. in Virginia if you want, but the commute is going to be a real pain unless you genuinely enjoy traffic jams. You could also go west, but if I remember right, that area (Mcclean) is extremely expensive. Someone currently in the area should probably confirm/rebut that statement since I haven't lived in the area for several years.
Yes, Virginia allows you to carry weapons unconcealed, and yes, I've seen people carrying weapons. You still have to get a permit to carry a concealed weapon. By the way, you aren't going to be able to carry a personal weapon on any military base, including NNMC/USUHS regardless of the local state rules.
If it is important to you to be able to carry a weapon, then by all means live in VA. I own a handgun also, but if I need to carry it outside the house, I'm going to be moving to a better neighborhood.
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In light traffic (i.e. early morn), you can drive to Bethesda from most of NW DC in about 15-20 min. Heavy traffic can make that commute about an hour. Arlington would be doable if you don't mind a slightly longer commute (or changing trains), but I wouldn't recommend anything west of Arlington; McLean, Tysons, Falls Church... all have affordable apts/condos, but after a few days of that commute, you'll want to try to suck-start that concealed weapon you're packing.
lmao.
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I've always been taught that the rule of thumb for traffic in the DC area is to avoid 66 at all costs and the capital beltway if possible (this usually isn't possible unfortunately). The metro situation makes it so you have to go all the way down to Metro center (which is a nightmare during the rush) to change from the orange or blue line to the red line which takes you up to the Medical Center (USUHS) stop. Its unfortunate because I think Arlington is one of the coolest places to live - especially the Clarendon area, which has been revitalized as of late and has a pretty cool vibe.
NW of Bethesda along the red line is soulless miles of chain stores and traffic along the Rockville Pike and isn't an area that is particularly appealing to me. My dream would be to find a nice townhouse in the Tenleytown- American University area or in south bethesda along Wisconsin so I could take the metro or even bike if I wanted, but the housing in that area is off the charts expensive unless you are happy living in a studio, which I'm not.
All in all, this area probably has one of the more difficult housing situations of any place I've ever been stationed - especially now that I have a wife, two cars, a dog, and lifestyle expecations above a mattress on the floor and Chipoltle for dinner.
NW of Bethesda along the red line is soulless miles of chain stores and traffic along the Rockville Pike and isn't an area that is particularly appealing to me. My dream would be to find a nice townhouse in the Tenleytown- American University area or in south bethesda along Wisconsin so I could take the metro or even bike if I wanted, but the housing in that area is off the charts expensive unless you are happy living in a studio, which I'm not.
All in all, this area probably has one of the more difficult housing situations of any place I've ever been stationed - especially now that I have a wife, two cars, a dog, and lifestyle expecations above a mattress on the floor and Chipoltle for dinner.
Thanks for the reply, I suppose MD is going to be the way to go then, I can't stand long commutes.
lol, I guess I will be avoiding VA then...I can't imagine an hour's commute! At least if it was on the Metro, I could study.
Yeah, I couldn't imagine having a whole family living in a studio! I don't think I'd mind a studio for myself...but I'm a single guy and I travel pretty light. Sign me up for the mattress on the floor and maybe some chinese for dinner 🙂
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I live in downtown DC. It takes me 15-17 minutes to get to school (at 0dark30...military speak for really early). Coming home in rush hour (reverse commute) it takes me about 40 minutes. I listen to lectures in the car, and generally prefer to live where I play and commute to work instead of vice versa...I also lived in DC prior to starting USUHS, so I already had a life here.
Living in VA is doable, but you kind of have to be willing to commit to a certain schedule. My boyfriend used to live in Alexandria, and I've commuted to school from there. If you're an early bird, and plan on getting to school before 0630 everyday (which plenty of us do), you can get away with relying on the beltway to travel because most people aren't up at the crack of dawn.
If you're set on VA, I would look at the great falls area (very close to the MD border and right along the beltway)...no idea how expensive it is to live there, but that's probably <15 minutes of travel time.
Arlington isn't too bad either if you're planning on driving. The George Washington parkway runs through Arlington and hits the beltway, then you just follow it the rest of the way around. With no traffic, about 25-30 minutes I'd say.
Alexandria is probably about 35.
The problem is on the return trip...the beltway turns into a parking lot during rush hour. It's usually worse heading towards 95 (east) in the afternoon, so if you're heading towards Great Falls or the GW parkway (west), it's slightly better, but still pretty sucky. If you're willing to study at school until late enough that traffic breaks up or leave midday when you can, then you shouldn't have a problem.
Med school can be pretty miserable at times, I'd make sure to live in a place you really like so you have somewhere happy to go home to even on your crappiest day.
Living in VA is doable, but you kind of have to be willing to commit to a certain schedule. My boyfriend used to live in Alexandria, and I've commuted to school from there. If you're an early bird, and plan on getting to school before 0630 everyday (which plenty of us do), you can get away with relying on the beltway to travel because most people aren't up at the crack of dawn.
If you're set on VA, I would look at the great falls area (very close to the MD border and right along the beltway)...no idea how expensive it is to live there, but that's probably <15 minutes of travel time.
Arlington isn't too bad either if you're planning on driving. The George Washington parkway runs through Arlington and hits the beltway, then you just follow it the rest of the way around. With no traffic, about 25-30 minutes I'd say.
Alexandria is probably about 35.
The problem is on the return trip...the beltway turns into a parking lot during rush hour. It's usually worse heading towards 95 (east) in the afternoon, so if you're heading towards Great Falls or the GW parkway (west), it's slightly better, but still pretty sucky. If you're willing to study at school until late enough that traffic breaks up or leave midday when you can, then you shouldn't have a problem.
Med school can be pretty miserable at times, I'd make sure to live in a place you really like so you have somewhere happy to go home to even on your crappiest day.
Just had an awesome interview at USU yesterday 
We were told that we would have to wait 12 weeks for a response. Anybody think/know if we could hear any sooner than that? 12 weeks is a long time to sweat it out 🙂
We were told that we would have to wait 12 weeks for a response. Anybody think/know if we could hear any sooner than that? 12 weeks is a long time to sweat it out 🙂- Joined
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ok this is a really wierd question, but what is usuhs' medication policy again? i am trying to do participant surveys to get some extra money, and i found that the medical center at the school that i go to is paying participants to try fda approved ADHD medications so that they can see the effects on healthy people.
the study pays a LOT, but im not sure if this would be a bad thing for usuhs?
the study pays a LOT, but im not sure if this would be a bad thing for usuhs?
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Speaking of medical issues, I was pretty embarrassed when I got a "medically ineligible" email yesterday! I don't know if I have been accepted or not yet, but this sucks. I feel like the thing I was rejected for is pretty minor - I am a three-season athlete, and totally physically fit. I don't want to be too cryptic here, but basically I had some slight heart issues as a child, but it has really never been an issue and is not life-threatening or even dangerous. Like I said, i played varsity soccer and basketball, and it's never stopped me from doing anything. Is anybody else in this "medically ineligible" boat? Is the dream over? How hard is the waiver process? Any insight from you guys would be greatly appreciated.
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I had asthma medications prescribed after I was 13 years of age which put me in the medical reject pile. However, I spoke quite a bit with Rebecca and she helped me walk through the waiver process. I don't know if there are remedial tests/exams a doctor could do. The bigger reason I'm replying is because I got my waiver without doing anything additional (test-wise). When I applied I had been on a swim team, and run several races including two half-marathons and two triathlons (similar to you saying you were a three-season athlete). Rebecca instructed me to write a letter to the medical review board, explaining that I have never had any breathing problems from anything I've done and explained the extent of my physical activities. I got the waiver based on that. So, definitely talk to Rebecca (I don't have her number handy, but I'm sure if you call the admissions office they'd be happy to get it to you) - she's the best and she'll do everything she can to help get you through this. 🙂
Good luck!
Buddy's only half of a word
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That letter isn't even close to being the final word. I was deemed "unfit for Naval service" 9 years ago, and I'm still around and doing quite well in the Navy. You are going to have to talk to Rebecca Patterson. She is the commissioning coordinator and works with DODMERB to get medical waivers when required. I don't remember her number either, but it was in the packet of information they gave us at the interview. I suggest you call or email her, explain your situation and see what she says about next step. You might have to do some extra tests or maybe they will accept a letter from your physician. Every case is a little bit different. Good luck.
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I had asthma medications prescribed after I was 13 years of age which put me in the medical reject pile. However, I spoke quite a bit with Rebecca and she helped me walk through the waiver process. I don't know if there are remedial tests/exams a doctor could do. The bigger reason I'm replying is because I got my waiver without doing anything additional (test-wise). When I applied I had been on a swim team, and run several races including two half-marathons and two triathlons (similar to you saying you were a three-season athlete). Rebecca instructed me to write a letter to the medical review board, explaining that I have never had any breathing problems from anything I've done and explained the extent of my physical activities. I got the waiver based on that. So, definitely talk to Rebecca (I don't have her number handy, but I'm sure if you call the admissions office they'd be happy to get it to you) - she's the best and she'll do everything she can to help get you through this. 🙂
Good luck!
Thanks for the advice! That's pretty encouraging. Now all I have to do is get in! Fingers crossed on the 15th!
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Just had an awesome interview at USU yesterday
Glad it went awesome. Good luck. It's officially been 11 weeks for me since interviewing in September. Hopefully you don't have to wait 12 weeks because it's not a fun length of time.
S
Segovia
I agree with pretty much everything that has been posted in response to this. I had to get medical and non-medical waivers when I joined the Navy, and had to repeat the process when I went on sea duty.
Following my USUHS/DoDMERB physical this November, I had to do a "remedial", for a LASIK procedure I received and I had to provide supporting documentation.
I would highly recommend visiting the DoDMERB forum. Another SDNer suggested that I snoop around there and get in contact with the Deputy Director for DoDMERB. I did, and he has been a lifesaver. He emailed me results of my remedial even before they were mailed out, and I have been able to scan documents directly to him to expedite the process.
From what I understand, USUHS, ROTC, the academies etc., are not the organizations that disqualify you. DoDMERB is the granting authority.
This guy is the best, and can help you with pretty much anything waiver related:
[email protected]
His contact information is ubiquitous on the DoDMERB forum, and he encourages applicants to contact him directly with any issues.
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S
Segovia
👍 Similar situation for me when I enlisted, and for the remedial I am currently having processed for USUHS.
Nobody can claim that a condition is universally waiverable or vice versa, and it looks like those that are prior service are in agreement on this.
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Go Navy! Beat Army!
Unfortunately I'm not going to watch the game because we have "finals" this coming week and I'm behind in my studying 🙁 But I hope you all get to watch it! I'll be checking updates in between studying the surface anatomy of the brain 😛 Last year I was actually in Philly and had an interview on the day of the game. So I didn't get to watch it, but it was interesting seeing so many people walking around in uniform and arguing about who is better.
Unfortunately I'm not going to watch the game because we have "finals" this coming week and I'm behind in my studying 🙁 But I hope you all get to watch it! I'll be checking updates in between studying the surface anatomy of the brain 😛 Last year I was actually in Philly and had an interview on the day of the game. So I didn't get to watch it, but it was interesting seeing so many people walking around in uniform and arguing about who is better.
+1 So glad it's the last non-bowl game of the year again.
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Arlington a dope place to live? For Rizzle nizzle😀 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T1RMuoQnKo
As for my own housing situation, I have talked with a lot of people at USUHS, both at the school and here on SDN and I have heard a lot of good things about house sharing with other USUHS students.
By renting a 3-4 Bedroom house people are able to save 35-50% off living expenses, (cost about $600-800/month including all utilities ) One of the additional benfits is that it adds to the sense of commraderie, (your roommates can be your study group and closest group of friends, which helps form a very strong support structure at the school).
If anyone is interested in house sharing send me know. I know its early but it would be nice to find out who wants to do this so we can coordinate easier in a couple of months when we start looking for housing.
P.S
Best of luck to Osis and 0919mmK, I hope to see both of you in August.😀
I'm still trying to decide between getting a studio apartment (if I could find one for less than the $1600 BAL) or house sharing with a few people. I suppose we have a lot of time to figure this stuff out, thankfully.
Does anyone know realistically what it means to be placed on the wait-list? Is it the same as other schools where they place you on the wait-list if they think you are not as qualified as the other applicants? I know they say that one has been recommended for admission but there are no spots left in the class or the service branch of choice. However, I am not sure that the class or any of the branches would be filled already. Also, is one only on a wait-list for their first choice? When would the wait-list start moving if it does? Thanks.
If you are selected for admission, but the class is full (or may just be full for the service you've requested--not certain about this one, though), you will be put on the waitlist, and there's no limit to the number of applicants on said waitlist. So....the waitlist at USUHS is not like the waitlist at other schools. It is used for people accepted to the class, but awaiting a spot. The alternate list is for the others, in simple terms, the alternate list is like a waitlist at other schools.
If a spot opens up, they will offer it to people on the waitlist. Once the waitlist is exhausted, if more spots come open, they will then dip into the alternate list.
Not sure of how the waitlist is comprised, as far as where you fall and how you get to that spot.
S
Segovia
Anybody think the 10/22'ers or 10/29'ers will hear anything before Christmas?
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Well as others have said, waitlist means you have a decent chance of getting in, depends on the branch. Most years AF was first to fill up, (smallest class) but this year, anecdotal evidence seems to indicate that Navy is the most popular branch. I have heard that USUHS may call and offer you a conditional acceptance in your second or third choice service, so if you have your heart set on this school you could still go.
If USUHS is your first choice school and you decide you are willing to choose a different service it may be a good idea to call CMDR Calloway and let her know.
P.S If you tell us how you ranked the services maybe we can help. There may be pros and cons of each service you are not aware of that could change your mind, (into a service that is still open, thus granting you a spot at USUHS).
For example, when I first decided to apply to USUHS I had my heart set on Navy, maybe AF, (if Navy was full) but never in a million years the Army. After much research it turns out the Army is a better match for me and I chose it as my #1 choice and got into the program.
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I highly doubt the entire class is filled. However, the Navy filled about this time last year, and AF was not far behind. So if you marked Navy first, there is a chance it's full already. To be honest, I'm not sure how long they keep someone with no service commitment on a service's waitlist. Obviously, ROTC/Academy/Fleet people are locked into a service and have to stay on that particular service's waitlist. I know there are non-commitment people who ended up in their second/third choice, but I don't know if they were on their first choice's waitlist for a while or if they were straight offered a spot in another service. This would be a good question for CDR Calloway.
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I hope so! If I recall, there were a few 10/15ers last time, so 10/22 could be up today (if calls go out today). But at the same time, people who interviewed in september are still getting calls, so clearly the later you interviewed, the more backed-up the line ahead of you...
But def fingers crossed. I think it's reasonable to hope for a couple 10/22 calls this week...
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