2009-2010 Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Application Thread

[NavyCy]

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I never received a complete email, this year or in past years. I know others have, so I watched for an email this year checking my inbox and spam box, but it never came. Probably not the answer you were looking for though.

 

[ClarkWGriswold]

I got an email saying my secondary application was complete about a week after I sent it in; a couple of days after receiving that email I got a request from admissions for some additional info... I sent that in, and got another "application complete" email exactly one week later. Interview invite 2.5 weeks after the second "complete" email.

DoDMERB packet showed up in the mail about 2 weeks after the interview invitation.

Hope that helps!

 

[Brocimus]

I just interviewed last week. Tell me, did anyone else seem to have a Good Cop - Bad Cop kind of experience? My first interviewer was very friendly, conversational, laughed at my jokes that weren't especially funny, offered advice for my military career - that kind of stuff. The second interviewer was all about making me squirm. He asked me all these theoretical questions that had no correct answer, I was just supposed to answer them. Then kept probing for for details and would point out flaws in my answer. By the end I decided he was the toughest interviewer I have had to date. Did anyone else have a similar experience? I ask because when I came away from the day, I had the impression that USUHS might have actually planned it that way - two different interview experiences to evaluate. Thoughts?

 

[ruiner]

I just interviewed last week. Tell me, did anyone else seem to have a Good Cop - Bad Cop kind of experience? My first interviewer was very friendly, conversational, laughed at my jokes that weren't especially funny, offered advice for my military career - that kind of stuff. The second interviewer was all about making me squirm. He asked me all these theoretical questions that had no correct answer, I was just supposed to answer them. Then kept probing for for details and would point out flaws in my answer. By the end I decided he was the toughest interviewer I have had to date. Did anyone else have a similar experience? I ask because when I came away from the day, I had the impression that USUHS might have actually planned it that way - two different interview experiences to evaluate. Thoughts?

Mine asked mostly the same questions but their reactions to the questions were completely different. One made it very clear that he liked my responses, the other was pretty emotionless even though I answered them both pretty much the same way. So I don't think there was any plan to do it, they probably just have a lot of people interviewing each with their own style of evaluating.

 

[ADNTerp]

Is anybody else going to be interviewing on Oct 15th?

 

[NavyCy]

I had a similar experience to both ruiner and brocimus. Both interviewers asked similar questions, but the reaction to my answers was very different. However, I don't think it was coordinated, just a reflection of different personalities and philosophies. There are a significant number of military officers who will intentionally play devils advocate during an interview/board in order to put the examinee under pressure and see how how react. The theory is that most people will have rehearsed a script designed to highlight personal strenghs and downplay weaknesses, but if you make them uncomfortable, some people will start ad libbing and you get a more realistic picture of their capabilities. Whether it works or not is a matter of opinion, but I can guarantee you that if you join the military (and probably the civilian world as well) you will see this type of questioning.

Ok, here is my advice for this type of situation. If it helps you, great. If not, feel free to ignore it. Don't let yourself get flustered, and don't be afraid to take a second or two to calm yourself and think about what you want to say before answering a question. A well constructed answer is much better than blurting out the first thing that comes to mind. Remember the examiners reaction doesn't necessarily reflect his personal feelings (some of my examiners would have been fantastic actors). You have to almost ignore their reaction and concentrate on delivering the message that you wanted to give. If you are really concerned about this scenario, grab a friend and practice interviewing while they disagree/question every answer you give. Pretty soon, you'll find it gets easier to relax and be confident in your answers, which is really what the examiner is looking for anyway. Good luck!

 

[xmsr3]

Does USUHS allow one to send thank you notes to one's interviewers? If so, what is the protocol for doing so? Has anyone sent such notes?

 

[NoMoreAMCAS]

Does anyone know when they make decisions on acceptance (ie a week after each interview date, the 1st of every month, etc)?

 

[SirGecko]

Does USUHS allow one to send thank you notes to one's interviewers? If so, what is the protocol for doing so? Has anyone sent such notes?

I'd call the admissions office. You might be able to send one to them and have them pass it along. It isn't required though.

 

[NoMoreAMCAS]

Does anyone know when they make decisions on acceptance (ie a week after each interview date, the 1st of every month, etc)?

Interviewees, help me out ^^^^^^

 

[xmsr3]

Conditional acceptances are sent out on the 15th and 1st of each month. Since AMCAS has made oct 16 the first available day that is the day that the first 2 groups, maybe the first 3 hear their final decisions.

 

[kleos atanatos]

Conditional acceptances are sent out on the 15th and 1st of each month. Since AMCAS has made oct 16 the first available day that is the day that the first 2 groups, maybe the first 3 hear their final decisions.

I have a feeling the Oct 16th date will just be the 1st group.

 

[BlueElmo]

Sorry to crash this party, but xmsr3, I just spent 30 minutes of my life reading your posts on this thread.

Seriously, you make me laugh so hard, but I'm pulling for you to get in here. If you don't, I think MY heart will just break.

Good luck to you, and all the rest of you.

 

[xmsr3]

I have a feeling the Oct 16th date will just be the 1st group.

Did they tell you that you would hear on nov 1? Joan said that they go review 20 apps/week, so the first 2 groups should definitely hear and maybe some in group 3 as well.

 

[NoMoreAMCAS]

Conditional acceptances are sent out on the 15th and 1st of each month. Since AMCAS has made oct 16 the first available day that is the day that the first 2 groups, maybe the first 3 hear their final decisions.

Cool, thanks👍

 

[silverhorse84]

Conditional acceptances are sent out on the 15th and 1st of each month. Since AMCAS has made oct 16 the first available day that is the day that the first 2 groups, maybe the first 3 hear their final decisions.

Did they say if that is something they changed for this year? Cuz, last year I got my call about my conditional acceptance on the 30th. I realize that's only 2 days from the 1st, so either they changed it or it's not a hard and fast rule.

 

[RavensGal]

To Xmsr3: I'm not actually applying this year..I apply next year. I just like to stalk the school specific discussions on schools I'm interested in so I know what to expect when I apply next summer. And its an awesome way to kill time like now when I'm waiting for enzymes to cut and DNA gels to finish running.
Congrats to everyone who has had an interview or gotten an invite!! Hopefully that will be me this time next year!

 

[kleos atanatos]

Did they tell you that you would hear on nov 1? Joan said that they go review 20 apps/week, so the first 2 groups should definitely hear and maybe some in group 3 as well.

I'm just basing it on the fact that only certain people from group 1 heard back Oct 16 last year. If the 20 apps/week thing is actually going to happen, then ya...we will probably have some group 2 people on the 1st date too.

 

[dru2002]

I'm just basing it on the fact that only certain people from group 1 heard back Oct 16 last year. If the 20 apps/week thing is actually going to happen, then ya...we will probably have some group 2 people on the 1st date too.

Correct me if I'm wrong, the 20apps/wk applies to applicants at all stages of the app cycle (e.g. those been considered for an interview and those been considered post interview). So it all depends how many from each of these is in the pipeline when the board meets. I think the first group will hear on or about the 16th but as far as group two goes I wouldn't be disheartened if I didn't hear on the 16th because it is very likely they didn't get to make a decision yet. Just my take.

 

[SirGecko]

I think the first group will hear on or about the 16th but as far as group two goes I wouldn't be disheartened if I didn't hear on the 16th because it is very likely they didn't get to make a decision yet. Just my take.

That's probably more correct. Don't expect to hear anything on the 16th if you aren't in the first interview group. (doesn't mean you won't but I don't expect it) The delay between interviews and hearing back gets longer as the year goes on as well. (for example interviews in November might not hear back till February)

 

[jtl0511]

Hey all - very excited to be interviewing on Oct 22 (anyone else?). The main thing I am trying to figure out is which branch to apply to. I've read a couple other threads on studentdoc, but mostly those are dead threads, so I was wondering if anybody had any more up to date info on the pros and cons of each branch.

 

[ahowardmd]

Hey all!

I just got my interview invite for October 15, anybody else in my shoes? I'm so excited.

My biggest question about the process has to do with DoDMERB physicals...has anybody had one yet? I'm concerned because I need to lose 7 pounds to make the Army height/weight requirements (not too much), and I am not currently in physical fitness test (PFT) shape. What happens in your DoDMERB physical? I've heard eye test, height/weight requirement check, etc. but when do we have to pass a PFT? Is there a PFT at the DoDMERB? I want to know so I can know when exactly I need to start hitting the gym hard.

Thanks guys, and good luck to everybody else applying to USUHS!

 

[dru2002]

Hey all - very excited to be interviewing on Oct 22 (anyone else?). The main thing I am trying to figure out is which branch to apply to. I've read a couple other threads on studentdoc, but mostly those are dead threads, so I was wondering if anybody had any more up to date info on the pros and cons of each branch.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=647634

That should be a start. Pretty good breakdown of the pros and cons of each service. You can thank xmsr3 for doing the bulk of the research. Good luck on the interview.

 

[NavyCy]

There is no PFT on the DODMERB physical. They will check your height/weight, hearing, eyes, speech etc. As far as I've been told by my friends at USUHS, the first PFT you have to take is an inventory PFT during the first couple of weeks of school. Maybe some of the current students can confirm that. After that you'll have to take the test twice a year (spring and fall). That being said, I would start working out right away. You don't really gain anything by waiting except having to lose the same amount of weight in less time. Plus the PFT is more muscle memory than anything else. The more you do the test the easier it becomes, so time and repetition are on your side if you start training now.

 

[dru2002]

Hey all!

I just got my interview invite for October 15, anybody else in my shoes? I'm so excited.

My biggest question about the process has to do with DoDMERB physicals...has anybody had one yet? I'm concerned because I need to lose 7 pounds to make the Army height/weight requirements (not too much), and I am not currently in physical fitness test (PFT) shape. What happens in your DoDMERB physical? I've heard eye test, height/weight requirement check, etc. but when do we have to pass a PFT? Is there a PFT at the DoDMERB? I want to know so I can know when exactly I need to start hitting the gym hard.

Thanks guys, and good luck to everybody else applying to USUHS!

So DoDMERB will have an eye test, hearing test, urine dipstick(gross blood, protein etc. not a drug test), height/weight, and then a general once over from the doctor and of course the requisite visual rectal exam. When you go to your services officer indoctrination course you will need to take and pass a physical fitness test. This is the summer before classes start (June-Julyish). If you don't meet weight at the physical you will go to a recruiter and get taped for body fat. If you still don't meet standards they will work with you and set up a plan for you to workout and be reweighed. Good luck on the interview.

 

[NavyCy]

Good call on the PFT during officer indoc. I forgot about that. Maybe blocked it out of my mind would be a better term, but that was a different time and a different location. I'm sure you all will thoroughly enjoy yourself.

 

[mslall]

Does USUHS allow one to send thank you notes to one's interviewers? If so, what is the protocol for doing so? Has anyone sent such notes?

yes you can follow up with your interviewers......if they want you to they usually give you their contact information


also, at least going off of last year's pattern of acceptances, don't expect any sort of pattern after about the first round of the 15th/1st(30th/31st). I got in Oct. 15 and i know a bunch of others did on Oct. 30th, but after that the acceptances went out almost randomly. They say 15/1 but don't count on it. They also say 4-6 weeks for the first 2 rounds or so then something like 8 weeks after that, again dont' count on it. So no one should be disheartened if they don't get a call on a specific day.

I was in the 2nd interview group, got called on Oct.15. There are quite a few people I interviewed with that are now my classmates (they got a call on the 30th). So the pattern is pretty random, you'll all be fine

 

[silverhorse84]

So DoDMERB will have an eye test, hearing test, urine dipstick(gross blood, protein etc. not a drug test), height/weight, and then a general once over from the doctor and of course the requisite visual rectal exam. When you go to your services officer indoctrination course you will need to take and pass a physical fitness test. This is the summer before classes start (June-Julyish). If you don't meet weight at the physical you will go to a recruiter and get taped for body fat. If you still don't meet standards they will work with you and set up a plan for you to workout and be reweighed. Good luck on the interview.

I don't know about the other two services, but for Navy you don't have to pass it at ODS. We took it three times at ODS so you have a few chances to pass it, and if you don't after the 3rd then the class officer will call your next command to say that you failed. However, it's not like you won't graduate ODS for failing the PRT. If you do fail it, you will get put on remedial PT (this is true at ODS and at USUHS) until you pass.

I failed it (the running) the first time at ODS and then have passed from then on. They'll work with you to get you to pass (or at least your shipmates at ODS will work with you). 😳

 

[ahowardmd]

I don't know about the other two services, but for Navy you don't have to pass it at ODS. We took it three times at ODS so you have a few chances to pass it, and if you don't after the 3rd then the class officer will call your next command to say that you failed. However, it's not like you won't graduate ODS for failing the PRT. If you do fail it, you will get put on remedial PT (this is true at ODS and at USUHS) until you pass.

I failed it (the running) the first time at ODS and then have passed from then on. They'll work with you to get you to pass (or at least your shipmates at ODS will work with you). 😳

Thanks Dru, NavyCy and Silverhorse, you just took a load off of my mind! I will start working out again tonight (just to lose the weight for the DoDMERB) but I hope to be back in PFT condition soon enough.

 

[Segovia]

Does USUHS send out "complete" notifications? All my stuff, including clinical LOR got there in early August, and I can't get a status reply from them via email or phone. It has been ~ 2 months. Is this normal?

 

[Upgrayedd]

yes you can follow up with your interviewers......if they want you to they usually give you their contact information


also, at least going off of last year's pattern of acceptances, don't expect any sort of pattern after about the first round of the 15th/1st(30th/31st). I got in Oct. 15 and i know a bunch of others did on Oct. 30th, but after that the acceptances went out almost randomly. They say 15/1 but don't count on it. They also say 4-6 weeks for the first 2 rounds or so then something like 8 weeks after that, again dont' count on it. So no one should be disheartened if they don't get a call on a specific day.

I was in the 2nd interview group, got called on Oct.15. There are quite a few people I interviewed with that are now my classmates (they got a call on the 30th). So the pattern is pretty random, you'll all be fine

No rhyme or reason to the dates which acceptances were sent out last year. I think things get highly service specific, especially if your interview is after around mid-Nov.

 

[Soba]

Hey guys, what type of uniform do Army servicemembers usually wear for the interview? The green "Class A" or dress blues? Thanks!

 

[dru2002]

Hey guys, what type of uniform do Army servicemembers usually wear for the interview? The green "Class A" or dress blues? Thanks!

From the email USUHS sent before my interview:

"Dressing for the Occasion
Remember that less is more! Professional business attire is most appropriate. A suit or skirt/pants with jacket, and simple shoes would be sufficient. Avoid loud or multiple colors. Keep accessories to a minimum; makeup and fragrances should be moderate. Military persons (i.e. ROTC, Academy, active duty and reservists) are strongly encouraged to wear their dress uniforms, (AF-Service Dress, A-Class A, and N-Service Dress Blues). If guests will accompany you, it is advisable that they dress in business casual attire."

Hope that helps.

 

[Soba]

Oh well, I guess it's time to go to the dry cleaner. Thanks!

 

[NoMoreAMCAS]

From the email USUHS sent before my interview:

"Dressing for the Occasion
Remember that less is more! Professional business attire is most appropriate. A suit or skirt/pants with jacket, and simple shoes would be sufficient. Avoid loud or multiple colors. Keep accessories to a minimum; makeup and fragrances should be moderate. Military persons (i.e. ROTC, Academy, active duty and reservists) are strongly encouraged to wear their dress uniforms, (AF-Service Dress, A-Class A, and N-Service Dress Blues). If guests will accompany you, it is advisable that they dress in business casual attire."

Hope that helps.

Lol, reminds me of the movie Step Brothers.

What is everyones experience with USUHS's response to emails? I wrote them one about the completion of my packet and they haven't said a word, and it's been a WHILE.

 

[NavyCy]

I've always gotten fantastic support via email. I think the longest I've ever had to wait for a response was the next day. At our interview one of the presenters mentioned that the admissions box was completely swamped every day so maybe your email got lost in the shuffle.

 

[Segovia]

Lol, reminds me of the movie Step Brothers.

What is everyones experience with USUHS's response to emails? I wrote them one about the completion of my packet and they haven't said a word, and it's been a WHILE.

My experience thus far has been very lackluster as far as response time. Generally, it has taken them about 2-3 weeks to respond to my emails. I also had to have a letter writer resend their recommendation because it was "misplaced". It really sucks because this is my first choice and I am former military, but I got an interview from a UC and am starting to rethink my hierarchy of programs. Hopefully, they get back to me because I really want to serve again. Hopefully you have better luck with your completion notification.

 

[caniac]

How soon before the interview did y'all receive the background check information from the security office? my interview is coming up soon and I haven't received anything thus far...

 

[scooter02]

How soon before the interview did y'all receive the background check information from the security office? my interview is coming up soon and I haven't received anything thus far...

PM me with your email and I'll send it to you!!

but to answer your q I got it like a week and a half before... and then I got it again a few days later... and then I just got it again 2 days ago (interviewed 9/17)

 

[scooter02]

Good luck to everyone interviewing today...

 

[Upgrayedd]

My experience thus far has been very lackluster as far as response time. Generally, it has taken them about 2-3 weeks to respond to my emails. I also had to have a letter writer resend their recommendation because it was "misplaced". It really sucks because this is my first choice and I am former military, but I got an interview from a UC and am starting to rethink my hierarchy of programs. Hopefully, they get back to me because I really want to serve again. Hopefully you have better luck with your completion notification.

Call them

 

[ClarkWGriswold]

How soon before the interview did y'all receive the background check information from the security office? my interview is coming up soon and I haven't received anything thus far...

Do you already have a clearance? If so, you may not receive anything. If you've done an SSBI in the past 10 years it's probably still valid.

 

[NavyCy]

It doesn't matter if you have security clearance or not. You will still receive the information from the USUHS security personnel. If you already have a clearance, you just need to have your security manager send a letter to the USUHS security personnel stating your clearance, investigating authority and date granted.

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of dealing with security clearances yet, the SF-86 that you fill out does not grant you a clearance, nor does it begin an investigation. It simply allows the security personnel to pre-screen applicants. The actual investigation will be opened much later (I think early in the school year) when the information in the SF-86 is electronically entered into a database and submitted to the investigating authority. Don't throw that SF-86 away even after the security guys give you the thumbs up. In my most recent dealings with clearances, I had to submit my information 4 times because it wasn't submitted correctly.

 

[ClarkWGriswold]

It doesn't matter if you have security clearance or not. You will still receive the information from the USUHS security personnel. If you already have a clearance, you just need to have your security manager send a letter to the USUHS security personnel stating your clearance, investigating authority and date granted.

Actually, the USUHS Security folks can access JPAS and pull all of that info. If you have a clearance already, the security office can move you right through when you show up for an interview. To be safe, you should still bring a passport or birth certificate, but if you're in JPAS you won't need them, nor do you need the SF-86.

 

[teacherman84]

Over two months after being complete at USUHS I finally got the official complete email from admissions. Now to see what happens as far as an invite...

 

[NavyCy]

Of course they can access the info in JPAS. Anyone in the DOD who deals with security clearances can access that information, but they specifically ask you to have your security personnel send them a letter with the requested information. Maybe it cuts down on their workload, maybe it avoids mixups with similar names. Whatever the reason, if they want a letter, why not give them a letter.

My comments about the SF-86 were for those applicants who haven't dealt with a security investigation before. If you've already had an investigation, feel free to ignore me. You don't need my advice anyway.

 

[SirGecko]

It doesn't matter if you have security clearance or not. You will still receive the information from the USUHS security personnel.

I don't know what most people's experiences were but I never received any information from the security guys last year, all they did was run my social when I was actually on campus to check that I had a clearance.

That said if they ask for something of course you should provide it. I'm just saying they never asked for anything from me.

 

[Segovia]

So exactly 1 day after I was freaking out about my prospects here and some mix-ups with my clinical recommendation letter, I received an interview invite!

I never got a complete email, but I guess that is moot point now. I am so grateful; this is by far my first choice and is a program I have been steadily looking at since leaving active duty in '07.

I was told by a medical recruiter in my town about a month ago that USUHS had already sent out all interviews, and not to get my hopes up, but this is obviously not the case. So, to all of those still waiting, good luck, and I hope to serve with some of you guys/gals in the future.

 

[WahooBME]

I have an interview scheduled soon. For you prior service guys or those who already interviewed -- can you help me with the following?

• If I'm reading the Handbook correctly, I will serve about 11 years on active duty after graduation. Going in as an 0-3 after graduation, and assuming after 11 years I haven't screwed up, what would be my rank on average at that point? After 20 years?
• Assume that somewhere between 11 and 30 years I decide to leave active duty, how is reserve duty (not IRR, but actual reserves) credited toward retirement time?
• Are residencies pretty much at any worldwide hospital in my particular branch?
• For picking my particular branch, am I more or less de-facto guaranteed the branch of my choice, or are some branches very short of docs?
• Based on the few times I've done so, I'm not thrilled about driving in DC traffic on a routine basis. Is the Metro viable, and can I find a decent apartment within walking distance of a Metro station that is relatively close to the housing allowance?

Thanks.

 

[SirGecko]

I was told by a medical recruiter in my town about a month ago that USUHS had already sent out all interviews, and not to get my hopes up, but this is obviously not the case. So, to all of those still waiting, good luck, and I hope to serve with some of you guys/gals in the future.

To be clear that recruiter has no idea what he is talking about. USUHS interviews from now till the spring. They won't "fill up" on interview slots until much much later than the beginning of October.

• Are residencies pretty much at any worldwide hospital in my particular branch?
• For picking my particular branch, am I more or less de-facto guaranteed the branch of my choice, or are some branches very short of docs?
• Based on the few times I've done so, I'm not thrilled about driving in DC traffic on a routine basis. Is the Metro viable, and can I find a decent apartment within walking distance of a Metro station that is relatively close to the housing allowance?

• Residency programs are all in the US. Not all hospitals have all residencies. If you want an idea of where they are take a look here: http://www.militarygme.org/4.html
• The earlier you interview the more likely you are to get a specific branch. One of the branches will fill up first and people who want to (or can) only get spots for that branch will have to be put on the waitlist. Which branch that is though can vary from year to year. The Army has the most spots available so it usually isn't them. (the Navy filled their spots first after the people that interviewed in early November last year and that was quicker than most years)
• Yes you can live close enough to campus to walk. You could also take the metro. (people do take the metro) There are lots of places to live that cost less than BAH. Also driving really isn't bad if you live close. I live in downtown Bethesda and I have never been held up by traffic on my way to school. (don't know how the traffic is living further away but most people drive to school)