Prior enlisted Air National Guard USUHS MS1 here. There's a lot of filler, but also a lot of valuable info in the
USUHS 2009-2010 thread, so check it out if you have the time. Also, there's
THIS and
THIS to provide "inspiration" in writing your secondaries. Also, Also, listen to silverhorse84; she knows everything and tracked our thread as well (thanks again!).
@ PmDawn (post #16): I highly recommend typing it in whatever way you can.
@ DavisStudent (post #35): You won't go through MEPS. You'll get your physical through a contracted arrangement with whatever provider the DoD chooses near you. You'll go in with paperwork, they'll check you out, fill them out, then they send them back to USUHS, then you wait. I couldn't pass the hearing test, then had to go through the hassle of obtaining a waiver through the DoD Medical Evaluation and Review Board's process, not MEPS, not quick and easy, certainly not same-day. The waiver issue delayed my unconditional acceptance by months. BUT, it did go through and here I am!
@ Ditto1114 (post #59): Regarding HPSP, I remember one of last year's applicants having some trouble getting into USUHS resulting from having already made some arrangements with an HPSP recruiter. Theoretically, you should be able to get into an HPSP program, then bail for USUHS if you get accepted there, but recruiters are super-territorial and if I remember right USUHS couldn't/wouldn't "steal" that recruit from HPSP. Not sure, personally, what the ground rules are with this issue, but proceed with caution if you're considering HPSP.
@ skimsu (post #64): I'm not on any admissions committee, but I think they're looking for a solid understanding of military core values, an understanding that we are a mission-oriented organization, why you chose USUHS, why you want to join the military, your reasons for wanting to serve service members and their families (as opposed to the general public), etc.. etc... basically a demonstration of understanding about what you're getting into and an explanation of why you're applying. Check out
THIS DOCUMENTARY if you need insight for the secondary or interviews.
@ burnettj (post #69 & 70): We have 3-4 PHS students in our class, and none of them look more than 1/8 Native American to me. I haven't asked them, but yeah... The MD/PhD program is an interesting military/civilian hybrid program. The top line is that it's an amazing place to do your MD/PhD and great for anyone who has the time and resources to do it. The bottom line is that you will spend 3 years living on a $25K stipend in the DC area while your classmates are making $50K-$70K (depending on prior service and/or dependents), and they will move on to residencies while you're defending your dissertation. That said, if you think it's for you, then call the
Graduate Education Office before your interview to set up additional interviews with Dr. Metcalf, some MD/PhD students, and various research faculty members.
@Bouddha (post #81): Being prior enlisted is, I think, a giant gold star on your application. My class is ~ 1/3 prior. I had a 3.8 cGPA and a 27N with research experience and good references. I can't give you odds, but definitely apply and use that insight being prior enlisted gives you as leverage in your essays and interviews.
@ Armywife06 (post #92): Get a student host if you can! My wife and I have a small 1 BR so can't host, but everyone here is very helpful and welcoming. Having a guide to help you get around will be very, very helpful. Alternatively, there is a
navy lodge very close to campus you might be able to stay at. Other hotels I'd recommend are the
Doubletree on Wisconsin in Bethesda, or the
American Inn of Bethesda -- both are very close to base.
The Hyatt also looks nice, is in downtown Bethesda, and is right on the Metro so you could easily tour DC before/after your interviews.
@ Coug (post #23 & 106): Our interview day really was relatively laid back. I recommend coming a day or more early to see the sights - and have more to talk about in the interview if they ask if you like the area!
Re: emails - You're right. This place lives on email. We must get 10-20 mass emails about random things (like signing up to host an interviewee!) every day.
@ robokittie1015 (post #111): That was sweet.
🙂 👍
@ Cyguy (post #123): Usually 3-4 weeks. First is the notice of "conditional acceptance", then the paperwork & physicals, then (hopefully) an "unconditional acceptance", then... GET READY FOR TRAINING!
😀
@ ALL: Feel free to PM if you have any questions. I still have some links and contacts pertinent to the medical waiver process somewhere, in case someone ends up needing that.
General advice: Unless you're re-taking MCAT, you can't change your stats, so stop worrying about them. Write (and re-write) your essays, have others critique them, practice interviews, read a novel or two (many interviewers ask what you're reading), and
most importantly: complete your applications as quickly and thoroughly as you can, then follow up on all the bureaucratic processes that must occur before you finally get your acceptance and orders to training (it's easy to get frustrated)! You're on the home stretch, so don't start getting sloppy now.
👍
Congrats to all who are receiving interview invites! Remember to relax and have fun, but by all means, even if you are a civilian,
MAINTAIN YOUR MILITARY BEARING.
Extraordinarily long post, I know... I'm avoiding studying for biochem. 😱
