2013-2014 Uniformed Services University of the Health Science Application Thread

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Secondary submitted.
Primary not released yet.
1 LOR still pending
 
USUHS has migrated to the top of my list. I have prior service (Marine Corps), GPA: 4.0, MCAT: 33, and good EC's. My secondary and all letters are in, just waiting on AMCAS.
 
On the military application addendum, there's a section where we need to explain why we did not complete the ROTC program or service academy. This is not asking why we didn't participate in ROTC but rather if we did begin to participate in those programs why we didn't finish, right?
 
I thought it would be fitting to get my secondary to USU tonight. Beyond excited for this school... Here's to hoping. Happy 4th of July to everyone and best of luck.
 
I just sent in my secondary application today and my AMCAS app. was ready for review on 6/26. Now we wait. Good luck everyone!
 
AlgernonMed said:
On the military application addendum, there's a section where we need to explain why we did not complete the ROTC program or service academy. This is not asking why we didn't participate in ROTC but rather if we did begin to participate in those programs why we didn't finish, right?
Click to expand...

That is correct, as I understand it.

Looking for an opinion: As an ROTC "dropout", should I use a picture of me in uniform from when I was a midshipman for my app, or should I use a current civilian one?

Don't worry about why I chose not to commission, I have my explanation for the admissions committee.
 
So what if you never took the SAT? ACT? or TOEFL
 
thebiochemist said:
That is correct, as I understand it.

Looking for an opinion: As an ROTC "dropout", should I use a picture of me in uniform from when I was a midshipman for my app, or should I use a current civilian one?

Don't worry about why I chose not to commission, I have my explanation for the admissions committee.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't wear the uniform. In my mind, not currently affiliated with the military = no uniform.
 
Just got an email saying everything is in and ready for review! I'm super excited about this school!!
 
thebiochemist said:
That is correct, as I understand it.

Looking for an opinion: As an ROTC "dropout", should I use a picture of me in uniform from when I was a midshipman for my app, or should I use a current civilian one?

Don't worry about why I chose not to commission, I have my explanation for the admissions committee.
Click to expand...

Civilian. If you are not currently affiliated with the military, it is a misrepresentation of yourself. Further, you could easily offend someone on the AdCom.
 
Nilesor said:
So what if you never took the SAT? ACT? or TOEFL
Click to expand...

They seem to be really flexible with this requirement. Give the admissions department a call, I recommend Ms. Mayo, had good luck speaking with her.
 
jamiechan said:
thx i got it using the preview on my mac 🙂
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Submitted! To get it down to one pdf I used the preview function on my Mac, saved the preview pdf as a jpeg, pasted those into PowerPoint, and saved that as a pdf. A digital Rube Goldberg machine once again prevents me from having to buy Adobe Acrobat Pro!
 
I am applying to this school as well!

If someone could clarify for me, if my primary application has not yet been verified, I still need to submit my secondary (including all letter of recs) within 3 weeks of when I received the email that had the instructions for supplemental app materials, right?
 
AWESTRUCKx7 said:
I am applying to this school as well!

If someone could clarify for me, if my primary application has not yet been verified, I still need to submit my secondary (including all letter of recs) within 3 weeks of when I received the email that had the instructions for supplemental app materials, right?
Click to expand...

That's the way I understood it.
 
MyDogIsRiley said:
Submitted! To get it down to one pdf I used the preview function on my Mac, saved the preview pdf as a jpeg, pasted those into PowerPoint, and saved that as a pdf. A digital Rube Goldberg machine once again prevents me from having to buy Adobe Acrobat Pro!
Click to expand...

You can get a 30 day trial version of Adobe Acrobat Pro for free to do this. Or you can install a number of other programs to do it, but definitely don't have to buy a program for it.
 
If you are trying to get your files into a single PDF, there are multiple ways to do it. First, not sure about everyone else, but my university's library and science computer lab have Adobe Pro on all of their computers. Merging documents can be done that way quite easily. Second, you can always print the files and then scan them into a single PDF. Any scanner with an automatic document feeder (and really any scanner that is relatively new) should have the option to scan into a single PDF. If you don't have one, your university or local library should.
 
AWESTRUCKx7 said:
I am applying to this school as well!

If someone could clarify for me, if my primary application has not yet been verified, I still need to submit my secondary (including all letter of recs) within 3 weeks of when I received the email that had the instructions for supplemental app materials, right?
Click to expand...

According to the instructions in the packet, is says don't wait for the letters of recommendation to submit it.
 
Hi everyone, just submitted my secondary. I've lived in DC for the past two years and I work across the street from USUHS at the NIH. Although I'm not a student, I'm happy to answer any questions about life and what not around USUHS.
 
Wow I am so frustrated. I've spent the last five hours trying to merge these PDFs into one file. I went through the whole hassle of downloading and installing the free trial of Adobe Acrobat, but then when I tried to merge the files, it said that they were in some XFL format and couldn't be merged???

Then I went to pdfmerge.com and tried that, but that only merges some of the files...some of the others don't show up??? UGH.

How are you all doing this? I'm so confused.
 
medguy13 said:
Wow I am so frustrated. I've spent the last five hours trying to merge these PDFs into one file. I went through the whole hassle of downloading and installing the free trial of Adobe Acrobat, but then when I tried to merge the files, it said that they were in some XFL format and couldn't be merged???

Then I went to pdfmerge.com and tried that, but that only merges some of the files...some of the others don't show up??? UGH.

How are you all doing this? I'm so confused.
Click to expand...

I successfully merged them but then some formatting issues occurred. Finally printed them out and scanned them as one document.
 
medguy13 said:
Wow I am so frustrated. I've spent the last five hours trying to merge these PDFs into one file. I went through the whole hassle of downloading and installing the free trial of Adobe Acrobat, but then when I tried to merge the files, it said that they were in some XFL format and couldn't be merged???

Then I went to pdfmerge.com and tried that, but that only merges some of the files...some of the others don't show up??? UGH.

How are you all doing this? I'm so confused.
Click to expand...

If you are having issues, print then scan into one document.
 
enlightenedbb said:
I'm confused about this: Do we need a letter of approval from either the army, navy, air force, etc... to apply to USUHS? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Only if you're currently in the military, whether active duty or guard.
 
So I am in a weird situation. I have submitted my secondary application and my AMCAS app has been ready for review since July 2. I am prior service and I recently commissioned through ROTC in May. I do not belong to a unit right now so I am not sure where I would get the LOA from the Army. Any suggestions??
 
jsmith72 said:
So I am in a weird situation. I have submitted my secondary application and my AMCAS app has been ready for review since July 2. I am prior service and I recently commissioned through ROTC in May. I do not belong to a unit right now so I am not sure where I would get the LOA from the Army. Any suggestions??
Click to expand...

If you commissioned through ROTC, aren't you active duty? If so, you would get the LOA from the branch you are in, sounds like Army.
 
No, not everyone goes on active duty. I commissioned into the reserves. Thanks for the response! I'll figure it out.
 
jsmith72 said:
No, not everyone goes on active duty. I commissioned into the reserves. Thanks for the response! I'll figure it out.
Click to expand...

If you're reserves, I'm pretty sure you still have to get a letter from the Army. Did you try the contact information on the supplemental info they sent out? If not here it is:

Ms. Louise Taylor
CDR USAREC
Attn: RCHS-OP
1307 Third Avenue, Room 1149
Fort Knox, KY 40121-2726
(502) 626-0310
DSN 536-0310
800- 223-3735 ext. 60310
[email protected]

When I spoke with the Navy person on the list they provided, she wasn't very friendly or particularly helpful. But she did point me in the right direction. Maybe Ms. Taylor can do the same for you. Good luck.
 
I sent her an email a few days ago but still no response. Guess I'll have to be more aggressive. Thank you!
 
I have a question about the military application addendum... In the instructions, it is listed under materials we have to complete and return, but it also says "If Applicable." Then in the actual addendum sheet, it says "please answer these questions even if you have no pending obligations or no prior or current military affiliation." So if I have have never been in the military, do I still have to fill it out and attach it to my application? Sorry... I just want to double check what people have been doing. Thank you so much!
 
AWESTRUCKx7 said:
I have a question about the military application addendum... In the instructions, it is listed under materials we have to complete and return, but it also says "If Applicable." Then in the actual addendum sheet, it says "please answer these questions even if you have no pending obligations or no prior or current military affiliation." So if I have have never been in the military, do I still have to fill it out and attach it to my application? Sorry... I just want to double check what people have been doing. Thank you so much!
Click to expand...

I didn't even look at that file, since it didn't apply to me...

Oops?
 
jmbusclas said:
If you are trying to get your files into a single PDF, there are multiple ways to do it. First, not sure about everyone else, but my university's library and science computer lab have Adobe Pro on all of their computers. Merging documents can be done that way quite easily. Second, you can always print the files and then scan them into a single PDF. Any scanner with an automatic document feeder (and really any scanner that is relatively new) should have the option to scan into a single PDF. If you don't have one, your university or local library should.
Click to expand...


👍🙂 Thank you for your help. It took hours trying to format this secondary to their specifications. I ended up printing the files and scanning them into a single PDF. (I have a Mac and I still don't know how to do it with their template, the text kept disappearing on me when I merged them.)

I really hope that it is all good in their book so my app isn't held up any longer. This school is definitely one of my top choices! :xf:
 
I answered all the questions with the "no" box checked and signed and dated. I included it in my application packet just to be sure everything was complete.
 
Question for current students at USUHS. Part of the mission of the school is to train physicians for military medicine.

1. Does that mean they are wanting students who are planning on spending their career in the military (meaning past the 7 years of required active duty)?

2. Also, is it common for graduates to go inactive duty once the 7 years is completed?

3. To my understanding many students are sent elsewhere for their 3rd and/or 4th year rotations (anywhere from Hawaii to Texas to staying in D.C.) How does the process of being assigned or choosing the rotation site work?

4. Could someone explain how much money you make in medical school, residency, and once you begin working as a physician (use a pediatrician for an example) and compare the pay to a similar career as a civilian physician. I am just confused by the charts on the military websites that show O-1 O-2, the years next to it, and the dollar amounts next to each profession. I really appreciate your input on this one.

Thanks!
 
jdfamily said:
1. Does that mean they are wanting students who are planning on spending their career in the military (meaning past the 7 years of required active duty)?

4. Could someone explain how much money you make in medical school, residency, and once you begin working as a physician (use a pediatrician for an example) and compare the pay to a similar career as a civilian physician. I am just confused by the charts on the military websites that show O-1 O-2, the years next to it, and the dollar amounts next to each profession. I really appreciate your input on this one.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

From what I understand, they prefer doctors spending their careers in the military. That being said, many leave after the 7 years because they make more money in the civilian world. If you do stay in for the full 20, there is a retirement based on rank. Hard to find one of those any more 🙂

Money - The easy way is to add the monthly pay based on rank with the BAH (basic housing allowance which depends on A- zipcode and B- whether or not you have kids) and BAS (basic allowance for subsistence). Keep in mind that the BAH and BAS are NOT taxed.

So... An O-1 makes $2877, if you live near bethesda and don't have kids, add $1875 BAH (If you have kids, BAH is $2,247), then add on BAS of $242.60 for a total income per month of $4994.60. There are additional bonuses here and there. Once you're in residency there's a bonus. After residency, then there's an additional bonus. If you get boarded, theres another monthly bonus added on.

But don't let all that confuse you. You would be going to medical school for free and getting paid $4,994.60 per month.
 
Last edited:
Darth Doc said:
From what I understand, they prefer doctors spending their careers in the military. That being said, many leave after the 7 years because they make more money in the civilian world. If you do stay in for the full 20, there is a retirement based on rank. Hard to find one of those any more 🙂

Money - The easy way is to add the monthly pay based on rank with the BAH (basic housing allowance which depends on A- zipcode and B- whether or not you have kids) and BAS (basic allowance for subsistence). Keep in mind that the BAH and BAS are NOT taxed.

So... An O-1 makes $2877, if you live near bethesda and don't have kids, add $1875 BAH (If you have kids, BAH is $2,247), then add on BAS of $242.60 for a total income per month of $4994.60. There are additional bonuses here and there. Once you're in residency there's a bonus. After residency, then there's an additional bonus. If you get boarded, theres another monthly bonus added on.

But don't let all that confuse you. You would be going to medical school for free and getting paid $4,994.60 per month.
Click to expand...

I just want to clarify... BAH goes up if you have a dependent. That is, if someone else is depending on you for more than half of their living cost. I say this because it will go up if you are married without kids too, or if you have a family member (mom / dad) who you support.

I'm not trying to one up you or anything, just want to make sure those who aren't familiar with it are clear. But absolutely, you will be getting paid well TO GO TO med school and even better for residency (if a military match).
 
So I submitted the amcas primary June 10th and under details it says "application has been made available to designated medical schools" (as of June 14). I then submitted all my USUHS secondary materials on July 11th and received a reply on the 16th that they were just waiting on my primary. Shouldn't they already have it? Did I miss something, or is it just a standard reply? How do I know when my primary actually goes out (it seems like other people are aware of this information, but I see no where to look it up)? Or should I just chill the f out and be patient?
 
kajedbear said:
So I submitted the amcas primary June 10th and under details it says "application has been made available to designated medical schools" (as of June 14). I then submitted all my USUHS secondary materials on July 11th and received a reply on the 16th that they were just waiting on my primary. Shouldn't they already have it? Did I miss something, or is it just a standard reply? How do I know when my primary actually goes out (it seems like other people are aware of this information, but I see no where to look it up)? Or should I just chill the f out and be patient?
Click to expand...

You can e-mail the admissions counselor that your last name falls under and ask if your app is complete or if they do actually need something else. As long as your primary is verified then they have full access to it, but if you submitted the secondary before it was verified then that could have been the issue.
 
I was complete a couple days ago... Really hoping for an ii. Have wanted to go here since I decided to go to Med school. Definitely my top choice.
 
kajedbear said:
So I submitted the amcas primary June 10th and under details it says "application has been made available to designated medical schools" (as of June 14). I then submitted all my USUHS secondary materials on July 11th and received a reply on the 16th that they were just waiting on my primary. Shouldn't they already have it? Did I miss something, or is it just a standard reply? How do I know when my primary actually goes out (it seems like other people are aware of this information, but I see no where to look it up)? Or should I just chill the f out and be patient?
Click to expand...

I had the same response. My last name starts with L so if you are in that grouped then, yes it was automated. I emailed her stating the same concern as you and she told me it was automated and she double checked to make sure they had my primary.
 
Hi everyone, I'm currently in the military with 15 years TIS (Time in Service) and have been aviation related my entire career from working on F-16s to becoming a pilot and flying UH-60s and now C-12s. I've achieved my Graduate Degree and am currently working on Pre-reqs for USUHS and taking the MCAT next spring. I'm wondering if my TIS will affect my chances of getting selected, be it good or bad? I'm also wondering if my background will be helpful or hurtful as well? If you have any insight please let me know. Thank you for your time. Also, if anyone has any military questions regarding either AF or Army, I've been in both, don't hesitate to inquire. Have a good one.
 
mize5774 said:
Hi everyone, I'm currently in the military with 15 years TIS (Time in Service) and have been aviation related my entire career from working on F-16s to becoming a pilot and flying UH-60s and now C-12s. I've achieved my Graduate Degree and am currently working on Pre-reqs for USUHS and taking the MCAT next spring. I'm wondering if my TIS will affect my chances of getting selected, be it good or bad? I'm also wondering if my background will be helpful or hurtful as well? If you have any insight please let me know. Thank you for your time. Also, if anyone has any military questions regarding either AF or Army, I've been in both, don't hesitate to inquire. Have a good one.
Click to expand...

I'm prior service as well and so I have looked into this quite a bit, but probably the best source of information is the USUHS website and a few threads on SDN.

A little old for some of the info but a thorough read of this thread will probably answer all your questions: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=187188

Basically to save you 50 pages of posts prior service looks good and they are happy to see that you want a career in the military. That being said the slight majority of matriculants at USUHS actually don't have any prior service and most of those that do are from ROTC or an Academy. It seems that USUHS cares significantly more about having a good GPA, MCAT score and the "standard" pre-med EC's (for example they require clinical experience) just like every other med school. If you have those and prior service then I'm sure you'll be a shoe in because you can easily address the "Why military medicine?" question that permeates the secondary and interview at USUHS.
 
Hey everyone! So I was super excited to apply to this school because military medicine sounded awesome and after talking to the students they seemed to love it. However, after looking at the military medicine forum on SDN I was pretty disappointed. Everyone who was a resident or doctor in the military seemed to hate it. Any thoughts? I just feel like something I was so looking forward to was ruined 🙁 Any opinions or GOOD stories from current docs/ residents in the forces?
 
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