2015-2016 Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Application Thread

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anyone know how many students they accept for the public health services?
 
Need some advice about when to submit my secondary. My amcas is verified and good to go. I just re took the mcat 7/17 and will get the score ~8/16. The only thing holding me up is my pre-med committee. Probably won't have that letter until August and I don't want to submit my secondary too late. Can I submit my secondary now without all of my letters? Will it hurt my chances?
 
Lark27 said:
Need some advice about when to submit my secondary. My amcas is verified and good to go. I just re took the mcat 7/17 and will get the score ~8/16. The only thing holding me up is my pre-med committee. Probably won't have that letter until August and I don't want to submit my secondary too late. Can I submit my secondary now without all of my letters? Will it hurt my chances?
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It won't hurt your chances at all. I submitted my secondaries without all my letters in. Now all I have to worry about is getting those letters in, and once they do, there won't be any more lag time. If you think you can write better secondary essays tho, then you might as well wait and keep improving them since your letters aren't in, and they wont review until they have everything anyways. I just preferred to submit my secondaries already so that I don't overthink or linger on those essays. Just my two cents.
 
BearGrylls has a fantastic name as well as sound advice!
Although a lot of people like to do the 2-3 day turnaround, I am a firm believer of the 2-week turnaround, plus or minus 1-2 days. However, I am also someone who likes to take time researching the school and writing so that I feel most confident about what I submit.
I say better to submit a teeny bit later with a more put together written piece than submit fast with something, well, less put together. However, USUHS also has that firm 3-week deadline, and you should probably get that in with or without the letters before then.
Also the thing with letters is that you can't really control that - I believe the schools will weigh in more thought on what you did yourself with what you had real control over.
 
^ This is a really good point, there is a 3 week deadline so just make sure you don't miss that. AND, you have a greater sphere of influence in your essays than in your letters, so it may be better for you to take time writing those essays rather than submit right away. Just don't miss that deadline! So if you got that secondary the first of July like a lot of people who submitted their primaries in June, I think you have to submit by tomorrow, the 21st? Be on top of that!
 
Ugh, just received an email saying my secondary was complete but it was complete two weeks ago. I hope this doesn't make enough of a difference to hurt me.


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Thanks for the info guys. I didn't even submit my primary app to USUHS yet because I know they send out secondaries right away and was under the impression that not having my committee letter would delay things anyway. Should I just go ahead and submit my primary so I can get the secondary now and submit that without my committee letter?
 
Lark27 said:
Thanks for the info guys. I didn't even submit my primary app to USUHS yet because I know they send out secondaries right away and was under the impression that not having my committee letter would delay things anyway. Should I just go ahead and submit my primary so I can get the secondary now and submit that without my committee letter?
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You should definitely go for it and submit the primary! I submitted without the letter, and they say in the secondary email to just send things in even if you're waiting for the letter.
I'm pretty sure that when they talk about a 3 week deadline, they mean that your physical writing that you have to do must be in by then!
WHOOOOO one step closer to completion!
 
Glycereine said:
Ugh, just received an email saying my secondary was complete but it was complete two weeks ago. I hope this doesn't make enough of a difference to hurt me.


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I submitted my secondary on July 1 and my last LOR hit AMCAS on July 8, but I haven't received any completion notification at all yet.
 
ThirtySixAlpha said:
I submitted my secondary on July 1 and my last LOR hit AMCAS on July 8, but I haven't received any completion notification at all yet.
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That's about when my last LOR hit as well. Did you email your admissions counselor to tell them the LOR was in?


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Ya'll are on top of it! just asked the doctor I work for yesterday to write me a letter haha. Last letter I need in, but doesn't matter since they won't look at my application until mid august anyways since I'm waiting for my score.
 
BearGrylls said:
Ya'll are on top of it! just asked the doctor I work for yesterday to write me a letter haha. Last letter I need in, but doesn't matter since they won't look at my application until mid august anyways since I'm waiting for my score.
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YAYYY!! Good luck with your score!!! I'm sure you did awesome 🙂
My letters were loaded to amcas yesterday, so i carefully emailed my counselor at usuhs for verification/update... Omg I really want to go here
 
I submitted my secondary application right away, on July 2nd. I then got an email requesting a photograph, which I then also submitted. But there has been nothing but silence since. Do you think I should contact somebody or just wait and see?
 
HalpSendHalp said:
YAYYY!! Good luck with your score!!! I'm sure you did awesome 🙂
My letters were loaded to amcas yesterday, so i carefully emailed my counselor at usuhs for verification/update... Omg I really want to go here
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Thank you! And congrats to you for getting your information in on a timely manner. Good move, hopefully you here from them soon saying you're complete. Is this your top choice (certainly is mine haha)?
 
12345678191011 said:
I submitted my secondary application right away, on July 2nd. I then got an email requesting a photograph, which I then also submitted. But there has been nothing but silence since. Do you think I should contact somebody or just wait and see?
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Wouldn't hurt to ask to see if you're complete so long as everything is in. It's probably a good idea in fact.
 
BearGrylls said:
Thank you! And congrats to you for getting your information in on a timely manner. Good move, hopefully you here from them soon saying you're complete. Is this your top choice (certainly is mine haha)?
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Ahhh, thank you! I emailed them 2 days ago asking for a verification, but they haven't replied yet. 🙁
This is absolutely my first choice! I loved USUHS when I visited. 🙂
 
Just got my secondary today. Hoping for an II, my grandpa was in the Navy and my aunt and uncle are teachers at Ramstein, after visiting Ramstein I really wanted to enlist at 17 (glad I didn't), now I'm looking forward to applying here! Good luck to everyone!
 
If anyone needs the secondary prompt here it is

1. Military and Public Health Medicine is a calling that is both rewarding and challenging. “America’s Medical School” is looking for the absolute best to serve all military and Public Health Service beneficiaries—service members, retirees, and family members. Please describe your motivation to learn and practice medicine with the U.S. military medical corps and/or the U.S. Public Health Service. (200 words maximum)

2. The F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine features a distinctive curriculum that meets all of the requirements for a high quality medical degree AND prepares students to be highperforming officers in the medical corps of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force or Public Health Service. Please describe what in your research about our school and/or in your personal or family background attracts you to our institution’s unique mission and approach. (200 words maximum)

3. The F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine receives far more outstanding applications from potential students than we are able to admit in any given year. Our Admissions Committee likes to assemble classes of students with a diversity of backgrounds, skills, experiences and talents to care for our patients—many of whom have overcome impressive challenges while serving our country. Please describe a special quality or experience that will help you relate to our unique population and that will strengthen your class if admitted to “America’s Medical School.” (200 words maximum)
 
I need advice from other females on this board... How did you wear your hair/what did you wear in your secondary app photo? Did you wear make-up? I usually just throw my hair in a bun or ponytail and don't really wear makeup so I don't how I should take this picture!
 
@Unexciting , I did a typical passport picture. I wore a coral collared shirt and tweed business jacket, had my hair down but neat (AKA no crazy bed hair), exposed ears, slight smile, VERY natural make up. It almost looks like I'm not wearing any!
 
Unexciting said:
I need advice from other females on this board... How did you wear your hair/what did you wear in your secondary app photo? Did you wear make-up? I usually just throw my hair in a bun or ponytail and don't really wear makeup so I don't how I should take this picture!
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I'm curious about this too, i have a pixie cut so that makes the hair easy (I styled it more clean cut than I usually do) and did minimal makeup, then I tried to think about what top to wear and then I got confused (white button up, silk blouse?).
 
I'm not a female, but I'd imagine the closer you come to regulations, the better you'll be perceived to "fit" into the military culture. Just err on the side of being conservative and professional.
Here are some excerpts from the Army regulations (services will vary somewhat) on grooming, just for an idea:

a. Hair.
(1)General.
The requirement for hair grooming standards is necessary to maintain uniformity within a military
population. Many hairstyles are acceptable, as long as they are neat and conservative. It is the responsibility of leaders
at all levels to exercise good judgment when enforcing Army policy. All Soldiers will comply with hair, fingernail, and
grooming policies while in any military uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty.

(b)Extreme, eccentric, or faddish haircuts or hairstyles are not authorized. If Soldiers use dyes, tints, or bleaches,
they must choose a natural hair color. Colors that detract from a professional military appearance are prohibited.
Therefore, Soldiers must avoid using colors that result in an extreme appearance. Applied hair colors that are
prohibited include, but are not limited to, purple, blue, pink, green, orange, bright (fire-engine) red, and fluorescent or
neon colors. It is the responsibility of leaders to use good judgment in determining if applied colors are acceptable,
based upon the overall effect on a Soldier’s appearance.

(d) Additional hairstyle guidelines.
Faddish and exaggerated styles, to include shaved portions of the scalp other than the neckline, designs cut in the hair, unsecured ponytails (except during physical training), and unbalanced or
lopsided hairstyles are prohibited. Hair will be styled so as not to interfere with the proper wear of all uniform
headgear. All headgear will fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without bulging or distortion
from the intended shape of the headgear and without excessive gaps. When headgear is worn, hair should not protrude
at distinct angles from under the edges. Hairstyles that do not allow the headgear to be worn in this manner are
prohibited. Examples of hairstyles considered to be faddish or exaggerated and thus not authorized for wear while in
uniform or in civilian clothes on duty include, but are not limited to hair sculpting (eccentric texture or directional flow
of any hairstyle to include spiking); buns with loose hair extending at the end; hair styles with severe angles or designs;
and loose unsecured hair (not to include bangs) when medium and long hair are worn up.

b. Cosmetics.
(1) Standards regarding cosmetics are necessary to maintain uniformity and to avoid an extreme or unprofessional
appearance. Males are prohibited from wearing cosmetics, except when medically prescribed. Females are authorized to
wear cosmetics with all uniforms, provided they are applied modestly and conservatively, and that they complement
both the Soldier’s complexion and the uniform. Leaders at all levels must exercise good judgment when interpreting
and enforcing this policy.
(2) Eccentric, exaggerated, or faddish cosmetic styles and colors, to include makeup designed to cover tattoos, are
inappropriate with the uniform and are prohibited. Permanent makeup, such as eyebrow or eyeliner, is authorized as
long as the makeup conforms to the standards outlined above. Eyelash extensions are not authorized unless medically
prescribed.
(3) Females will not wear shades of lipstick that distinctly contrast with the natural color of their lips, that detract
from the uniform, or that are faddish, eccentric, or exaggerated.
 
QUESTION

I was hired as a scribe about 2 weeks after I submitted my AMCAS. I didn't put it on my application. Is it appropriate to send my USUHS advisor an email about this? I was thinking about giving her an update in the email I send my picture with.
 
AvrgPreMedKid said:
QUESTION

I was hired as a scribe about 2 weeks after I submitted my AMCAS. I didn't put it on my application. Is it appropriate to send my USUHS advisor an email about this? I was thinking about giving her an update in the email I send my picture with.
Click to expand...
Definitely no harm in doing so but if your file is already being reviewed it may not matter. It would be updated for any interviewers though.
 
Unexciting said:
I need advice from other females on this board... How did you wear your hair/what did you wear in your secondary app photo? Did you wear make-up? I usually just throw my hair in a bun or ponytail and don't really wear makeup so I don't how I should take this picture!
Click to expand...

K.Garcia said:
I'm curious about this too, i have a pixie cut so that makes the hair easy (I styled it more clean cut than I usually do) and did minimal makeup, then I tried to think about what top to wear and then I got confused (white button up, silk blouse?).
Click to expand...

Also not a female but have worked with a ton in the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force:

There is definitely no harm in having your hair regulation for the picture. As long as it is obvious it can be put into regulation (ie the standards mentioned a couple posts above) it shouldn't be an issue. However if you have blue, purple, etc., or gauged ears or other facial piercing I would definitely forgo those for the picture.
 
ThirtySixAlpha said:
Just received an II for Sept 10. Ecstatic would be an understatement. 🙂
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Congratulations!!! I hope it goes well!

It seems like they are starting a little early for II this year compared to older threads. I could kick myself for waiting to submit my primary so late!
 
Unexciting said:
Congratulations!!! I hope it goes well!

It seems like they are starting a little early for II this year compared to older threads. I could kick myself for waiting to submit my primary so late!
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Thanks! Last year it looks like the invites were going out at the same time to the day (7/28). No need to worry yet.
 
I sent an email for verification of status and I haven't received anything - :/
Do you think my e-mail went to spam box?
 
I'll be honest. The admissions counselors are very helpful in general but I think they are overwhelmed at times. I went weeks without replies last cycle. I typically called to follow up my emails if I still didn't have a response.

Out of curiosity, what letter does your last name start with?
HalpSendHalp said:
I sent an email for verification of status and I haven't received anything - :/
Do you think my e-mail went to spam box?
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How long after you submitted your primary did you receive the secondary?
 
BeornBear said:
Also, keep in mind the PHS does not accept medical waivers.
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Actually, I don't think that is true. I recently shadowed a PHS officer who went to USUHS, I think they were class of 2009 or something close to that. They told me they had had several medical waivers. Maybe it has changed since then though, so perhaps you are correct.
 
Submitted secondary yesterday! Just waiting for the rest of my LoRs. Hope I'm not too late
 
meerkat1024 said:
Actually, I don't think that is true. I recently shadowed a PHS officer who went to USUHS, I think they were class of 2009 or something close to that. They told me they had had several medical waivers. Maybe it has changed since then though, so perhaps you are correct.
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Unfortunately, this is not true.
 
Is it normal for USUHS to ask for more questions about your application? I had to send in another essay post-secondary.
 
VitalBeansprout said:
"Why haven't you retaken the MCAT." I had some timing issues and with the change I havent had the chance to retake it.
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I haven't heard about that before as an essay question, usually it's a follow-up inquiry from admissions if your MCAT is significantly below 30 that gives them an indicator of whether they should use the MCAT score as is or wait for a new score report. I don't recall questions on why you haven't retaken it (is it a relatively old score?), I think it's usually "Are you going to retake the MCAT?"
 
ThirtySixAlpha said:
I haven't heard about that before as an essay question, usually it's a follow-up inquiry from admissions if your MCAT is significantly below 30 that gives them an indicator of whether they should use the MCAT score as is or wait for a new score report. I don't recall questions on why you haven't retaken it (is it a relatively old score?), I think it's usually "Are you going to retake the MCAT?"
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"What led to the decision not to re-take the MCAT for this application cycle? "
 
VitalBeansprout said:
"What led to the decision not to re-take the MCAT for this application cycle? "
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This is completely speculative, but I'm guessing you applied last year with a low MCAT score and didn't get accepted, then reapplied this year with the same score? That's the only context I can think of where that question makes sense. One of the key items they look at is what you have done since the last application to improve the competitiveness of your packet, so they could be viewing it from that angle.
 
VitalBeansprout said:
"What led to the decision not to re-take the MCAT for this application cycle? "
Click to expand...

ThirtySixAlpha said:
This is completely speculative, but I'm guessing you applied last year with a low MCAT score and didn't get accepted, then reapplied this year with the same score? That's the only context I can think of where that question makes sense. One of the key items they look at is what you have done since the last application to improve the competitiveness of your packet, so they could be viewing it from that angle.
Click to expand...

Or your MCAT is below what they screen at, so unless you are retaking it, your application is borderline? Not to freak you out but I think that's most likely if you didn't apply last year.
 
VitalBeansprout said:
"Why haven't you retaken the MCAT." I had some timing issues and with the change I havent had the chance to retake it.
Click to expand...

Hey @VitalBeansprout, if you don't mind could I ask what your MCAT is? I am a little worried about my MCAT since I did lower than average (29; v/r: 11, bs: 10, ps: 8) I originally thought it wasn't that bad so didn't retake but after being on SDN for a couple weeks I'm feeling less than adequate lol. Just wondering if our scores are similar and if I should expect the same inquiry here soon..if you do not mind sharing I would appreciate it 🙂
 
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