2016 Nontrad Applicants' Progress Thread

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Glycereine said:
Hey! Super excited to discuss it 🙂.

HPSP is an amazing program if you want to serve in the military at all. First, some benefits of that:
1. Typically you get a lot more clinical exposure to a wider variety of cases early on as a military doctor
2. The opportunities of military service in general, travel, starting pay, etc.

However you don't want to do it if:
1. It's only the money for med school. If you don't want to be in the military, you won't be happy with the obligated service (4 years) and more if you do your residency through the military (another year for every year of training).
2. You don't want to go through the military match system (I don't know as much about this, except that it varies greatly by service and what is available each year based on promotions, retirements, etc.)

On to the program:
1. HPSP pays for 4 years of tuition including books and any fees (no cap, EVERY school full paid for).
2. You also are paid a monthly stipend (living expenses) that right now is at about 2000 dollars a month (probably be a little higher next year).
3. You owe back 4 years to whichever service you do HPSP through (Army, Navy and Air Force all have HPSP).
4. As soon as you graduate medical school you are commissioned as an O-3 (LT in the Navy or Captain in Army or Air Force). http://www.dfas.mil/dam/jcr:b6ef41d4-f071-45f9-b863-70b202be05a6/2015MilitaryPayChart_2.pdf (roughly 4000 dollars a month plus tax exempt housing allowance (anywhere from 1200-2400 depending on location as an O-3, more if married and goes up as you get promoted).
5. You do some summer training/clerkships with military hospitals during medical school, as well as officer training before commissioning.

That was pretty general, but I could talk about it WAY too much for it to be very understandable at first glance. I can go into more detail or help with service choices if you are interested, feel free to PM me, or just reply here as well. Below are a couple of good links with information too!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_Professions_Scholarship_Program
https://www.navycs.com/officer/hpsp.html
http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/education/hpsp.html
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Thanks! I do have a few specific questions but still stuck on my phone and about to head to class so will pm you later!
 
calisurfer19 said:
Not too sure tbh. I'm leaning more towards transferring to the Guard and then using my GI Bill with a possibility of switching back to AD after residency. I know the pay will be different for the two, but I also have my own business, which should more than make up the difference. I know this goes without saying, but ultimately I'm going to do what's best for my family. How about you?
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Completely understood. I am reluctant to get out to go to medical school (HPSP is technically out) so I am looking at doing HSCP (Navy only) which is an option that allows me to stay active duty while in school, get paid as an E-7, and have the time count for retirement. The biggest draw for me with this is continued medical coverage, otherwise I would probably go HPSP. HSCP doesn't pay tuition, so it's not as good economically (since I'm an officer now I do get E-7 pay instead of the normal E-6 pay for the program though). Same situation as you with respect to doing this for my family. Having medical still covered is the big one, as well as a situation my wife is ok with (even though huge pay cut and her having to move and quit her job in the process) since she's letting me go to medical school for my mid-life crisis (as she calls it lol).
 
Glycereine said:
Completely understood. I am reluctant to get out to go to medical school (HPSP is technically out) so I am looking at doing HSCP (Navy only) which is an option that allows me to stay active duty while in school, get paid as an E-7, and have the time count for retirement. The biggest draw for me with this is continued medical coverage, otherwise I would probably go HPSP. HSCP doesn't pay tuition, so it's not as good economically (since I'm an officer now I do get E-7 pay instead of the normal E-6 pay for the program though). Same situation as you with respect to doing this for my family. Having medical still covered is the big one, as well as a situation my wife is ok with (even though huge pay cut and her having to move and quit her job in the process) since she's letting me go to medical school for my mid-life crisis (as she calls it lol).
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Wish they had a program like that in the AF, I'd probably do that too. So if they don't cover tuition, can you use tuition assistance and then cover the rest with the GI Bill?
 
calisurfer19 said:
Wish they had a program like that in the AF, I'd probably do that too. So if they don't cover tuition, can you use tuition assistance and then cover the rest with the GI Bill?
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From what I understand you can't use tuition assistance. You CAN use GI Bill though. The problem is it only covers 3 years not 4 and since you're active duty you don't get the housing allowance part of it. If you weren't going to use it for anything else, it's definitely worth using together, but I think I'm going to save mine for my kids (or my wife after I finish medical school haha).

edit:
It's a really good program for prior enlisted and to a lesser extent officers. Because you're active duty you get paid according to time in service as well. So I'll be paid as an E-7 with 12 years when I start school next year. For an E3 or E4 it's even better because they actually get promoted (paywise) to E6 pay. Anyone who was E-7 or higher gets E-7 pay.
 
Eccesignum said:
ACCEPTED TO TULANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11!111!!ONE
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YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS


and now the emotional roller coaster has come to an end, it's time to enjoy the win

Congratulations! Now go get some ice cream and enjoy your weekend
 
Congratulations to all!!

The past 36 hours have been nothing short of difficult. I have yet to hear from a school that I expect to hear from by EOD today. The thought of being rejected is bringing up a lot of negative self-talk, which I'm usually good at suppressing but I can't quite do that now. I know that a wait list or rejection is not the end of the world, but for some reason it certainly feels like it. Sigh. I hope to be able to update you all with good news.
 
Congrats everyone, so excited for everyone with all the success that's in this thread.

Now I don't know what to think about my situation; still nothing. Why aren't I at least getting rejections?! The silence is even more un-nerving then just getting rejected. Snug seal needs to come to Seattle to visit me.
 
mavric1298 said:
Congrats everyone, so excited for everyone with all the success that's in this thread.

Now I don't know what to think about my situation; still nothing. Why aren't I at least getting rejections?! The silence is even more un-nerving then just getting rejected. Snug seal needs to come to Seattle to visit me.
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Exactly! I've gotten a handful of rejections, but it's mostly just... nothing... I feel like I don't know what to make of it.
 
wagonwheel23 said:
Congratulations to all!!

The past 36 hours have been nothing short of difficult. I have yet to hear from a school that I expect to hear from by EOD today. The thought of being rejected is bringing up a lot of negative self-talk, which I'm usually good at suppressing but I can't quite do that now. I know that a wait list or rejection is not the end of the world, but for some reason it certainly feels like it. Sigh. I hope to be able to update you all with good news.
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Hang in there...some of these places are taking their sweet time!!
 
Much congratulations to all the acceptances here, and those that are to come!!!!
 
So, I have my first MMI on Thursday (at my state school and number 1 choice). Anyone have any websites or tips on how to prepare? I know I can google some things, but was looking for some nontrad advice.
 
Six interviews down, two more coming up. Two of the places I interviewed at in August reported acceptances today, but nothing for me. I did get an extra pre-secondary rejection today though, so there's that.

I'm it, guys. I'm gonna be the one with 8 interviews and no acceptances. 🙁
 
gyrfalcon said:
Six interviews down, two more coming up. Two of the places I interviewed at in August reported acceptances today, but nothing for me. I did get an extra pre-secondary rejection today though, so there's that.

I'm it, guys. I'm gonna be the one with 8 interviews and no acceptances. 🙁
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I'm in a similar situation, 7 interviews (though 2 of them are happening in the next 2 weeks, so really just 5 interviews), no rejections yet but also no news at all since interviews 🙁
We'll be OK. At least ONE Texas school is bound to like us, right?
 
gyrfalcon said:
Six interviews down, two more coming up. Two of the places I interviewed at in August reported acceptances today, but nothing for me. I did get an extra pre-secondary rejection today though, so there's that.

I'm it, guys. I'm gonna be the one with 8 interviews and no acceptances.
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Don't feel bad, you are not alone on this boat!
To add to my last few days of stress, my interview today was the WORST I had so far. The interviewer was super nice, I literally choked up on my answers and just rambled must of them. At some point he told me that I should not be that nervous and that on paper I looked very confident. 🙁
 
B-wildered said:
Don't feel bad, you are not alone on this boat!
To add to my last few days of stress, my interview today was the WORST I had so far. The interviewer was super nice, I literally choked up on my answers and just rambled must of them. At some point he told me that I should not be that nervous and that on paper I looked very confident. 🙁
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Oh no, sorry to hear that! Maybe he'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Interviewers must know that this process is nerve-wracking.
 
B-wildered said:
Don't feel bad, you are not alone on this boat!
To add to my last few days of stress, my interview today was the WORST I had so far. The interviewer was super nice, I literally choked up on my answers and just rambled must of them. At some point he told me that I should not be that nervous and that on paper I looked very confident. 🙁
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I think anyone having to interview within 2 days of the 15th should get bonus points.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
@VegasPreMed : I found this website to be very helpful as far as a general list of topics to consider as part of MMI prep. Personally, my MMI was *actually* fun, I swear. IMHO, we have a leg up as non-trads, because of our extra years of experience dealing with different types of people in different settings. Makes the role-playing stations easier, I think. You are gonna be GREAT!
 
gyrfalcon said:
Six interviews down, two more coming up. Two of the places I interviewed at in August reported acceptances today, but nothing for me. I did get an extra pre-secondary rejection today though, so there's that.

I'm it, guys. I'm gonna be the one with 8 interviews and no acceptances. 🙁
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Just let your personality shine and you'll be great!

Channel that non trad charm
 
B-wildered said:
Don't feel bad, you are not alone on this boat!
To add to my last few days of stress, my interview today was the WORST I had so far. The interviewer was super nice, I literally choked up on my answers and just rambled must of them. At some point he told me that I should not be that nervous and that on paper I looked very confident. 🙁
Click to expand...

Sounds like he might've been being sympathetic though. We all get nervous, they know that. Like Goro says, interviwees are the worst judges of the interview!
 
gyrfalcon said:
Six interviews down, two more coming up. Two of the places I interviewed at in August reported acceptances today, but nothing for me. I did get an extra pre-secondary rejection today though, so there's that.

I'm it, guys. I'm gonna be the one with 8 interviews and no acceptances. 🙁
Click to expand...

I flipped the *F* out when my first post-interview contact ever was a waitlist. Your brain wants to go nuts but don't let it. What one school looks for is not what another does. We believe in yoooou.
 
DaenerysTargaryen said:
@VegasPreMed : I found this website to be very helpful as far as a general list of topics to consider as part of MMI prep. Personally, my MMI was *actually* fun, I swear. IMHO, we have a leg up as non-trads, because of our extra years of experience dealing with different types of people in different settings. Makes the role-playing stations easier, I think. You are gonna be GREAT!
Click to expand...

Awesome, thank you. In your experience, have most of the prompts been medically related? I've heard of some real off-the-wall topics.
 
VegasPreMed said:
So, I have my first MMI on Thursday (at my state school and number 1 choice). Anyone have any websites or tips on how to prepare? I know I can google some things, but was looking for some nontrad advice.
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Hey guys, sorry I've been not so here. I'M SO HAPPY ABOUT YOUR ACCEPTANCES!! I've just been busy having many feelings, and tequila shots, and fantasizing about buying a bus to live in and later turn into a mobile free clinic outside my Detroit destructo-mansion with the basement myco-lab, and and and...

But MMIs! Yes!

Number one tip, go on Amazon and read the free excerpt from the book The Empathy Exams. It's written by a woman who was paid to be a standardized patient for medical schools and will give you some very clear insight into what they're looking for. It's also short and a fun read.

Number two tip, from a woman I met who actually worked on the Davis MMI team (met her after I did mine, tho): whatever your response is, be sure to give your thought process. Having good justifications is more important than doing it "right," especially since they may well make the scenario unwinnable. (So don't panic if you leave the scene and the actor still looks sad or angry or whatever.) This is less important in the interview format, where they'll try to tease your justification out, but in acting ones it is good if you can voice why you make the choices you do.

Two point five: Even in scenarios where you're maybe supposed to act as a friend or family member, always act fundamentally as a professional: composed and thoughtful. And smile! ...as much as appropriate!

Third tip: they love to see positivity, kindness, and a level of extraversion. Studies of the Big 5 characteristics that correlate most strongly to acceptances following MMI point to people with high extraversion and openness. This may not be anything you can consciously do anything about, but it's worth noting.

Fourth tip: it is super likely that you will still have a station that wants to know why you like that school and if you have any questions. Also: "tell us about yourself." Assume you have five to seven minutes. Prep accordingly.

Fifth: Relax. As far as I can tell, if you're a fit for the school, you'll know and so will they. Might as well live a little.

Hope that helps!
 
I wish UIC would send decisions by email. As it stands, I have to wait til next Thursday for a decision to be made, and then wait for it to reach me via snail mail. 🙁
 
pageantry said:
Hey guys, sorry I've been not so here. I'M SO HAPPY ABOUT YOUR ACCEPTANCES!! I've just been busy having many feelings, and tequila shots, and fantasizing about buying a bus to live in and later turn into a mobile free clinic outside my Detroit destructo-mansion with the basement myco-lab, and and and...
Click to expand...

OMG dude. My fantasy is a houseboat/office/lab that I sail around the gulf and up and down the Mississippi giving medical attention on the barter system (mostly for pie).

I told my Tulane interviewer this on a whim and later thought that was a huge mistake. HOORAY IT WAS NOT.
 
Eccesignum said:
OMG dude. My fantasy is a houseboat/office/lab that I sail around the gulf and up and down the Mississippi giving medical attention on the barter system (mostly for pie).

I told my Tulane interviewer this on a whim and later thought that was a huge mistake. HOORAY IT WAS NOT.
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Holy crap, I told basically everyone at OUWB the bus free clinic plan. Thought it was a mistake too!

YOU GUYS. EVERYONE. DREAM YOUR HIPPIE WEIRDO DREAM. QUICK!!
 
pageantry said:
Holy crap, I told basically everyone at OUWB the bus free clinic plan. Thought it was a mistake too!

YOU GUYS. EVERYONE. DREAM YOUR HIPPIE WEIRDO DREAM. QUICK!!
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highfive.jpg
 
VegasPreMed said:
Awesome, thank you. In your experience, have most of the prompts been medically related? I've heard of some real off-the-wall topics.
Click to expand...

All of mine were at least somewhat medically related, with the exception of two stations that focused on cooperativity/communication/teamwork skills. Then again, the school where I had the MMI component also uses traditional interviews, so there was no need for any "tell us about yourself"-type stations, as Pageantry mentioned. If it's just MMI, definitely be prepared for some of that. Regardless, basically everything that @pageantry said is right on the money.
 
My MMI included the signing of an NDA, but I can say the prompts were varied. There was a range of stations from "traditional style" questions, medical and non-medical scenarios, and actors.
 
Thanks everyone. MMIs have me a little nervous for some reason (probably unfamiliarity). This even after I had an eight person panel interview (including regional leadership) for my management position at my previous career! MMIs just seem so random. 😕
 
pageantry said:
Number one tip, go on Amazon and read the free excerpt from the book The Empathy Exams. It's written by a woman who was paid to be a standardized patient for medical schools and will give you some very clear insight into what they're looking for. It's also short and a fun read.
Click to expand...

After you suggested this book in an earlier comment, I went out to the library and got the book. A great read!

The last chapter/essay (the book is really a collection of essays) is available for free online. You can find it here:
http://www.vqronline.org/essays-articles/2014/04/grand-unified-theory-female-pain
 
TravelingPanda said:
After you suggested this book in an earlier comment, I went out to the library and got the book. A great read!

The last chapter/essay (the book is really a collection of essays) is available for free online. You can find it here:
http://www.vqronline.org/essays-articles/2014/04/grand-unified-theory-female-pain
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The last Reply All podcast episode was also a really great one about misdiagnosed female pain. I haven't actually got to that last essay yet but I'm really looking forward to it! *lunges back toward that book, now in center of the pile* *destroys nightstand*
 
gyrfalcon said:
Six interviews down, two more coming up. Two of the places I interviewed at in August reported acceptances today, but nothing for me. I did get an extra pre-secondary rejection today though, so there's that.

I'm it, guys. I'm gonna be the one with 8 interviews and no acceptances. 🙁
Click to expand...
Keep your chin up 🙂 we have to keep hoping for good news just around the corner.
 
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