You ALWAYS apply before Dec 1st. The packet is not easy to complete, and takes a while. You should have it complete before then. Dec 1st should have the very last part of the packet: your offer of admission. From there, you want to be part of the first wave of selection boards with the most quotas.
Correct on applying before Dec 1.
OP, I am a 4-year AF HPSP student and my timeline is below:
Feb. 2016- Started HPSP App.
July 2016- HPSP app forwarded to Board (MEPS, interview, etc. took time).
Aug 2016- Board Met (only one board meets per year for Air Force)
Sep 2016- Board results released
Aug 2017- I started school.
I've heard the AF has limited 4 year scholarships. I've also heard they require you to apply to an AEGD/GPR and if accepted you must take it. If so in a roundabout way, you still have the same 4 year payback, but they only have to pay for 3 years of school.
Big Hoss
This.
They awarded 12 4-year scholarships for this year's entering class (dental class of 2021).
Yes, they require application to an AEGD, and then acceptance if you are selected. From what I've heard (talking with several AF dentists), the AEGDs are some of the best in the country and it really takes you to the next level. Personally, I'd love the opportunity to do one, but Hoss is right that it is basically required if they select you.
To OP and anyone else reading this, free to post here or PM me if you've got any application specific questions. Classes have me super busy right now (not drinking from a fire hydrant yet, but getting there), and I will try to respond whenever I get some free time.