Almost done applying to NAVY HPSP, having second thoughts...need help!

[pearlywhit]

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Hey!,

So a few weeks ago I contacted a Navy recruiter (I am in NYC if that matters) in my interest in applying to the HPSP scholarship and the recruiter was nice told me all the benefits and some cons (I am pretty sure he left some out because he kept talking about the money aspect to lure me in which was obvious), and I went with it and started filling out some basic forms. Originally I was unsure if I should apply but (just some background info) my father is a big military person and encouraged me to do it to keep my options open in how I will pay for dental school (I am applying this cycle alrdy have interviews). So I went ahead filled out some forms went back and signed some release forms about background checks etc and I also went for the physical where they did the drug test yadda yadda.

Well...long story short I am severely considering not going through with this anymore since I really don't want to serve the military and am only doing it for the money, and I really feel I may end up unhappy if I get the scholarship and go through with this. MOREOVER, my application is almost complete (just missing the reference form) and I signed a bunch of papers which most I really didn't know what they were saying (I know sounds bad but at the time I thought it wasnt a big deal) but I think they were just clearance forms...and I gave my fingerprints and everything. So basically, what I am asking is if I committed to anything by taking the physical/filling out the forms? If want to retract my application should I just tell the recruiter I want out and there would be no evidence of me being associated with the military/navy? I dont know because I feel like I wasted his time now going through with all of this and am wondering if I should just apply! Would I be able to decline the scholarship later if I do finish my application with absolutely no commitment/association with the NAVY on my part?

Any advice is appreciated! Thank you!😳 Sorry if this has been discussed before I tried some searches but didnt really find any real answer.

 

[Destiny11]

If want to retract my application should I just tell the recruiter I want out and there would be no evidence of me being associated with the military/navy? I dont know because I feel like I wasted his time now going through with all of this and am wondering if I should just apply! Would I be able to decline the scholarship later if I do finish my application with absolutely no commitment/association with the NAVY on my part?

This is a question you need to ask your recruiter, and I believe there is no commitment involved until they offer you a scholarship and you accept their offer after you are accepted to a dental school.

 

[NAVY DDS 2010]

You are not committed to anything until such a time that you raise your right hand, take the oath of office and sign the paperwork for the scholarship.

Hey!,

So a few weeks ago I contacted a Navy recruiter (I am in NYC if that matters) in my interest in applying to the HPSP scholarship and the recruiter was nice told me all the benefits and some cons (I am pretty sure he left some out because he kept talking about the money aspect to lure me in which was obvious), and I went with it and started filling out some basic forms. Originally I was unsure if I should apply but (just some background info) my father is a big military person and encouraged me to do it to keep my options open in how I will pay for dental school (I am applying this cycle alrdy have interviews). So I went ahead filled out some forms went back and signed some release forms about background checks etc and I also went for the physical where they did the drug test yadda yadda.

Well...long story short I am severely considering not going through with this anymore since I really don't want to serve the military and am only doing it for the money, and I really feel I may end up unhappy if I get the scholarship and go through with this. MOREOVER, my application is almost complete (just missing the reference form) and I signed a bunch of papers which most I really didn't know what they were saying (I know sounds bad but at the time I thought it wasnt a big deal) but I think they were just clearance forms...and I gave my fingerprints and everything. So basically, what I am asking is if I committed to anything by taking the physical/filling out the forms? If want to retract my application should I just tell the recruiter I want out and there would be no evidence of me being associated with the military/navy? I dont know because I feel like I wasted his time now going through with all of this and am wondering if I should just apply! Would I be able to decline the scholarship later if I do finish my application with absolutely no commitment/association with the NAVY on my part?

Any advice is appreciated! Thank you!😳 Sorry if this has been discussed before I tried some searches but didnt really find any real answer.

 

[MatthewLeeDDS]

Hey!,

So a few weeks ago I contacted a Navy recruiter (I am in NYC if that matters) in my interest in applying to the HPSP scholarship and the recruiter was nice told me all the benefits and some cons (I am pretty sure he left some out because he kept talking about the money aspect to lure me in which was obvious), and I went with it and started filling out some basic forms. Originally I was unsure if I should apply but (just some background info) my father is a big military person and encouraged me to do it to keep my options open in how I will pay for dental school (I am applying this cycle alrdy have interviews). So I went ahead filled out some forms went back and signed some release forms about background checks etc and I also went for the physical where they did the drug test yadda yadda.

Well...long story short I am severely considering not going through with this anymore since I really don't want to serve the military and am only doing it for the money, and I really feel I may end up unhappy if I get the scholarship and go through with this. MOREOVER, my application is almost complete (just missing the reference form) and I signed a bunch of papers which most I really didn't know what they were saying (I know sounds bad but at the time I thought it wasnt a big deal) but I think they were just clearance forms...and I gave my fingerprints and everything. So basically, what I am asking is if I committed to anything by taking the physical/filling out the forms? If want to retract my application should I just tell the recruiter I want out and there would be no evidence of me being associated with the military/navy? I dont know because I feel like I wasted his time now going through with all of this and am wondering if I should just apply! Would I be able to decline the scholarship later if I do finish my application with absolutely no commitment/association with the NAVY on my part?

Any advice is appreciated! Thank you!😳 Sorry if this has been discussed before I tried some searches but didnt really find any real answer.

If you really don't want to serve in the military, then I highly suggest taking a different route. Yes, it'd be nice to not have loans, but it would also be miserable to be in the military for 4 years if you really don't want to be. I think that seals it right there. Others have commented on when you are "committed" so I won't go into that. Don't feel bad for taking up the recruiters time. You don't owe him/her a completed application for their efforts, this is your decision. Don't feel guilty, just move on.

Think about it this way, would you be more relieved if you apply and don't get it rather than applying and actually receiving it? If deep down this isn't what you want, then tell your recruiter. You'll cause more headaches for your recruiter if you apply, get accepted, and then say you don't want it. When you get out of school, you'll be able to pay your loans off one way or another. Don't let money scare you into doing something you'll regret.

For me, the military aspect was very appealing so that was a big factor in me going through with it. Sounds like the opposite for you, so do what makes you happy.

Best of luck in your decision!

 

[pearlywhit]

Thank you everyone! Indeed my main motive was for the money...and as I think more about it I really don't have an interest in serving the military. I will send my recruiter an email soon about how I want to retract my application. I guess your right that it will be more headaches if I apply and then decline then stopping now seeing as there is no commitment until I swear in. I will try to make my email professional at the least and explain myself well...seeing as they paid for my physical and were nice and all.

Don't let money scare you into doing something you'll regret. 👍👍👍👍

Thanks guys!