Any DO HPSP recipients here?

[csx]

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What were your scores and how difficult do you think it was to attain the scholarship? Do you have to score as high as an MD applicant to receive it? I know for the MCAT there is a 8/8/8 cut off but obviously you dont want the bear minimum to have a good chance. I'm not sure how many DO's receive the HPSP. One person on here said 40% of HPSP recipients are DO's, another said 10%. So i dont know the exact #.

Please do not quote this.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Does the answer matter? I mean, you'll apply with the best scores possible and attending the best school you can. If you meet the minimums, I suggest applying.

 

[csx]

I'm not too interested in HPSP. I'm more curious than anything.

 

[medickdb]

What were your scores and how difficult do you think it was to attain the scholarship? Do you have to score as high as an MD applicant to receive it? I know for the MCAT there is a 8/8/8 cut off but obviously you dont want the bear minimum to have a good chance. I'm not sure how many DO's receive the HPSP. One person on here said 40% of HPSP recipients are DO's, another said 10%. So i dont know the exact #.

Please do not quote this.

Honestly, if you can get into medical school, you can most likely get the scholarship as long as you meet the cutoffs.

There are a lot of DOs in the military because our COA is higher on the whole.

DO HPSP students/ DO students in attendance at all schools >>> MD HPSP students/ MD students in attendance at all schools

 

[kalat]

I don't think it is competitive to get it unless you're obese or have other medical issues (there's physical standard requirements like the rest of the military). If you can get into a medical school, you usually meet their minimum requirements. The sign-on bonus right now is $20,000.

 

[medickdb]

I don't think it is competitive to get it unless you're obese or have other medical issues. If you can get into a medical school, you usually meet their minimum requirements. The sign-on bonus right now is $20,000.

Correct. It's not competitive at all. Out of the 10 applicants my recruiter submitted to be approved, all 10 got the scholarship.

 

[nontrad78]

I'm definitely interested and will be contacting a recruiter soon, but I'm a little concerned about passing the physical qualifications. I'm not worried about my physical capabilities, rather, I've had total reconstructive back surgery (over 20 years ago), and have rods in my back. I know there is some leniency because participants will be medical officers, but I'm not sure if they'll waive my condition, even if it doesn't keep me from performing and meeting the physical performance standards.

 

[medickdb]

I'm definitely interested and will be contacting a recruiter soon, but I'm a little concerned about passing the physical qualifications. I'm not worried about my physical capabilities, rather, I've had total reconstructive back surgery (over 20 years ago), and have rods in my back. I know there is some leniency because participants will be medical officers, but I'm not sure if they'll waive my condition, even if it doesn't keep me from performing and meeting the physical performance standards.

Honestly, at best they'll have you see a specialist to make that determination.

 

[nontrad78]

Honestly, at best they'll have you see a specialist to make that determination.

Yeah, I figure they'll check into it. It sounds like those types of waivers can depend on which specialist you see: some are apparently pretty lax, while others are equally strict.

 

[AlteredScale]

My friend got into the Air Force HPSP and had a sub 8 score. (24+ however). Perhaps different criteria for each branch?

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

What are peoples thoughts on going into hpsp? Is it worth it?

 

[medickdb]

My friend got into the Air Force HPSP and had a sub 8 score. (24+ however). Perhaps different criteria for each branch?

When did he get it? It was supposedly nothing sub 8 starting the past cycle (matriculating now).

 

[AlteredScale]

When did he get it? It was supposedly nothing sub 8 starting the past cycle (matriculating now).

Ah I see. He started two years ago so that's probably why.

Dang! There goes my chance in applying for that. :I

 

[medickdb]

What are peoples thoughts on going into hpsp? Is it worth it?

Depends on what you're looking to do. It limits you in various ways. Definitely do your research about what you're getting from the scholarship and what's expected of you for taking it. A lot of people take the scholarship and have no clue that applying for residency is different for us. Many also don't understand what it means to be in the military.

 

[medickdb]

Ah I see. He started two years ago so that's probably why.

Dang! There goes my chance in applying for that. :I

It depends. The requirements change every year. Don't take my word for it. Last I heard, they're thinking of doing away with that requirement in particular.

 

[AlteredScale]

It depends. The requirements change every year. Don't take my word for it. Last I heard, they're thinking of doing away with that requirement in particular.

Thank you for that! I will contact the recruiter this week to see what's going on.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

Depends on what you're looking to do. It limits you in various ways. Definitely do your research about what you're getting from the scholarship and what's expected of you for taking it. A lot of people take the scholarship and have no clue that applying for residency is different for us. Many also don't understand what it means to be in the military.

I'm considering this route but I'm very worried this country is going to war in the next four years.

 

[csx]

I know the Army has a 8/8/8 minimum so I misspoke in my original post (I do not know about the other branches). Does this apply to the other branches as well? When you apply, you apply to each separate branch individually I'm assuming...is this common for people to do and are the other branches made aware of this?

 

[medickdb]

I know the Army has a 8/8/8 minimum so I misspoke in my original post (I do not know about the other branches). Does this apply to the other branches as well? When you apply, you apply to each separate branch individually I'm assuming...is this common for people to do and are the other branches made aware of this?

There are plenty of people who apply to multiple branches. You don't need to let each branch know that you're in the process with the others.

I was replying to another poster about the Air Force. It had an 8/8/8 minimum this past year, but those kinds of things always change.

 

[j4pac]

The USAF can be tricky because they often fill. I was waitlisted, and by the time I was accepted the USAF filled. I don't think meeting standards is difficult from an academic prospective.

 

[medickdb]

I'm considering this route but I'm very worried this country is going to war in the next four years.

It's something you need to take into consideration. Being HPSP myself, I've met a lot of HPSP. When you flash the money in front of people, you'll get many who sign the papers without knowing what they're really getting into.

 

[csx]

It's something you need to take into consideration. Being HPSP myself, I've met a lot of HPSP. When you flash the money in front of people, you'll get many who sign the papers without knowing what they're really getting into.

That's really sad.

 

[csx]

For the Army, the 8/8/8 is waiverable. All you need to do is contact an Army recruiter and explain your situation. You must specifically ask for a waiver if it's below 24 or subscores less than 8.

If you have current MCAT scores an undergrad degree, you can start your application before you receive any acceptances. You will be branched Medical Service Corps while in school. Upon graduation, you transfer to the Medical Corps and are promoted to Captain.

I heard this is exceedingly rare.

 

[medickdb]

That's really sad.

Well, yeah. It's why Med Corps is considered sort of a joke. Plenty of people who don't really belong or want to be in the military.

 

[csx]

Bump. So anyone DO HPSP recipients able to chime in? So far we only have one 2nd hand anecdote </3

 

[medickdb]

Bump. So anyone DO HPSP recipients able to chime in? So far we only have one 2nd hand anecdote </3

Second hand anecdote? I am a recipient and my wife is a PGY3 in the Air Force.

What do you want to know exactly?

 

[csx]

Second hand anecdote? I am a recipient and my wife is a PGY3 in the Air Force.

What do you want to know exactly?

@medickdb : what kind of #'s do you think you need to be competitive?

I was referring to emagavin's post when i said 2nd hand. I didn't realize you/your wife were both recipients. Out of curiosity, did you and your wife meet prior to MS, in MS, or through the military??

More insight from other recipients would be greatly appreciated to broaden perspective.

 

[medickdb]

@medickdb : what kind of #'s do you think you need to be competitive?

Honestly, you really only need to meet their minimums which depends on the branch, but on the whole are a 3.2 and a 24. Air Force is most competitive because it has the fewest slots and draws the most interest. The competitve aspect really only comes into play if you're late in the process. The last boards usually meet around April.

If you can meet those minimums and are in decent physical health (certain medical issues disqualify you), they'll take you. Oh, and no crazy criminal record obviously.

From what I've seen, most people who apply for the scholarship receive it. Personally, I wish more people understood what they expect of you though. As I said earlier, some people who take the scholarship aren't cut out for the military and they won't learn that until after school. By then, there's nothing they can do other than fulfill their obligation.

One shouldn't do it simply for the money. Unfortunately, many do. You should really want to serve in the military. Seems simple, but that idea is lost on a few.

 

[CajunMedic]

I started the process with the Navy last year, but stopped after my MCAT retake came back with a 24 (10V/8P/6B). The recruiter told me 27-30 was competitive for them and I was wasting my time. I got the same feedback from the milmed forum here when I considered a retake just for HPSP. My GPA was 3.44 and I had 10 years prior enlisted service in the Army Guard.

 

[keels99]

How rare is "rare" on the MCAT waiver? I missed it by 1 point in only one section (7 in physics) but I am still very interested in the scholarship. Going into tons of debt isn't my favorite thing in the world. However, I don't want to take the MCAT again since I hate it with a burning passion.

 

[csx]

@medickdb what do you have to say in response to @CajunMedic's response ? I keep hearing contradictory answers. Some people say its really easy to get the HPSP other people say its really hard. My buddy said in VA under 10 are given it for the army.

Also, is there any advantage to being extremely physically fit or no?

 

[keels99]

Does anyone know much about the HSCP?

 

[WaterIsGood]

@medickdb what do you have to say in response to @CajunMedic's response ? I keep hearing contradictory answers. Some people say its really easy to get the HPSP other people say its really hard. My buddy said in VA under 10 are given it for the army.

Also, is there any advantage to being extremely physically fit or no?

These are questions that can be answered if you contact a recruiter.

I spoke with an Army recruiter when I was considering the HPSP scholarship. She told me they wanted a gpa over 3.0 and an MCAT score with no subsection less than 8.

From what she said, they're absolutely desperate for more qualified applicants.

 

[golfman7]

Ugh Im interested in doing HPSP but I got a 7 in verbal and 28 overall. Is the navy or air force lenient with subsection scores below 8 ? Thanks.

 

[keels99]

Ugh Im interested in doing HPSP but I got a 7 in verbal and 28 overall. Is the navy or air force lenient with subsection scores below 8 ? Thanks.

I contacted them about it back in the spring and they said no. I don't know if they are planning on changing that requirement or not.

 

[medickdb]

@medickdb what do you have to say in response to @CajunMedic's response ? I keep hearing contradictory answers. Some people say its really easy to get the HPSP other people say its really hard. My buddy said in VA under 10 are given it for the army.

Also, is there any advantage to being extremely physically fit or no?

It gets harder the longer you wait, that's for sure. Just like most medical schools, it's a rolling process. That 'no more than 10' for the Army can't be true. The Army has the most spots out of the three branches. When I went to Air Force officer training, I would estimate that a third of the class consisted of medical students (approx. 80 people). There are three times during the year when medical students could possibly do the training, so x 3 would be about 240 people. So, the Air Force alone probably gives out about 240 scholarships per year.

 

[medickdb]

@medickdb what do you have to say in response to @CajunMedic's response ? I keep hearing contradictory answers. Some people say its really easy to get the HPSP other people say its really hard. My buddy said in VA under 10 are given it for the army.

Also, is there any advantage to being extremely physically fit or no?

The longer you wait, the harder it becomes. Just like most medical schools, there's a rolling process. That 'no more than 10 scholarships' for the Army can't be true. It has the most spots out of the three branches. When I went to Air Force officer training, I would estimate that approximately a third of the class was medical students (approx. 80 people; most were from DO schools). There are three times during the year a medical student could possibly do the training, so 80 x 3 = 240. But, the actual number of recipients is probably a little bit lower than that estimate for various reasons. So, I'd say the Air Force alone offers about 200 scholarships per year. The Army and the Navy would offer the same, probably more. So, at least 600 HPSP scholarships are probably given out each year.

As for that last question, no. You just need to be in decent health. You have to complete a physical before being commissioned. Certain things can disqualify you such as asthma, rods and pins, etc. Sometimes, they make someone go see one of their specialists if the condition is one that puts you on the fence.

 

[Beargryllz]

I was accepted for DO and the next day I started applying for the HPSP. I got it with a 30 MCAT and 3.3 cGPA but I didn't take it. They were pissed and called me a few times to guilt trip me into it. I hung up to play League of Legends instead.

 

[csx]

It gets harder the longer you wait, that's for sure. Just like most medical schools, it's a rolling process. That 'no more than 10' for the Army can't be true. The Army has the most spots out of the three branches. When I went to Air Force officer training, I would estimate that a third of the class consisted of medical students (approx. 80 people). There are three times during the year when medical students could possibly do the training, so x 3 would be about 240 people. So, the Air Force alone probably gives out about 240 scholarships per year.

Just to clarify, in case you misread what I had said, but I said in the state of Virginia the army offer less than 10. Do you still think this is baloney? I mean granted what you said and what I heard, the #'s add up. Pretend each state offers only 5 scholarships. 50 states x 5 scholarships= 250 per branch. 250 x 3 branches = 750 total. So 10 HPSP for the army in VA alone would make sense?

 

[medickdb]

Just to clarify, in case you misread what I had said, but I said in the state of Virginia the army offer less than 10. Do you still think this is baloney? I mean granted what you said and what I heard, the #'s add up. Pretend each state offers only 5 scholarships. 50 states x 5 scholarships= 250 per branch. 250 x 3 branches = 750 total. So 10 HPSP for the army in VA alone would make sense?

I think you compete against people in your region, so yes that could very likely be true.

 

[csx]

I think you compete against people in your region, so yes that could very likely be true.

dang...sounds just as competitive to get the scholarship, if not more than getting into MS. The DO's who are awarded the HPSP must have stats closer to an MD students then...

 

[medickdb]

dang...sounds just as competitive to get the scholarship, if not more than getting into MS. The DO's who are awarded the HPSP must have stats closer to an MD students then...

Maybe. It didn't really seem competitve to me. I guess there are a lot of factors that go into it.

 

[famejia]

Honestly, you really only need to meet their minimums which depends on the branch, but on the whole are a 3.2 and a 24. Air Force is most competitive because it has the fewest slots and draws the most interest. The competitve aspect really only comes into play if you're late in the process. The last boards usually meet around April.

If you can meet those minimums and are in decent physical health (certain medical issues disqualify you), they'll take you. Oh, and no crazy criminal record obviously.

From what I've seen, most people who apply for the scholarship receive it. Personally, I wish more people understood what they expect of you though. As I said earlier, some people who take the scholarship aren't cut out for the military and they won't learn that until after school. By then, there's nothing they can do other than fulfill their obligation.

One shouldn't do it simply for the money. Unfortunately, many do. You should really want to serve in the military. Seems simple, but that idea is lost on a few.

Can you please elaborate? I am interested but I would like to know what is truly expected of someone (other than wanting to serve in the military that is).

 

[D4C]

Can you please elaborate? I am interested but I would like to know what is truly expected of someone (other than wanting to serve in the military that is).

You become an officer in the US military, with all the privileges, responsibilities, and obligations that entails. It's not always appealing when you get down to it, and it's definitely not for everyone. Also, I hear it's easier as a DO to match into specialties in the military match; not having to take the COMLEX+USMLE is always awesome too!

 

[doreegon]

Honestly, you really only need to meet their minimums which depends on the branch, but on the whole are a 3.2 and a 24. Air Force is most competitive because it has the fewest slots and draws the most interest. The competitve aspect really only comes into play if you're late in the process. The last boards usually meet around April.

If you can meet those minimums and are in decent physical health (certain medical issues disqualify you), they'll take you. Oh, and no crazy criminal record obviously.

From what I've seen, most people who apply for the scholarship receive it. Personally, I wish more people understood what they expect of you though. As I said earlier, some people who take the scholarship aren't cut out for the military and they won't learn that until after school. By then, there's nothing they can do other than fulfill their obligation.

One shouldn't do it simply for the money. Unfortunately, many do. You should really want to serve in the military. Seems simple, but that idea is lost on a few.

I'm a very serious applicant to HPSP. I went through it last year and didn't end up getting any acceptances because I applied late. I've researched the program a lot, but I'm just not sure what people mean when they say "some people aren't cut out for the military". I'm not from a military family so I don't really know what you mean when you say this. Could you explain more? (you can omit the stuff about how after residency you won't make as much money in the military, I know all of that).

Thanks

 

[baxt1412]

I'm a very serious applicant to HPSP. I went through it last year and didn't end up getting any acceptances because I applied late. I've researched the program a lot, but I'm just not sure what people mean when they say "some people aren't cut out for the military". I'm not from a military family so I don't really know what you mean when you say this. Could you explain more? (you can omit the stuff about how after residency you won't make as much money in the military, I know all of that).

Thanks

i just think basically that applicants need to be open to the fact that they could be deployed halfway across the world at a moments notice. granted, you won't be in a combat position, but that doesn't mean that your life isn't at risk.

whoever mentioned dangling the money in your face... very true for me. but then i take a step back and ask myself, would i ever consider going into the military outside of the HPSP? my answer is no, which tells me i'm considering the HPSP only for the money and that, i believe, is a grave mistake. that is why i'm not doing the HPSP

 

[csx]

I wanted to address the issue of military life, especially for those considering utilizing the HPSP. Please take note that these are only anecdotes from the Army. If you are uncomfortable being told what to do, where to be, or when to do something, do not utilize the Army's HPSP. You have to be ready to commit yourself to not only your patients but to the United States Army as a whole. Even with the drawdown, there is still a significant potential of you being deployed to Afghanistan or somewhere else in the near future. In addition, there are numerous OCONUS assignments that are not in a deployed environment but still can cause heartache for some people (e.g., Alaska, Japan, Korea, etc.). Also keep in mind that you might not complete residency immediately following graduation from medical school. The Army can have you complete your intern year and then pull you to a line unit as a general medical officer (GMO). You can even deploy as a GMO.

Yes, you are an officer and being an Army officer is not bad at all. But, there is typically someone that always outranks you so you have to be comfortable working on other peoples' schedules or in some very unique environments.

Does a gmo year count toward payback?

 

[medickdb]

Does a gmo year count toward payback?

Yes.

 

[doreegon]

i just think basically that applicants need to be open to the fact that they could be deployed halfway across the world at a moments notice. granted, you won't be in a combat position, but that doesn't mean that your life isn't at risk.

whoever mentioned dangling the money in your face... very true for me. but then i take a step back and ask myself, would i ever consider going into the military outside of the HPSP? my answer is no, which tells me i'm considering the HPSP only for the money and that, i believe, is a grave mistake. that is why i'm not doing the HPSP

Thanks for the insight.

 

[deadleopard]

Hey everyone, current Army officer here. NOT medical, but applying this cycle and pursuing the HPSP. Feel free to ask me any questions you have about the Army or military life.