Greetings,
I was in your shoes not that long ago looking for any information beyond what's on the website for the Army-Baylor program... so now that I am in the program, I hope I can help answer some of your questions. Below you'll find my two cents on the application process and some information on the students:
RECRUITER:
My first piece of advice is to start working with your recruiter ASAP and be persistent with them and responsive to them. They prepare your application package that goes before the board, so try and make their life as easy as possible by meeting their suspenses. Always follow up with them to confirm receipt of documents and make sure everything is correct.
GRADES:
The website says you need a minimum GPA of 3.1. A minimum GPA will not do you any favors... I think the average GPA for my class was around 3.8.
GRE:
Again, the website gives you the minimums but you need higher scores than that. The board specifically looks at the verbal score, as that seems to be a better indication of success in this program. Anything over 550 would make you competitive.
OBSERVATION HOURS:
Get lots of them! I know some civilian schools emphasize x amount of hours in a variety of settings, but the bottom line here is get as many hours as you can. Since your patient population will consist primarily of orthopedics and sports, that tends to be where most people accumulate their hours. Don't underestimate the importance of getting several (if not most) hours in a military setting.
ESSAYS:
They are important... and a great opportunity for you to tell the board why you want to be in the military health care system. Emphasize what you can contribute to it rather than what you will get out of it!
TOUR:
If you can swing it, try and get to Fort Sam Houston and take a tour with the faculty (worked out through your recruiter). It does two things: shows them your interest in the program and gives you the opportunity to interact with the faculty and get specific academic questions answered. It is well worth your time.
PHONE INTERVIEW:
I've heard stories about people with 4.0 GPAs, and stats off the charts blow it in the interview. Take it seriously and prepare for it as if you were sitting across from the interviewer. Have an understanding of the environment you are entering (read - know deployment is a possibility) and remember you are not only talking to a faculty member, but a senior military officer (read - use appropriate customs and courtesies).
LETTERS of RECOMMENDATION:
Choose wisely... and make sure they will meet your deadlines! It never hurts to have a military PT write one of these if you have the opportunity to make that happen.
I think that covers most of the application process...
As for the students, there are 20 Army, 2 Air Force and 2 Navy for a total class size of 24. We run the gamut in age, background, experience, etc. I would say the average age is high 20s/low30s, several have prior military service (but the majority do not). Undergraduate degrees are pretty varied, too, so as long as you are squared away with your pre-requisites you should be fine.
The Army members report to Ft. Sam Houston in September, and your first "semester" is spent in the Army Medical Department's Basic Officer Leadership Course which runs through December. In January you will start the 18 month didactic portion (phase 1) which includes two 8-week clinical rotations. Phase 2 is a 12 month clinical residency, then you graduate and roll out to your first duty station.
I hope you found this helpful and good luck... it really is an amazing program!
