Army National Guard's new Med student program details.

[Mr. Freeze]

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Members do not see this ad.

Nm found em.

 

[AlphaPower]

Who knows? No harm in applying and if you find it fill up, ask yourself if you still want to sign up starting three months later.

Doesn't that just means you still get paid for a full 3 years of ADSW; it'll just stretch into your 4th year? What would be the downside of that? Thanks for all your help so far!

 

[notdeadyet]

Doesn't that just means you still get paid for a full 3 years of ADSW; it'll just stretch into your 4th year? What would be the downside of that?

Yes and none. Starting a few months later is only a big deal for those who are applying in their second or later year, when each quarter their app is delayed is another $10K out of their pocket.

 

[amindwalker]

Be advised there are currently 110 ASRs on duty. It is not clear how many are in the pipeline. If you want to hop on the gravy train, I submit that you should expedite.

For those concerned about being deployed; please keep in mind that our government is really powerful. Should conditions so warrant, the draft could be reinstated. It is therefore theoretically possible for Johnny Nobody, MD/DO2B to get yanked out of med school and sent to the sandbox as an infantry private (actually happened to one of my Dad's classmates at KU during Vietnam). That can't happen to an ASR, because we are med student officers and by definition, completely useless. So yes, it is possible to be yanked out of residency should the glass be broken, but med student recruitment would drop to zero for a long time. The Guard knows this.

 

[AlphaPower]

I just read the memo for Flexible Training dated 4/15/2008. At the very end of it, it says: "8. This memorandum expires 1 October 2009"

Does that mean the policy is up in the air on 10/01/2009 unless they reinstate it?

 

[Mr. Freeze]

Yes. However, the adherence of units to it even now is up to command, and at the state level up to state surgeons. All those awesome ways to meet drill reqs by going to CME conferences all have to be approved by your CO. Good luck if you are in a line INF or FA unit! 🙂

 

[koojo]

2LT Koojo on the deck. Just raised my hand about an hour ago, yeay!

 

[notdeadyet]

Yes. However, the adherence of units to it even now is up to command, and at the state level up to state surgeons. All those awesome ways to meet drill reqs by going to CME conferences all have to be approved by your CO. Good luck if you are in a line INF or FA unit! 🙂

That is why you should make every effort to be attached to a Med Det or other medical unit while in med school and residency. Being attached to a line unit sounds cool, but there will undoubtedly be not-so-cute conflicts later. Explaining to a physician-familar CO that you can't make drill because of the boards is one thing. Explaining it to someone who has no idea of the time involved is something else.

 

[notdeadyet]

2LT Koojo on the deck. Just raised my hand about an hour ago, yeay!

Let me be the first to congratulate you, LT. I can't believe you pulled that one off in time. Really came down to literally the final hours. Do you have your ASR number in hand, or will they be able to get it to you by day's end?

Congrats again, well done. They can't claim it was luck either, you really worked it.

 

[koojo]

Let me be the first to congratulate you, LT. I can't believe you pulled that one off in time. Really came down to literally the final hours. Do you have your ASR number in hand, or will they be able to get it to you by day's end?

Congrats again, well done. They can't claim it was luck either, you really worked it.

Thanks man I appreciate it. They are currently working on getting my ASR control number. They have until tomorrow afternoon to get that paperwork squared away. Hopefully all is good.

 

[notdeadyet]

Thanks man I appreciate it. They are currently working on getting my ASR control number. They have until tomorrow afternoon to get that paperwork squared away. Hopefully all is good.

Ah, right. It's Thursday, isn't it? I'm one day away from my last final of my last class in second year, so I'm way into sleep deprivation right now.

If you have today and tomorrow to get your control number sorted out, you should be in pretty good shape, especially as folks seem to really get things moving for you. Let us know when you get the ASR number so that we can unclench our fingers.

Contrats again, LT...

 

[ohio23]

Koojo,

How long did it take you from start to finish?

I sent my first inquiry email 1.5 months ago and have completed my physical, waiting for results, hoping to make the March board.

 

[AlphaPower]

That is why you should make every effort to be attached to a Med Det or other medical unit while in med school and residency. Being attached to a line unit sounds cool, but there will undoubtedly be not-so-cute conflicts later. Explaining to a physician-familar CO that you can't make drill because of the boards is one thing. Explaining it to someone who has no idea of the time involved is something else.

How do I make sure I'm attached to a Med Det or other medical units? How do I even know who's my CO and such?

 

[AlphaPower]

Be advised there are currently 110 ASRs on duty. It is not clear how many are in the pipeline. If you want to hop on the gravy train, I submit that you should expedite.

So 90 spots left for this year? What about the spots they couldn't fill last year? I thought they only had 70 something filled last year. The contract says there will be 600 slots for the lifetime of the program.

 

[notdeadyet]

How do I make sure I'm attached to a Med Det or other medical units? How do I even know who's my CO and such?

Ask your recruiter to put you in touch with who your potential CO will be. It's a reasonable request, and mine didn't bat an eyelash.

Also, depending on where you live, you may have multiple options. The Guard is way below the number of physicians they need. I had a couple of choices.

But definitely consider a med det/med unit. I would much sooner commute a couple hours once every three months to a CO that understands the medical education process than cross the street every month to a CO who doesn't understand that in medical education/residency, our schedule is not our own.

 

[notdeadyet]

So 90 spots left for this year?

At my swearing in, I was told that was a big crunch to hit the 1 MAR deadline and some think it might actually take it pretty close to 200. Just hearsay, but amindwalker is right about stepping on it if folks are hoping for a 1 JUL start.

But again, for the MS I's, if the spots fill, you can start ASR 1 OCT when there should be quite a few slots.

What about the spots they couldn't fill last year? I thought they only had 70 something filled last year. The contract says there will be 600 slots for the lifetime of the program.

Actually, the contract says that there are 200 spots/year for 3 years. Unfilled slots may roll into the next cycle or they may not.

Regardless, anyone interested should get moving on applying. I'm amazed at how many people are applying for the program. I would not be surprised to see 1 JUL fill up to the 200 mark with some overflow, with 1 OCT to be a big start, and folks worry if 1 JAN will be the last quarter to fill in the next year's cycle.

 

[koojo]

Koojo,

How long did it take you from start to finish?

I sent my first inquiry email 1.5 months ago and have completed my physical, waiting for results, hoping to make the March board.

I officially started filling out the commissioning paperwork back in October of 2008. I think because I'm the military now it took longer than it should, because seemed like a lot of the paperwork had to do with my military qualifications and history.

I'm really hoping to get a call tomorrow saying that I have a control number...can't believe it has to come down to 1 friggin day.

 

[amindwalker]

Congrats LT Koojo!!! 😀👍

I know it's corny, but it has become expected. Seriously, well done!! Is it weird being an officer?

I fart in your general direction (as a sign of respect & comradery)....Ni!!!

 

[amindwalker]

Thanks man I appreciate it. They are currently working on getting my ASR control number. They have until tomorrow afternoon to get that paperwork squared away. Hopefully all is good.

Rest assured, they really can miracle that.

 

[iatrosB]

By the way, I was told at OBLC that I would be promoted to Cpt when I graduated medical school whether I was at OBLC or not.

But, make life easier for yourself...go to OBLC in medical school, don't wait. It's really not hard to fit in your schedule, especially 4th year.

 

[notdeadyet]

For you ASR-uniform-wearing-types:

Another thread was talking about how for the Class A for all Army folks in HPSP, they should be wearing the National Defense ribbon, Army Service ribbon, Global War on Terror ribbon.

Does this apply to the National Guard? Do we have any decorations we need to wear on our Class A's?

Yes, I know, I really need to get a uniform guide...

 

[del Sol DOHC]

For you ASR-uniform-wearing-types:

Another thread was talking about how for the Class A for all Army folks in HPSP, they should be wearing the National Defense ribbon, Army Service ribbon, Global War on Terror ribbon.

Does this apply to the National Guard? Do we have any decorations we need to wear on our Class A's?

Yes, I know, I really need to get a uniform guide...

You should only get the National Defense Service Medal if you are active duty (on federal orders, and not for training) for at least one day. The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is awarded for active duty (again, federal orders) for at least 30 days. The Army Service ribbon is awarded to National Guard officers after completing basic orientation training. So, anyone on ASR will be naked until after OBLC, then they will have only the Army service ribbon until they are activated by the federal government.

 

[notdeadyet]

You should only get the National Defense Service Medal if you are active duty (on federal orders, and not for training) for at least one day. The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is awarded for active duty (again, federal orders) for at least 30 days. The Army Service ribbon is awarded to National Guard officers after completing basic orientation training. So, anyone on ASR will be naked until after OBLC, then they will have only the Army service ribbon until they are activated by the federal government.

Perfect. That's exactly what I was looking for. And saved me some money on ribbons, too. Score!

 

[koojo]

Congrats LT Koojo!!! 😀👍

I know it's corny, but it has become expected. Seriously, well done!! Is it weird being an officer?

I fart in your general direction (as a sign of respect & comradery)....Ni!!!

Thanks man!This guy is my fav! Silly amindwalker, your mother was a Hamster and your father smelled of Elderberries!!!!!! lol

 

[amindwalker]

You should only get the National Defense Service Medal if you are active duty (on federal orders, and not for training) for at least one day. The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is awarded for active duty (again, federal orders) for at least 30 days. The Army Service ribbon is awarded to National Guard officers after completing basic orientation training. So, anyone on ASR will be naked until after OBLC, then they will have only the Army service ribbon until they are activated by the federal government.

I have been awarded the NDSM, the GWOTSM, I'm getting the Army Achievement Medal (still in process), and following March 5th, I will be qualified for 2 state ribbons. I have not been to OBLC.

Furthermore, the criteria for wearing the Army Service ribbon states the following (after the part about completing basic training/OBLC); "Officer or Enlisted personnel assigned to a specialty, special skill identifier, or MOS based on civilian or other service acquired skills, will be awarded the ribbon upon honorable completion of four months active service" (no mention of Federal or not, for training, etc). Nobody seems to be aware of that little part.

I have however, been without any "shirt candy" (as my Navy buddy calls it) for over a year. It has taken a while to get the matter resolved (at NGB & my state level) because of the common misunderstandings mentioned by del Sol DOHC. We are still working on the Army Service ribbon, the regs clearly state in black & white that I am qualified for it, but no one has ever noticed that clause in the criteria. There is therefore hesitation (by the staff NCOs that handle such matters) because they have always believed that completing entry training was an absolute requirement for that award.

Everyone feel free to check it out at http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Awards/ARMY%20SVC%20RIBBON1.html

 

[koojo]

Is the March 1st ASR deadline for putting a request for a control number, or actually getting the control number. I talked to the SGT who is working packet over in WV and she said she's just waiting on the control number. She's out of the office today (how fortunate for me...😡), but I figure as long as the request has been put in prior to the end of today (which seems like it has), then I should be OK..?

 

[rookem11]

As long as the paperwork is filed before March 1st you should be fine. You don't have to have the control number in hand before March 1st. Also, CONGRATS LT!

 

[koojo]

As long as the paperwork is filed before March 1st you should be fine. You don't have to have the control number in hand before March 1st. Also, CONGRATS LT!

Well that's good news, thanks! Are you in ASR?

 

[doctiggity]

As long as the paperwork is filed before March 1st you should be fine. You don't have to have the control number in hand before March 1st. Also, CONGRATS LT!

I was contacted by my recruiter today who said that my paperwork got kicked back again. I was told what the problem was and made adjustments to my paperwork. My recruiter then told me that the deadline for submission of my paperwork is 1 Mar, but I'm clueless as to what deadline it is. First they told me the deadline for the next USAREC board was 9 MAR, now there is some 1 MAR deadline. Does anyone know what deadline is 1 MAR, as my recruiter doesn't really communicate well, and I'm not sure who keeps kicking my paperwork back is it some reviewer locally or is it the USAREC board itself? Help please!!!!! Also if it is the USAREC deadline and my paperwork is finally ok, then will I make the 1 APR payday?

 

[rookem11]

I was contacted by my recruiter today who said that my paperwork got kicked back again. I was told what the problem was and made adjustments to my paperwork. My recruiter then told me that the deadline for submission of my paperwork is 1 Mar, but I'm clueless as to what deadline it is. First they told me the deadline for the next USAREC board was 9 MAR, now there is some 1 MAR deadline. Does anyone know what deadline is 1 MAR, as my recruiter doesn't really communicate well, and I'm not sure who keeps kicking my paperwork back is it some reviewer locally or is it the USAREC board itself? Help please!!!!! Also if it is the USAREC deadline and my paperwork is finally ok, then will I make the 1 APR payday?

Hey doctiggity. Ok so your packet goes through 3 levels to my knowledge. First is NGB which is at the state level. Once it makes it through there it moves on to USAREC which only meets once a month. I have been told you must be through USAREC before you can apply for a ASR control number. Unfortunately, if my information is correct you have zero chance of making Apr. 1st because USAREC must offer you a commission before you can get a control number. The March 1st deadline is for ASR paperwork, March 9th is the deadline for the next USAREC board. Hope this helps and sorry to be the bearer of bad news, hopefully I am wrong.

 

[doctiggity]

Hey doctiggity. Ok so your packet goes through 3 levels to my knowledge. First is NGB which is at the state level. Once it makes it through there it moves on to USAREC which only meets once a month. I have been told you must be through USAREC before you can apply for a ASR control number. Unfortunately, if my information is correct you have zero chance of making Apr. 1st because USAREC must offer you a commission before you can get a control number. The March 1st deadline is for ASR paperwork, March 9th is the deadline for the next USAREC board. Hope this helps and sorry to be the bearer of bad news, hopefully I am wrong.

Thanks for the info. I am just trying to get all of this straight. If it's 1 JUL, that's okay as well, just wanted to get an understanding of where I am in the process.

 

[EMH]

I was contacted by my recruiter today who said that my paperwork got kicked back again. I was told what the problem was and made adjustments to my paperwork. My recruiter then told me that the deadline for submission of my paperwork is 1 Mar, but I'm clueless as to what deadline it is. First they told me the deadline for the next USAREC board was 9 MAR, now there is some 1 MAR deadline. Does anyone know what deadline is 1 MAR, as my recruiter doesn't really communicate well, and I'm not sure who keeps kicking my paperwork back is it some reviewer locally or is it the USAREC board itself? Help please!!!!! Also if it is the USAREC deadline and my paperwork is finally ok, then will I make the 1 APR payday?

The 1 MAR deadline is to be sworn in and have your ASR paperwork sent to NGB which is the federal central organization of the National Guard. NGB is the one who came up with and funds the ASR program. To get a control # and start getting paid on 1 APR they want your stuff to them by 1 MAR.

There are several steps on the way to passing USAREC and any of them can kick your packet back if something isn't correct. I believe getting kicked back 4-5 times is considered normal. Once you get past USAREC you will have to set up a state board where you are interviewed and can immediately after be sworn in. Your paperwork can go to NGB after that. I wouldn't give up hope. It's possible deadlines will be extended or strings pulled to get people in at the last second.

 

[EMH]

Hey doctiggity. Ok so your packet goes through 3 levels to my knowledge. First is NGB which is at the state level. Once it makes it through there it moves on to USAREC which only meets once a month. I have been told you must be through USAREC before you can apply for a ASR control number. Unfortunately, if my information is correct you have zero chance of making Apr. 1st because USAREC must offer you a commission before you can get a control number. The March 1st deadline is for ASR paperwork, March 9th is the deadline for the next USAREC board. Hope this helps and sorry to be the bearer of bad news, hopefully I am wrong.

NGB is federal. Other than that, what you say is correct. I've learned from experience that even though my recruiter isn't telling me what's happening, as long as she hasn't said plainly 'NO' then not to give up hope.

 

[starfishprime]

So, is a bachelor's degree pre-requisite for being commissioned? It's not of critical importance, but it could potentially matter for some people. I, for example, won't technically have a bachelor's degree until mid-May.

 

[CoyoteDoc]

I saw a post a while back that someone had a sheet stating that he would not be deployed during residency. Rather than wasting my time re-reading 20 pages of thread to find it, can someone inform me if that was a single state contract or if it was national? I'm from South Dakota and would love to have a written contract saying that I would not be deployable during residency. Any help on this would be great.

 

[notdeadyet]

I saw a post a while back that someone had a sheet stating that he would not be deployed during residency.

You are definitely non-deployable during internship. This isn't necessarily true for residency. That said, I think it would be HIGHLY unlikely anyone would be deployed during residency (under STRAP or whatnot). I don't think it's ever happened.

Rather than wasting my time re-reading 20 pages of thread to find it, can someone inform me if that was a single state contract or if it was national?

The non-deployable until a trained physician (internship qualifies you) is federal. It does not vary by state.

I'm from South Dakota and would love to have a written contract saying that I would not be deployable during residency.

Everyone has the same contract. I don't know that you can ammend it.

Again, I wouldn't particularly sweat being pulled out of residency unless we were looking at WW III or something of the like.

 

[rookem11]

Hey, I have a copy of the Exemption-mobilization paperwork so if anyone wants it PM me your email.

It reads :
"Exemption Policy from Involuntary Mobilization for Reserve Component Army Medical Department Officers Participating in Health Professional Program" it then goes on to list those that qualify. "RC AMEDD Officers participating in a civilian Graduate Medical Education Training Program approved by the Department of the Army as follows:

1 Medical, Dental, and Surgical Residents
2 Nurses enrolled in a Nurse Anesthetist Training Program
3 Medical and Surgical Fellows should be considered on a case-by-case basis

So you are non-deployable in residency. However, I should stipulate that the last line of this document reads "I reserve the right to withdraw or modify this policy should it become necessary to provide medical support to future Army operational requirements."

Hope this helps.

 

[notdeadyet]

So you are non-deployable in residency. However, I should stipulate that the last line of this document reads "I reserve the right to withdraw or modify this policy should it become necessary to provide medical support to future Army operational requirements."

Are you reading from a contract or a document memo?

Contractually (anyone correct me if I'm wrong), you can not be deployed during internship. Policy is that they do not deploy anyone during residency. There's a difference there.

 

[rookem11]

Are you reading from a contract or a document memo?

Contractually (anyone correct me if I'm wrong), you can not be deployed during internship. Policy is that they do not deploy anyone during residency. There's a difference there.

I am reading from a DOD document, dated 20 NOV 01. This is current policy, it is not in your contract, which is why it is subject to the needs of the military and could be changed with the flick of a pen. So as I understand it current policy protects us from deployment all the way through residency. However, it could change at any point. Anyone else know for sure? This is just the way I am interpreting it.

 

[del Sol DOHC]

I have been awarded the NDSM, the GWOTSM, I'm getting the Army Achievement Medal (still in process), and following March 5th, I will be qualified for 2 state ribbons. I have not been to OBLC.

Furthermore, the criteria for wearing the Army Service ribbon states the following (after the part about completing basic training/OBLC); "Officer or Enlisted personnel assigned to a specialty, special skill identifier, or MOS based on civilian or other service acquired skills, will be awarded the ribbon upon honorable completion of four months active service" (no mention of Federal or not, for training, etc). Nobody seems to be aware of that little part.

I have however, been without any "shirt candy" (as my Navy buddy calls it) for over a year. It has taken a while to get the matter resolved (at NGB & my state level) because of the common misunderstandings mentioned by del Sol DOHC. We are still working on the Army Service ribbon, the regs clearly state in black & white that I am qualified for it, but no one has ever noticed that clause in the criteria. There is therefore hesitation (by the staff NCOs that handle such matters) because they have always believed that completing entry training was an absolute requirement for that award.

Everyone feel free to check it out at http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Awards/ARMY%20SVC%20RIBBON1.html

I stand corrected about the NDSM and the GWOT-S medals. I assumed that since it required "federal active service", title 32 ADSW would not qualify. As for the Army Service Ribbon, I knew about the additional criteria you mentioned, but I did not interpret it the same way you did. I understood the "civilian or service acquired skills" to be the ones you will possess AFTER medical school. I could be wrong, as that is just my interpretation.

 

[amindwalker]

I stand corrected about the NDSM and the GWOT-S medals. I assumed that since it required "federal active service", title 32 ADSW would not qualify. As for the Army Service Ribbon, I knew about the additional criteria you mentioned, but I did not interpret it the same way you did. I understood the "civilian or service acquired skills" to be the ones you will possess AFTER medical school. I could be wrong, as that is just my interpretation.

To quote Hamlet; "Eye, there's the rub." I think you are right.

 

[MedicalMonkey]

Hey guys,
I know this is sort of silly regarding that I am not in the program yet, but how do you guys plan to spend/invest the money. Do you plan on paying off tuition and living expenses and then use the rest for investment purposes? or do you plan on taking out low interest loans and using the ASR money for investments that hopefully will have a high rate of return then the interest rate on the loans? just wondering because investing seems to be the better way, long term investments tend to return around 10 percent, and with the "sale" stock right now it may be even higher. Any thoughts on this? I've only recently thought about how I would spend/save this money.

 

[rookem11]

Hey guys,
I know this is sort of silly regarding that I am not in the program yet, but how do you guys plan to spend/invest the money. Do you plan on paying off tuition and living expenses and then use the rest for investment purposes? or do you plan on taking out low interest loans and using the ASR money for investments that hopefully will have a high rate of return then the interest rate on the loans? just wondering because investing seems to be the better way, long term investments tend to return around 10 percent, and with the "sale" stock right now it may be even higher. Any thoughts on this? I've only recently thought about how I would spend/save this money.

To be honest for me at least there is not much left over. I end up getting about 53,000 but that is before taxes. My tuition is ~30,000 so that leaves 15-20,000 to live on. Frankly that is not much. So I could take loans to invest but then you have to beat 6.8% and in this market that isn't guaranteed. But everyone's situation will be different.

 

[koojo]

Yeay! I got my ASR control number this morning. I am starting ASR this April and it ends on 03/29/2012.

I'm also talking to the school to get in-state tuition because I will be full-time in the national guard while I'm in med school. Things are finally taking shape! From $52k down to $20k!

 

[rookem11]

Yeay! I got my ASR control number this morning. I am starting ASR this April and it ends on 03/29/2012.

I'm also talking to the school to get in-state tuition because I will be full-time in the national guard while I'm in med school. Things are finally taking shape! From $52k down to $20k!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!😀😉😎 And welcome to the wonderful world of ASR. Hopefully you get that in-state tuition that would be huge. What state are you in?

 

[koojo]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!😀😉😎 And welcome to the wonderful world of ASR. Hopefully you get that in-state tuition that would be huge. What state are you in?

Thanks! I'm pretty excited. I will be going to med school in West Virginia (WVSOM). Not many states actually offer the in-state tuition for out-of-staters like WV does.

To find out if yours does go to: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/international/state .
It should allow you to click the state that you want to see, but it won't let me click anything. So in the top right corner in the search box search for "residency (state)" where (state) is the state where your medical school is. Then click one of the first documents it shows.

You should see something like this (this is is for WV):

"Others Eligible for In-State Status: 1) Full-time active military personnel assigned to and residing in West Virginia, their spouses and dependent children, are classified as in-state students for tuition and fee purposes; 2) students participating in a degree program included in the Academic Common Market." (http://www.collegeboard.com/about/association/international/pdf/sr_WV01.pdf).

I called the school and they just want to see some verification that I'll be on active duty. I'll have to wait until I get my ADOS orders for ASR to do that.

 

[Mr. Freeze]

Hey guys,
I know this is sort of silly regarding that I am not in the program yet, but how do you guys plan to spend/invest the money. Do you plan on paying off tuition and living expenses and then use the rest for investment purposes? or do you plan on taking out low interest loans and using the ASR money for investments that hopefully will have a high rate of return then the interest rate on the loans? just wondering because investing seems to be the better way, long term investments tend to return around 10 percent, and with the "sale" stock right now it may be even higher. Any thoughts on this? I've only recently thought about how I would spend/save this money.

I plan on making a sure 6.8% on my money by not having to take out another year of loans, and potentially paying off the interest if have accrued to this point, making my capitalization principal lower when I graduate. However, I have not put the pen to paper to see exactly how this will all play out, so I will probably just buy lots of guns and a bigger lift kit for my truck. And beer. But mostly, just lots of guns. Find me something else that will as hot a commodity as that given the current administration. Wind, natural gas, and any black semi-auto rifle or parts thereof. 👍

 

[koojo]

But mostly, just lots of guns.

LOL you'll fit right into the military.

 

[EMH]

One thing worth noting is it is against the rules to use financial aid (or at least Stafford loans) for anything other than educational expenses. So if you're going to invest, don't say you're using your loans for that, use your paycheck for that.

 

[MedicalMonkey]

Yea, I would take out loans to pay off educational expenses, but i was just wondering what you guys thought of trying to invest the money gained from ASR instead of using it to pay off tuition right away. I'm thinking I'm young, and a bit of risk could be worth it at this time... i dunno. I tend to be fairly frugal so this is kind of outside the norm thinking for me.