Army Veterinary Corps Health Professional Scholarship Program

[indy2020]

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Has anyone heard about when boards are releasing their decisions this year?

 

[Smiley_Cat]

It will be at least a couple weeks. With the holiday break coming I would expect Mid Jan as well. The veterinary board and dental corp board is always together so this is one of the biggest ones of the year. Usually pretty slow on the results, last year it was mid Jan.

Just quoting this response because I was checking for an update way too frequently XD

 

[cdmatt97]

I just heard back from my recruiter. Results are out! Congrats to everyone who received the scholarship!!!

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[Console46]

I just heard back from my recruiter. Results are out! Congrats to everyone who received the scholarship!!!

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Hi! Are the results posted anywhere I can view them on my own? Don’t think I’ll be able to get in touch with my recruiter until Monday

 

[cdmatt97]

Hi! Are the results posted anywhere I can view them on my own? Don’t think I’ll be able to get in touch with my recruiter until Monday

I don't know if they are posted anywhere. I believe you will have to reach out to your recruiter. Good luck though!

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[Console46]

Got the call from my recruiter today, accepted for Army Vet HPSP!

 

[Smiley_Cat]

No news is likely bad news then, right? I went ahead and emailed my recruiter yesterday but haven’t heard anything.

 

[Console46]

No news is likely bad news then, right? I went ahead and emailed my recruiter yesterday but haven’t heard anything.

Actually go take a look at a post in the previous page of this thread about not hearing from your recruiter yet, seems like no news isn't necessarily bad news according to that user

 

[CattleWhisperer]

So why have some people heard from their recruiters, (Dec 18th and 19th 2020) but my recruiter tells me Jan 8 2021 that the results aren't out yet?

Do their recruiters have more information than mine, is my recruiter holding off on telling me results they know, or do they release results in batches or something?

 

[Smiley_Cat]

So why have some people heard from their recruiters, (Dec 18th and 19th 2020) but my recruiter tells me Jan 8 2021 that the results aren't out yet?

Do their recruiters have more information than mine, is my recruiter holding off on telling me results they know, or do they release results in batches or something?

I don’t know. I eventually heard from the person in charge of recruitment for my state and got told they call everyone on the OML/waitlist. It was just supposed to be a call for checking how your relationship was with your recruiter, as they were supposed to have talked to me already...

 

[jvet2025]

Does anyone know when boards are releasing their decisions this year?

 

[tigerchuffs]

@Armyhealth I heard we should apply the year prior to starting veterinary school and list the schools we have applied to if we have not accepted admission yet. Is this true? I want to apply asap for starting in the fall if that is the case! 🙂 Thanks!

 

[cdmatt97]

@Armyhealth I heard we should apply the year prior to starting veterinary school and list the schools we have applied to if we have not accepted admission yet. Is this true? I want to apply asap for starting in the fall if that is the case! 🙂 Thanks!

I'm not @Armyhealth but the way it worked for me last year was that I applied during the fall of my first year of veterinary school. However, I began the process of application as soon as I received my acceptance to veterinary school as it can be a long process. I don't believe anything has changed in the application timeline but it never hurts to reach out to an AMEDD recruiter and have a discussion. Veterinary HPSP is typically a 3 year scholarship which is the reason for the later application than the 4 year medical HPSP scholarships where they do apply prior to acceptance. I hope this helps!

 

[cdmatt97]

Does anyone know when boards are releasing their decisions this year?

I heard back last year around the end of December but it of course likely varies year to year as they don't give a deadline to hear back results. Best of luck!

 

[tigerchuffs]

I'm not @Armyhealth but the way it worked for me last year was that I applied during the fall of my first year of veterinary school. However, I began the process of application as soon as I received my acceptance to veterinary school as it can be a long process. I don't believe anything has changed in the application timeline but it never hurts to reach out to an AMEDD recruiter and have a discussion. Veterinary HPSP is typically a 3 year scholarship which is the reason for the later application than the 4 year medical HPSP scholarships where they do apply prior to acceptance. I hope this helps!

Tysm!! Very helpful! 🙂

 

[musoem]

I have several questions regarding HPSP
1. Where can I speak to an Army recruiter directly? Do they reach out once you are in vet school?
2. I know it is a very competitive process, is it possible for someone to receive the award without having previous army training or having family members in the army?
3. How can I improve my chances for this award while I wait for my vet schools' response? Should I look into local volunteer opportunities, try to shadow an army vet etc etc

 

[cdmatt97]

I have several questions regarding HPSP
1. Where can I speak to an Army recruiter directly? Do they reach out once you are in vet school?
2. I know it is a very competitive process, is it possible for someone to receive the award without having previous army training or having family members in the army?
3. How can I improve my chances for this award while I wait for my vet schools' response? Should I look into local volunteer opportunities, try to shadow an army vet etc etc

1. I reached out to a recruiter just prior to my acceptance to veterinary school so I could begin the process early. I reached out using the "locate a recruiter" function on the goarmy.com website. I'm sure there are other ways to get in contact as well but just be sure that you are in contact with an AMEDD recruiter. My recruiter was located about 2 hours away so most of our correspondence was via email. Personally, there was very little outreach at my university and we only had one meeting late in the application cycle via a zoom meeting (this caused other veterinary students that were interested in the program to then have to rush their application during the school year). I would definitely recommend starting the process early as it took me over 6 months from beginning the paperwork (as soon as I was accepted to veterinary school) to finishing MEPS (late summer prior to beginning classes).

2. The program is very competitive as it is such an amazing opportunity. I personally was never in the army prior to my application and had the same concern but was fortunate to be accepted! I don't know exact numbers on those that applied vs. accepted but a recruiter may be able to give you that information. I wish I knew more about this but don't be discouraged if you lack military experience!

3. I would recommend gaining any type of leadership experience as I remember that being an emphasis. Gain experience anywhere you can (clinical, leadership, club activities, volunteering, etc) to help make yourself a more competitive applicant. I was also interested in shadowing an army veterinarian as well but never got the opportunity. My recruiter had said that it was possible but you would be responsible for funding everything (travel, housing, etc.).

Best of luck with your application for veterinary school I know the results will be out soon if they are not already!

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[musoem]

1. I reached out to a recruiter just prior to my acceptance to veterinary school so I could begin the process early. I reached out using the "locate a recruiter" function on the goarmy.com website. I'm sure there are other ways to get in contact as well but just be sure that you are in contact with an AMEDD recruiter. My recruiter was located about 2 hours away so most of our correspondence was via email. Personally, there was very little outreach at my university and we only had one meeting late in the application cycle via a zoom meeting (this caused other veterinary students that were interested in the program to then have to rush their application during the school year). I would definitely recommend starting the process early as it took me over 6 months from beginning the paperwork (as soon as I was accepted to veterinary school) to finishing MEPS (late summer prior to beginning classes).

2. The program is very competitive as it is such an amazing opportunity. I personally was never in the army prior to my application and had the same concern but was fortunate to be accepted! I don't know exact numbers on those that applied vs. accepted but a recruiter may be able to give you that information. I wish I knew more about this but don't be discouraged if you lack military experience!

3. I would recommend gaining any type of leadership experience as I remember that being an emphasis. Gain experience anywhere you can (clinical, leadership, club activities, volunteering, etc) to help make yourself a more competitive applicant. I was also interested in shadowing an army veterinarian as well but never got the opportunity. My recruiter had said that it was possible but you would be responsible for funding everything (travel, housing, etc.).

Best of luck with your application for veterinary school I know the results will be out soon if they are not already!

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Thank you so much for the response! I will definitely reach out to an army recruiter soon. And the first round of interviews for U.S. schools are going to come out by the end of the month so I can only hope! hahahaha

Also, do you mind talking a little about how the application process was like? (General timeline, materials that are needed, interviews etc)

 

[cdmatt97]

@musoem

I reached out to a AMEDD recruiter around the time I submitted my VMCAS application and followed up with them after receiving my acceptance in January. I completed a variety of different forms and submitted documents necessary for the next two months. I also requested letters of recommendation from several mentors and coworkers, and they took several months to complete them. When the major forms were completed, the rest of the application process was mostly waiting and completing smaller forms and documents as my recruiter provided them. In August just prior to my beginning classes in veterinary school I completed MEPS. I continued to receive different forms to sign and review throughout the entire process up until a month before the deadline. Near the end of December, I received the call from my recruiter congratulating me on my acceptance and I commissioned in January.

Some of the documents needed include:

• Proof of citizenship (birth certificate and social security card)
• Medical prescreen form and all supporting medical documents
• Letters of recommendation (minimum of 3 and no more than 5 with at least 1 supervisor and 2 peers)
  • Should be written by someone that can speak in detail about you. Professors, deans, mentors, coworkers, current supervisor if you have one, or basically anyone that can speak about your work ethic, leadership potential, etc. and why you would be an excellent army officer and veterinarian. They will need to have the recommender's contact information and signature.
• Statement of motivation
  • It's basically your interview without there being an actual interview. It should talk about your motivations to become a veterinarian in the Army and an Army officer.
• Copies of all college transcripts
• Copy of your letter of acceptance to a veterinary program
• GRE verification
• As well as many, many other HPSP forms that your recruiter will provide you with some ranging from just needing a signature to others requiring 10 pages of information.

Overall, I really enjoyed working with my recruiter and was able to complete the majority of the application in just a few short months. If you have any other specific questions, I’m happy to answer them as they arise.

 

[amarin0729]

I was accepted and will be enrolling in vet school starting fall 2022, will I want to be in contact with a recruiter starting summer of 2022 or?

 

[amarin0729]

I was accepted and will be enrolling in vet school starting fall 2022, will I want to be in contact with a recruiter starting summer of 2022 or?

and is the GRE required?

 

[cdmatt97]

I was accepted and will be enrolling in vet school starting fall 2022, will I want to be in contact with a recruiter starting summer of 2022 or?

Congratulations on your acceptance! I would reach out to a recruiter now and let them know of your interest in the veterinary HPSP program. However, you can begin your application whenever you are ready (if you would rather wait until summer). Be sure that you are in contact with an AMEDD recruiter as they work with HPSP applicants. They will have the most up to date information on the program and be able to answer any questions you may have. As for the GRE I was required to submit my GRE score and I am unaware if that has changed in the last two cycles, I would ask the recruiter to be certain. Once again congratulations on your acceptance to veterinary school that is a huge accomplishment!!!

 

[MilitaryFeline]

Current first year. I was informed by my recruiter on 01/20 that I was accepted for HPSP 😀. I have a fun story in that I decided to apply the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

 

[cdmatt97]

Current first year. I was informed by my recruiter on 01/20 that I was accepted for HPSP 😀. I have a fun story in that I decided to apply the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Congratulations! That is very exciting. How did you manage to finish MEPS and everything else before the application was due?

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[MilitaryFeline]

Congratulations! That is very exciting. How did you manage to finish MEPS and everything else before the application was due?

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My recruiter pulled some strings. Got sent the application on the Monday after Thanksgiving. Filled it out that night, called everyone to get LORs, and was told to show up a week later on Wednesday for MEPS. Application was submitted the Friday after.

 

[amarin0729]

My recruiter pulled some strings. Got sent the application on the Monday after Thanksgiving. Filled it out that night, called everyone to get LORs, and was told to show up a week later on Wednesday for MEPS. Application was submitted the Friday after.

is there any chance you know if you still need the GRE to apply? I didn't take it (didn't apply to any schools that needed it) so I don't have a score to submit.

 

[MacchiatosandMochi]

is there any chance you know if you still need the GRE to apply? I didn't take it (didn't apply to any schools that needed it) so I don't have a score to submit.

I never took the GRE for my application to vet school either. It didn’t seem like it was an issue for my application. Also, same person as right above. Apparently logged into my old account accidentally.

 

[Winabaga]

Has anyone in this thread left from active duty to use the HPSP for veterinary school, then returned to active duty? From what I have read it seems like most people are in their first year of a vet program before knowing they will receive the HPSP.

Is it possible to apply and know you have been accepted for the HPSP before having to commit to leaving active duty?

Thanks!

 

[VSquared]

Has anyone in this thread left from active duty to use the HPSP for veterinary school, then returned to active duty? From what I have read it seems like most people are in their first year of a vet program before knowing they will receive the HPSP.

Is it possible to apply and know you have been accepted for the HPSP before having to commit to leaving active duty?

Thanks!

Disclaimer- I am not an AMEDD recruiter, and this is my admittedly anecdotal experience.

I left active duty this past summer to apply to veterinary school, and will ultimately apply for HPSP. I do not think it is possible to know you've been accepted for HPSP before committing to leaving active duty because vet school HPSP scholarships are only three years. This means that you must be in your first semester of vet school as a full-time student to apply.

 

[Winabaga]

Disclaimer- I am not an AMEDD recruiter, and this is my admittedly anecdotal experience.

I left active duty this past summer to apply to veterinary school, and will ultimately apply for HPSP. I do not think it is possible to know you've been accepted for HPSP before committing to leaving active duty because vet school HPSP scholarships are only three years. This means that you must be in your first semester of vet school as a full-time student to apply.

Thanks for the insight. If you don't mind my asking, are you using your GI Bill for the first year then? Have you had luck getting other scholarships to offset the first year cost? It doesn't seem like the GI Bill pays enough to cover what most DVM programs charge.

Best of luck getting picked for the HPSP!

 

[husd123]

Thanks for the insight. If you don't mind my asking, are you using your GI Bill for the first year then? Have you had luck getting other scholarships to offset the first year cost? It doesn't seem like the GI Bill pays enough to cover what most DVM programs charge.

Best of luck getting picked for the HPSP!

Hey there! I also got off active to do prereqs and then apply to school and am currently putting my packet together for the HPSP! I am using my GI bill for that first year.

I applied to 5 schools! I got lucky and got into 4, waitlisted at 1. Out of the schools I got offers from, tufts is the only school where the GI bill barely covers tuition. The others (Cornell,Iowa,Purdue, and Kansas- waitlisted at Kansas, btw) offer in-state if you use your mil-benefits!!! Cornell’s in-state is still more than the gi-bill covers… but, they have a yellow ribbon program!! It also seems like they are generous with scholarships because those will cover the difference in tuition and COL!
I hope that helps!!

 

[VSquared]

Thanks for the insight. If you don't mind my asking, are you using your GI Bill for the first year then? Have you had luck getting other scholarships to offset the first year cost? It doesn't seem like the GI Bill pays enough to cover what most DVM programs charge.

Best of luck getting picked for the HPSP!

I am indeed using the GI Bill, which only covers just under half of the yearly tuition (I'm headed to UPenn). Some schools participate in the yellow ribbon program, my school offers an additional 5k, but is limited to two slots per year (I'm applying, no idea if I'll get it). I was incredibly fortunate enough to receive a recruiting scholarship directly from the school, which covered the remainder of my tuition. The original plan was to utilize personal savings to pay the remainder of tuition for the first year, and then if HPSP didn't pan out, supplement with federal loans for the following three.

You are correct that the GI Bill will only put a dent in the cost of most vet schools. Considering taking on that much college debt while in my late 30s did keep me up at night. I was able to do so because my dear husband is still AD, and is wonderfully supportive, which means that I could also push the housing allowance towards tuition as well. I am also discovering that I personally am having a hard time qualifying for any need-based aid (the previous tax year info still includes my earnings as an AD officer) so you might want to expect that your first year, if you plan to separate from the Army close to starting school. The financial aid office of the school is working with me to better describe my current finances, and there are always non-need-based scholarship opportunities out there - it's just a bit rougher than I anticipated.

And while this whole process of leaving the Army to pursue animal medicine is scary and hard, I don't regret it one bit. Maybe ask me again when I'm in the middle of the first semester anatomy class. 😉 Thank you for your well wishes, and I send them on also to husd123 as a fellow HPSPer - hopefully we will both get accepted and see each other at BOLC next summer!

PS I want to say that it is refreshing to meet other people who are considering/taking this career jump. As I was separating I often felt like I was the only weirdo on the planet who had ever considered doing something like this. Sure, there's not a lot of us, but there IS an US. 😊

 

[husd123]

I am indeed using the GI Bill, which only covers just under half of the yearly tuition (I'm headed to UPenn). Some schools participate in the yellow ribbon program, my school offers an additional 5k, but is limited to two slots per year (I'm applying, no idea if I'll get it). I was incredibly fortunate enough to receive a recruiting scholarship directly from the school, which covered the remainder of my tuition. The original plan was to utilize personal savings to pay the remainder of tuition for the first year, and then if HPSP didn't pan out, supplement with federal loans for the following three.

You are correct that the GI Bill will only put a dent in the cost of most vet schools. Considering taking on that much college debt while in my late 30s did keep me up at night. I was able to do so because my dear husband is still AD, and is wonderfully supportive, which means that I could also push the housing allowance towards tuition as well. I am also discovering that I personally am having a hard time qualifying for any need-based aid (the previous tax year info still includes my earnings as an AD officer) so you might want to expect that your first year, if you plan to separate from the Army close to starting school. The financial aid office of the school is working with me to better describe my current finances, and there are always non-need-based scholarship opportunities out there - it's just a bit rougher than I anticipated.

And while this whole process of leaving the Army to pursue animal medicine is scary and hard, I don't regret it one bit. Maybe ask me again when I'm in the middle of the first semester anatomy class. 😉 Thank you for your well wishes, and I send them on also to husd123 as a fellow HPSPer - hopefully we will both get accepted and see each other at BOLC next summer!

PS I want to say that it is refreshing to meet other people who are considering/taking this career jump. As I was separating I often felt like I was the only weirdo on the planet who had ever considered doing something like this. Sure, there's not a lot of us, but there IS an US. 😊

LOVE to hear that there is another weirdo out there that left AD as an O-something, in their late 30s, and has a supportive AD partner! I battled lots of negativity when making the big change! Look at us now 🙂!!! I really hope I get to meet you in 4 years!

 

[Winabaga]

Hey there! I also got off active to do prereqs and then apply to school and am currently putting my packet together for the HPSP! I am using my GI bill for that first year.

I applied to 5 schools! I got lucky and got into 4, waitlisted at 1. Out of the schools I got offers from, tufts is the only school where the GI bill barely covers tuition. The others (Cornell,Iowa,Purdue, and Kansas- waitlisted at Kansas, btw) offer in-state if you use your mil-benefits!!! Cornell’s in-state is still more than the gi-bill covers… but, they have a yellow ribbon program!! It also seems like they are generous with scholarships because those will cover the difference in tuition and COL!
I hope that helps!!

Thanks for sharing. Great to hear that you and @VSquared both took the leap to pursue something you're passionate about. Makes me feel a lot better about considering the same thing at this stage in life. Best of luck, hope you both get the HPSP.

 

[AwesomeOppossum]

Does anyone now what the application process is like? What all does it entail? like essays etc

 

[VSquared]

Does anyone now what the application process is like? What all does it entail? like essays etc

My understanding is that you put together a packet due sometime in Nov; a board meets in Dec and results are released in the spring. The packet probably has a few more things but mostly consists of:

-Any and all official transcripts from any college or university you attended

-Acceptance letter to vet school

-CV/resume

-3-5 letters of recommendation. At least one from a peer and at least 2 from supervisors or educators

-Prior service documents (if you have them)

-A current military physical

- A security clearance application

-Fingerprints

 

[Futurevethopeful24]

Can anyone speak on how they like the HSPS program now? I see the process, but would like to know if you all enjoy what you do in the army through HSPS?