- Joined
- Oct 26, 2010
- Messages
- 6,907
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I have a question about if this is a logical plan to go forth with that will benefit me in all my future endeavors?
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Background:
Had intentions of applying to medical school this Summer (Class of 2017)
18 years old (very young applicant)
Upcoming senior in college, graduating with bachelors in 3 years May 2013
3.8cGPA 3.6 sGPA
MCAT: Avg 24+ (Had intentions of applying strictly D.O)
Excellent ECs such as clinical/non-clinical volunteer work, job (supervisor assistant during school), neuro research, etc.
Avg credits per semester were around 18-21 (no life, and NOT in a rush, I felt if it was possible might as well do it)
Awards: few scholarships, Deans list etc
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My plan is go enlisted in the Army for about 3-4 years, then when I'm roughly 23-24 years old take the MCAT and apply to med school. I don't want to go the OCS route mainly because it's competitive, possible waiting list, not guaranteed. Also another reason to go enlisted is because I plan on going through the HPSP pathway regardless when applying to medical school.
I'm choosing the Army out of the other branches mainly because with the army branch- I'll be promoted to E-4 right away, I was thinking between marines and Army, but Marines only promote to E-2 with bachelors which is ridiculous in my opinion.
I also think it would be a good chance to save up money! at $1946.70 a month, for about 4 years is about $93,441 saved up. I'm single and plan on living in barracks, if I do the HPSP that's a $20,000 signing bonus and monthly stipend to save more money. So by the time I'm done with medical school I'll be financially comfortable for a single guy and no debt. Of course these are approximations, there could be a possibility of rising up in the ranks, so that would include a higher monthly pay.
So I believe going this route I will be applying at the avg age of applicants who apply to medical school but with my previous experience and ontop of that military experience I believe it would help. I am not using the military simply for medical school boost purposes (that would be an idiot). I have been debating on joining few months ago, it's almost time for me to take the MCAT and I'm debating if I should void, plus I've been slacking on studying for it since military has been in the back of my head.
Also, I'm very interested in politics and maybe after being a physician for a while, jump into the political field, and having a military background sounds good since most come from those backgrounds.
I believe the military will provide me with a rigorous environment which I enjoy, experience that most civilians wouldn't have, traveling, leadership rather than being a leader of some stupid club on campus, brotherhood etc. I'm aware of dangers and Pros vs. Cons, but my main question is does this sound like a logical plan? I'm not doing it for money, I'm aware of military pay and benefits etc. Currently there are little to none bonuses now and days, think of it as a long gap year.
I'm young, and would like some experience before venturing off into medical school
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Background:
Had intentions of applying to medical school this Summer (Class of 2017)
18 years old (very young applicant)
Upcoming senior in college, graduating with bachelors in 3 years May 2013
3.8cGPA 3.6 sGPA
MCAT: Avg 24+ (Had intentions of applying strictly D.O)
Excellent ECs such as clinical/non-clinical volunteer work, job (supervisor assistant during school), neuro research, etc.
Avg credits per semester were around 18-21 (no life, and NOT in a rush, I felt if it was possible might as well do it)
Awards: few scholarships, Deans list etc
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My plan is go enlisted in the Army for about 3-4 years, then when I'm roughly 23-24 years old take the MCAT and apply to med school. I don't want to go the OCS route mainly because it's competitive, possible waiting list, not guaranteed. Also another reason to go enlisted is because I plan on going through the HPSP pathway regardless when applying to medical school.
I'm choosing the Army out of the other branches mainly because with the army branch- I'll be promoted to E-4 right away, I was thinking between marines and Army, but Marines only promote to E-2 with bachelors which is ridiculous in my opinion.
I also think it would be a good chance to save up money! at $1946.70 a month, for about 4 years is about $93,441 saved up. I'm single and plan on living in barracks, if I do the HPSP that's a $20,000 signing bonus and monthly stipend to save more money. So by the time I'm done with medical school I'll be financially comfortable for a single guy and no debt. Of course these are approximations, there could be a possibility of rising up in the ranks, so that would include a higher monthly pay.
So I believe going this route I will be applying at the avg age of applicants who apply to medical school but with my previous experience and ontop of that military experience I believe it would help. I am not using the military simply for medical school boost purposes (that would be an idiot). I have been debating on joining few months ago, it's almost time for me to take the MCAT and I'm debating if I should void, plus I've been slacking on studying for it since military has been in the back of my head.
Also, I'm very interested in politics and maybe after being a physician for a while, jump into the political field, and having a military background sounds good since most come from those backgrounds.
I believe the military will provide me with a rigorous environment which I enjoy, experience that most civilians wouldn't have, traveling, leadership rather than being a leader of some stupid club on campus, brotherhood etc. I'm aware of dangers and Pros vs. Cons, but my main question is does this sound like a logical plan? I'm not doing it for money, I'm aware of military pay and benefits etc. Currently there are little to none bonuses now and days, think of it as a long gap year.
I'm young, and would like some experience before venturing off into medical school
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