How long does the HPSP application take?

[makushin]

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I'm trying to decide what school I want to attend next year, and it depends on if I do HPSP or not, as there are significant cost differences. I didn't really consider HPSP until last month, so I'm a bit behind. I'm meeting with the Navy recruiter next week to get the ball rolling with this thing. Apparantly I have to choose schools by May 1. What is the timeline for applying for the HPSP?

Specifically I'm worried about a couple waivers I will have to get that the recruiter said shouldn't be a problem.

How long will it take until I know I will have the scholarship?

 

[eric275]

I'm trying to decide what school I want to attend next year, and it depends on if I do HPSP or not, as there are significant cost differences. I didn't really consider HPSP until last month, so I'm a bit behind. I'm meeting with the Navy recruiter next week to get the ball rolling with this thing. Apparantly I have to choose schools by May 1. What is the timeline for applying for the HPSP?

Specifically I'm worried about a couple waivers I will have to get that the recruiter said shouldn't be a problem.

How long will it take until I know I will have the scholarship?

You cannot be granted an HPSP scholarship until you have been accepted to a dental school. Considering how competative it is getting to get into dental school I would apply to any school you have a chance of getting accepted and then pray you get in. Once you get accepted then worry about the scholarship and how your going to pay for it....IMO

Once you complete your application which could take easily a month with getting LOR's, coming up with a statement of motivation, getting any medical waivers as you mentioned, getting your physical at MEPS but then.....it has to go before a review board that depedning on the branch only meet at certain times of the year. So for mine from what I can remember it took about 3 months from when I started my application to when I finally had an answer as I need a waiver also from a previous surgery.

 

[makushin]

I've actually been accepted to dental school already and am trying to decide where I will attend this fall, as I'm in the fortunate situation of having choices. I have 2 deposits down, and one interview left, and I think I will have to make a final choice by May 1.

I'm hesitant to commit to the more expensive school without knowing I will get the HPSP scholarship, as there is a significant price difference. So I guess what I'm wondering is if I will be able to know more by May 1. My recruiter doesn't seem very knowledgeable.

 

[eric275]

I've actually been accepted to dental school already and am trying to decide where I will attend this fall, as I'm in the fortunate situation of having choices. I have 2 deposits down, and one interview left, and I think I will have to make a final choice by May 1.

I'm hesitant to commit to the more expensive school without knowing I will get the HPSP scholarship, as there is a significant price difference. So I guess what I'm wondering is if I will be able to know more by May 1. My recruiter doesn't seem very knowledgeable.

From my experience I think you should be able to get your application done in plenty of time. The sad part is if your recruiter is not on the ball the process could drag out. If your not getting much help from the recruiter you've been working with I would suggest calling one of the two schools you have been accepted at and get the contact info for the recruiter(s) that typically works with that school. Explain your situation to the dental school recruiter and hopefully they can help get the ball rolling. Also by speaking with a recruiter that works with HPSP scholarships associated with a dental school they should be able to give you more informed answers to questions you may have.

Best of luck and congrats on your acceptances! By the way, what schools are you considering if you don't mind my asking.

 

[UNR.Grad]

From my experience I think you should be able to get your application done in plenty of time. The sad part is if your recruiter is not on the ball the process could drag out. If your not getting much help from the recruiter you've been working with I would suggest calling one of the two schools you have been accepted at and get the contact info for the recruiter(s) that typically works with that school. Explain your situation to the dental school recruiter and hopefully they can help get the ball rolling. Also by speaking with a recruiter that works with HPSP scholarships associated with a dental school they should be able to give you more informed answers to questions you may have.

Best of luck and congrats on your acceptances! By the way, what schools are you considering if you don't mind my asking.

I can contest to that, my recruiter basically sat on my Air Force app and now I'm an alternate.

However, he has a couple other people who were awarded scholarships but have not gotten into dental school. So you can be awarded the scholarship but not get it. I hope they don't so I get the scholarship😛

 

[jim85213]

Not to be discouraging but mine took about four months. I had to get a medical waiver and my recruiter was "on the ball." The hold-up came with my commissioning papers, which was out of my and my recruiter's hands. Things can happen so get moving QUICK! That's my advice. Please note that I am NOT saying that you can't get this done by your deadline. Good luck and keep us posted.

I am also curious what schools you got in.

 

[jim85213]

I can contest to that, my recruiter basically sat on my Air Force app and now I'm an alternate.

However, he has a couple other people who were awarded scholarships but have not gotten into dental school. So you can be awarded the scholarship but not get it. I hope they don't so I get the scholarship😛

[mutters under breath] should have gone Navy

😉

 

[UNR.Grad]

[mutters under breath] should have gone Navy

😉

I'm applying now and as far as recruiter quality, the Navy is WAY better; but I'm sure they have some bad apples as well. The Navy is going to send me to SD to check out the dental corps 🙂

 

[btizzels]

I was originally planning on doing AF but the recruiter didn't even call me back, and I had met the local Navy recruiter in person.....so i gave him a call and I have to say he is on top of his game...... he has helped out a bunch......Just waiting to hear back from the review boards.....

Oh and while i am at it....Does the NAVY provide Tri Care to you while you are in D-School? And do you get a full on military ID once you have been sworn in? It would be nice to go on base and load up on tax free stuff

 

[jmick101]

My recruiter was pretty dang sharp. He was on top of stuff and it still took a few months. There was some paperwork, then some more paperwork, and then the beast of them all... the security clearance (what a nightmare). Anyways, getting all the signiatures and junk and waiting just takes a while. It is definitely not a two week deal.

 

[makushin]

Not to be discouraging but mine took about four months. I had to get a medical waiver and my recruiter was "on the ball." The hold-up came with my commissioning papers, which was out of my and my recruiter's hands. Things can happen so get moving QUICK! That's my advice. Please note that I am NOT saying that you can't get this done by your deadline. Good luck and keep us posted.

I am also curious what schools you got in.

At this point, it appears I have to choose between Buffalo and Maryland. Buffalo allows one to change residency, Maryland does not. The price difference is quite large. I have an interview left at UNLV, which doesn't seem too promising this late in the cycle. 😕

 

[makushin]

My recruiter was pretty dang sharp. He was on top of stuff and it still took a few months. There was some paperwork, then some more paperwork, and then the beast of them all... the security clearance (what a nightmare). Anyways, getting all the signiatures and junk and waiting just takes a while. It is definitely not a two week deal.

Is it secret or top secret? I thought secret clearance's were pretty simple?

 

[Smills91]

The thing is if you want the HPSP you'll get the HPSP. It almost assuredly won't be with the AF this year though. Army you'll 100% get the HPSP unless you have some sort of criminal record or something along those lines that would disqualify, the Navy probably you'll get it.

 

[jim85213]

Oh and while i am at it....Does the NAVY provide Tri Care to you while you are in D-School? And do you get a full on military ID once you have been sworn in? It would be nice to go on base and load up on tax free stuff

For HPSP:
They will pay/reimburse you for health insurance if your school requires it. They do not pay/reimburse for health insurance for spouse and children though. Yes, you do get a military ID since you are considered reserve while in school.