HPSP Options

[kdrp]

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Hello everyone,

I've recently had the great joy of receiving an acceptance and I've started to take a good look at the loans (they're absolutely terrifying). I believe the military to be a wonderful option so I've made the decision to apply for the HPSP. However, I'm obviously quite late in that regard as most scholarships have probably been given out already. My question is: could I still apply for a four year scholarship (next cycle) despite being late to the party? Or will I be limited to applying for 3 year scholarships?

I apologize in advance if this information is located elsewhere on the forum (I'm sure it is!) but my attempts to search for this information through google / sdn search function have been fruitless. Also, I'm told that in order to maximize my chances, I should apply for both the Navy and Army HPSP simultaneously, is this true?

 

[chill45]

They will not back pay your D1 year if that is what you mean by applying for a 4 year next year, otherwise I'm not sure why you would apply for a 4 year scholarship if you only have 3 years left in school. I would say though that you are quite late to apply this year and most people who have made it this far (and are competitive enough to receive an accept) already know how much schools cost along with loans. Plus schools review all this information during your interview day (at least the 4 school I interviewed at did). Some people on here do apply for both branches but don't be surprised if one or both of your recruiters don't give you their already limited attention by doing this. Applying is no easy feat and they can spend quite a bit of effort to get your application sent off. I know mine sure did which is why I chose the Navy over the Army when the Army recruiter told me I would never make it to MEPS due to a past prescription for adderall and blatantly lied to me that he had tried and they turned me down but he never did, but my Navy recruiter bent over backwards to get me in and now I am awaiting my review from the board. Not really sure what else to tell you other than to just apply for a 3-year next year and hope for the best.

 

[Troyvdg]

They will not back pay your D1 year if that is what you mean by applying for a 4 year next year, otherwise I'm not sure why you would apply for a 4 year scholarship if you only have 3 years left in school. I would say though that you are quite late to apply this year and most people who have made it this far (and are competitive enough to receive an accept) already know how much schools cost along with loans. Plus schools review all this information during your interview day (at least the 4 school I interviewed at did). Some people on here do apply for both branches but don't be surprised if one or both of your recruiters don't give you their already limited attention by doing this. Applying is no easy feat and they can spend quite a bit of effort to get your application sent off. I know mine sure did which is why I chose the Navy over the Army when the Army recruiter told me I would never make it to MEPS due to a past prescription for adderall and blatantly lied to me that he had tried and they turned me down but he never did, but my Navy recruiter bent over backwards to get me in and now I am awaiting my review from the board. Not really sure what else to tell you other than to just apply for a 3-year next year and hope for the best.

might be a stretch, but you wouldn't by chance be working out of the San Jose recruiting office, would you?

But back to the OP's question. 4 year for Navy is too late, 4 year for Army *might* still be do-able, its a lot of leg work, might want to contact a recruiter ASAP

 

[kdrp]

They will not back pay your D1 year if that is what you mean by applying for a 4 year next year, otherwise I'm not sure why you would apply for a 4 year scholarship if you only have 3 years left in school. I would say though that you are quite late to apply this year and most people who have made it this far (and are competitive enough to receive an accept) already know how much schools cost along with loans. Plus schools review all this information during your interview day (at least the 4 school I interviewed at did). Some people on here do apply for both branches but don't be surprised if one or both of your recruiters don't give you their already limited attention by doing this. Applying is no easy feat and they can spend quite a bit of effort to get your application sent off. I know mine sure did which is why I chose the Navy over the Army when the Army recruiter told me I would never make it to MEPS due to a past prescription for adderall and blatantly lied to me that he had tried and they turned me down but he never did, but my Navy recruiter bent over backwards to get me in and now I am awaiting my review from the board. Not really sure what else to tell you other than to just apply for a 3-year next year and hope for the best.

Thanks for the reply! I thought perhaps the $ could be retroactively paid (not the interest of course).

@Troyvdg I don't have any LoRs ready for a application ATM so I'm not sure where that would place me. However, I'll take your advice and contact a recruiter tomorrow.

Side question: are the 3 year scholarships really that competitive? I'm going to be staying with my parents for dental school so I'll be able to keep the stipend and just pay back D1 w/ it.

 

[chill45]

Thanks for the reply! I thought perhaps the $ could be retroactively paid (not the interest of course).

@TroyvdgSide question: are the 3 year scholarships really that competitive? I'm going to be staying with my parents for dental school so I'll be able to keep the stipend and just pay back D1 w/ it.

If you can eliminate the room/board and possibly some groceries then you could definitely use the stipend to pay off D1 year. 3 years are only competitive because they are what is left over from the 4 year scholarships (at least that is what is said on these forums). So if not all 4 years were given out or if someone drops the first year then they would have an open slot. Less people apply for these but there are also a lot fewer of them. Then again it may just be a supply/demand deal for 3 years.

might be a stretch, but you wouldn't by chance be working out of the San Jose recruiting office, would you?

Nope a little further east than Cali.