HPSP: Questions about applying

[KittyPryde]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I am currently applying to ten dental schools in the 2012 cycle, and am seriously considering applying to 4 year Navy HPSP. I contacted a recruiter and am waiting back to hear from her.

I was just wondering what my chances of getting the scholarship would be in your opinion.

Also, am I a little late on applying? I haven't started my HPSP application yet as I was originally waiting for acceptances.

Stats: GPA/Sci GPA: 3.65/3.59
DAT: TS/AA/PAT: 20/20/22 (no sections under 20)
CA resident

Thank you!

 

[Tiankum]

I am currently applying to ten dental schools in the 2012 cycle, and am seriously considering applying to 4 year Navy HPSP. I contacted a recruiter and am waiting back to hear from her.

I was just wondering what my chances of getting the scholarship would be in your opinion.

Also, am I a little late on applying? I haven't started my HPSP application yet as I was originally waiting for acceptances.

Stats: GPA/Sci GPA: 3.65/3.59
DAT: TS/AA/PAT: 20/20/22 (no sections under 20)
CA resident

Thank you!

You're right in time to be applying for it. With your stats you should get an automatic acceptance into the navy. If you get the 4 year HPSP...def take the bonus.

 

[KittyPryde]

Thank you, that is good to hear. So I could potentially get into the HPSP before an acceptance to dental school? Or does it take a while to process? For some reason I thought the Navy would factor in which school the applicant is enrolled in before granting the scholarship.

 

[MatthewLeeDDS]

Thank you, that is good to hear. So I could potentially get into the HPSP before an acceptance to dental school? Or does it take a while to process? For some reason I thought the Navy would factor in which school the applicant is enrolled in before granting the scholarship.

1. Yes. The military awards HPSP based on the candidates qualifications for that scholarship. If by chance you are then NOT accepted to dental school, they will award it to someone else. However, if you receive a Dec. 1 acceptance, you will have received a dental school acceptance before any branch awards HPSP (assuming we are talking about a 4-year).

2. It does take a while to process but you should be applying for it concurrently with dental school. You would find out about the HPSP sometime in the spring before you attend dental school.

3. They technically cannot factor in your school choice for two reasons. It would unfairly discriminate against students who had no choice but to attend an out of state school, thus taking on higher costs. Also, you may have multiple acceptances when you are awarded the HPSP. There is a point at which they make you declare a school, but you could conceivably tell the military you will attend school A (because you were accepted Dec. 1), then receive an acceptance in May from school B, and switch to school B.

 

[dantemac]

Could anyone on here help me find a reliable recruiter in the Philadelphia area? I am trying to apply for the HSPS concurrently and the three times I have called:

1) The guy told me I needed to already be enrolled in dental school
2) The guy told me I needed to wait until after I graduated dental school (I think he was on the HSPC track....)
3) The woman today said I needed to wait until my sophomore year to apply.

I don't think the people understand that I want to apply for the four-year HSPS scholarship. I explained everything in this very post, that you apply concurrently and receive a decision in the spring.

Any help would be appreciated...I can't get past anyone on the phone, they all tell me different things which I (think) are incorrect...

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Kahr]

Could anyone on here help me find a reliable recruiter in the Philadelphia area? I am trying to apply for the HSPS concurrently and the three times I have called:

1) The guy told me I needed to already be enrolled in dental school
2) The guy told me I needed to wait until after I graduated dental school (I think he was on the HSPC track....)
3) The woman today said I needed to wait until my sophomore year to apply.

I don't think the people understand that I want to apply for the four-year HSPS scholarship. I explained everything in this very post, that you apply concurrently and receive a decision in the spring.

Any help would be appreciated...I can't get past anyone on the phone, they all tell me different things which I (think) are incorrect...

Thanks in advance!!

I don't know who you called but this is the officer recruiting office there:

700 ROBBINS ST
BLDG 2D
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19111
Phone 215-697-7100
Fax 215-697-7110
First off, it's HPSP (See: http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navme...rofessionsscholarshipprogram_prospective.aspx)

Second off, the HSCP is also a program used during dental school, like the HPSP, not after. Both can be applied for before or during dental school.

To get the application process in full effect, you do not need to be enrolled already. That's practically the final piece. You need to start doing things now and quickly, there's a lot of paperwork, security background stuff, LORs (they're more like performance review forms supplied by Navy recruiting), as well as a medical physical and fingerprinting, and an interview by a Navy officer.


None of the above bullets you mention are correct. I'm not surprised either, as I've had a pretty lousy experience with Navy recruiting so far myself. A sharp contrast with my experience with enlisted recruiting 10 years ago. You just have to put up with it and get in, the scholarship is more than worth the hassle.

Anyway, call that officer recruiting office, or even better, go in personally and tell them: "I am applying to dental school now (and have interviews scheduled as well), I've completed the DAT, have all my letters of recommendation (and can use them same letter writers for the DD 370 forms <- their version of the LOR), graduated with a BA/BS in blahblah and am interested in applying for the 4 year HPSP scholarship with the Navy for dental school." They will probably ask what your DAT scores and OVERALL GPA is, so have that information ready.

If they spout out any of the inane BS you were told before, tell them you spoke through a friend to a Navy recruiter who is going through the same process in Hawaii, and that you know you can apply for the HPSP while applying to dental school. If they persist, I will speak to my recruiter about it and for sure get the name of a person you can call that does have some semblance of understanding what this process requires and its timeline.

Best of luck.

 

[NOLAdentist2016]

I am applying to dental school right now and really want to do the HPSP program. However, I just discovered that I have a medical condition (a mild bleeding disorder) that normally prohibits someone from joining the armed forces. I have never had issues with this bleeding disorders, but it's in all of my medical records, and any Hx of a BD means I have a BD for life.
I was wondering if anyone had any experience with medical waivers for disqualifying conditions. I will be working in the navy as a dentist, not on the front lines, but I don't know if they are willing to take this into consideration. It's hard to talk to the recruiters about this because they really don't know. Any first hand experience is greatly appreciated. I want to do this right and would prefer to not conceal any information in my file for fear that such actions could have major consequences in my career later in life.

 

[SEAirLand]

When I started on my path to dental school I reached out to a recruiter about scholarships via the Navy. Having been in the Navy in the past, I thought it was a no brainer and would actually help me.

I was basically told I was too old. Whatever.

So, I waited until I have ammunition (DAT scores) before I reached out again.

This time it was different.

I called the recruiter, had no issues getting through to him, and he said he would check on the age concern.

I also reached out to some of my old buddies from the military and one of their wife's is the commander in the medical field. She got ahold of an O-6 that basically cleared me.

So, long story short, you need to keep going with all avenues until you get the right answer.

You should be applying now. There is no reason not to.

They can email you all the application documents as well.

If you need a good recruiter, the one I'm working with is very good.

And I can help as well.

 

[SEAirLand]

Any medical record such as injury or as you mention below will be stated in the application paperwork. As long as it says, "Released with NO limitation", you should not be medically denied.

I am applying to dental school right now and really want to do the HPSP program. However, I just discovered that I have a medical condition (a mild bleeding disorder) that normally prohibits someone from joining the armed forces. I have never had issues with this bleeding disorders, but it's in all of my medical records, and any Hx of a BD means I have a BD for life.
I was wondering if anyone had any experience with medical waivers for disqualifying conditions. I will be working in the navy as a dentist, not on the front lines, but I don't know if they are willing to take this into consideration. It's hard to talk to the recruiters about this because they really don't know. Any first hand experience is greatly appreciated. I want to do this right and would prefer to not conceal any information in my file for fear that such actions could have major consequences in my career later in life.

 

[SEAirLand]

Sorry for the multi-posts..

HPSP is a great program for high tuition schools
Pros
Tuition paid by military
Monthly stipend (what they quote is before taxes)
Signing bonus

Cons
Time in d-school doesn't count towards time in. This is important as pay grade is based on years in.
No health care coverage.
Cannot take any other type of loan that commits you to other than the military.

HSCP is a great program for low cost, in-state schools
Pros
Time in d-school counts towards your time in military. You would be commissioned as an O-3 with 4 years.
You are considered active duty E-6 while in d-school and thus, have access to all benefits of being in the military. Minus having to be in the military.
Your E-6 pay is what you use to pay for d-school. You get some extra allowances, but the first year you will prob take a loan for school. After first year, you can participate in the GI Bill and it will pay a considerable amount of school costs (approx $20k/year).
Health care coverage, access to bases, etc.

Cons
Not good for higher costing schools. Or OOS schools.
First year not so hot.


Both of the above programs are a one year to one year pay back with regard to time in the military. With a minimum of three years commitment.

Hope this helps.

Again, any questions, let me know.

 

[SEAirLand]

This is available on the web via google. Thought I would make it a tad easier for people to read and get a much better understanding of the program.

Pretty much answers many of the unanswered questions.

Broken into two parts due to the file size limitations on the forum.

 

[VortexGreen]

If you need a good recruiter, the one I'm working with is very good.

SEAirLand: I have researched the hpsp program a lot and I know that I want to apply. However, I have been trying to get a hold of a recruiter who can help me get started on the application for over a week and have been unable to. I have called my local Navy and Air Force recruiters and also non-local recruiters. Could you help me get in contact with your "very good" recruiter please? Is it getting too late to apply now? Thanks!

 

[SEAirLand]

SEAirLand: I have researched the hpsp program a lot and I know that I want to apply. However, I have been trying to get a hold of a recruiter who can help me get started on the application for over a week and have been unable to. I have called my local Navy and Air Force recruiters and also non-local recruiters. Could you help me get in contact with your "very good" recruiter please? Is it getting too late to apply now? Thanks!

Pm sent to you

 

[VortexGreen]

Pm sent to you

Thanks!👍

 

[JSHONG21]

Sorry for the multi-posts..

HPSP is a great program for high tuition schools
Pros
Tuition paid by military
Monthly stipend (what they quote is before taxes)
Signing bonus

Cons
Time in d-school doesn't count towards time in. This is important as pay grade is based on years in.
No health care coverage.
Cannot take any other type of loan that commits you to other than the military.

HSCP is a great program for low cost, in-state schools
Pros
Time in d-school counts towards your time in military. You would be commissioned as an O-3 with 4 years.
You are considered active duty E-6 while in d-school and thus, have access to all benefits of being in the military. Minus having to be in the military.
Your E-6 pay is what you use to pay for d-school. You get some extra allowances, but the first year you will prob take a loan for school. After first year, you can participate in the GI Bill and it will pay a considerable amount of school costs (approx $20k/year).
Health care coverage, access to bases, etc.

Cons
Not good for higher costing schools. Or OOS schools.
First year not so hot.


Both of the above programs are a one year to one year pay back with regard to time in the military. With a minimum of three years commitment.

Hope this helps.

Again, any questions, let me know.

What if you have prior military service? Would I be getting E-6 (time in service) pay or start off at E-6 (1yr-)
Same goes for promotion.. Is there a possibility to get commissioned higher than an O3 out of d-school?
I was in the Marine Corps, Sgt, active duty- 05-09.

Also.. I'm currently using my Post-911/Gi Bill right now to obtain my BS.
Would I be eligible for a 'new' gi bill once I get into d-school?

 

[dmdluffy]

I don't think promotions are affected but the pay you get is increased based on time of service.

 

[bansbari]

I am a foreign trained Dentist and i am done with NBDE part1 and part1. I am a Permanent resident of USA and been it is been 3 years but still on and half year to become a citizen. I want to Know about the information regarding dental program in Navy . Am i eligible to apply to the HPSP. If yes how do i proceed?
please help me.
Thank you so much in advance.

 

[eric275]

I am a foreign trained Dentist and i am done with NBDE part1 and part1. I am a Permanent resident of USA and been it is been 3 years but still on and half year to become a citizen. I want to Know about the information regarding dental program in Navy . Am i eligible to apply to the HPSP. If yes how do i proceed?
please help me.
Thank you so much in advance.

Unless they have changed the rules - you must be a US citizen to accept a commission in the military. They did have a program several years ago where they were taking some foreign trained dentists/specialists but I haven't heard if they are still offering that program.

 

[eric275]

What if you have prior military service? Would I be getting E-6 (time in service) pay or start off at E-6 (1yr-)
Same goes for promotion.. Is there a possibility to get commissioned higher than an O3 out of d-school?
I was in the Marine Corps, Sgt, active duty- 05-09.

Also.. I'm currently using my Post-911/Gi Bill right now to obtain my BS.
Would I be eligible for a 'new' gi bill once I get into d-school?

I was prior service also, got out as an E-5/Sgt. If you are on an HPSP scholarship, the stipend is a flat amount for everyone, regardless of time on active duty. You are only eligible for the GI Bill once - so the answer is no, you will be able to get another GI Bill.

You will not get commissioned at a higher rank because of prior service. Any dental bonuses you get once commissioned are based off of years in the dental corps. You start with the rest of the O-3's when considered for future promotions. The big benefit to you is that your base pay will start off significantly higher than someone just coming in.

One little fact that many people don't know about is that your time on IRR counts towards pay years. So example - you did 4 years active, 4 years IRR. When you come back on active duty they add the previous active years + IRR years + new active duty years to calculate your pay. So if you finished your first 8 year obligation before you come back on active duty you will come into the Navy as an O-3E with 8 years.
O-3 with <2 years : $3660/month base pay
O-3E with 8 years : $5373/month base pay

You also get the higher O-3E rate any time your on active duty during school, i.e. when you attend ODS, annual training, etc. If you take the HSCP you will get the pay including your prior active duty years, you are basically coming back on active duty as an E-6.

 

[eric275]

Also, for any of you having problems getting in contact with a recruiter in your local area you should contact your dental school admissions department. Granted each school relationship is different but my school had one specific recruiter that worked with the school and knows more detailed information (should anyway) about HPSP/HSCP scholarships than your local everyday recruiter.

So just call and ask for the contact number for the recruiter that works for the school.

 

[dantemac]

Also, for any of you having problems getting in contact with a recruiter in your local area you should contact your dental school admissions department. Granted each school relationship is different but my school had one specific recruiter that worked with the school and knows more detailed information (should anyway) about HPSP/HSCP scholarships than your local everyday recruiter.

So just call and ask for the contact number for the recruiter that works for the school.

Persistence is key. You may not get through right away, but keep trying. It took me a few phone calls and e-mails to start the process.