is it worth it???

[partyfavor]

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ive read most of the recent posts and the stickys and it seams like everyone here is against military aid.

so what are your opinions on it is it really worth all the hasle and what is the punishment if you refuse to go to the military after school? do you just have to pay it back or is there something more?

 

[Perrotfish]

Once you take the money you can't quit. If you refuse to go that's desertion and you go to jail. The fastest way you can get out is to serve an intern year, do 4 years as a General Medical officer, and then do your residency as a civilian. This is why accepting the scholarship is such a big decision: once you're in there's no way out until you serve your time.

As for whether or not it's worth it, keep in mind that the internet skews a little negative. See if you can find some recently retired military docs in real life to talk to.

Finally, are you considering HPSP, or are you looking at ROTC right now?

 

[partyfavor]

im not clear on the diffrence this website uses a lot of abreviations that im not familiar with, im technically still pre med.

im just look for some aid through school just so i can focus more time on my grades and less on my current job, what would be better

 

[Perrotfish]

ROTC: Military scholarship for undergraduate

HPSP/HPCP: various military programs to help you through medical school.

FAP: Military financial assistance during residency.

So basically I'm asking where you're at in you're education. Are you about to start medical school, or are you also looking for help paying for undergrad?

Basically I'm planning to tell you that, if you're looking to the military to help you pay for undergrad, just stop. It's a HORRIBLE deal. If you're looking for the military to pay your way through medical school, well that has its disadvantages too but compared to an ROTC scholarship it's way better financially.

Also, don't take a sign on bonus from the national guard under any circumstances. You should have nothing to do with an enlisted recruiter as a premed.

That help?

 

[partyfavor]

yes it does thank you very much and i didnt nessisarly need the tuition assistance with the undergrad i just need some sort of financial assistance while im still and undergrad so i could spend more time getting that 3.5 gpa

 

[Perrotfish]

yes it does thank you very much and i didnt nessisarly need the tuition assistance with the undergrad i just need some sort of financial assistance while im still and undergrad so i could spend more time getting that 3.5 gpa

Yeah, the military is not a good place to look for that kind of financial support. When you get into medical school maybe, right now no. I'd recommend sucking it up and taking out more loans so you don't need to work so much. If you get into medical school and still want to join you can use your bonus to pay the loans off.