military scholarships HELP

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IzzyB

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Anyone who has any knowledge/experience about military scholarships, please I need your advice. I'll be starting med school this fall (next week) and even though I know it's way too late to inquire about this for the 1st year, this question is in reference to my subsequent years: Which branch of the military (army/navy/airforce.marines,etc) has the best deal/conditions/terms on this? Also, is signing-up for active duty better than signing-up as a reserve? I really don't have much knowledge on this, but would like to talk to a recruiter as my last resort (they tend to sugar-coat things) and I would really like to get advice from someone who's actually been through it. I know there are tons of info out there on the web but I really need advice more than just printed info. I would very much like to do residency in the west coast. Is signing up for one particular branch going to increase my chances on this / being station in the west coast? How competitive is it? I'm getting ready to talk to a Navy recruiter, but before I do, please I would like some advice from someone who's going/been through the process. Please any advice would be greatly appreciated .

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There is tons of information on this forum. As far as your questions go, many of them are vague. Can you be more specific? Each branch is different and has good and bad points. It is a good idea to not listen to the recruiters. If you are considering the Navy, be prepared to do a tour as a shipboard GMO.
 
Well...all the scholarships and benefits are the same regardless of branch. I suggest looking at the FAQ sticky at the top of this forum.

In my opinion reserves is a poor option. As a physician you will probably not be able to find the time to give up an extended weekend every month plus 2 weeks a year. Also if on a reserves scholarship (which is not that much money) you will still serve your weekend every month while in med school, that can be very difficult.


You go where the military wants you to go, although you do have some control over where your residency is. If you really want to live on the coast maybe Navy would be best.....well if you want to be a seaman.
 
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texdrake said:
You go where the military wants you to go, although you do have some control over where your residency is.

I spoke to someone who is in the AF HPSP and she told me that you get control over what specialty to do, but not the location. How much control is "some" over location? I'm willing to do the residency wherever they send me, but it would be a better experience for me if I got some control over where I get to do it.
 
You apply to five programs at certain locations. So if you want to be on a costal area you could just make sure all five areas you apply to are on the coast. Of course you may want to do a specialty that isn't even at a costal spot...then you are justed screwed I suppose.
 
It's not too late to apply for this year. At least the Navy was offering retroactive scholarships up until January the year I applied.
 
anamarylee said:
I spoke to someone who is in the AF HPSP and she told me that you get control over what specialty to do, but not the location. How much control is "some" over location? I'm willing to do the residency wherever they send me, but it would be a better experience for me if I got some control over where I get to do it.

I was an AFHPSP student, and spent 4 years in the AF. The residency selection process is competitive and selective for specialty and location. Ultimately, what happens depends totally upon the needs of the Air Force . In the spring of each year, the Integrated Forcecast Board (IFB) determines those needs for the upcoming Joint GME Selection Board (JSGME) in the fall. For example, if you want to become a specific type of specialist, but the AF has not projected a need for one during the previous IFB, it will not happen. Truth is the AF controls what specialty you do and where you do it, based upon their needs, and their needs ALWAYS come first. The results of the IFB is posted on the following website each year: www.afpc.randolph.af.mil

Hope this was helpful. DWP
 
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