Navy HPSP and Dental School

[MidcoastME]

I have completed my kit for the Navy HPSP and am just waiting for a dental school acceptance letter so it can be reviewed. Firstly, does anyone know how dental schools view the Navy? UCONN in particular since I have an interview in a few weeks, but also any others that view it positively would be great to know. Should I mention the Navy in my interview??
Second, how competitive is the Navy HPSP for dentistry now? I know a few years ago they were desperate, is that still the case?

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[Mr. Thirsty]

I have completed my kit for the Navy HPSP and am just waiting for a dental school acceptance letter so it can be reviewed. Firstly, does anyone know how dental schools view the Navy? UCONN in particular since I have an interview in a few weeks, but also any others that view it positively would be great to know. Should I mention the Navy in my interview??
Second, how competitive is the Navy HPSP for dentistry now? I know a few years ago they were desperate, is that still the case?

If they mention it / ask about it yeah I would definitely mention it. It doesn't effect the school other than the fact that they are SURE that they will get their money, so long as you aren't kicked out of the navy for some reason. The navy and airforce are pretty competitive. Even the army one is becoming extremely competitive these days; recruiters are saying that all of the positions fill quickly and they are becoming more strict on the requirements.

Edit: Funny thing about recruiters, they could just be saying this stuff to "recruit". But the general consensus is that these HPSP programs are becoming more popular.

 

[SEAirLand]

I know from a very reliable source that the Air Force pretty much doesn't even need the HPSP program as they fill their dentist slots by people just coming in normally, post d-school.

The Navy has filled their slots the last 2 to 3 years.

Not sure about the Army.

 

[John Durian]

In terms of competitiveness, it's AF > Navy > Army. This is mainly due to the amount of scholarships they offer...

But it all depends on how early you apply and how proactive you are. I can tell you for a fact that all of the slots for all 3 branches have been filled these last 4-5 years.

 

[SEAirLand]

in terms of competitiveness, it's af > navy > army. This is mainly due to the amount of scholarships they offer...

But it all depends on how early you apply and how proactive you are. I can tell you for a fact that all of the slots for all 3 branches have been filled these last 4-5 years.

+1

I also believe, not confirmed, that the AF doesn't offer the signing bonus where as the other two branches do.

 

[MidcoastME]

+1

I also believe, not confirmed, that the AF doesn't offer the signing bonus where as the other two branches do.

There have been rumors that the Navy will not be offering a signing bonus this year. Don't know if that's true, and it has no bearing on my decision because I have already decided to accept the HPSP if I get it anyways, but if anyone has further and more concrete information than "rumors" I would appreciate it!

 

[dantemac]

I think the navy is still offering a signing bonus this year. Why wouldn't they?

 

[Bis-GMA111]

my recruiter mentioned that there is a sign on bonus

 

[SEAirLand]

I had a meeting with my recruiter today, he called an officer who I believe is directly responsible, or would be in the "know" about the signing bonus, and they had not heard that it was going away.

 

[shinjury]

In terms of competitiveness, it's AF > Navy > Army. This is mainly due to the amount of scholarships they offer...

But it all depends on how early you apply and how proactive you are.

YES YES YES. And it helps to have high AA for Navy. When they asked me to report my DAT scores, they only wanted 1 number (AA), not a section by section breakdown.

 

[flyingforever]

I am doing both (Army and Air Force). Air Force asked my transcripts and copy of my DAT scores, while Army guy didn't ask any.

 

[dantemac]

My navy recruiter only wanted AA and GPA.

I heard from someone at my Temple interview that if you have a 3.5+ and 22 AA + you can skip the interview portion. I totally hope that is true.

 

[KittyPryde]

I have already submitted my Navy HPSP app (took forever and MEPS was a pain- started at 4:45 AM for me...) and with my AA of 20 and GPA over 3.5 I was able to skip the interview portion.

 

[MidcoastME]

I have already submitted my Navy HPSP app (took forever and MEPS was a pain- started at 4:45 AM for me...) and with my AA of 20 and GPA over 3.5 I was able to skip the interview portion.

Yea, MEPS was tough, I had to go twice, too! Oh well, at least that's over with, not my big concern is that only got a 19 AA and 3.4 GPA. Not too far below what they look for, but I'm going to have to interview for sure, assuming I get that far...

 

[shinjury]

I have already submitted my Navy HPSP app (took forever and MEPS was a pain- started at 4:45 AM for me...) and with my AA of 20 and GPA over 3.5 I was able to skip the interview portion.

Same - I'm 90% sure I'm in. Just waiting for the official word. ha MEPS for me took almost 7 hours for the physical. I'll never forget that.

My navy recruiter only wanted AA and GPA.
I heard from someone at my Temple interview that if you have a 3.5+ and 22 AA + you can skip the interview portion. I totally hope that is true.

I couldn't remember if it was 20 or 21 (definitely lower than 22) as the cut off for "automatically in unless scholarships run out or you aren't healthy" status. Looks like it's 20 afterall

 

[MidcoastME]

Same - I'm 90% sure I'm in. Just waiting for the official word. ha MEPS for me took almost 7 hours for the physical. I'll never forget that.

How do you know you're in this early, are you already into dental school? I was under the impression that the Navy needs an acceptance letter before the application can be sent to official review...?

 

[Bis-GMA111]

whats MEP?

 

[MidcoastME]

whats MEP?

Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). Basically it's how you get medically cleared for service in the military.

 

[KittyPryde]

How do you know you're in this early, are you already into dental school? I was under the impression that the Navy needs an acceptance letter before the application can be send to official review...?

You can get granted the scholarship without an acceptance. The scholarship is then only valid if you get an acceptance, meaning you can't defer it. If you don't get in and reapply to dental schools the next cycle you have to reapply to the scholarship as well.

 

[PreDent321]

I met with the Navy dude the other day and he was going to schedule an interview for me soon. What's this optional interview you guys are mentioning because my GPA and DAT are higher than 20 AA and 3.5. Are you sure your recruiter is correct? It sounded from my recruiter that all applicants have an interview as there is an interview score component as part of the application.

 

[PreDent321]

You can get granted the scholarship without an acceptance. The scholarship is then only valid if you get an acceptance, meaning you can't defer it. If you don't get in and reapply to dental schools the next cycle you have to reapply to the scholarship as well.

But even if you receive a "conditional" scholarship acceptance, if you receive your dental school acceptance after all spots are filled, then you are out of luck. That's why it is crucial to get a Dec. 1 acceptance because it's basically a race at that point among all the conditional acceptances.

 

[SEAirLand]

I met with the Navy dude the other day and he was going to schedule an interview for me soon. What's this optional interview you guys are mentioning because my GPA and DAT are higher than 20 AA and 3.5. Are you sure your recruiter is correct? It sounded from my recruiter that all applicants have an interview as there is an interview score component as part of the application.

If your scores are high and your GPA is as well, you don't have to. I'm not 100% sure where the cut off is, but I have a fairly good idea that its a 20AA and above a 3.5 GPA.

GL everyone!

 

[dantemac]

What exactly is the whole process? I filled out an initial application and then I filled out the app for commission and did the nasis background check thing. What's next?? I really want this scholarship!

 

[MidcoastME]

What exactly is the whole process? I filled out an initial application and then I filled out the app for commission and did the nasis background check thing. What's next?? I really want this scholarship!

Do you have a recruiter yet? Usually within a few days of filling out the initial app you should get a call from a recruiter who can send you all the rest of the forms you need - there's kind of a lot. In the meantime, I would start making a list of every place you've lived, every job you've had, every school you've attended in the past 7 years (not including before you were 18) and a reference from each one. They will actually call every one of these references, so make sure you pick ones you can trust. They also want three generic references at the end of the SF86 not already listed on the rest of that form (I think I wound up with 14 or 15 references, some people probably have more).
Good luck, it's a long application, but if you just sit down and fill everything out you can do it pretty quickly. But you need a recruiter before you can get any of the forms, so hopefully you get a call soon if you haven't already.

 

[shinjury]

What exactly is the whole process? I filled out an initial application and then I filled out the app for commission and did the nasis background check thing. What's next?? I really want this scholarship!

For me, NASIS was one of the last steps. But then there was a weird 2 or 3 week gap in which my recruiter didn't contact me. When he did, it was to sign some clearance papers. After that, he basically told me "awesome, your packet [application] will be sent out next week." He also told me everybody he's worked with for HPSP has gotten the scholarship except for 1 person. All this time I've had the impression that it's not a difficult scholarship to receive - heck, getting accepted seems much harder than receiving the scholarship. But now from talking to others on SDN I wonder how wrong that mentality might be.

Only time will tell. The recruiter said, though, that the committee meets in October to start awarding scholarships for the following Fall. I'm hoping to hear at least a tentative scholarship (pending admission) in the next few weeks.

 

[dantemac]

Yeah, I did NASIS (where you list every job, place you lived, et cetera) already and filled out the application for commision. And yes, I have a recruiter. I want to know what is next after the paperwork...probably more paperwork...

 

[PreDent321]

He also told me everybody he's worked with for HPSP has gotten the scholarship except for 1 person. All this time I've had the impression that it's not a difficult scholarship to receive - heck, getting accepted seems much harder than receiving the scholarship.

That's because these recruiters won't waste their time filling out the paperwork and arranging physicals for applicants who have small chances for the scholarship. Thus they are only bothering with qualified candidates.

 

[PreDent321]

If your scores are high and your GPA is as well, you don't have to. I'm not 100% sure where the cut off is, but I have a fairly good idea that its a 20AA and above a 3.5 GPA.

GL everyone!

My recruiter said that the interview is out of 10 points with a necessary score of 9 or 10 to be competitive. It would seem this is an important component of the app process and thus mandatory. I don't how they could figure out this interview score if you didn't have one.

 

[MidcoastME]

Yeah, I did NASIS (where you list every job, place you lived, et cetera) already and filled out the application for commision. And yes, I have a recruiter. I want to know what is next after the paperwork...probably more paperwork...

Oh sorry, I guess my recruiter never called it NASIS, I just know the codes for all the forms. Ask your recruiter if he/she is missing any forms from you. Probably the next thing is MEPS if you haven't done that yet, but just ask your recruiter.

 

[DMDWANNABEE]

Does everyone hear really not have a problem with giving up four years of your life? It seems like a lot to let go of. It will be the last bit of your youth after all. You'll be in your 30s when you will finally get out. No fun, no freedom, no sex life. Certainly no building a patient base. It floors me.

 

[MidcoastME]

Does everyone hear really not have a problem with giving up four years of your life? It seems like a lot to let go of. It will be the last bit of your youth after all. You'll be in your 30s when you will finally get out. No fun, no freedom, no sex life. Certainly no building a patient base. It floors me.

Yea, it's a big decision and a tough one because it's hard to know what we will be doing 4 years from now when active duty actually starts. At the same time, it's an adventure and a great experience and you get the serve your country and come out debt free all at the same time. Definitely not a fit for everyone, but for some of us it's a great opportunity. As for the patient base, being in your 30s is not that old and you will start building your patient base after 4 years of real-world experience, so theoretically you will be a better dentist when you start in a private practice.

 

[PreDent321]

Does everyone hear really not have a problem with giving up four years of your life? It seems like a lot to let go of. It will be the last bit of your youth after all. You'll be in your 30s when you will finally get out. No fun, no freedom, no sex life. Certainly no building a patient base. It floors me.

I agree but not everyone here has a life or sex life for that matter. For some, it probably won't be a difference at all if they stayed in the civilian world after dentistry... same tooling around on the internet, video games, porn, etc. after work and on weekends. Now for someone like me in his prime, it's a huge sacrifice and something I will have to seriously consider when it's time to make the decision.

 

[SEAirLand]

I agree but not everyone here has a life or sex life for that matter. For some, it probably won't be a difference at all if they stayed in the civilian world after dentistry... same tooling around on the internet, video games, porn, etc. after work and on weekends. Now for someone like me in his prime, it's a huge sacrifice and something I will have to seriously consider when it's time to make the decision.

You make it seem like all the above cannot be done in the Navy. I've spent time in the military, let me expand on something. If you are in your "prime", then you would be foolish not to go into the Navy.

 

[DMDWANNABEE]

You make it seem like all the above cannot be done in the Navy. I've spent time in the military, let me expand on something. If you are in your "prime", then you would be foolish not to go into the Navy.

Why is that? My uncle went this route in order to pay for school, and he told me emphatically to avoid it. Mostly because it really is pretty much impossible to enjoy the things I mentioned in the military. (At least to the same extent)

Don't get me wrong, I considered it. Saving a couple hundred thousand isn't a small thing to dismiss.

I guess the bottom line is that you would need to be the type that can get a real sense of satisfaction from military service in order for the scholarship to be worth while.

 

[MidcoastME]

Why is that? My uncle went this route in order to pay for school, and he told me emphatically to avoid it. Mostly because it really is pretty much impossible to enjoy the things I mentioned in the military. (At least to the same extent)

Don't get me wrong, I considered it. Saving a couple hundred thousand isn't a small thing to dismiss.

I guess the bottom line is that you would need to be the type that can get a real sense of satisfaction from military service in order for the scholarship to be worth while.

Yes, that's exactly how I would put it. Don't do it if it's just for the money. You have to actually want to serve in the military, in which case the money thing is a big plus. But if the money is the only reason you do it, it will be a miserable four years.

 

[Tooth Pulp]

Why is that? My uncle went this route in order to pay for school, and he told me emphatically to avoid it. Mostly because it really is pretty much impossible to enjoy the things I mentioned in the military. (At least to the same extent)

Don't get me wrong, I considered it. Saving a couple hundred thousand isn't a small thing to dismiss.

I guess the bottom line is that you would need to be the type that can get a real sense of satisfaction from military service in order for the scholarship to be worth while.

It all depends on your personality. I took it for the money. I understand the sacrifices and that it could suck. I am happy that I will never have to worry about $2,000/month loan repayments that a lot of students have to make. Yea I may be 30 by the time I am "set free" where my friends will have been working in private practices for 4 years. But I will have a different level of confidence and experience when I transition that a lot of recent graduates do not have. I will have a faster turnover time and have more patient experience. Will I have a lot to learn about private practice, new equipment and procedures, yes. Is that a big deal, no... If you are hesitant about the military, then I don't suggest doing it. You have to understand that you may despise it. Just focus on the benefits. Use it as an opportunity to save money and gain unique experience. If you do love it, you can make it a career. People always come on here making a big deal of it. Even if the military is a miserable experience, I will come out with a smile on my face because I have a lot of things paid for, a nice paycheck right of school, and no loans. I'm not going in expecting it to be a life changing experience. But I am coming out having saved a lot of money.
Look at it like this. Your financial income is water that you are poring into a barrel perforated with holes (debt, loans, bills). The only way for the water to build up (make money) is to fill the holes (decrease payments). The military is an amazing way to start your career with a bucket that has no holes. So right away you can start saving and grossing more money. Childish analogy, but one that really makes a lot of sense.

 

[thesituationPhD]

Wait so if we're in our "prime" we shouldn't apply?

 

[DMDWANNABEE]

It all depends on your personality. I took it for the money. I understand the sacrifices and that it could suck. I am happy that I will never have to worry about $2,000/month loan repayments that a lot of students have to make. Yea I may be 30 by the time I am "set free" where my friends will have been working in private practices for 4 years. But I will have a different level of confidence and experience when I transition that a lot of recent graduates do not have. I will have a faster turnover time and have more patient experience. Will I have a lot to learn about private practice, new equipment and procedures, yes. Is that a big deal, no... If you are hesitant about the military, then I don't suggest doing it. You have to understand that you may despise it. Just focus on the benefits. Use it as an opportunity to save money and gain unique experience. If you do love it, you can make it a career. People always come on here making a big deal of it. Even if the military is a miserable experience, I will come out with a smile on my face because I have a lot of things paid for, a nice paycheck right of school, and no loans. I'm not going in expecting it to be a life changing experience. But I am coming out having saved a lot of money.
Look at it like this. Your financial income is water that you are poring into a barrel perforated with holes (debt, loans, bills). The only way for the water to build up (make money) is to fill the holes (decrease payments). The military is an amazing way to start your career with a bucket that has no holes. So right away you can start saving and grossing more money. Childish analogy, but one that really makes a lot of sense.

I definitely see where you are coming from. It's a totally legitimate decision.
I just feel like I would rather take the income difference between the military and private sector and use it to aggressively pay back the loans.After number crunching, I feel that once the principal has been significantly reduced (after say, 3-4 years of this), the payments no longer seem truly significant, and capitalization of the loan is minimal.
I guess what I mean is, I would rather live as a civilian for 4 years at an average american salary ($35-40K after loan payment) and be left with the equivalent of an expensive monthly car payment afterwards, than to be debt free in exchange for my first four years.

Probably the big difference for me though, is that I only aim to make $80,000 - $90,000 annually (in today's dollars), what with the $75,000 "cap on happiness" and all. If I were dead set on making $150,000+ annually, I would prob think differently.

 

[Tooth Pulp]

I definitely see where you are coming from. It's a totally legitimate decision.
I just feel like I would rather take the income difference between the military and private sector and use it to aggressively pay back the loans.After number crunching, I feel that once the principal has been significantly reduced (after say, 3-4 years of this), the payments no longer seem truly significant, and capitalization of the loan is minimal.
I guess what I mean is, I would rather live as a civilian for 4 years at an average american salary ($35-40K after loan payment) and be left with the equivalent of an expensive monthly car payment afterwards, than to be debt free in exchange for my first four years.

Probably the big difference for me though, is that I only aim to make $80,000 - $90,000 annually (in today's dollars), what with the $75,000 "cap on happiness" and all. If I were dead set on making $150,000+ annually, I would prob think differently.

Yea, no argument from me. I completely see where you are coming from.

 

[dantemac]

The military offers other benefits besides just the money:

-Travel/See another place - not on your dime
-No overhead, malpractice, office management, insurance collection battles, need to hire staff or fire staff, no need to deal with companies trying to sell you the latest and greatest.
-They practice "compulsory care": Everyone in the military and their family members have the incentive to see the dentist. Thus, you're dealing with a great patient pool who will honor their appointment. Guaranteed to not have some crazy guy come into your office all gacked out with a bad case of meth mouth.
-Best technology possible
-Can provide the care you want without worries the patient can't afford it.
-Competency: For the first year or two of your required service, it plays kind of like a residency...see patients, refine your skills, make sure you're up to speed.
-RESPECT. When you exit the military, whether you go to a practice broker to find a practice of your own or join on as an associate, I almost guarantee you'll be respected for your service/skills you learned.
-Bonuses: The military will reward you if you stay past your required time, and don't forget about retirement benefits after 20 years. (One woman at Penn said her husband retired from the military with those benefits and then killed it in the private sector...something to consider).

Those to me are the benefits as I see them. Are there drawbacks? Of course.

 

[hellopeople]

The military offers other benefits besides just the money:

-Travel/See another place - not on your dime
-No overhead, malpractice, office management, insurance collection battles, need to hire staff or fire staff, no need to deal with companies trying to sell you the latest and greatest.
-They practice "compulsory care": Everyone in the military and their family members have the incentive to see the dentist. Thus, you're dealing with a great patient pool who will honor their appointment. Guaranteed to not have some crazy guy come into your office all gacked out with a bad case of meth mouth.
-Best technology possible
-Can provide the care you want without worries the patient can't afford it.
-Competency: For the first year or two of your required service, it plays kind of like a residency...see patients, refine your skills, make sure you're up to speed.
-RESPECT. When you exit the military, whether you go to a practice broker to find a practice of your own or join on as an associate, I almost guarantee you'll be respected for your service/skills you learned.
-Bonuses: The military will reward you if you stay past your required time, and don't forget about retirement benefits after 20 years. (One woman at Penn said her husband retired from the military with those benefits and then killed it in the private sector...something to consider).

Those to me are the benefits as I see them. Are there drawbacks? Of course.

I thought military retirement benefits were a thing of the past for our purposes.

I guess I'm considering applying, but I'm not sold yet.
It's a huge commitment......

I guess I'll just apply and make the decision if I even manage to score the scholarship.

 

[hellopeople]

I definitely see where you are coming from. It's a totally legitimate decision.
I just feel like I would rather take the income difference between the military and private sector and use it to aggressively pay back the loans.After number crunching, I feel that once the principal has been significantly reduced (after say, 3-4 years of this), the payments no longer seem truly significant, and capitalization of the loan is minimal.
I guess what I mean is, I would rather live as a civilian for 4 years at an average american salary ($35-40K after loan payment) and be left with the equivalent of an expensive monthly car payment afterwards, than to be debt free in exchange for my first four years.

Probably the big difference for me though, is that I only aim to make $80,000 - $90,000 annually (in today's dollars), what with the $75,000 "cap on happiness" and all. If I were dead set on making $150,000+ annually, I would prob think differently.

Yeah, if you are happy with 80K, the student loan payments will not be holding you back in any sort of way.

Btw, did you get the 'cap on happiness' thing from Time? I think I saw the same article.