Navy spouse, would this hurt my chance...

[Navywww]

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Hi there,
My spouse is in the navy. We move around every 2-3 years in the past 10 years. My question is would this hurt my chance of getting anywhere? Would adcom look at this negatively? thanks for your thoughts!

 

[pine88]

I'm no expert on the subject, but honestly I can't see how it would hurt you. Moving around is compulsory, why would they hold that against you?

 

[pacbum]

in fact, it might actually be a good thing...you can use it to show how you have to adapt to a new setting and environment every few years, and by showing that you've succeeded, it could be to your advantage.

only drawback is if your spouse has to move during your time in dental school, you obviously won't be able to go with them, so it's a sacrifice, but hopefully that won't happen.

 

[reapply2007]

You could put it in your personal statement as a positive. Diverse experiences, flexibiliy, public service ethos, etc. Just talk about the upside of things. You don't need to dwell on the crappy base housing, the undesireable assignments, the long depoloyments, and the less than ideal payscale. Accentuate the positives of military spousehood and you'll be fine.

 

[pine88]

it's all about the spin 🙂

 

[Navywww]

Thank you so much for your advice!! The reason I am worried is because

1) we are currently serving an overseas duty and hopefully return to the state next year. In my application, I don't know which state to claim residency because I haven't been back to the US for almost 2 years.

2) The other reason why I am worried is that let say if a D-school in state A consider giving me a spot but my spouse get an order to station at state B. Which means we have to live apart for 4 years. That is very difficult especially with kids involved.

This has been a very hard decision for me...Take care everyone!!!

 

[reapply2007]

As for residency, what is your home of record or the last place conus you were a resident? Worst case scenario, everywhere will consider you out of state so you'll need to apply to privates schools. I wouldn't bring up the possibility of an assignment seperate from the spouse in the personal statement. If they ask the question directly in the interview then I would be ready with an answer-possibly something like it's time for the spouse to follow me for a while. The spouse is looking for an ROTC assignment nearby. And leave it at that. D-schools want people that are not only qualified and capable but also will actually attend the school if accepted.