Question about the Army HPSP -- albeit a variation.

[Willh]

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I currently have med school acceptance for the c/o 2012. I'm very interested in taking advantage of this program. Both sides of my family have always been very active in the military and I feel this is the perfect avenue for me to check out. I've already arranged to meet with a recruiter, etc.

My question is this -- I am male and I have longish hair, basically down to a little below my chin. Is there any downside to this? Should I get it cut before the interview/meeting? How short?

I'm asking this because my mother and both of my in-laws have nagged me with all kinds of anecdotal things...and I don't have the real world knowledge base to make an informed decision...and I'd rather err on the side of caution.

Would it really be a big deal?

I apologize if this is a retread or burnt out topic...or simply a stupid question. I'm surrounded enough by others telling me otherwise that I figured I'd check in here just to get a response. Thanks.

 

[tulane06]

You're not wearing the uniform so it doesn't matter. However, it is always nice to have a "clean" appearance at an interview.

 

[BomberDoc]

The recruiter won't be looking at your hair. They only care about one thing... that you have a pulse and can be duped into signing up. You could walk in there with 2 heads and the recruiter will still hand you a pen and tell you how great military medicine is.

 

[The White Coat Investor]

I also wouldn't worry about it. This "scholarship" hasn't been competitive for years. If you join, of course, you'll have to cut it.

 

[Tiger26]

Just don't join and then you'll never have to cut it. Seriously read all the posts here and talk to some military docs. Especially, don't do it just because you're family's been there

 

[Fiddlergirl]

I wouldn't worry. They are really desperate for Army docs right now. I called to ask about the scholarship and told the recruited my MCAT and GPA, and heard someone in the background immediately say "She's automatic acceptance! Set up a meeting next week." This despite a doctor's note telling me not to run for more than a mile or my weak ankle will break. If they're taking people physical disabilities, I doubt they're worried about hair.