Timeline for HSCP/HPSP applications

[DentalDevilDude]

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Since I have a Sociology degree, I still have many years of pre-requisites to cover before I can start taking the DAT and applying to dental school. That being said, when would be the best time to start talking to a recruiter about HPSP/HSCP scholarships? Now seems like it would be a waste, since I am not even sure when I will have all the classes completed. But I keep reading about other students and how "If only they had acted sooner" they could have met their HPSP goals. I do not want to waste the recruiter's or my own time, but if I can get a leg up on the competition for the 2013 or 2014 scholarships by starting now then I am all for it.

Which brings me to my actual question: What is the timeline for the application process? When does each year begin and end? Does it start with the new fiscal year on 01 Oct? I see that the boards begin in Jan. So let's say I am aiming to start dental school in Fall 2014. Would that mean the Jan 2014 board for me? When would I want to start the process, June 2013? Earlier? Later?

 

[yosef3]

I would say a year before you plan on matriculating would be earliest time to start talking with a recruiter.

 

[baseballjunkie]

Since I have a Sociology degree, I still have many years of pre-requisites to cover before I can start taking the DAT and applying to dental school. That being said, when would be the best time to start talking to a recruiter about HPSP/HSCP scholarships? Now seems like it would be a waste, since I am not even sure when I will have all the classes completed. But I keep reading about other students and how "If only they had acted sooner" they could have met their HPSP goals. I do not want to waste the recruiter's or my own time, but if I can get a leg up on the competition for the 2013 or 2014 scholarships by starting now then I am all for it.

Which brings me to my actual question: What is the timeline for the application process? When does each year begin and end? Does it start with the new fiscal year on 01 Oct? I see that the boards begin in Jan. So let's say I am aiming to start dental school in Fall 2014. Would that mean the Jan 2014 board for me? When would I want to start the process, June 2013? Earlier? Later?

The general rule of thumb is to complete your HSCP/HPSP applications at the same time that you apply for dental school, so probably around June/July. It's best to have your DAT done before applying, because if your DAT and GPA are high enough, you don't have to interview for the scholarship like I didn't. It makes the application process much less stressful.

Also, I think that the boards start earlier than January. It's best to get your application in and go through MEPS as soon as you submit your application for dental school. HPSP has become much more competitive in the last couple years, so it's important to get your application in early to have the greatest chance. Additionally, if you start out applying for HPSP and then should get into a cheaper in-state school, it is possible to switch your application to HSCP. That is what I did, and the HSCP has many advantages that the HPSP does not (entering as an O3E, all the benefits of being on active duty, 4 years of dental school count toward your 20 year retirement, etc).

 

[DentalDevilDude]

Pardon my ignorance, but when does one apply for dental school? June/July before the Fall semester? The idea of military dentistry, even dentistry as a whole, is relatively new to me and I am still trying to figure a proper course to getting everything done on time. I appreciate your help!

 

[baseballjunkie]

Pardon my ignorance, but when does one apply for dental school? June/July before the Fall semester? The idea of military dentistry, even dentistry as a whole, is relatively new to me and I am still trying to figure a proper course to getting everything done on time. I appreciate your help!

Take your DAT after you have taken the general biology series and finished organic chemistry. You'll want to finish your applications for both dental school and HPSP/HSCP in June or July of the year before starting dental school. Therefore, if you wanted to start dental school in the fall of 2014, you'd want to submit the primary application (AADSAS application) by June/July of 2013. It's best to submit the application for the HPSP/HSCP at the same time. After you have taken the DAT, then contact your recruiter start the process of the application.

 

[ace394]

baseballjunkie,
I am accepted to UW c/o 2015 and have applied for the 4yr Navy HPSP. I have a couple timeline questions as well. My recruiter told me my paperwork was not in for the first board on Feb. 4, however all is in line for my app to be reviewed on Feb. 18. As far as I know this is only the second board since people have been accepted to dental school. Would you say I could plan on getting the scholarship? I just don't know how many are usually available and how many people apply per year.
Secondly, if I do receive the scholarship, how long am I given to accept the scholarship and then how long until I commission? Thanks for your help and maybe I'll see you around!

 

[baseballjunkie]

baseballjunkie,
I am accepted to UW c/o 2015 and have applied for the 4yr Navy HPSP. I have a couple timeline questions as well. My recruiter told me my paperwork was not in for the first board on Feb. 4, however all is in line for my app to be reviewed on Feb. 18. As far as I know this is only the second board since people have been accepted to dental school. Would you say I could plan on getting the scholarship? I just don't know how many are usually available and how many people apply per year.
Secondly, if I do receive the scholarship, how long am I given to accept the scholarship and then how long until I commission? Thanks for your help and maybe I'll see you around!

PMed...

 

[ace394]

...ok... thanks?

 

[baseballjunkie]

...ok... thanks?

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