USUHS: Push to apply for 2016 Matriculation or stretch it out and wait for 2017?

[Ryank327]

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I'm stuck between two scenarios and I'm not entirely sure which way to go. USUHS is my first choice because I am prior service and I have kids so it is the best path for my family due to the pay and medical benefits compared to going to a civilian school on HPSP or loans.

About me:

• 5 Years Enlisted Marine Corps(Sgt)
• Attended Defense Language Institute, graduated top of class, plenty of awards
• AA in Korean
• Work PT while going to school FT at Univ of Pittsburgh

I currently only need 48 credits to finish a BS in Natural Sciences degree, current GPA for my BS is 3.25(not counting transfer credits) GPA on my Korean degree was 3.71. I have 6 Semesters worth of GI bill left so I could do those credits and tack a minor on or even a double major or I could change to a longer, harder degree. Here are my 2 scenarios:

Scenario 1:
Push through, take summer classes and finish my degree next spring/summer and apply for USUHS in 2015 for 2016 matriculation.

Pros:

• Matriculate a year early, begin career a year earlier
• No gap time between graduation and matriculation where I have to worry about providing for my family
• Can take the current MCAT instead of new 2015 one

Cons:

• I currently have no ECs or volunteer work
• I would only be as far as O Chem 1 and Microbio when I take the MCAT
• Would have to cram hard for the MCAT
• Application wont be as strong
• Won't be able to pad CGPA with non-STEM classes

Scenario 2:
Stretch out my degree(s) and don't graduate till Fall 2016, apply for matriculation in 2017

Pros:

• Lots of time to take classes, can add on minors or take a longer degree program
• Can take lots of gen-ed classes and "easy" science classes to pad GPA
• Plenty of time to get volunteer work and ECs stacked up
• Will have almost all of my science classes done before MCAT(BioChem, OCHEM1/2, Microbio, Genetics etc)

Cons:

• Have to take new 2015 MCAT
• will have 6-8 months of gap time before matriculation where I will need income to provide for my family
• Matriculate a year later
  
• Will probably end up with another $5k-15k in student loans

After typing all this out I am leaning towards scenario 2 because it feels safer, the last thing I want is to apply in 2015 and not get in due to a weaker app. It's just starting MS a year earlier is very enticing and that Gap time in scenario 2 is bothersome.

 

[twinning]

I'm stuck between two scenarios and I'm not entirely sure which way to go. USUHS is my first choice because I am prior service and I have kids so it is the best path for my family due to the pay and medical benefits compared to going to a civilian school on HPSP or loans.

About me:

• 5 Years Enlisted Marine Corps(Sgt)
• Attended Defense Language Institute, graduated top of class, plenty of awards
• AA in Korean
• Work PT while going to school FT at Univ of Pittsburgh

I currently only need 48 credits to finish a BS in Natural Sciences degree, current GPA for my BS is 3.25(not counting transfer credits) GPA on my Korean degree was 3.71. I have 6 Semesters worth of GI bill left so I could do those credits and tack a minor on or even a double major or I could change to a longer, harder degree. Here are my 2 scenarios:

Scenario 1:
Push through, take summer classes and finish my degree next spring/summer and apply for USUHS in 2015 for 2016 matriculation.

Pros:

• Matriculate a year early, begin career a year earlier
• No gap time between graduation and matriculation where I have to worry about providing for my family
• Can take the current MCAT instead of new 2015 one

Cons:

• I currently have no ECs or volunteer work
• I would only be as far as O Chem 1 and Microbio when I take the MCAT
• Would have to cram hard for the MCAT
• Application wont be as strong
• Won't be able to pad CGPA with non-STEM classes

Scenario 2:
Stretch out my degree(s) and don't graduate till Fall 2016, apply for matriculation in 2017

Pros:

• Lots of time to take classes, can add on minors or take a longer degree program
• Can take lots of gen-ed classes and "easy" science classes to pad GPA
• Plenty of time to get volunteer work and ECs stacked up
• Will have almost all of my science classes done before MCAT(BioChem, OCHEM1/2, Microbio, Genetics etc)

Cons:

• Have to take new 2015 MCAT
• will have 6-8 months of gap time before matriculation where I will need income to provide for my family
• Matriculate a year later
  
• Will probably end up with another $5k-15k in student loans

After typing all this out I am leaning towards scenario 2 because it feels safer, the last thing I want is to apply in 2015 and not get in due to a weaker app. It's just starting MS a year earlier is very enticing and that Gap time in scenario 2 is bothersome.

Don't know how fast of a learner you are but mcat studying will prep you for your science classes. I have seen the new mcat format and it looks horrible. I would try and take your mcat at least sooner than later so you still have the score to apply whenever you choose.


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[Qurmish]

It sounds like you have the right priorities and realize that the second scenario is more realistic. You have probably already looked at USUHS admissions statistics and know you are a bit below the average for GPA. You should really choose whatever options allows you to put the time necessary to excelling with in your remaining courses. If you were to push through and take 16 credits per semester (not sure how your school does summer semesters, that may not even be possible) without any break, how would that impact your GPA? Would you be able to do better than you have been until now with a more rigorous course load?

Regarding the MCAT; I think you build a study schedule that will give you an opportunity to take the the current MCAT if your practice scores are within a range you are comfortable with. You may have to take the new MCAT, but doing so certainly isn't the end of the world. Keep in mind that you might want to fit in the psychology and sociology classes which will help for the MCAT and will likely be admission requirements in the future. They will also be easier than the pre-med and B.S. classes you have taken so far.

It sounds like USUHS could be a great option for you, but the biggest mistake you could make is not looking at all of your options. USUHS looks favorably on prior service, but it is still selective, and applying to medical schools can be a bit of a crap shoot. Apply broadly, consider D.O. schools as an option, and keep an open mind about where you might end up.

 

[Ryank327]

It sounds like you have the right priorities and realize that the second scenario is more realistic. You have probably already looked at USUHS admissions statistics and know you are a bit below the average for GPA. You should really choose whatever options allows you to put the time necessary to excelling with in your remaining courses. If you were to push through and take 16 credits per semester (not sure how your school does summer semesters, that may not even be possible) without any break, how would that impact your GPA? Would you be able to do better than you have been until now with a more rigorous course load?

Regarding the MCAT; I think you build a study schedule that will give you an opportunity to take the the current MCAT if your practice scores are within a range you are comfortable with. You may have to take the new MCAT, but doing so certainly isn't the end of the world. Keep in mind that you might want to fit in the psychology and sociology classes which will help for the MCAT and will likely be admission requirements in the future. They will also be easier than the pre-med and B.S. classes you have taken so far.

It sounds like USUHS could be a great option for you, but the biggest mistake you could make is not looking at all of your options. USUHS looks favorably on prior service, but it is still selective, and applying to medical schools can be a bit of a crap shoot. Apply broadly, consider D.O. schools as an option, and keep an open mind about where you might end up.

For the GPA the 3.25 is just from my classes at my current University, I have 16 credits at 3,68 from a CC and my associates degree at 3.71, so I'm not in horrible shape but I definitely want to be 3.5+ when I apply. I agree with the MCAT I may try taking the last round of the current version.

I plan to apply to more schools than USUHS but it still my first choice just due to the financial security it offers during school and residency. We have 2 kids already, plan to have another soon and possibly a 4th during MS. So that is a large factor in the decision.

 

[Cooperd0g]

What state are you a resident of? Also consider your in-state school in conjunction with HSCP if you are interested in Navy. While you may not have much GI Bill left to cover the med school, HSCP will pay you E-6 > 4 years (since you have 5 years in the Corps), you will have Tricare coverage for your family and your time in school will count for active duty time. You will have the same 4 year payback as HPSP. If you have an inexpensive state school this could be a fantastic option for someone like you who is prior service and wants to remain associated with the military. Financially USUHS is still better, but HSCP can be more flexible and has a lower commitment. White Coat Investor has an article on HSCP:

http://whitecoatinvestor.com/health-services-collegiate-program-military-medicine-series/

 

[Ryank327]

What state are you a resident of? Also consider your in-state school in conjunction with HSCP if you are interested in Navy. While you may not have much GI Bill left to cover the med school, HSCP will pay you E-6 > 4 years (since you have 5 years in the Corps), you will have Tricare coverage for your family and your time in school will count for active duty time. You will have the same 4 year payback as HPSP. If you have an inexpensive state school this could be a fantastic option for someone like you who is prior service and wants to remain associated with the military. Financially USUHS is still better, but HSCP can be more flexible and has a lower commitment. White Coat Investor has an article on HSCP:

http://whitecoatinvestor.com/health-services-collegiate-program-military-medicine-series/

Unfortunately I am in PA so pretty much all the schools are $40k+ outside of LECOM. I also do not want to stay in PA, or any northern state, if I can avoid it due to the weather. I also feel like if I reach 10+ years of service it is worth it to push through and get to 20 for retirement for the lifelong benefits and pay, that could change though depending on my experience in MilMed. HSCP is a possibility but it is something that would require an extensive look and would also be dependent on where I get accepted.

 

[Cooperd0g]

I think, but I'm not sure, that all people on active duty are supposed to be granted in state tuition rates now. So if you get accepted at any state program you may only have to pay in state tuition. Is there any chance you could move to Florida or Texas and become a resident down there before applying? They both have several state programs that are inexpensive.

 

[Ryank327]

I think, but I'm not sure, that all people on active duty are supposed to be granted in state tuition rates now. So if you get accepted at any state program you may only have to pay in state tuition. Is there any chance you could move to Florida or Texas and become a resident down there before applying? They both have several state programs that are inexpensive.

I have actually considered moving to Texas already specifically for that reason. But that just adds time and money into the equation which is already solved by a usuhs acceptance.

 

[Qurmish]

I think, but I'm not sure, that all people on active duty are supposed to be granted in state tuition rates now. So if you get accepted at any state program you may only have to pay in state tuition. Is there any chance you could move to Florida or Texas and become a resident down there before applying? They both have several state programs that are inexpensive.

I've been curious about how state residency would work for someone like the OP. Say they joined the military from one state, were stationed in a different state, and then immediately after getting out went to college in a third state. Would they have flexibility in choosing the most advantageous state for residency considerations on AMCAS?

 

[Cooperd0g]

Only if you planned it out in advance. Most states require you to become a legal resident (get driver's license, register vehicles, register to vote, and pay taxes if applicable) within 30 days of moving. Active duty military are exempted from this, but that doesn't mean you can't change residency if you want. Virtually everyone I was in flight school with changed residency to FL when I was there. Same for the guys who were in TX. Typically out of state students are considered temporary residents and are not required to change residency status. So in your scenario he could change at any new place or maintain the previous one as desired. However, once you are out of the military and not in school you revert back to "have to become a resident within 30 days status" do it is better to get accepted to med school before that applies or move back to the state you are a resident of.