Which state should I move to? TX or OH? Army vet

[deleted981229]

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[B4y 4RE4 N4Tiv3]

I didnt read everything and I can tell you right now TEX-ASS.

Schools are super cheap and your kids benefit from the hazelwood act. Also although TX is a "Red" state it is very diverse. Unless you grew up in ohio I wouldn't recommend it; as a caveat these are my impressions as somebody who is a veteran and did missions in both states.

 

[rdyotz]

I recommend talking to someone knowledgeable about the academic fresh start program, I believe there are some caveats to it, that most are unfamiliar with. Don't quote me, but I think I remember hearing it can only be used for applying to undergrad first (not directly to grad programs). Any prereqs taken during that time would have to be retaken - sounds like most were later in life, but what about English classes? While I'm not certain on these things, it's worth talking to someone before making a major decision.

Hazelwood act only benefits people that joined the military as a Texas resident and returned to Texas I believe.

Don't trust all advisors, sometimes it's better to talk to actual need schools admissions and ask them. GPAs are low (currently less than 10th percentile cGPA (3.49) for UH, and over 10th for sGPA (3.32), but strong upward trend. Ask admissions about residency, if you have been there 7ish years and have paid taxes there (or did you maintain legal residency for tax purposes where you grow up), then you should be considered a resident. UH interviews around 70% of resident applicants, with a third of those getting a spot. Residents make up 70% of their class.

Everyone has a different story, and advisors typically just focus on numbers and don't account for backgrounds. All the actual admissions department and see how they review applicants.

Support for the disjointed message - typing on phone, and edits are slow.

Thanks for your service.

 

[T687]

If you want to use Fresh Start you need to apply to a university as an undergrad and complete at least one course there and you need to apply there initially under the fresh start program (so you can't already be taking a class there and then try to get in to fresh start). Your prerequisite courses need to have been taken after the GPA-erase date (10 years prior) and you also need to have at least 90 credit hours taken since that date. If you want to move to Texas and start taking classes before you actually want to invoke Fresh Start you will need to take classes at one college and then get accepted to another college under Fresh Start and complete a class there for it to take effect.

Like the other poster said, Texas schools are relatively very cheap while still being high quality. There are many public medical schools in Texas and because they're subsidized by the state they have a requirement to fill their classes with a certain (high) percentage of Texas residents.

I'm a veteran applying this upcoming cycle using Fresh Start so if you have any questions feel free. I was born and raised in Texas, though.

 

[deleted981229]

If you want to use Fresh Start you need to apply to a university as an undergrad and complete at least one course there and you need to apply there initially under the fresh start program (so you can't already be taking a class there and then try to get in to fresh start). Your prerequisite courses need to have been taken after the GPA-erase date (10 years prior) and you also need to have at least 90 credit hours taken since that date. If you want to move to Texas and start taking classes before you actually want to invoke Fresh Start you will need to take classes at one college and then get accepted to another college under Fresh Start and complete a class there for it to take effect.

Like the other poster said, Texas schools are relatively very cheap while still being high quality. There are many public medical schools in Texas and because they're subsidized by the state they have a requirement to fill their classes with a certain (high) percentage of Texas residents.

I'm a veteran applying this upcoming cycle using Fresh Start so if you have any questions feel free. I was born and raised in Texas, though.

Thank you for your reply. What do you mean by "you also need to have at least 90 credit hours taken since that date".

I didnt read everything and I can tell you right now TEX-ASS.

Schools are super cheap and your kids benefit from the hazelwood act. Also although TX is a "Red" state it is very diverse. Unless you grew up in ohio I wouldn't recommend it; as a caveat these are my impressions as somebody who is a veteran and did missions in both states.

I didnt grow up in Ohio and definitely not miss the weather over there in Winter lol. Thank you for your thoughts!

 

[T687]

Thank you for your reply. What do you mean by "you also need to have at least 90 credit hours taken since that date".

As an example, if I invoked fresh start Jan 2020 my GPA would be redacted prior to Jan 2010. Whatever classes are not counting towards my GPA also don't count towards the minimum requirement of 90 credit hours for med school admission so I would need to have at least 90 credit hours taken since Jan 2010. This is true even if you already have a bachelor's degree (I emailed TMDSAS for clarification on that point before I made the decision).

"Earn a baccalaureate degree. (This requirement is waived by applying to medical school because a baccalaureate is recommended but not required. A minimum of 90 undergraduate semester hours, including ALL of the required courses, must be earned, after the 10 year cutoff date is established by enrolling under Academic Fresh Start.) " - TMDSAS Medical: Texas Academic Fresh Start

 

[deleted981229]

I recommend talking to someone knowledgeable about the academic fresh start program, I believe there are some caveats to it, that most are unfamiliar with. Don't quote me, but I think I remember hearing it can only be used for applying to undergrad first (not directly to grad programs). Any prereqs taken during that time would have to be retaken - sounds like most were later in life, but what about English classes? While I'm not certain on these things, it's worth talking to someone before making a major decision.

Hazelwood act only benefits people that joined the military as a Texas resident and returned to Texas I believe.

Don't trust all advisors, sometimes it's better to talk to actual need schools admissions and ask them. GPAs are low (currently less than 10th percentile cGPA (3.49) for UH, and over 10th for sGPA (3.32), but strong upward trend. Ask admissions about residency, if you have been there 7ish years and have paid taxes there (or did you maintain legal residency for tax purposes where you grow up), then you should be considered a resident. UH interviews around 70% of resident applicants, with a third of those getting a spot. Residents make up 70% of their class.

Everyone has a different story, and advisors typically just focus on numbers and don't account for backgrounds. All the actual admissions department and see how they review applicants.

Support for the disjointed message - typing on phone, and edits are slow.

Thanks for your service.

Thank you for your input. I deff wish all med schools take the upward trend into consideration.

 

[deleted981229]

As an example, if I invoked fresh start Jan 2020 my GPA would be redacted prior to Jan 2010. Whatever classes are not counting towards my GPA also don't count towards the minimum requirement of 90 credit hours for med school admission so I would need to have at least 90 credit hours taken since Jan 2010. This is true even if you already have a bachelor's degree (I emailed TMDSAS for clarification on that point before I made the decision).

"Earn a baccalaureate degree. (This requirement is waived by applying to medical school because a baccalaureate is recommended but not required. A minimum of 90 undergraduate semester hours, including ALL of the required courses, must be earned, after the 10 year cutoff date is established by enrolling under Academic Fresh Start.) " - TMDSAS Medical: Texas Academic Fresh Start

I see. I should have around 150 credits hrs when I apply the program. ( junior and senior 60 credits + DIY post bacc in UH 70+ 25 CC credits from TX) (my freshman and soph credits will be removed)

Yes, I understand that I cannot apply the program after I start school. That's why I will classes in a CC for a year. Once I become a TX resident, I'll apply a big U for refresh program.

You actually make me think whether I should go back to the military for another three years, if I apply by then, all my gpa from undergra will be removed. and I can use 3 yrs active duty time to prepare for MCAT

 

[95ragtop]

I studied for the MCAT while active duty with a wife and 2 kids, and it was miserable. I would not recommend coming back on active duty to do that.

I would do whatever gets you into school the fastest, every year you delay school is a year you are not making money as an attending.

I am at a Texas school, love it, but don't have any outside reference to compare it to.

 

[deleted981229]

I studied for the MCAT while active duty with a wife and 2 kids, and it was miserable. I would not recommend coming back on active duty to do that.

I would do whatever gets you into school the fastest, every year you delay school is a year you are not making money as an attending.

I am at a Texas school, love it, but don't have any outside reference to compare it to.

Thanks for your reply. Looks like I have to work in order to become a TX resident. Guess I can only move back to Ohio

 

[B4y 4RE4 N4Tiv3]

Thanks for your reply. Looks like I have to work in order to become a TX resident. Guess I can only move back to Ohio

Careful, you should pick a random school in TX and read their requirements to be listed as a "resident". They have exceptions for service members and veterans make sure you read it before making a decision. I took a look into it briefly (Policies are hard to read sometimes) and remember it being easy.

You can also speak to a tx school veteran rep about this they can give you all you answers.

 

[esob]

You don't have to work in Texas to be considered a resident. It is merely one of the methods of establishing residency. Other options include owning a primary residence, owning a business in Tx, or even being married to someone who meets one of the residency standards (for example, if your wife works for a year and you are just taking classes, you would still be considered a resident).

I lived in OH before I enlisted. My final duty station was in TX and I've never gone back b/c Ohio just sucks at just about everything compared to TX, including the benefits for its veterans.

AFS is a great program in Texas, and if you are in a position to use it, then you should highly consider it. Everyone I personally know (including myself) that used AFS has gotten into a TX school on their first cycle with multiple prematches.

 

[breachnaked]

Texas... without a doubt.

 

[breachnaked]

Careful, you should pick a random school in TX and read their requirements to be listed as a "resident". They have exceptions for service members and veterans make sure you read it before making a decision. I took a look into it briefly (Policies are hard to read sometimes) and remember it being easy.

You can also speak to a tx school veteran rep about this they can give you all you answers.

Actually go to TMDSAS, the application system is what determines if you are a resident rather than the school itself. Just enter your info in an application and it will say resident or not.....I jumped for joy when mine stated that i was a resident.

 

[hall1ms1b]

What is the point of AFS? I thought amcas factors in all attempts of repeated courses in GPA calculations, regardless if your school does grade forgiveness or not. I also thought the gpa is not determined by your school but by amcas. So why do people go the AFS route ?(whether in TX or other states)

 

[T687]

What is the point of AFS? I thought amcas factors in all attempts of repeated courses in GPA calculations, regardless if your school does grade forgiveness or not. I also thought the gpa is not determined by your school but by amcas. So why do people go the AFS route ?(whether in TX or other states)

You are correct that there is no point for AMCAS applications. The benefits of using AFS apply to TMDSAS because TMDSAS will calculate your GPA only using the coursework completed after the AFS cutoff date. My understanding is that TMDSAS will redact your grades prior to the cutoff date before sending them to the TMDSAS schools.

 

[esob]

You are correct that there is no point for AMCAS applications. The benefits of using AFS apply to TMDSAS because TMDSAS will calculate your GPA only using the coursework completed after the AFS cutoff date. My understanding is that TMDSAS will redact your grades prior to the cutoff date before sending them to the TMDSAS schools.

TMDSAS will redact your grades from the main application, however, if a school wants to see your grades, they can still technically look at your transcripts from those schools, which are sent with the application. So, in theory, if someone wants to see those grades badly enough, it doesn't take a ton of effort. That being said, they still are not allowed to use those grades for purposes of admission. This means that if, for example, they have an algorithm that generates a score based on metrics, they have to use the new GPA.