Expert: Howard Lorenz - 10/29/2007

Question
Good Morning,



I am an active duty MA2 (e-5) in the USN. I am coming up on the end of my first enlistment as well as my second year of college (AA/Criminal Justice) and plan on seperating and going to school full time. I wish to major in Biomedicine for my undergraduate and go from there to medical school for my MD. I have been considering the military's Health Scholarship option as a means to cover the cost of med school.



My question is will going active reserves vice inactive reserves affect my prospects for acceptance either into medical school or the scholarship program? Thank you very much for your time.



(Technical details: GPA:3.92(ALL)-4.00(SCIENCE) / ASVAB:99 / outstanding active service record / no criminal history  / SECRET clearance / 22 years old)

Answer
Brent,

The first thing that you need to do is get into the meat of the program that you speak of. Then check into the reserve program. I would check all the services since all the progams available are different. You have your GI bill, that could possible cover your books and mabe some lab fees over the next few years.

I know that the Airforce has whats called the HPSP or the Health Services Scholarship Program. Once you have completed pre med, you apply to this program, if you are accepted, the Airforce will pay for the Medschool and some residencies depending on specialiaty.

I am sure that the Navy has something pretty close to this program. Either way you will end up working for Uncle sam for the next 4-5 years as a Doc.

Sounds to me that you have your ideas laid out, its just time to refine them. Call these places and make them work for you. Another option would be ROTC, check your premed school that you have planned to investigate.

I hope that this sheds a little light, let me know if you need more...