Hello, I am posting because I am trying to figure out what would be a viable plan at this point for what I want to do with my life. I understand it may be early to be worrying too much, but I always like to have a general idea of things. Here's my situation:
I am a senior in college with decent grades (3.5 GPA, 1650 SAT, etc). I will be attending UCflorida next year. I also plan to pursue my two great loves as an undergraduate, Biology/medicine and military science/lifestyle. I come from a military family, and therefore, would not be turned off to an option because I have to either serve for a long amount of time in active duty, or because I have to both study and serve at the same time.
I will be participating in AROTC as soon as I start my freshman year. I will also be majoring in some type of a biology OR pre-med course. My questions are the following (All supposing I complete ROTC and commission, or get a scholarship):
1) In order to enter civ med school, undergradutes have to perform research and internship while they are in college. I am prepared to complete this requirements. Here's the kicker though, would I even HAVE TIME to do so if I am taking ROTC (and studying)? I feel capable of doing so, but will it be physically possible with only 24 hrs in a day?
2) Providing the previous question is a yes; I understand HPSP and ED is at the discretion of Army. Supposing the Army doesn't accept HPSP for me, can I still go to med school and pay for it myself if I get an ED?
3) If I DON'T get an ED or am not accepted into med school (meaning I would have to begin my service), would my major somehow affect the job I am assigned to, especially if I choose Medical corps as my branch?
4) I would be MORE THAN WILLING to serve in active duty (provided my assigned job isn't scrubbing toilets or combat- I would not perform combat unless it's a very specific circumstance (U.S. is invaded) that would make me WANT to do so. If combat would be a possibility, then I'd prefer to go civvie instead of comissioning). Again, I would have no problem working after commissioning, but would I ever be able to apply for ED, and possibly HPSP after a couple of years, or would my possibility of med school be gone forever?
I would love nothing more than becoming an Army surgeon; it would make me the happiest person in teh world. But I would also hate to be in a situation in which I feel as if going into the institution was a bad choice, or that I am wasting the ARMY'S time by performing an unwanted assignment without motivation.
I understand it's also probably good to talk to my ROTC director once I'm in there, but I'd like to get feedback from other students/officers as well. If something happens which would make me think doing everything civvie would be better, I'd make sure to drop out the program before the second year. So as to not waste anyone's time or money.
The good thing is that if something happens and I cannot get into med school, I'd have a guaranteed career with Army ahead of me. I would KILL myself if I didn't attain med school status, but it's my ideal at the moment.
I also realize this is a humongous post, and I'm very sorry about it. It's just this is all churning in my head and I need someone to help me out or give me advice. I appreciate any help you can give me.
I am a senior in college with decent grades (3.5 GPA, 1650 SAT, etc). I will be attending UCflorida next year. I also plan to pursue my two great loves as an undergraduate, Biology/medicine and military science/lifestyle. I come from a military family, and therefore, would not be turned off to an option because I have to either serve for a long amount of time in active duty, or because I have to both study and serve at the same time.
I will be participating in AROTC as soon as I start my freshman year. I will also be majoring in some type of a biology OR pre-med course. My questions are the following (All supposing I complete ROTC and commission, or get a scholarship):
1) In order to enter civ med school, undergradutes have to perform research and internship while they are in college. I am prepared to complete this requirements. Here's the kicker though, would I even HAVE TIME to do so if I am taking ROTC (and studying)? I feel capable of doing so, but will it be physically possible with only 24 hrs in a day?
2) Providing the previous question is a yes; I understand HPSP and ED is at the discretion of Army. Supposing the Army doesn't accept HPSP for me, can I still go to med school and pay for it myself if I get an ED?
3) If I DON'T get an ED or am not accepted into med school (meaning I would have to begin my service), would my major somehow affect the job I am assigned to, especially if I choose Medical corps as my branch?
4) I would be MORE THAN WILLING to serve in active duty (provided my assigned job isn't scrubbing toilets or combat- I would not perform combat unless it's a very specific circumstance (U.S. is invaded) that would make me WANT to do so. If combat would be a possibility, then I'd prefer to go civvie instead of comissioning). Again, I would have no problem working after commissioning, but would I ever be able to apply for ED, and possibly HPSP after a couple of years, or would my possibility of med school be gone forever?
I would love nothing more than becoming an Army surgeon; it would make me the happiest person in teh world. But I would also hate to be in a situation in which I feel as if going into the institution was a bad choice, or that I am wasting the ARMY'S time by performing an unwanted assignment without motivation.
I understand it's also probably good to talk to my ROTC director once I'm in there, but I'd like to get feedback from other students/officers as well. If something happens which would make me think doing everything civvie would be better, I'd make sure to drop out the program before the second year. So as to not waste anyone's time or money.
The good thing is that if something happens and I cannot get into med school, I'd have a guaranteed career with Army ahead of me. I would KILL myself if I didn't attain med school status, but it's my ideal at the moment.
I also realize this is a humongous post, and I'm very sorry about it. It's just this is all churning in my head and I need someone to help me out or give me advice. I appreciate any help you can give me.