At HUB a couple of weeks ago, we were advised that with the current economic/budget environment we shouldn't expect more than 10 med school selectees for the next few years.
I fully endorse Hurrican and 1985 in their postings.
I have some recent knowledge in this area that I think I should share with anybody who is thinking of pursuing the Medical Corps at the Naval Academy.
There is a directive that limits the service academies to send no more than 2% of their graduates into the medical field (doctors and dentists - no nurses).
However, each service is free to send less (or none), if they so choose. Unlike the Army & Air Force, the Navy has adopted the policy of
less in the past few years. It seems they have settled upon no more than 10. Not eleven. Not twelve. It doesn't matter if 30 have preferenced this and would be otherwise a perfect choice for the Medical Corps. They only take 10. In fact, they'll take less than 10 if they are not pleased with the candidates.
One of my sons had an Air Force Academy roommate last year (2/C year). That cadet was striving to become a doctor after graduation. He told my son, who was also trying to get into the Medical Corps, that, at USAFA they take many more into the medical field after graduation - over 20. (By the way, that kid
did ultimately get selected to become an Air Force doctor.) West Point, I believe, takes over 20 and identifies them early. This cadet was amazed at how few the Naval Academy permitted.
Does that mean it's easier to become a doctor at USMA & USAFA because they take more than USNA? Not necessarily. There's no way of knowing that. The chance of getting selected for Medical Corps at USNA is so remote - many don't even try. Plus, it's one of the least advertised of the service selection options. (The academy only touts it in their "Fulfill Your Destiny" campaign. Total misrepresentation! Once you get to the academy, you'll barely hear a peep about the Medical Corps) One would need to know how many cadets typically compete for the available slots to determine the probability of being selected. Because it's a more viable option, maybe many more compete for those slots.
Having said that - for the most part, it is a self-selecting process. People fall off the radar screen for countless reasons other than the academy not selecting them. Inadequate grades, conduct/honor issues, unimpressive MCAT score, failed to shadow doctors, no community service activities, poor recommendations from professors, poor interview, etc. When the dust settles, there is very little selecting remaining on the part of the academy since the competition has built-in carnage.
The real discouragement comes when you fall just short of the quota. The 11th and 12th Medical Corps applicants are designated as alternates. They still have to get accepted into a medical school, however. Imagine the motivation to fly off to a medical school interview knowing that, even if the medical school accepts you, the Navy will not permit you to attend.
The irony is this: For many, the only thing standing in the way between them and a career in medicine is the Navy itself. Had they gone to a regular college (i.e. civilian) there would be no such restriction. Colleges do not have quotas for how many of their graduates are permitted to become doctors, or lawyers, or engineers, or
anything. Only at a service academy.
Both my sons were lucky - they were selected. But it was very stressful, especially when it comes time to sign your commitment papers prior to beginning your 2/C (i.e. junior) year at the academy. The Navy requires you to commit to
them before they will commit to
you.
Caveat emptor!