<p>I'm currently a sophomore in high school and I've heard that the admissions process for USNA can begin as early as junior year so i wanted do some early research. My goal in life is to become a doctor, however, from what I've heard the road to becoming a doctor through USNA is extremely long, difficult, and possibly not the best path to take. Should I go to USNA and try to become a doctor through their program, or should I go to a civilian college and just follow a regular pre-med path?</p>
<p>You are correct re: the difficulty, challenges, and complexity of the process. They are many. About 10/year are given med school billets. None can tell you what to do, but this process is inordinately challenging for many reasons. </p>
<p>I can say, were I committed to the idea of becoming a Navy MD, my own inclination would be to consider alternative routes, but again, none can tell you what to do.</p>
<p>Here’s a link that discusses this ad nauseum.</p>
<p>[Marine</a> option chances? - United States of America Service Academy Forums](<a href=“http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=16185]Marine”>http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=16185)</p>
<p>Thanks a lot whistle pig, that site has loads of great information regarding the service academies particularly.</p>
<p>Your chances at med school after USNA are slim. Like Whistlepig said, there’s only a few slots for it AND you have to be an academic superstar to get one. USNA is in business to produce line officers (ship drivers, etc) so producing anything else isn’t a priority. That said, if you’re willing to delay your dream of going to med school a few years, I’ve known a lot of people who have gone into the medical community after their sea duty. If you can wait to start med school 4 or 5 years after you graduate, then this might be the best bet for you.</p>
<p>I though about that, but I’m going to a state school to get my undergrad done, and THEN apply to the military medical school. Even though it’s one of the most competitive med. schools, I’ll join right away and it’s FREE!! The downside is you give 8 yrs active duty 4 reserve or something like that.</p>
<p>Or, go to a civillian university and medical school and utilize a NROTC/HSPC (there’s another grad. school scholarship too–look them up) and they give you money to go to school, but you give a year of service for each year you get money.</p>
<p>I’m going the state school/military med school (USUHS) route, I think it’s the best. Perhaps I’ll see ya someday!</p>