The ROTC program is kind of out unless I get my ACT math score up. I have a 17 in math and need a 21 to do the ROTC program, that is actually what I would like to do but my ACT scores will not allow it.
Air Force or Air National Guard.
With your Math ACT score, You are going to need lots of remedial math courses in preparation for pursuing a MD degree. The Navy has an excellent Corpman program but your test scores will determine whether you are in a program that would assist you in your MD quest or you could be a bed pan technician. I would check with the recruiter, I believe they have some pre-tests that will let you know what programs you qualify for. The Navy is a seagoing service so the opportunity for study could be limited during deployment. Some commands are pro-education while others will not provide much in the way of assistance.
The Marines and Army mission preparation (field exercises) will make college attendance difficult in many cases.
The Air Force would probably be your best option.
Good Luck
My daughter has been in the Coast Guard for a little over a year, but she doesn’t have any detailed educational goals.
I worked with an actuary whose wife was a physician (a psychiatrist) in the Air Force. They also have excellent opportunities for nurse practicioners and physician assistants.
Do what you have to to get your test scores up. Colleges have “learning support” classes for students who are weak in math or English. See if you can audit or take one of these classes locally.
The more course work you can test out of, the better off you will be in the long run. The higher you test pre enlistment, the more choices you will have.
My understanding is some of the services want to see a semester or more of post HS study before enlistment, is that the case in your area?
I spent 27 years in Cryptology with duty in subs, overseas and stateside. Navy had PA’s as well as MDs. They are drawn from the Corpsman rating after a number of years service. You attend I believe two years of schooling to become a PA. My dealing with my Army, Air Force counterparts, I discovered their schooling is limited to the specific item because they rely on RepDepo for major equipment repair. Navy gives more complete training because you can drive up to a repair facility to get it fixed. The Navy as a large correspondence course program for both enlised and officer. As an enlisted I complete over 60 officer courses before becoming an LDO.
The Military and the quality of the personnel regardless of branch are big step up from the general public.
Is there the possibility of taking a year to go to a good community college and take math classes so you can qualify for ROTC?
Have you taken the SAT’s? As I understand it, ACT/SAT are two really different exams in the math/science areas. Or maybe just take an SAT II in math? You might achieve an ROTC-qualifying math SAT score.
You are going to have to pull up your math to pretty high levels if you want to pursue an M.D., so if possible, I’d suggest that year at community college.
If you don’t find that a viable possibility, be very careful about what is spelled out in your contract with whatever branch you choose to join. With all due respect to recruiters, their loyalty is to their branch, not to you.
Good luck.
No offense, but if you cannot go the ROTC route is med school a bit of a stretch? In the army if you make an error they yell at you. In the air force they make a note.
Go national guard. They will foot the bill for school and you can live your collegiate life. AND you can get your bats faster.