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Applicants in the waiting room

How Do I Apply?

1

Eligibility check

To be eligible for a SOFtoSOM Scholarship, you must meet the below requirements:

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  1. SOF Veteran or active duty military service member from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard, who have served in Special Operations Forces (SOF) units within the last two years 
     

  2. Be within 2 Years (24 Months) of applying to medical school

2

Submit an application

Application elements include:​

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  1. Completed application form (will be posted just before each application season)

  2. Proof of Service

    • ERB/ORB or DD-214 ​

    • Last 2 x NCOER/OER (Redacted If needed to be UNCLASSIFIED)

    • Contact Information of last 1st Line Supervisor in SOF

  3. Professional References​ (2-3)

  4. Signed SOFtoSOM contract

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3

Conduct a remote interview

Upon review by the Application Committee, applicants will move forward with one or more virtual interviews to further evaluate their potential candidacy. 

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Exceptional candidates for this military scholarship exhibit a strong sense of academic purpose, remarkable leadership, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. They hold the belief that their most impactful years of service to our nation lie ahead, and they are dedicated to enhancing communities, both locally and on a global scale.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) Does SOFtoSOM have programs or directives that help medics become Physician Assistants (PAs)?

No. Currently, we limit our assistance only to applicants seeking MD or DO programs. However, as our organization grows, we hope to provide assistance to PA applicants in the future.

2) Can I apply to become a Scholar if I am not SOF but I am a medic?

While we truly appreciate the perspectives that military medicine provides, we limit our Scholar program to Special Operation Forces personnel only. 

3) I am SOF but not from the US, can SOFtoSOM help me?

Unfortunately, due to IRS stipulations, we can only provide assistance to members of the SOF community whose service was to the United States. 

4) I don't see the application link available yet? How do I reach out?

Our application season generally will start the summer PRIOR to your expected medical school start date. If the link to apply isn't available, and you're currently in the application cycle for medical school please email us at info@SOFtoSOM.org

5) What does SOFtoSOM offer in terms of MCAT prep and application assistance to medical school?

SOFtoSOM works directly with each of the Scholars to develop a program specific to their individual needs. Some Scholars want a full prep-package from third-party MCAT preparation companies that we're partnered with. While others, only want tutoring and test taking strategy tips to hone their MCAT skills. Therefore, we offer a flexible and unique package of assistance, based on your individual needs.

In terms of applying to medical schools, we don't just stop working directly with you once the MCAT is over. In effect, we work alongside you all the way until you're an attending guiding, mentoring, and helping you navigate the entire medical journey one step at a time. Hosting webinars with speakers from medical school admissions departments, senior physicians, and medical students that explain the process. Additionally, we work with you one-on-one to ensure your application is clear, concise, and representative of your story, helping you paint the best picture for admissions' teams to see. 

6) What are the general timeline for applications to the program? 

Generally, our Selection committee will open the application season when AMCAS opens for medical schools. Usually around June/July and concludes with Scholar's selected and announced by September 1st or 15th. We do this for two reasons: 1) So that Scholars follow the same timelines and are well prepared ahead of time for the MCAT, primary applications, and secondary applications. 2) If a Scholar needs more time with MCAT prep or further assistance, it gives the Scholar a few extra weeks to hone their skills.

7) Is there an Active Duty Service Obligation (ADSO) for this program?

No. We are a non-profit organization, not at affiliated with the DoD. This also isn't an HPSP or VA associated program. 

8) Are there any medical schools in particular that SOFtoSOM sends participants to? 

No. All of our partnered medical schools are simply partnered because they understand and recognize the unique skills SOF veterans bring into medicine and the challenges associated with SOF veterans applying to medical school. Therefore, they are partnered with SOFtoSOM to aid veterans in overcoming those barriers. Each Scholar has the option to choose which ever program/school they want to attend irrespective if SOFtoSOM is partnered with that school or not. 

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