MPH Fall 2015: Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Rejected!

[0wanderlust]

Haha!! That's so funny that you were looking into PiA Took a look at your stats and it seems like PiA would be a good fit for you. They're actually accepting applications soon -- if you're still interested in applying (instead of or in addition to a graduate program in public health), I'd totally be willing to talk to you about my experience if you'd like! Just send me a PM and we can discuss further-- I highly, highly recommend the fellowship and it's really been life-changing so far.

As for Singapore, it has been amazing so far and it's really grown on me in the last couple months that I've been here. I've also been able to travel a lot (just got back from Myanmar and am flying to Thailand in a couple days) so I'm really enjoying my time here. It is definitely hard to work and apply for graduate school at the same time but I'm determined so I'm gonna make it happen >

Totally off topic: What did you think of Myanmar? You can message me if you'd like, so we're not clogging up the board. The boyfriend and I are planning to spend the next several months in Southeast Asia and our "schedule" is very flexible.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[yourstruly49]

Totally off topic: What did you think of Myanmar? You can message me if you'd like, so we're not clogging up the board. The boyfriend and I are planning to spend the next several months in Southeast Asia and our "schedule" is very flexible.

Myanmar was AMAZING. Will PM you! Glad to see that you're thinking of coming out here

 

[AGTU]

Undergrad School: San Francisco State University
Undergrad GPA: 3.68
Major/Minor: Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in Health Education
GRE: V 154 (63%), Q 150 (40%), and A 4.0 (56%)

1yr Americorps VISTA position as SNAP Outreach Coordinator
7yrs experience in the legal field (file clerk, receptionist, administrative assistant)
1 summer fundraising volunteer for wellness center
2 summers Health Promoter for wellness center
1 summer as Weight control internship
1 year internship as Peer Nutrition Educator at my college
1 semester as a Spanish Language instructor to an elementary school class

Applied: Hunters College, Brown, UC Berkeley, North Carolina at Chapel Hill, San Diego State, UC Irvine, & UT at Houston.

 

[jl0511]

Hey everyone! To anyone who can reply, I would love some advice on my chances...I am interested in only Health Promotion, Community Health, etc. programs and I hope I can get in somewhere because I have a pretty low GPA. I had some health problems sophomore year and my grades show it. However, I have a positive trend in my grades, with my last semester of senior year being a Deans List student. I have not calculated by SOPHAS yet, that GPA below is from my university transcript. Let me know what you guys think! Am I reaching too much?

Undergrad School: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Undergrad GPA: 3.02
Major/Minor: Scientific and Technical Communication, minor in Nutrition
GRE: 154 V, 147 Q, 4 AW taken 9/20
Experience/Research (please, be brief): Current AmeriCorps member serving at a nonprofit related to health, former Ronald McDonald House intern, volunteer for 2 years at Ronald McDonald, Student Board Treasurer for two years, Grants President for one year, grassroots starter for local campaign, half a year of research in Forestry Department, Archival Student Worker at Library during college


Applied: Colorado State, Oregon, UIC, Arizona, Indiana, Minnesota, South Carolina and Alabama
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:

 

[chelsea-schafer]

Undergrad School: California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Undergrad GPA: 3.4 (upper division GPA 3.85)
Major/Minor: Public Health Promotion
GRE (including date taken): 10/24 - 146Q/149V/3.5W
Experience/Research (please, be brief):

+1 yr. Health Education Student Org President
+I'm a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
+Started this past June working as a Health Educator for a local community college in their health center. I'm responsible for promoting the overall health and wellness of the campus community. I'm hoping to receive my MPH with a focus on chronic disease and continue working here while in school part-time possibly.
+Worked 4 months over summer for the RAND Corporation as a data analyst on a study of neighborhood park wellness and reshaping policy.
+11 mo. health education intern for CLARE Foundation working with families mandated for substance abuse therapy treatment
+11 mo. volunteer data collector/analyst for a USC Professor researching health effects of e-cigarettes.
+8 mo. program service intern for the Downtown Women's Center, where I taught a weekly nutrition workshop to formerly homeless women living on skid row.
+6 mo. community relations intern for Hats Off for Cancer, where I would reach out to hospitals and health centers who would take our hat donations for their child oncology patients.

Applied: (SOPHAS verified on 12/1) MPH Epidemiology: UCLA, San Diego State University, Tulane, Emory, CSUN
Accepted: 12/24 Tulane, 3/9 SDSU, 2016 CSUN
Rejected: 1/13/15 Emory, 2/10/15 UCLA
Waitlisted:

 

[1As9You8Wish7]

Undergrad School: Chapman University (small private in southern California)
Undergrad GPA: 3.1-ish (life/physical science ~2.6; non science ~3.7) 2 semesters left, fall will be included on apps.
Major/Minor: Health Sciences: Pre-PA track, minors in Psychology and in Sociology
GRE: Took 10/3/14. UPDATE! final scores- V:149, Q:159, Writing:4.5
Experience/Research:
~ 1 year volunteer at children's hospital
~ 1 year internship at hospital with hands on patient comfort care experience, along with small leadership position in program
~ group research project presented at my school's undergraduate research fair (related to Maternal/Child Health)
Plan to Apply: USC, Boston, Tulane, Colorado, Nebraska, George Washington U, Saint Louis U, U of Arizona, U North Texas, and U South Florida. These are all the maternal/child/family health concentrations available (that I could find at least!). Probably CSULB and CSUF too for general MPH as they are local and inexpensive... back up plan!
Actually Applied:
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Questions:
~ Any other maternal/child/family health people out there?! Doesn't seem to be many of us...
~ Also, the minimums for USC are V:153 and Q:144, so my verbal is too low... Anyone think this will this be a problem at other schools considering my Q score?
~ Any advice on finding internships/part time jobs related to maternal/child/family health? Location- OC/LA. (note: still a full time undergrad!)
P.S. I know my GPA and experience isn't stellar. I'm not ashamed! It's still decent and I've worked hard! Must admit that poor health can get in my way... but I'd feel awkward telling schools that!
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE, WE CAN ALL DO THIS! STAY POSITIVE!

 

[WHOdriscoll91]

Undergrad School: Rutgers University
Undergrad GPA: 3.83 (It will change depending on how they average my first school GPA of 3.35)
Major/Minor: BS Public Health
GRE : Taking in October
Experience/Research (please, be brief): -Study abroad through a Danish public health program
-Internship at New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
-AmeriCorps' HealthCorps Member
Applied: Plan on applying to - Columbia (MPH- Epi), Emory (MPH- GlEpi), Harvard (MS- Epi), Rutgers (MPH- Epi), Hunter College (MPH- Epi), U Pitt (MPH- Epi), GW (MPH-Epi)
My GPA should average out to a 3.6ish.

Hey everyone! Just took my GRE yesterday with the unofficial scores of V 160, Q 154. Do you guys think I should retake it? I feel my Q is too low for Epi? Also I'm making some changes to the schools I'm applying to.

 

[DavidDavidson0]

Undergrad School: Large public university
Undergrad GPA: cGPA: 3.03, w/o year of F's: 3.4, upper GPA is 3.6
Major/Minor: Public Health
GRE (including date taken) : Last November, 150 on both Q&V, 3.0 W,
Experience/Research (please, be brief):
a few months volunteering for the red cross
independent studies abroad

Applied:Colorado, Emory, San Diego State, Uni Basel
Accepted: Maastricht (11/17) Tulane University (12/4, deferment acceptance from last year's application)
Rejected: Pittsburgh, Minnesota
Waitlisted:

I applied very late last year (mid-March) with poor GRE scores, rushed SoP's, one late rec letter, and was still able to get into 3/6 schools that I applied to. I decided to forego the schools that accepted me, and try my luck for this year. I was shocked I made it into even one of the schools I applied to. My message to you is if you're on the borderline of applying to a school, do it! The stars may just align in your favor.

 

[chelsea-schafer]

Undergrad School: Chapman University (small private in southern California)
Undergrad GPA: 3.1-ish (life/physical science ~2.6; non science ~3.7) 2 semesters left, fall will be included on apps.
Major/Minor: Health Sciences: Pre-PA track, minors in Psychology and in Sociology
GRE: Took today, 10/3/14 Preliminary V:149 Q:159, no essay score as of yet
Experience/Research:
~ 1 year volunteer at children's hospital
~ 1 year internship at hospital with hands on patient comfort care experience, along with small leadership position in program
~ group research project presented at my school's undergraduate research fair (related to Maternal/Child Health)
Plan to Apply: USC, Boston, Tulane, Colorado, Nebraska, George Washington U, Saint Louis U, U of Arizona, U North Texas, and U South Florida. These are all the maternal/child/family health concentrations available (that I could find at least!). Probably CSULB and CSUF too for general MPH as they are local and inexpensive... back up plan!
Actually Applied:
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Questions:
~ Any other maternal/child/family health people out there?! Doesn't seem to be many of us...
~ Also, the minimums for USC are V:153 and Q:144, so my verbal is too low... Anyone think this will this be a problem at other schools considering my Q score?
~ Any advice on finding internships/part time jobs related to maternal/child/family health? Location- OC/LA. (note: still a full time undergrad!)
P.S. I know my GPA and experience isn't stellar. I'm not ashamed! It's still decent and I've worked hard! Must admit that poor health can get in my way... but I'd feel awkward telling schools that!
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE, WE CAN ALL DO THIS! STAY POSITIVE!

If you are interested in maternal & child health, I'd suggest applying for a position with a local WIC Program in California. I have a friend who is a recent graduate trying to pursue lactation consultation and she loves it. It would be great experience:
http://www.phfewic.org/

 

[KCC1223]

Undergrad School: Chapman University (small private in southern California)
Undergrad GPA: 3.1-ish (life/physical science ~2.6; non science ~3.7) 2 semesters left, fall will be included on apps.
Major/Minor: Health Sciences: Pre-PA track, minors in Psychology and in Sociology
GRE: Took today, 10/3/14 Preliminary V:149 Q:159, no essay score as of yet
Experience/Research:
~ 1 year volunteer at children's hospital
~ 1 year internship at hospital with hands on patient comfort care experience, along with small leadership position in program
~ group research project presented at my school's undergraduate research fair (related to Maternal/Child Health)
Plan to Apply: USC, Boston, Tulane, Colorado, Nebraska, George Washington U, Saint Louis U, U of Arizona, U North Texas, and U South Florida. These are all the maternal/child/family health concentrations available (that I could find at least!). Probably CSULB and CSUF too for general MPH as they are local and inexpensive... back up plan!
Actually Applied:
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Questions:
~ Any other maternal/child/family health people out there?! Doesn't seem to be many of us...
~ Also, the minimums for USC are V:153 and Q:144, so my verbal is too low... Anyone think this will this be a problem at other schools considering my Q score?
~ Any advice on finding internships/part time jobs related to maternal/child/family health? Location- OC/LA. (note: still a full time undergrad!)
P.S. I know my GPA and experience isn't stellar. I'm not ashamed! It's still decent and I've worked hard! Must admit that poor health can get in my way... but I'd feel awkward telling schools that!
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE, WE CAN ALL DO THIS! STAY POSITIVE!

Hey! My verbal score was actually lower than yours but still got into USC for epi. I emailed them and they suggested to apply anyway since GRE wasn't the only section they looked. I am not too sure if it's only because I applied to epi but doesn't hurt to try Good luck! I didn't end up going to USC by the way (just in case you are wondering )

 

[dd1231]

Undergrad School: Dept Of Economics, Panjab university
Undergrad GPA: 3.79
Major/Minor: Economics
GradGPA(if applicable): 3.9 ish
Grad Studies(if applicable): Economics
GRE(including date taken) orOther Test(if applicable): 155 V/ 164 Q 3.5 awa: Terrible i know, could i write in my sop that there was no electricity for an hour which screwed my awa. Can happen only in india and yea the exam was delayed by three hrs !!!
Experience/Research(please, be brief):

1 month internship UNAIDS, Geneva : got an extension for 5 months , declined and came back , Geneva was so bloody expensive
1 month internship John Hopkins Center for communication program
5 months internship at Public Health Foundation of India
2 years volunteer work at Nutritional Rehab Center working with severe acute malnutrition children
2 years volunteer work with HIV/AIDS pediatric center
Volunteered at pulse polio immunization drives going house to house for immunization of kids against polio for 3 years


Currently working as a technical consultant , past an year on a National Health Insurance Program.
working research paper on the health insurance program under review .

Appliedlanning to : Boston HPM, Emory HPM-MPH/ MS HPM (unsure. any advice?), Tulane MPH-HPM, JHU MPH-HPM and MS health economics (again unsure , any thoughts/info?) , UCLA HPM ( looong shot !), Harvard HPM-MPH( long shot again), Columbia HPM, U Michigan HPM.
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:

 

[Boxer Boy]

Undergrad School: University of Cincinnati
Undergrad GPA: 3.46
Major/Minor: Graphic Design (BSc)
GRE: Dec 2013 V 169, Q 152, AW 5.0 / Oct 2014 V 166, Q 156, AW 5.0
Experience/Research: 5 years living and working abroad: in East Asia, Central America and the Middle East
Extensive volunteer experience: Mostly in the States with The American Red Cross and
with an international AIDS non-profit (exposure to working with data there, I'm serving on the program committee, involved in grant-writing, will travel summer of 2015 for field work assisting our Epidemiologist in gathering data)
Applied: Columbia (Epi, Infectious Disease or Global Health), Ohio State University (Epi), Tulane (International Health Programs or Epi), Emory (Global Health w/ Infectious Disease)
Accepted: Tulane IHP (11.25), Ohio State (12.11), Emory (01.07), Columbia Infectious Disease Epi (02.06)
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Attending: Columbia

Sadly, I have no research experience and, as you might expect if you've noticed my undergrad degree, I'm concerned about my prospects as an Epidemiology MPH candidate. My goal is to return to working overseas, so I'm focusing on programs that either have Global Epi concentrations or international practicum opportunities. Some of these schools are long shots for me, but it's been hard finding schools that I'm qualified for and which meet my criteria. What do you guys think?

 

[fromthedessert]

Undergrad School: University of Cincinnati
Undergrad GPA: 3.46
Major/Minor: Graphic Design (BSc)
GRE: Dec 2013: V 169, Q 152, AW 5.0 (will retake 10.14, I know I can raise my Quant score)
Experience/Research: 5 years living and working abroad: in East Asia, Central America and the Middle East

Extensive volunteer experience: Mostly in the States with The American Red Cross and
with an international AIDS non-profit (exposure to working with data there, I'm serving on the program committee, involved in grant-writing, will travel summer of 2015 for field work assisting our Epidemiologist in gathering data)
​

Applying: Columbia University—Global MPH, University of Michigan, Ohio State University, University of Kentucky
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:

Sadly, I have no research experience and, as you might expect if you've noticed my undergrad degree, I'm concerned about my prospects as an Epidemiology MPH candidate. My goal is to return to working overseas, so I'm focusing on programs that either have Global Epi concentrations or international practicum opportunities. Some of these schools are long shots for me, but it's been hard finding schools that I'm qualified for and which meet my criteria. What do you guys think?

I think the fact that you've lived and worked overseas dealing with PH issues definitely qualifies you for the programs! I wouldn't worry! Also, your scores look good! Good luck!

 

[Boxer Boy]

I think the fact that you've lived and worked overseas dealing with PH issues definitely qualifies you for the programs! I wouldn't worry! Also, your scores look good! Good luck!

Thanks for the encouragement, and thanks so much for starting this thread!

 

[Bolingbroke]

Undergrad School: Arizona State University
Undergrad GPA: 3.6
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences: Genetics, Cell, and Development
GradGPA (if applicable): none yet
Grad Studies (if applicable):
GRE: will take in October or Other Test (if applicable):
Experience/Research: I've worked since forever but here it goes:

• 1.5 years as Sr. undergraduate in a chemical and animal behavior research lab
• 2.5 years in research for Public Health on going study at Biomedical Collaborative ( will be published before graduation)
• 8 years translation and volunteer work for Somali refugees in Phoenix area
• Various leadership positions in organizations on campus
• loads of volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity and FMSC
• 3 years management experience at Lifetime Fitness

I am interested in only an MPH with an emphasis in Epidemiology ( infectious disease) and then in the future a Ph.D in Epi

Applying: Boston university, JHU, Harvard, Yale, Berkeley, Columbia, UCLA, and last but not least UC Irvine

If I was in your shoes I'd also consider UNC, a top public health school for sure, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , a large prestigious/well known public health school with a global health slant, but also exceptional in many areas, and with affordable tuition. You have a really unique/competitive application and skill set, so I'm thinking that top tier schools like JHU, UNC, LSHTM would be receptive to your application.

 

[Say_Hey]

If I was in your shoes I'd also consider UNC, a top public health school for sure, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , a large prestigious/well known public health school with a global health slant, but also exceptional in many areas, and with affordable tuition. You have a really unique/competitive application and skill set, so I'm thinking that top tier schools like JHU, UNC, LSHTM would be receptive to your application.

Well thank you very much I really appreciate the encouragement !!! I am still super nervous about finding out where I am going, and I'm sure I'm not the only one lol but I have thought about UNC for a time and it is an amazing school but I'm just not sure if it for me. I haven't looked into the London school though!! I will definitely look into it thank you!!

 

[sparos]

.

 

[IntriguedStudent]

Hi everyone, is there a huge advantage to applying early to these programs? I understand each school has a different deadline, but would it be bad to send in the SOPHAS sometimes in late November for schools with January or February deadlines?

It definitely wouldn't be bad to go ahead and get them submitted (I plan on getting mine submitted next week). It can take quite a few weeks for SOPHAS to process your transcripts and mail out your applications. I would not rush to get it in really early though. Being early gives you first chance at spots, but there will still be spots open at the deadline as well. If that means waiting until closer to the deadline to make sure your application is strong, then there really isn't too much harm in waiting.

 

[sparos]

.

 

[oceanhue]

Thanks, I am mostly waiting on letters of Recommendation. I have mostly been unsure about what is "early" vs "late." This helps though.

Do not wait on LOR. It is recommended by SOPHAS to submit as soon as you're ready to submit, because like a previous poster said, it takes awhile for SOPHAS to process your application. I've submitted my application already, but I still have to add additional schools, take the GRE, and I'm missing 3 of my 5 LOR, but my application is considered complete at this point.

I'm the kind of person that feels better just getting over with it. I hate waiting, especially when I know I'm pretty much done and there is nothing for me to add to my application.

 

[oceanhue]

 

[military1OT]

Undergrad School: Western Washington University
Undergrad GPA: 3.5
Major/Minor: Kinesiology: PreHealthCare Profession (BS)
GradGPA (if applicable): NA
Grad Studies (if applicable): NA
GRE (including date taken) 149 V & 146 Q Dec 2014(terrible I didn't really study & I have a 6 month who will NOT sleep through the night)
Experience/Research (please, be brief):
-Military
-NAC Licensure
-360 intern hours in skilled care facility
-45 volunteer hours
-starting a Yoga Therapy Program for Veterans utilizing Kinesiology students to provide mental help therapy through meditation and breathing exercises to combat anxiety and PTSD (not approved yet)

Applying to Texas A & M: Masters of Public Health (MPH) still not decided on the track (either Epi or Health Management and Policy)
3 strong LORs from Doctors, 2 are practicing in the field and 1 is from a professor
Not requesting any funding or scholarships until my GI Bill benefits run out (2nd year funding)

Applied: Texas A & M, UT-Austin, Tulane & UAB
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Accepted: Tulane
Good luck everyone!

Oh FYI, I also applied to OT schools as well. However, it is nice to have options. And after starting a family this program is shorter and less rigorous so I may be switching the field I originally targeted. (sorry!)

 

[chelsea-schafer]

Just took the GRE and did terrible!
V 149/ Q 143

Undergrad School: California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Undergrad GPA: 3.5 (upper division GPA 3.98)
Major/Minor: Public Health Promotion
GRE (including date taken): 10/3 scored low and am retaking 10/24
Experience/Research (please, be brief):

+1 yr. Health Education Student Org President
+I'm a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
+Started this past June working as a Health Educator for a local community college in their health center. I'm responsible for promoting the overall health and wellness of the campus community. I'm hoping to receive my MPH with a focus on chronic disease and continue working here while in school part-time possibly.
+Worked 4 months over summer for the RAND Corporation as a data analyst on a study of neighborhood park wellness and reshaping policy.
+11 mo. health education intern for CLARE Foundation working with families mandated for substance abuse therapy treatment
+11 mo. volunteer data collector/analyst for a USC Professor researching health effects of e-cigarettes.
+8 mo. program service intern for the Downtown Women's Center, where I taught a weekly nutrition workshop to formerly homeless women living on skid row.
+6 mo. community relations intern for Hats Off for Cancer, where I would reach out to hospitals and health centers who would take our hat donations for their child oncology patients.

Applied: MPH: UCLA- Epi, University of California Irvine- Epi, San Diego State University- Epi, UC Berkley- Epi/Biostats, Emory-Epi, and PH.D in Epi @ University of Southern California (USC).
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:

Just took the GRE and did terrible!
V 149/ Q 143

Should I retake???

 

[spelmanfam]

Just took the GRE and did terrible!
V 149/ Q 143




Just took the GRE and did terrible!
V 149/ Q 143

Should I retake???

Yes you should. Your quant is way too low.

 

[IntriguedStudent]

Just took the GRE and did terrible!
V 149/ Q 143




Just took the GRE and did terrible!
V 149/ Q 143

Should I retake???

I would definitely retake. Most schools are likely going to screen you out because you are under the 50th percentile mark. Since you're looking at going into Epi, schools are going to look specifically at your quant score. I'd suggest trying to get it up to at least the 60th percentile. You have a good GPA and pretty nice ECs, so you just have to raise that GRE. You still have plenty of time to retake though. Good luck!

 

[saps007sharma]

hii,
I am an indian dentist.I am planning to go to uk for masters in public health.i have the following questions. can anyone please help me out.
1.which is the best college for mph in the uk?
2.are uk mph degree holders recognised in the us?
3.are the job prospects in th uk goodfor international students?
4.I am considering cambridge,kings,ucl,london school of hygiene and tropical medicine.which on is the best?
5.what is the kind of salary one can expect after the degree?
6.My first preference is uk because the course completes in a year but I am concearned as in uk international students get only 4 months time period to stay after course completion which is not enough for the job search ..plzz give me some guidance
please i need some advice urgently.

 

[WHOdriscoll91]

hii,
I am an indian dentist.I am planning to go to uk for masters in public health.i have the following questions. can anyone please help me out.
1.which is the best college for mph in the uk?
2.are uk mph degree holders recognised in the us?
3.are the job prospects in th uk goodfor international students?
4.I am considering cambridge,kings,ucl,london school of hygiene and tropical medicine.which on is the best?
5.what is the kind of salary one can expect after the degree?
6.My first preference is uk because the course completes in a year but I am concearned as in uk international students get only 4 months time period to stay after course completion which is not enough for the job search ..plzz give me some guidance
please i need some advice urgently.

I know that CEPH does not really accredit programs outside the US. That may be an obstacle for some jobs. However, LSHTM is recognized as an amazing school everywhere.

 

[WHOdriscoll91]

Undergrad School: Rutgers University
Undergrad GPA: 3.83 (It will change depending on how they average my first school GPA of 3.35)
Major/Minor: BS Public Health
GRE : Q 155, V 161, W N/A (Previous attempt was Q 154, V 160, W 3.5)
Experience/Research (please, be brief):
-Study abroad through a Danish public health program
-Data Management Internship at New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
-AmeriCorps' HealthCorps Member
-Transport volunteer local hospital
Applied: Plan on applying to - Columbia (MPH- Epi), Emory (MPH- Epi), Rutgers (MPH- Epi), Hunter College (MPH- Epi), GW (MPH- Epi)

My GPA should average out to a 3.6ish.

Any feedback for my stats compared to the schools I'm applying. Anyone have any recommendations on some safety-ish schools with my stats? My biggest concerned are my GRE scores. The W section will improve, because the first test I didn't even complete either section.

 

[hogwartsorbust]

Undergrad School: UC Berkeley
Undergrad GPA: 3.7
Major/Minor: Anthropology B.A.
GRE: V 148, Q 145
Experience/Research:
1 year working at a museum in the osteology department working with human bones
8 months research with the set-up of a new Geoarchaeology and Southwest Asian Prehistory Lab in the Department of Anthropology at UC Berkeley
Recently started working at a local school as an instructional assistant
Will begin volunteering at a local hospital
2 months study abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina while volunteering feeding the homeless
3 months study abroad in Florence, Italy

Applied: Boston (Global Health), George Washington (Global Health), UCLA (Epi), SDSU (Epi), Columbia (Sociomedical Sciences), Michigan (Health Behavior & Health Education), Yale (Social & Behavioral Sciences), Brown (MPH)

Accepted: Boston (Global Health), George Washington (Global Health), UCLA (Community Health Sciences), SDSU (Health Behavior and Education), Michigan (Health Behavior and Health Education)

It does not matter how much I study I just can't seem to raise my GRE score and I have taken it twice. Other than that I would really like to hear some of your feedback please!

Update: Just a word of advice don't compare your stats to everyone else! You do you and you can do it [:

 

[saps007sharma]

I know that CEPH does not really accredit programs outside the US. That may be an obstacle for some jobs. However, LSHTM is recognized as an amazing school everywhere.

Plzz ans to all my questions ...I know they are too many ..and also I want to know about the specialization in mph as I can't do simplest math but plzz tell me which has wider jobs in uk with this problem ...plzz suggest

 

[mphwannabe]

Hi all! Super excited about this!
Undergrad School: OSU
Undergrad GPA: 3.2
Major/Minor: BA in Public Affairs
GRE: V:164 Q:156 W:5.5 (12/2013)
Experience/Research (please, be brief):
Work Exp:
-2 years part time Research Assistant working on assistance of healthcare delivery services
-1.5 yrs Office Assistant at dorm
-Summer internship at EEOC
Other Exp:
-2 yrs Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee
-1 yr Marketing and Policy Intern, Student Wellness Center
-2 yrs President Asian American Association
-3 yrs Deputy Director, Student Government
-Also served on Student Conduct, University Senate, Activities Board, and other orgs

SOPHAS submitted 10/5 SOPHAS verified 10/13

Applied: BU-GH. Columbia- HPM, Emory- GH, Tulane- GHSD (HSM), GWU- GH, Minnesota- PHAP, Texas- HPM, Michigan- HMP and HBHE, Harvard- GH, Yale- HP
Accepted: Tulane (10/30), Texas (11/21), OSU (11/24), Michigan (12/3 for HBHE), Minnesota (12/11), GWU (12/11), Emory (1/7), BU (1/12), Columbia (2/10)
Rejected: Michigan (1/20 for HMP), Harvard (3/13)
Waitlisted: Yale (3/11)

Attending: Columbia!!! (Deposit 4/6)

Schools Visited: Columbia (3/6), Emory (3/27)

Columbia has always been my first choice and I think they are the best fit for me for what I want to do and what I am looking for. My criteria for judging was: Fit, Career Opportunities, Academic Reputation, Opportunities while in Grad School, Location.

 

[masterofdisaster]

Good Luck everyone...as for me here goes a long shot but at least I will try!

Undergrad School: Public Midwest School
Undergrad GPA: 3.0
Major/Minor: Health Science
GradGPA 3.5
Grad Studies: Emergency and Disaster Management
GRE took in 2013 totally bombed retaking in the next few weeks ekk
Experience/Research (please, be brief):
-Interned for 6 months in Emergency Management just hired as my jurisdictions Assistant emergency manager where I work on emergency plans specifically those which pertain to infectious disease and pandemic outbreak. I also train and manage the local community emergency response team create exercises and trainings (triage, PPE, PODs) for them.
- American Red Cross volunteer I work/worked in exercise design for mass care (sheltering) and also volunteer in staffing for disasters.
-worked as a program director for a home health agency for 2 years and created their Emergency plans.
-health educator for 11 months while doing my undergrad.


***Please include the following whenever possible: specific concentration/track, dates, type of correspondence (phone, email, letter, etc.), scholarships/grants. Judging by last year's thread, yes we are this obsessive and neurotic.***

Applied: UCLA (epi) UCI (epi)
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:

 

[Say_Hey]

Undergrad School: Arizona State University
Undergrad GPA: 3.6
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences: Genetics, Cell, and Development
GradGPA (if applicable): none yet
Grad Studies (if applicable):
GRE: V: 160 Q: 156 W: waiting just took it !!
Experience/Research: I've worked since forever but here it goes:

• 1.5 years as Sr. undergraduate in a chemical and animal behavior research lab
• 2.5 years in research for Public Health on going study at Biomedical Collaborative ( will be published before graduation)
• 8 years translation and volunteer work for Somali refugees in Phoenix area
• Various leadership positions in organizations on campus
• loads of volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity and FMSC
• 3 years management experience at Lifetime Fitness

I am interested in only an MPH with an emphasis in Epidemiology ( infectious disease) and then in the future a Ph.D in Epi

Applying: Boston university, JHU, Harvard, Yale, Berkeley, Columbia, UCLA, and last but not least UC Irvine

I suck at standardized testing but I'm just happy to be done with whole GRE process Good luck to everyone!!!

 

[tokyoshuynh]

Hey everyone! To anyone who can reply, I would love some advice on my chances...I am interested in only Health Promotion, Community Health, etc. programs and I hope I can get in somewhere because I have a pretty low GPA. I had some health problems sophomore year and my grades show it. However, I have a positive trend in my grades, with my last semester of senior year being a Deans List student. I have not calculated by SOPHAS yet, that GPA below is from my university transcript. Let me know what you guys think! Am I reaching too much?

Undergrad School: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Undergrad GPA: 3.02
Major/Minor: Scientific and Technical Communication, minor in Nutrition
GRE: 154 V, 147 Q, 4 AW taken 9/20
Experience/Research (please, be brief): Current AmeriCorps member serving at a nonprofit related to health, former Ronald McDonald House intern, volunteer for 2 years at Ronald McDonald, Student Board Treasurer for two years, Grants President for one year, grassroots starter for local campaign, half a year of research in Forestry Department, Archival Student Worker at Library during college


Applied: Colorado State, Oregon, UIC, Arizona, Indiana, Minnesota, South Carolina and Alabama
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:

i don't think you're reaching too high! since admissions looks at your application holistically, i think you'll have a fair chance if your SOP is strong and you argue for your grades/experience. you seem to have a lot of community experience, especially with the americorps experience. my gpa is around a 3.1-2 and i'm also interested in applying to similar MPH programs. i'm just crossing my fingers my application looks great as a whole. i'm sure you'll do fine!!

 

[tokyoshuynh]

update on my stats!! i hope everyone is staying strong!!! i'm about to submit my apps to UCLA and UCI!

Undergrad School: University of California, Riverside
Undergrad GPA: 3.1
Major/Minor: BA in Global Studies
GRE: 10/29 - 157 V, 156 Q, 4.0 AW (are these decent scores?? should i retake and try for higher scores to balance out my low GPA??)
Experience/Research (please, be brief): hospital internship (1 year), volunteering in convalescent hospital (3 months), Inside UCSF, Planned Parenthood (3 months), Community Health Worker training program with Worker Education and Resource Center, Inc. in Los Angeles (amazing program looking into integrating community health workers into the county's health care system + a move towards patient-centered care. i definitely suggest y'all look into the concepts of 'motivational interviewing', CHWs, and "triple aim" health care. also read the article "the hot spotters"!!)

Applied: (about to apply!!!)UCLA (community health sciences), UCI (sociocultural diversity and health), CSULB, CSUF
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:

 

[masterofdisaster]

Yay another UCLA applicant!

update on my stats!! i hope everyone is staying strong!!! i'm about to submit my apps to UCLA and UCI!

Undergrad School: University of California, Riverside
Undergrad GPA: 3.1
Major/Minor: BA in Global Studies
GRE: (unofficial scores) 10/29 - 156 V, 157 Q (are these decent scores?? should i retake and try for higher scores to balance out my low GPA??)
Experience/Research (please, be brief): hospital internship (1 year), volunteering in convalescent hospital (3 months), Inside UCSF, Planned Parenthood (3 months), Community Health Worker training program with Worker Education and Resource Center, Inc. in Los Angeles (amazing program looking into integrating community health workers into the county's health care system + a move towards patient-centered care. i definitely suggest y'all look into the concepts of 'motivational interviewing', CHWs, and "triple aim" health care. also read the article "the hot spotters"!!)

Applied: (about to apply!!!)UCLA (community health sciences), UCI (sociocultural diversity and health), CSULB, CSUF
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:

 

[cmac484]

Undergrad School: Troy University
Undergrad GPA: 3.3
Major/Minor: Biology
GradGPA (if applicable): 4.0
Grad Studies (if applicable): MBA
GRE (including date taken) or Other Test (if applicable): 166 V, 158 Q, 4.0 AW. Taken October 2014
Experience/Research (please, be brief):
2 years environmental lab experience. 5 years genetics lab work experience.
American Red Cross volunteer
Medical Reserve Corps volunteer

I'm a non traditional student - I've been in the work force for a looonnnggg time. Really, really want to go to Emory, nervous about my chances due to how old I am and lack of public health experience. Good luck to everyone!


Applied: Emory (Epi, BSHE), University of South Carolina, East Carolina University, UAB (Epi)
Accepted: East Carolina University, UAB(Epi), Emory (Epi, BSHE), University of South Carolina
Rejected:
Waitlisted:

 

[Boxer Boy]

Here's where I stand after my 2nd go at the GRE and my final choice of schools. Do you guys think schools are going to take the almost-no-difference in my GRE scores negatively? Bottom line, I thought I'd have time to study but that didn't pan out and I tried again anyway. Is that going to hurt me?

Undergrad School: University of Cincinnati
Undergrad GPA: 3.46
Major/Minor: Graphic Design (BSc)
GRE: Dec 2013 V 169, Q 152, AW 5.0 / Oct 2014 V 166, Q 156, AW 5.0
Experience/Research: 5 years living and working abroad: in East Asia, Central America and the Middle East
Extensive volunteer experience: Mostly in the States with The American Red Cross and
with an international AIDS non-profit (exposure to working with data there, I'm serving on the program committee, involved in grant-writing, will travel summer of 2015 for field work assisting our Epidemiologist in gathering data)
Applied: Columbia (Epi, Infectious Disease or Global Health), Ohio State University (Epi), Tulane (International Health Programs or Epi), Emory (Global Health w/ Infectious Disease)
Accepted: Tulane IHP (11.25), Ohio State (12.11), Emory (01.07), Columbia Infectious Disease Epi (02.06)
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Attending: Columbia

 

[Boxer Boy]

Undergrad School: Troy University
Undergrad GPA: 3.3
Major/Minor: Biology
GradGPA (if applicable): 4.0
Grad Studies (if applicable): MBA
GRE (including date taken) or Other Test (if applicable): 166 V, 158 Q, 4.0 AW. Taken October 2014
Experience/Research (please, be brief):
2 years environmental lab experience. 5 years genetics lab work experience.
American Red Cross volunteer
Medical Reserve Corps volunteer

I'm a non traditional student - I've been in the work force for a looonnnggg time. Really, really want to go to Emory, nervous about my chances due to how old I am and lack of public health experience. Good luck to everyone!


Applied: Emory (Epi, BSHE), University of South Carolina, East Carolina University
Accepted: East Carolina University
Rejected:
Waitlisted:

I know that feeling! I keep telling myself that life experience counts for a lot and admissions committees know that. Good luck with Emory!

 

[588211]

...

 

[KayCZero]

Hi everyone! I am an RN and I know most of you are med students but I thought I'd post here to see if you have any advice. I'm applying for my MPH in epidemiology. Nursing school was not what I expected. I was an RN at a major hospital in DC for almost 2 years but I found it's not what I want to do. I've realized my passion is for research, preventative care, and problem solving. That's why I want to get an MPH in epidemiology. Can someone tell me if I have any chance at getting into any school? I'm very worried about my GRE quantitative score and my lack of public health experience keeping me from getting in anywhere. I learned so much math and tried so hard- timed math is just not my thing!

Undergrad School: small private New England College
Undergrad GPA: 3.62
Major/Minor: Nursing
GRE (including date taken) or Other Test (if applicable): V165 Q149 E4.5 taken for the second time on 11/1 to try to increase my Q score- but even with all the studying I did, it didn't improve.
Experience/Research (please, be brief):

Academic experience:
-public health nursing at a health dept.
-research nursing, bio, and microbiology classes
Work experience:
-1.5 yrs RN in major DC hospital
-2 yrs visiting nursing- family nursing
-2 months volunteering with Easter Seals

I've been applying to lots of jobs, internships, etc. for public health; it's just very hard to get anything right now. Thank you in advance for your help and advice!

Applied: Haven't applied anywhere yet. Finishing my essay now. Thinking about UMD, U of Pitts, and I need some more to add to my list. I need more "safe" schools to apply to.
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:

 

[fernweh526]

Hi everyone! I'm desperately in need of some advice/opinions on my choice of schools. I have a low GPA and my GRE scores aren't that great but I have decent LORs and PH experience so I can't tell at all where I stand in terms of acceptance to these schools. My low GPA is from poor grades in the physical sciences. I switched my major and got good grades (90+) in all my public health classes in college.

Undergrad School: "public ivy"
Undergrad GPA: 3.25
Major/Minor: Designed my own major in Global Health/ minor in Human Physiology
GRE : 162 V, 152Q, AW: 4 (08/2013)

Experience/Research:
- internship at global health non-profit for 8 months
- internship in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- HIV/AIDS research in Southeast Asia for 3 months
- student research assistant for clinical research studies for 4 months
- undergrad clinical research assistant for 5 months
- various volunteering experiences in health related non-profits and hospitals in the U.S, South America, and UK

Applied: Mostly all global health - JHSPH (MSPH), GW (MPH), BU (MPH), Yale (SBS- MPH), NYU (MPH), Emory (MPH)
Accepted: Emory, GWU, BU (+12k merit award), NYU, Johns Hopkins
Rejected: Yale
Waitlisted: N/A

Good luck everyone!

 

[yourstruly49]

Haven't used this forum since I was selling my MCAT books 3 years ago, haha. Thank goodness I've veered off the pre-med track and have finally realized that my life calling is public health Anyways, thought I'd post my stats because I've been creeping on some of the threads here and am interested in seeing how I compare.

Undergrad School:Princeton University
Undergrad GPA: 3.5
Major/Minor: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
GRE (including date taken) or Other Test (if applicable): V: 163, Q:163, AW: 4.0
Experience/Research (please, be brief):

• Volunteer @ nursing home (summer '12)
• Volunteer @ local soup kitchen ('12-14)
• Volunteer @ local animal shelter ('12-14)
• Leadership position in public-health related organization/student club ('12-14)
• Internship at Alumnicorps Project55 office, working on its public service program (summer '13)
• Research experience-- 2 junior independent papers and an undergraduate thesis

Currently serving in Singapore as an international teaching fellow through Princeton in Asia's post-graduate fellowship program. (I also spent some time abroad in Panama my junior year)

Applying: Starting to work on my application now-- my list is as follows:

MPH (updated 10/31): Boston University (Global Health), Columbia (Population & Family Health with a certificate in Global Health), Emory (Global Health, concentration in Community Health & Development), UMichigan (Health Behavior and Health Education), Tulane (Global Community Health & Behavioral Sciences: Nutrition), Yale (Social & Behavioral Sciences, concentration in Global Health)

Just submitted my apps!! Just waiting now for my rec letters to come in before SOPHAS can start processing. Good luck, everyone

 

[IntriguedStudent]

Just submitted my apps!! Just waiting now for my rec letters to come in before SOPHAS can start processing. Good luck, everyone

I submitted mine yesterday too! Now it's all just a waiting game. Good luck!

 

[cyd85]

Undergrad School: Howard University
Undergrad GPA: 3.19
Major/Minor: Human Performance specializing in sports medicine, chemistry minor
GRE : 158 V, 151 Q (January 2014)

Experience/Research:
- Summer intern, NSF - REU worked on an accelerometer to measure concussive force
- 1 year - research assistant in my department, conducted graded exercise tests to assess the effect of beet root juice on blood pressure
- 1 year - Taught nutrition at DC public high schools through non-profit
- 1 year - taught robotics at middle school
- working on Data Science classes through Hopkins online Coursera classes


Applied JHSPH ( ScM Biostat), U of Maryland, College Park (MPH - biostat), UNT (Epi & Biostat), Drexel
Accepted: UNT, Drexel
Rejected: JHSPH, UMD
Waitlisted:
Attending: Drexel!

I really want to do biostatistics but it is hard to find programs I can get into since I've only had one year of calculus. I already spoke to a professor at Hopkins and he said one year of calculus was sufficient for them. I know my gpa and gre are low but I figured I would try it this year and reevaluate if I get denied. The stats I saw from students last year gave me hope.

 

[KayCZero]

Hi everyone! I am an RN and I know most of you are med students but I thought I'd post here to see if you have any advice. I'm applying for my MPH in epidemiology. Nursing school was not what I expected. I was an RN at a major hospital in DC for almost 2 years but I found it's not what I want to do. I've realized my passion is for research, preventative care, and problem solving. That's why I want to get an MPH in epidemiology. Can someone tell me if I have any chance at getting into any school? I'm very worried about my GRE quantitative score and my lack of public health experience keeping me from getting in anywhere. I learned so much math and tried so hard- timed math is just not my thing!

Undergrad School: small private New England College
Undergrad GPA: 3.62
Major/Minor: Nursing
GRE (including date taken) or Other Test (if applicable): V165 Q149 E4.5 taken for the second time on 11/1 to try to increase my Q score- but even with all the studying I did, it didn't improve.
Experience/Research (please, be brief):

Academic experience:
-public health nursing at a health dept.
-research nursing, bio, and microbiology classes
Work experience:
-1.5 yrs RN in major DC hospital
-2 yrs visiting nursing- family nursing
-2 months volunteering with Easter Seals

I've been applying to lots of jobs, internships, etc. for public health; it's just very hard to get anything right now. Thank you in advance for your help and advice!

Applied: Haven't applied anywhere yet. Finishing my essay now. Thinking about UMD, U of Pitts, and I need some more to add to my list. I need more "safe" schools to apply to.
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:

Can anyone give advice on this?

 

[cyd85]

Can anyone give advice on this?

Here's some info on the average gre for UMD, I'm applying there and my quant score is also low. I think your experience could make up for that, I would think being a nurse looks good. George Washington has good programs I hear.

http://sph.umd.edu/department/epib/faqs

 

[KayCZero]

Thank you! This was very helpful. I've looked at GW too but they're higher ranked than UMD and I think I might have a better chance at UMD being a little "safer," but I'm not sure.

 

[KayCZero]

Here's some info on the average gre for UMD, I'm applying there and my quant score is also low. I think your experience could make up for that, I would think being a nurse looks good. George Washington has good programs I hear.

http://sph.umd.edu/department/epib/faqs

Where else are you thinking of applying? If you don't mind me asking.

 

[Boxer Boy]

Thank you! This was very helpful. I've looked at GW too but they're higher ranked than UMD and I think I might have a better chance at UMD being a little "safer," but I'm not sure.

I don't know how much my advice is worth, given that I'm an applicant just like you, but I think you are a strong candidate. You have relevant experience, which has informed your goals and your decision about what to study, and your nursing school GPA was good. I think your first step should be identifying what you really want out of a program and start from there, instead of working backwards and worrying about "safe" schools. You can do it!