The All-Encompassing, "What are my chances" thread!

[ebp]

Yeah, I am finishing my Undergraduate degree in three years, so I might be a bit young, but I would be 22 by the time the fall 2012 semester starts, so I don't really have any related work experience besides my one year of research. My job, which I have held since I started college is in our admissions office as a student worker. On the SAT I was able to get a 800 Verbal (I don't think I could do that on the GRE, but if I look at vocab I might be able to get a 700) but my math score was only about a 600 or so, so I've never been that great at math. I am hoping to raise the Quantitative score though, even though it's not my forte, and if I can get over a 600 or up to a 640 that might be enough to help.

I have a lot of varied volunteering, but nothing exactly long term and continuous because it's through a volunteering honour society (and I have no car) I have known my work references for over two years and have also scheduled time with them to talk about my aspirations and goals so they know who I am as a person before writing the letters. I was hoping to aim for some of the reach schools, but I will certainly be satisfied with an an acceptance from any of my selected schools.

Are there any schools you'd recommend? I'm mostly interested in Infectious Disease Epidemiology programs, and trying to stay in the North East.

Congratulations on your own acceptances. Thanks for the advice.

I don't know anything about Infectious Disease/Epi programs, but I say go for reach schools, just make sure you have some safety schools too. I know Emory would be a good choice, maybe Tulane, obviously Hopkins.

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[kellyjar24]

A few questions for thought:

In the process of applying to MPH programs and having difficulty deciding whether to go into Behavioral and Community Health or Health Policy and Management. Any suggestions on how to decide on a track?

I scored a 1230 on the GRE (590V 640Q and 5AW). I have a 3.95 undergrad GPA. Any idea which programs would be apt to give me financial aid/fellowship/scholarship opportunities?

Thanks!

 

[Jamiefrances]

I don't know anything about Infectious Disease/Epi programs, but I say go for reach schools, just make sure you have some safety schools too. I know Emory would be a good choice, maybe Tulane, obviously Hopkins.

Thanks, yeah, I'm definitely making sure I have a few safety schools!

I was also wondering, how do the schools calculate GPA? Do they look at each college you've attended separately, or do they average them together? I ask because my GPA would definitely be more competitive if they average in the CC work. I will also be continuing my CC classes for a semester after I have graduated from the university, if that affects anything (some to retake a class or two because it was too expensive to retake at the university)

 

[ebp]

Thanks, yeah, I'm definitely making sure I have a few safety schools!

I was also wondering, how do the schools calculate GPA? Do they look at each college you've attended separately, or do they average them together? I ask because my GPA would definitely be more competitive if they average in the CC work. I will also be continuing my CC classes for a semester after I have graduated from the university, if that affects anything (some to retake a class or two because it was too expensive to retake at the university)

SOPHAS will take it all together and make one gpa. I'm not sure what individual schools do as they will see all of your grades.

 

[KeatingR]

Hi all,

I apologize for another "am I qualified" thread, but I do have a specific question regarding how each qualification is weighed.

I am applying specifically to the epidemiology (or infectious disease) departments at Columbia (my dream school), BU, Emory, U Mich, John Hopkins, Berkeley and UCLA.

As of now..
I am finishing my third year with the Peace Corps in Zambia. I spent my first two years working with community health clinics in a remote village; now I am stationed with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the capital designing and implementing epidemiology trainings for governmental field staff.

I recieved my B.S. in psychology from UC Davis - but only recieved a 3.0 gpa. My science was a little higher, but did I recieved a C+ in calculus and a B+ in statistics.

For letters of recommendation, I have letters from an NGO country director (MPH), CDC epi-chief (PhD), and a Peace Corps Director. The faculty that I thought would write me a recommendation has not returned my emails (suggestions?) - so it looks like I may not have any faculty. (I could get one from the CDC country director (PhD) if needed.)

I am in contact with faculty from most schools and plan to visit a few on my way back from Zambia.

Assuming I do well on GREs (esp. quant) and rock the Statement of Purpose - how competitive am I for Epi/Infectious disease programs? Based on my current stats, what should I focus on the most right now? Finally, next to quantitative skill demonstrated by GPA/GRE, what would be weighted the most for said programs?

Thank you to anyone who looks at/comments on/discusses this! I am very nervous about applying and I really could use some guiding advice!

 

[Stories]

Hey, everyone!

Please use this thread to post all of your "how ______ am I for ________" questions! This way, we all have a neat and tidy place to post these questions to help prevent too much overlap!

Thanks!

 

[Quesosmom]

Hi, I am an older student finishing an interdisciplinary BA degree in Food Studies. I'm interested in applying for an MPH program in Community Health Education. I have taken some environmental/sustainability courses but no natural lab sciences. In my final semester, is it worthwhile to take a lab science class? Will grad schools see those courses when I apply? Also, would taking a particular science be more impressive--say, chem instead of bio? I have solid internships and a ton of work experience, 3.5 GPA, awards, will take GRE soon, should be able to write a great SOP and get some stellar LOR.

I'm in NYC and thinking of applying to Columbia, NYU and CUNY. Thanks for any advice.

 

[274631]

Hello,
I am a current undergraduate student applying in this cycle for Masters programs. I am an international student but studied at a US undergrad. My Stats:
Major: Anthropology and Chemistry
MCAT: 34M (thinking of taking the GRE but haven't decided as yet)
GPA: 3.63
Research: Data collection at the blood bank in my home country (helped write up the results for a paper which may be published), currently doing public health/anthropology honors thesis research about refugee women and access to healthcare.
Other Stuff: couple summer jobs in the healthcare field, lots of volunteering (both medical and non medical; some dealing with MCH and refugees), study abroad, other random clubs and activities.

Schools and Programs:
Emory- Global Health (1st Choice), BSHE (2nd choice)
GW- MCH & GH cert.
U Pitt- MCH track in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences & GH cert.
BU- International health: Sex, gender and Sexuality track/ MCH: unsure which track.
JHU- International Health: Social and Behavioral Intervention track & MCH cert.
Yale- Behavioral and Social Sciences (in Chronic Disease Epi) & GH track

Do you think I am a competitive applicant? My main concern about my application is my lack of post graduate experience and international public health experience. I live in a foreign country and all my summer jobs in healthcare have been outside of the US, but I am not sure if this counts since it is my home country. Also, I do not have a professional LOR. All my letters will most likely come from academic professors.

Thanks. Sorry for the long post.

 

[geococcyx]

I spent four years obsessing about my chances of getting into med school, but decided (during my last semester, no less) that wasn't the path for me. I now have no idea whether I'm competitive for an MPH program. My stats:

• a BS in biology with a minor in chemistry, GPA 3.3
• a semester of post-bac in physical anthropology with a 4.0
• a semester of grad school in physical anthropology, in progress
• decent GRE scores: 750 verbal, 730 quantitative, 3.5 writing (an uncharacteristic crash-and-burn)
• 14 months of volunteer work at a nonprofit that does health fairs for the local GLBT community
• 6 months (so far) of work experience at another nonprofit that serves the GLBT community, including direct work with SAMHSA 10x10 campaign projects

What are my chances of getting into the UT MPH program? Should I aim higher? Lower? Help me out here!

 

[Biggz]

It appears that everyone has such great volunteer or work experience before applying to MPH programs. I graduated in MAY 2010 with undergrad in Health Ed & Promotion, but I haven't had too much relevant experience with public health since then. I'm looking into Community Health or Health Education/Behavior. I was planning to apply to MPH programs this year for fall 2012, but should I hold off a year and try to gain some more experience? I have actually wanted to take a break from school so I could try to save some money and obviously, take a break. Unfortunately, my full-time job isn't health related. It appears from speaking to some others and reading through threads that relevant experience is really important for acceptance into programs. I have only had one semester of independent research study with one professor from Spring 2011 and then during the summer, I've been studying for the GRE (which I need to up my verbal score). Any suggestions?

 

[arc5005]

Hi,

So I'm really interested in the NYU MS EHS program. It would probably be my top choice school since I'm interested in the field and living in NYC.

I'm wondering how competitive the program is and how selective it is. I'm worried I won't be a star shining candidate.

About me:
Started @ Fordham U, ended up at RIT

Major:
I'm majoring in Environmental Science (BS), and I have a concentration in Environmental Sustainability & Health.

Extracurriculars:
-Gay Alliance
-Study Abroad Peer Mentor

Work Experience:
-Pollution Prevention Institute Sept 2011-present


I only have a 3.1 CUM, anda 3.3 PFOS, and I'm going to start studying for my GRE's this year, so I can take it after my study abroad program which is this Spring 2012 in Denmark. I'll apply next fall 2012, and graduate spring 2013.

I'm worried
1) I have a low GPA for NYU
2) My degree is not directly related to EHS
3) the only internship I've had so far has been mostly engineering-science research based...I work with 2 environmental health & safety specialists, but my main supervisor is a materials engineer. I still have time to intern/co-op this summer.

Any ideas/suggestions?

 

[codym]

Hi,

So I'm really interested in the NYU MS EHS program. It would probably be my top choice school since I'm interested in the field and living in NYC.

I'm wondering how competitive the program is and how selective it is. I'm worried I won't be a star shining candidate.

About me:
Started @ Fordham U, ended up at RIT

Major:
I'm majoring in Environmental Science (BS), and I have a concentration in Environmental Sustainability & Health.

Extracurriculars:
-Gay Alliance
-Study Abroad Peer Mentor

Work Experience:
-Pollution Prevention Institute Sept 2011-present


I only have a 3.1 CUM, anda 3.3 PFOS, and I'm going to start studying for my GRE's this year, so I can take it after my study abroad program which is this Spring 2012 in Denmark. I'll apply next fall 2012, and graduate spring 2013.

I'm worried
1) I have a low GPA for NYU
2) My degree is not directly related to EHS
3) the only internship I've had so far has been mostly engineering-science research based...I work with 2 environmental health & safety specialists, but my main supervisor is a materials engineer. I still have time to intern/co-op this summer.

Any ideas/suggestions?

As far as study track and GPA, you are similar to me. Do well on the GRE & rock the personal statement and I think you could get in anywhere. Plus, you never know unless you try! It's surprising how some institutions, like Yale and Emory, accept students who don't always have the 4.0. Good luck!

 

[remonde]

I have a gap year between my senior year and the year that I plan to matriculate into medical school; therefore, this program sounded like an extremely great deal to pursue! If you are not familiar with it, Click Here and read the part under "Master of Health Science (MHS)" I was just wondering how competitive is this program? What are the average MCAT/GRE scores, and GPAs that actually participate in this program? Or better yet, how do my stats stack up to previous applicants regardless of that fact that I have yet to take the MCAT? I can't seem to find any statistics on this program anywhere! (haven't looked really far though lol)

Stats
Science GPA: 4.0
Overall GPA: 3.9
Research Assistant in a Molecular Neuroscience lab (2 years)
Organic chemistry teaching assistant (3 semesters)
Lead tutor in a CRLA recognized organization (1 year)
Hospital volunteering in a cardiac institute (2 years)
Shadowing and clinic experiences with disadvantaged clinics
Will be taking the MCAT in January 2012.

 

[missmelissa]

I have an undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology/Audiology. My overall gpa is a 3.1 but my major gpa was a 3.6. My overall gpa is low from 2 years of pre-pharmacy classes. I am now applying for MPH and MHA programs. I honestly think MHA is more for me but I see more opportunities with MPH. I have been debating MHA, MPH or J.D/MPH for the last year. I even applied to law school last year but decided not to go because I was not sure on the joint program. Now I am sure, I don't want to go to law but stuck applying to both programs. My question is, what program do you believe I would have been luck getting into with my low G.P.A and lack of business background? I have great LORs and a decent resume. Any suggestions of schools are welcome. thanks!

 

[Veggie Monster]

I have an undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology/Audiology. My overall gpa is a 3.1 but my major gpa was a 3.6. My overall gpa is low from 2 years of pre-pharmacy classes. I am now applying for MPH and MHA programs. I honestly think MHA is more for me but I see more opportunities with MPH. I have been debating MHA, MPH or J.D/MPH for the last year. I even applied to law school last year but decided not to go because I was not sure on the joint program. Now I am sure, I don't want to go to law but stuck applying to both programs. My question is, what program do you believe I would have been luck getting into with my low G.P.A and lack of business background? I have great LORs and a decent resume. Any suggestions of schools are welcome. thanks!

what are your career goals?

 

[RAMPA]

I have an undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology/Audiology. My overall gpa is a 3.1 but my major gpa was a 3.6. My overall gpa is low from 2 years of pre-pharmacy classes. I am now applying for MPH and MHA programs. I honestly think MHA is more for me but I see more opportunities with MPH. I have been debating MHA, MPH or J.D/MPH for the last year. I even applied to law school last year but decided not to go because I was not sure on the joint program. Now I am sure, I don't want to go to law but stuck applying to both programs. My question is, what program do you believe I would have been luck getting into with my low G.P.A and lack of business background? I have great LORs and a decent resume. Any suggestions of schools are welcome. thanks!

fyi..

MHA = MPH in Health Management

 

[missmelissa]

fyi..

MHA = MPH in Health Management

Thanks, I am thinking I will apply to MPH programs with concentrations in Health management. I like MPH because of how many options it offers but MHA is really want I want to do. I like the business side of healthcare.

 

[missmelissa]

what are your career goals?

I would like to manage/operate a healthcare system. I just love how many options you have with a MPH.

 

[RAMPA]

Thanks, I am thinking I will apply to MPH programs with concentrations in Health management. I like MPH because of how many options it offers but MHA is really want I want to do. I like the business side of healthcare.

again, a MHA is the equivalent of a MPH in Health Management if both programs are accredited by CAHME.

I applied to several health care management programs last year. Some awared a MHA, some a MPH, one was a MS, and another was a MPA... all covered the same core material to prepare for a career in health services administration.

 

[missmelissa]

again, a MHA is the equivalent of a MPH in Health Management if both programs are accredited by CAHME.

I applied to several health care management programs last year. Some awared a MHA, some a MPH, one was a MS, and another was a MPA... all covered the same core material to prepare for a career in health services administration.

AH! Now I see what you are saying. I would love to hear your application process. I am kind of late to the game.

 

[kak9699]

Hello everyone! I have a question regarding the feasability of applying to MPH programs after dropping out of medical school. I left grad school after getting accepted to Ross University. Long story short, it was a colossal mistake. I've been miserable with the mindless memorizing of endless facts that is medical school. I can understand the material fine, as it's not complicated at all, but it doesn't challenge me either. At least not in the way I find rewarding.

So after talking with family, councilors, and doing some inner soul searching, I'm applying for a leave of absence from med school program at the end of this semester. I would not look back for a second if I could get into something more aligned to public health. Will having dropped grad school for med school, and now med school for MPH make a negative impact on my application? I've been into programs in epidemiology and global health research in particular. I would love to work in China/Japan region. Here are my stats for consideration:

uGPA: 3.4
sciGPA: 3.18
gGPA: 3.__ gotta look this one up.
GRE: 1220 (660V, 560M) (Will be retaking this before applying, and studying for it this time. )
MCAT: 23M

- 2 years independent research involving macroinvertebrates & water quality analysis.
- 1 year independent research project involving phylogenetics.
- 1 semester of research with cancer bio-markers in small biotech company (Grad School research).

- Habitat for Humanity in Poland for two weeks over summer of freshman year
- Volunteered for about a year working at local hospital after undergrad.
- Volunteered for 2 weeks in Fukushima, Japan working with an aging/declining village population to help maintain their livelihood.
- Volunteered for 2 weeks in Iida, Japan working at a children's summer camp as a camp councilor.
- Completed CNA certification

Thanks for any advice or help you can provide!

 

[egbos]

Hi everyone,
First I want to say thank you for all your great information and advice that I've been finding on this forum. Its been a lifesaver throughout the application process.

Now onto my stats:

• 2.3 undergrad gpa (lack of motivation, taking premed courses when that wasn't my true passion, trouble adjusting to college etc. I'm hoping my SOP will be able to mitigate this a little bit)
• 3.85 grad gpa (2 public health courses)
• Took the GRE last month and projected scores on the old scale were 750-800V and 680-780Q. Official scores will be in a couple weeks.

I've been working for approx 2.5 years in a large research hospital. I'm now several months into my second position and its much more public health related than my first. The first was involved with managing publications and assisting in some grant prep/project planning. I'm working on two studies that involve outreach using technology in populations that experience health disparities. I have also been volunteering at a homeless shelter working with young mothers and their children for the past 2 years.

I'm trying to round up my LOR now. I have secured 1 from an undergrad PH course and will hopefully have 2 professional ones in addition.

I'm wanting to apply to Epi programs and continue work in health disparities and social/behavioral determinants of health. I'm also interested in the use of GIS.

So two questions:

1.What would you say my chances of admission are?
2. Do you have any specific schools/programs you would recommend? I've been checking out all the usual suspects but its so hard to decide what a good number and range of schools would be. Especially when information from their websites make all the programs sound rather similar.

 

[MolBio]

So after talking with family, councilors, and doing some inner soul searching, I'm applying for a leave of absence from med school program at the end of this semester. I would not look back for a second if I could get into something more aligned to public health. Will having dropped grad school for med school, and now med school for MPH make a negative impact on my application? I've been into programs in epidemiology and global health research in particular. I would love to work in China/Japan region.

Admission into MPH programs is generally not fiercely competitive. My 2 cents, you do have a slightly uphill battle spinning to the admissions committee about specifically how you came to your conclusion that epi / global health is the right field for you. From reading your summary, it's definitely not jumping-off-the-page-and-smacking-me-in-the-face obvious. Basically: what makes you so sure that public health won't be the latest thing that you pick up, only to quit part way through? If you can communicate that convincingly, you should be fine. But more importantly for your life and career, it is important to first confirm to yourself that public health is the right discipline (i.e., sufficiently challenging and stimulating), maybe through some direct work with a public health agency or research project.

A quick note - if you apply to global health programs, just be aware that often global health departments work primarily in low or middle income countries where conditions range from near-western (Thailand, Argentina, Brazil) to stone-age (Afghanistan, Haiti, DRC) (see world bank list at http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-classifications/country-and-lending-groups). If you heavily reference your Japan experiences in your application essay, you should add a little extra to connect work in a high-income country with the typical work of global health.

 

[Inkoate]

..

 

[MolBio]

I want to eventually earn an MD degree.

You may want to consider applying directly to Medical School and then doing an accelerated 1-year MPH during med school because it could save time and money. Some schools have special scholarship options available for medical students applying to MPH programs - especially to 1-year programs which are intended for MDs/med students, and especially if you are applying to the MPH program at your med school's university. My guess is that they are realizing that med school already costs a great deal, and that docs who choose to work in public health will probably make less money.

That said, I think your stats and experiences are all highly competitive for an MPH at those schools, so there is definitely a possibility you could get a funding for an MPH now, if you apply broadly.

mb

 

[Inkoate]

You may want to consider applying directly to Medical School and then doing an accelerated 1-year MPH during med school because it could save time and money.

Yea, I've thought about that option, and it actually sounds really appealing. I'm applying to MD and MPH programs. Hopefully I get into MD programs where they have a good dual degree program. That would be convenient!!

 

[RumbaToMD]

Hi all,

I am planning to apply to Community Health/Global Health MPH programs for Fall 2012. I am interested in UIC, Columbia, Boston, NYU, GW and UofMichigan.

I studied psychology as an undergrad and have been working with the HIV population in a clinical setting since 2008. In addition, I have worked at a community clinic teaching health classes and as a medical interpreter. My past experience includes working in an epidemiology lab (I did field and lab work) and a psychology lab (I did a study on children with birth defects). I have done 1 short term international project which mostly revolved around fundraising to provide a village with clean water.

I am Hispanic and fluent in Spanish
My cumulative GPA=3.4 (I started off as Pre-Med which brought my GPA down) but my major GPA=3.7
My GRE scores are pretty bad...barely 1200
I'm wondering if I can get by with my experience and GRE score...what are my chances of getting in to the schools mentioned above? Any recommendations on "safety" schools I should apply to that offer Global Health programs? I am really looking to do my practicum abroad.

Thanks!

 

[MsRen]

Hi All,

Thanks for taking the time to read my post, as well as leave comments.

I am currently in the process of applying to Grad School for the Fall 2012.

I am looking into schools with a focus on Maternal Child Health. Emory is my first choice.

I did undergrad B.S Community Health Education (3.2 GPA overall). Science classes really kicked my butt in school.

I did 6 months volunteer with a Haitian U.S based organization dealing with putting service plans in place for medical care, housing, and education, which was after last year's earthquake.

3 years combined, but not consistently working in healthcare as a Medical Assistance due to being a full-time student, and non flexibility with both.

Revised GRE scores
149 VR
146 QR
AW 4.0
Volunteer on several projects.
What are my chances of getting into Emory?
I know they really take research into consideration, which I do not have. Think I have a chance of getting into the school despite my poor GRE scores?

 

[ebp]

Hi All,

Thanks for taking the time to read my post, as well as leave comments.

I am currently in the process of applying to Grad School for the Fall 2012.

I am looking into schools with a focus on Maternal Child Health. Emory is my first choice.

I did undergrad B.S Community Health Education (3.2 GPA overall). Science classes really kicked my butt in school.

I did 6 months volunteer with a Haitian U.S based organization dealing with putting service plans in place for medical care, housing, and education, which was after last year's earthquake.

3 years combined, but not consistently working in healthcare as a Medical Assistance due to being a full-time student, and non flexibility with both.

Revised GRE scores
149 VR
146 QR
AW 4.0
Volunteer on several projects.
What are my chances of getting into Emory?
I know they really take research into consideration, which I do not have. Think I have a chance of getting into the school despite my poor GRE scores?

Your GPA doesn't seem that bad, and your experience looks good. Have you considered retaking the GRE? When comparing to the old scores they look low, but I don't know how they compare to the percentage. Emory is a good school and can be competitive, so the scores could hurt.

 

[Jamiefrances]

Hi All,

Thanks for taking the time to read my post, as well as leave comments.

I am currently in the process of applying to Grad School for the Fall 2012.

I am looking into schools with a focus on Maternal Child Health. Emory is my first choice.

I did undergrad B.S Community Health Education (3.2 GPA overall). Science classes really kicked my butt in school.

I did 6 months volunteer with a Haitian U.S based organization dealing with putting service plans in place for medical care, housing, and education, which was after last year's earthquake.

3 years combined, but not consistently working in healthcare as a Medical Assistance due to being a full-time student, and non flexibility with both.

Revised GRE scores
149 VR
146 QR
AW 4.0
Volunteer on several projects.
What are my chances of getting into Emory?
I know they really take research into consideration, which I do not have. Think I have a chance of getting into the school despite my poor GRE scores?

Here is the GRE conversion chart. I think most schools require a minimum of a 1000 (old score), and you are exactly at that, I believe. If you have the time and money, I would recommend retaking it. I had a 1050, and retook it with only about a week to study and brought my score up to 1270 (which isn't amazing--many on here have much better GRE scores, but will hopefully help me-- but you also have a higher GPA than I do, and better volunteering)

http://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/concordance_information.pdf

I think your experience looks amazing, but if you can retake the GRE, I would recommend it. I bought two books and did free online flashcards, and it really helped me. Good luck!

 

[Awapi]

Hi All,
I am looking into schools with a focus on Maternal Child Health. Emory is my first choice.

I did undergrad B.S Community Health Education (3.2 GPA overall). Science classes really kicked my butt in school.

Revised GRE scores
149 VR
146 QR
AW 4.0
Volunteer on several projects.
What are my chances of getting into Emory?
I know they really take research into consideration, which I do not have. Think I have a chance of getting into the school despite my poor GRE scores?

Hey MsRen! I'm currently a first year at Emory RSPH (Rollins School of Public Health), it is definitely a great place to be for Maternal and Child Health (MCH)! (I'm in infectious disease stuff, but there is a lot of stuff going on in MCH, they are also currently working on getting a separate concentration for it as well as a certificate program, it's a hot topic!)

Here is a quote from the RSPH admissions page in response to a question about minimum GRE/GPA: "Other than a minimum required TOEFL score for international students (550 (paper); 213 (CBT); 79-80 (iBT)) RSPH does not have standardized minimum requirements for acceptance into our programs. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is preferred; however, it is important to note that the GRE and GPA are evaluated in the context of the overall application. A variety of factors play into the success of a given application. The average GPA of our accepted students is 3.5 for undergraduate coursework and 3.7 for graduate coursework. The average GRE scores are: Verbal 570, Quantitative 688, and Analytic Writing 4.3. Data varies by department."

I agree with the other posters, the application is holistic (they consider your statement of purpose, LOR's, GPA, GRE, etc as a whole, not just one thing at a time). However, with the average GRE being about a 1260 on the old scale, it wouldn't hurt to take the GRE again if you have the ability to do so.

I will tell you that my GPA was a smidge under the "average" and I not only got in, but was awarded a merit scholarship (full disclosure, my GRE was very high and I had been out of college for 5 years and had a lot of experience), I also know people with GPA's closer to 3.0 than yours who got in with flying colors - I can't really speak to GREs since those scores haven't come up in conversation...but, point being that they obviously don't just consider the numbers on your application .

If you can't retake the GRE then just make sure you are confident that your recommenders will write you very strong LORs (a good thing to do even with a strong GRE anyway), and spend a lot of time on your SOP.

Good luck! I know there are lots of Emory people floating around that would be willing to answer any of your questions, don't hesitate to ask!

 

[Inkoate]

 

[MsRen]

Hi,

Thanks for replying. I was considering retaking the GRE, but I was told that my test results wouldn't be available in time to be sent out with my applications (late Nov') with the time to retake from since Aug, etc. I really freaked out with GRE, despite taking the Kaplan course that cost a lot of money, but I guess it happened since I only studied for a month and 3 weeks. I don't understand my scores since I did extremely well on the Math, but poorly on the Verbal, yet they seem relatively equivalent to each other. Oh well!!! I'm hoping for the best.

Thanks again!!

 

[MsRen]

Yea, but I would have only gotten the opportunity to retake it in late October, but I was told that my scores wouldn't be available until mid December, which is after my deadline to send out my application before Emory and Columbia's deadline, my two top choices. Just thinking about the mental torture I endured, it was the worst test I've ever taken...to date in terms of pat downs and hearing people typing. No excuses, but it was really frustrating.

 

[MsRen]

Hey Awapi,

Thanks for the reply. As everyone suggested, I should reconsider retaking the GRE, which I also thought about doing, but because I took the GRE in the nascent of the Revised GRE in late August, I was told by two representatives at ETS that I could not retake it until October because there is a break btwn retakes. Plus, I wouldn't get my scores until mid December, which by then would have been too late to send in my application since SOPHAS has a four weeks before sending my applications to the school (Emory's deadline is 01/10/12). I know I have three great LORs. Two professors and my boss. I am in the process of finishing my SOP. By the way, anyone care to send some pointers my way....much appreciated (*_*)

Awapi how did you format your SOP, if you

 

[Inkoate]

 

[EpiWin]

Does anyone have suggestions on other MPH programs that would fit my goals?

If anyone has any suggestions, i would appreciate it.

If you have the option, give some serious thought to MD/MPH which would shorten the time you need. Your stats look good for the schools, but again it's about conveying that interest and intent in a statement that'll put an application through.

 

[scrappy102]

Hi,

I've been browsing all previous "chances" threads to gauge where I stand. However, I feel my circumstances are somewhat unique. I've known since my freshmen year in college that I want to obtain my MPH, specifically behavioral health and health promotion. As a senior, my GPA currently stands at 3.0. I had 1 terrible semester where I was actually put on academic warning after attempting to double major in a subject I hate/am not good at. I am not sure if this matters, but my undergrad GPA is from an extremely competitive and well respected university. I would like to apply to grad school immediately, but I'm not sure which schools I will be able to get accepted into with such a low GPA and no real work experience. My volunteer experience is also lacking due to being a D1 athlete for 3 years (I quit my junior year). However, I do have one public health related summer internship and many class projects related to public health. Oh, I took the GREs this summer and they were decent, but not extraordinary. 157 verbal, 153 quantitative, 4.5 writing.

My top choice is UMASS Amherst, but they give preference to applicants with at least 2 years work experience. I'm also applying to UCONN, university of Tennessee, university of Maryland, university of southern California. I'm also very interested in Yale, but not sure if I'm a competitive enough applicant.

Please let me know what you think my chances are for these schools, also and tips or advice for my application would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!!

 

[Stories]

Hi,

I've been browsing all previous "chances" threads to gauge where I stand. However, I feel my circumstances are somewhat unique. I've known since my freshmen year in college that I want to obtain my MPH, specifically behavioral health and health promotion. As a senior, my GPA currently stands at 3.0. I had 1 terrible semester where I was actually put on academic warning after attempting to double major in a subject I hate/am not good at. I am not sure if this matters, but my undergrad GPA is from an extremely competitive and well respected university. I would like to apply to grad school immediately, but I'm not sure which schools I will be able to get accepted into with such a low GPA and no real work experience. My volunteer experience is also lacking due to being a D1 athlete for 3 years (I quit my junior year). However, I do have one public health related summer internship and many class projects related to public health. Oh, I took the GREs this summer and they were decent, but not extraordinary. 157 verbal, 153 quantitative, 4.5 writing.

My top choice is UMASS Amherst, but they give preference to applicants with at least 2 years work experience. I'm also applying to UCONN, university of Tennessee, university of Maryland, university of southern California. I'm also very interested in Yale, but not sure if I'm a competitive enough applicant.

Please let me know what you think my chances are for these schools, also and tips or advice for my application would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!!

I think you should still apply because you never know. While it's a bit late now to try and add more stuff to your application, the 3.0 GPA still meets the cutoff for most schools. You may be pleasantly surprised

 

[wdj2002]

Hi everyone,

I'm adding to the "what are my chances?" posts. I recently graduated from medical school, started residency and decided to take a leave of absence. I basically have been unhappy with individual patient care for the past 2 years and decided I had enough. Making a broader health-related impact in the world is important to me, and thus I have been increasingly interested in obtaining my MPH degree. I hope to focus on infectious disease epidemiology (most likely field epidemiology). I had some exposure to this through medical school and am interested in this field.

My stats...undergrad gpa 3.4/4 from ivy league university, MCAT 32, med school gpa 3.85/4.0 with AOA and some honors. I do not have to take GRE because I have my MD.

I think my numbers are good but I have no true public health experience. I have volunteered in India for an ophthalmologic clinic/cataract initiative, some clinical and lab research. I will get a LOR from my residency program director, my supervisor when I worked as a special ed paraprofessional. Not sure about my third one-since my past research experiences are from 6 years ago-is this too long ago? My number one is UIC and will apply to Northwestern soon too.

What are my chances with little public health experience.

Thanks for the info.

 

[undergrad1234]

Hi all,

I'm a new member, and need some advice. Just submitted my MPH application for fall 2012 admissions, and I'm wondering what my chances are to be admitted into a top program if my GPA is ~2.8. I was struggling with an illness off and on throughout college, but I didn't mention that in my personal statement (rather, I wrote a narrative in the "Other Relevant Information" section). I am taking the GRE next week, and I hope that those scores might boost my application. Has anyone gotten admitted into good schools with a not-so-hot GPA? I know it's luck of the draw sometimes, and many schools look at the entire application. Any educated advice is appreciated!!

 

[Jamiefrances]

Hi all,

I'm a new member, and need some advice. Just submitted my MPH application for fall 2012 admissions, and I'm wondering what my chances are to be admitted into a top program if my GPA is ~2.8. I was struggling with an illness off and on throughout college, but I didn't mention that in my personal statement (rather, I wrote a narrative in the "Other Relevant Information" section). I am taking the GRE next week, and I hope that those scores might boost my application. Has anyone gotten admitted into good schools with a not-so-hot GPA? I know it's luck of the draw sometimes, and many schools look at the entire application. Any educated advice is appreciated!!

My GPA is about the same. (SOPHAS calculated it a bit differently, so it's lower than I had thought it would be) I have talked with admissions officers at BU, Yale, and Drexel, and they are all displeased with my GPA, but I haven't received any denials yet, so we'll see. I got a 1270 on the GRE, and have a lot of volunteering experience, so I think it also depends on the rest of your application. I can't really help you with if I've got in anywhere, though, because I'm also applying for fall of '12.

Study for the GRE like crazy, and if the rest of your application looks good, and you do well on the GRE, I'm sure you'll do fine. Good luck!

 

[MPHApplicant902]

I'm interested in a MPH focusing on Community and Behavioral health sciences. I would like to focus on minority health disparities.

My Stats:

GPA: 3.69 from a reputable liberal arts college. Majored in Psychology and minored in Sociology. SOPHAS calculated my GPA breakdown in a favorable way with my lowest being a 3.6 and my highest a 4.0.

New GRE: not my best work... horrible at standardized test taking.

*recs. 1 from Professor/academic adviser, 1 from Professor/community based learning supervisor, and 1 from current boss, he is a Principal Investigator for the project Im working on. All solid recs.

Experience: *In year 2 of a clinical research position at large hospital.

* During my undergraduate years served as a Director of a community based learning program in a low-income city.

* internship at a non-profit child advocacy agency focusing on health care reform.

-- Solid Statement of Purpose


Schools applied to: BU, Columbia, GWU, University of Pittsburgh, University of Connecticut, Brown, Drexel, New York Medical College.

I know I probably went a little overboard on the number of schools I applied to... but I was anxious about my low GRE scores.


Accepted: University of Pittsburgh, New York Medical College

Still waiting on the others....

 

[JMM051]

Undergrad1234-What is your definition of top school? If you mean a top school based on the *rankings* than yes. Just on this board alone there are people with less than 3.0's that have gotten into Columbia, Emory, Tulane, Michigan, GW, etc. Experience, time since graduation, rec's, and your letter can compensate for a low GPA.

 

[nateguy40]

I am interested in applying for a masters in health administration.


Where should I start? I'm mainly interested in the University of Florida.


What are my chances of getting in? My gpa is 3.6 and my revised GRE scores are 158 (quantitative) 152 (verbal) and 4.5 (writing).

 

[FindingNismo]

Hi everyone!

Quick question - I've recently become interested in MHA programs, and decided that is what I want to do, rather than taking a year off.

I have a 3.56 GPA from a large public uni in New England, Bio major
Some hospital volunteering, biggest EC was being president of my fraternity.

Haven't yet taken the GRE, but I could probably rush and take it sometime in Jan. LORs are ready to go.

Should I even bother trying to apply this cycle? Are my stats competitive for programs in the northeast? I noticed NYU's program doesn't require the GRE... would I have a shot there?

Thanks!

 

[citizenhealth]

I am currently looking into applying into MPH programs at Yale, Emory, Tulane, Boston, and Kentucky...I know I want to go into the public health field and would love to go into International health or epidemiology, but am wondering about my odds of getting accepted.

I have an undergraduate degree in History from a Big 10 school, will be graduating with 3.89 and high honors. I will have a minor in German and also educational coursework. I volunteer with a malaria prevention program and the red cross. I have also worked as a transporter at a local hospital for 4 years while going to school, also working as a clerk in the ER since last summer and will hopefully be volunteering in the infectious control department over winter break. Although I am a history major, I have taken 5 biology courses and 2 chemistry courses. I also intend on taking continuing education classes in statistics, physiology, and ecology this summer and Calc 1 and Microbiology in the fall as I am applying. I have not taken the GRE yet but assuming i have average scores...

Do you think I will be a good candidate for the programs I plan on applying to, or should I consider applying to different concentrations? I have been told many schools look down on having a history degree (though I find history to be largely linked to public health) and am very nervous about my chances. Will I be competitive at all for those programs?

Any advice would be hugely helpful

Thank You!

 

[member 13588]

As a current applicant and history minor, my opinion is that any major has the chance of getting in. Courses in the natural sciences and math help a lot. They like to see Biostatistics somewhere in your transcript. There are History concentrations for the MPH if you look. Best of luck.

 

[EpiWin]

I am currently looking into applying into MPH programs at Yale, Emory, Tulane, Boston, and Kentucky...I know I want to go into the public health field and would love to go into International health or epidemiology, but am wondering about my odds of getting accepted.

I have an undergraduate degree in History from a Big 10 school, will be graduating with 3.89 and high honors. I will have a minor in German and also educational coursework. I volunteer with a malaria prevention program and the red cross. I have also worked as a transporter at a local hospital for 4 years while going to school, also working as a clerk in the ER since last summer and will hopefully be volunteering in the infectious control department over winter break. Although I am a history major, I have taken 5 biology courses and 2 chemistry courses. I also intend on taking continuing education classes in statistics, physiology, and ecology this summer and Calc 1 and Microbiology in the fall as I am applying. I have not taken the GRE yet but assuming i have average scores...

Do you think I will be a good candidate for the programs I plan on applying to, or should I consider applying to different concentrations? I have been told many schools look down on having a history degree (though I find history to be largely linked to public health) and am very nervous about my chances. Will I be competitive at all for those programs?

Any advice would be hugely helpful

Thank You!

I'm surprised you've heard that schools look down on history degrees since a friend of mine who applied last year was also a history major and was able to get in to all the schools she wanted. I have a similar humanities background (along with public health experience like you) and all I've gotten was support from admissions officers I've talked to.

Having evidence of proficiency within math and statistics is a huge plus, maybe the reason you've heard negative things is that history majors don't tend to engage as intimately with the quantitative and sciences courses as a typical science major. Don't sweat it, public health schools are filled with students from a multitude of backgrounds, whether academic or personal.

 

[jaya88]

You major shouldn't really matter if you have the academics to back it. If you are going from history undergrad to epidemiology for your MPH you should probably explain that in your SOP but you should be fine with your coursework and public health activities.