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

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
ETilton said:
English major from a small, well-respected liberal arts school.

GPA: 3.28 (3.8 in-major)

Grad GPA: 3.3 (from an aborted MPP in global medical and health policy program)

GRE:

Quant: 153 (56%ile)
Verbal: 165 (93%ile)
AW: 6.0 (99%ile)

Previously worked as a lobbyist-for-hire for small businesses in Virginia; I currently work in social work for undocumented latino children (contractor for HHS and DHS).

I'm only applying to Hopkins' MHA program (fiance is in med school can't stray too far from the DC/Baltimore region).

What are my chances?
Click to expand...

This is just my personal opinion, but I think you're going to have to have explained the aborted MPP very carefully. Going from English to health policy then deciding to switch to healthcare mgmt might be viewed as a lack of focus but if you're able to explain it, it might not hurt you.

I'm in a somewhat similar situation having come from IR in undergrad, pursuing a graduate certificate in health policy (because i'm working in health policy at a university and it was basically free) and I can tell you during my Skype interview they really had a lot of questions about this and why specifically I was interested in mgmt and not health policy. I'm actually having a second interview, this time in-person, on Monday, probably because the first one didn't go flawlessly as I wasn't expecting so many questions on this aspect of my application and had explained it pretty in-depth in my essays... and I had video on but they didn't which also threw me for a loop.

Otherwise your scores are good, and your experience sounds somewhat related.

Best of luck!
Members don't see this ad.
 
Hi all,

I'm getting more and more nervous as I wait to hear back from the school I applied to (UIC for M.S. in epi). I'm pretty much limited to the Chicago-land area since it's where my fiancé works, so this is the only school I applied to. I'm also particularly interested in urban public health, which I know UIC has a strong focus on.

My stats are below. Any input on my chance of getting in will be much appreciated!


Undergrad:
B.S. in biochemistry
3.31 gpa

Grad:
M.Ed (master's of education)
4.0 gpa
Also have 12 hrs. of graduate credit in biomedical science courses (received B's in all classes)

GRE:
Took this back in Aug. 2007- scores will officially expire this July.. I'm hoping the fact that these scores are almost expired won't harm my chances :-/
Verbal: 610
Quant: 650
Writing: 5.0

Research:
1 year of molecular biology research while attending college at UIC
6 months of microbiology research following college

Other:
2 years of experience in urban education (I teach high school biology at a school that serves mainly students from under-resourced communities around Chicago)


Thanks in advance for any input!
 
Last edited:
Does anyone think I have a shot at the Hopkins MSPH in Health Policy at this point? I submitted my application in late January but I'm still missing one of my rec letters so technically the application is not complete. :(

My GPA (in Biology) is a 3.41. GRE Quant - 159, Verbal - 163, AWA - 5.0.

I currently work in the Maryland State Department of Health, doing lab work completely unrelated to health policy, though the people I spoke to said no prior experience is necessary.
 
Members don't see this ad :)
Hi! I was wondering my chances for ETSU College of Public Health MPH in Community Health.

Undergrad GPA: 3.4 (overall); higher in major
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
GRE: 151 Verbal 145 Quant 3.5 AW (I know, awful; I didn't study as much as I should have and didn't have time to retake)
Other: Clinical experience with health depts, schools, community outreach agencies
Volunteer experience with a local community outreach agency (I am working on getting a couple of support groups going for them among working in existing programs)
Americorps (over summer)
Mission trip to El Salvador
 
partlycloudy said:
Does anyone think I have a shot at the Hopkins MSPH in Health Policy at this point? I submitted my application in late January but I'm still missing one of my rec letters so technically the application is not complete. :(

My GPA (in Biology) is a 3.41. GRE Quant - 159, Verbal - 163, AWA - 5.0.

I currently work in the Maryland State Department of Health, doing lab work completely unrelated to health policy, though the people I spoke to said no prior experience is necessary.
Click to expand...

ughhhhhh i just found out about this degree it would have been perfect for me ugggghhhh

OMG

http://www.jhsph.edu/academics/degree-programs/master-of-public-health/prospective-students/

That's how. When you go to the MPH page, it makes no mention that there is a health policy degree that doesnt require the work experience. so I just wrote one of my dream schools off and now it is too late...
 
Last edited:
I'm a sophomore currently, but I plan on graduating early next year and hoping to start programs in what would be my senior year.

GPA - 3.2 with an economics + biology double major- (right now I have a 2.7, I'm working hard on bringing it up, and hopefully it gets higher than this but we'll say 3.2 for now)
GRE - I've been taking practice ones and getting 1400+

Experience -
Interned at a community hospital one summer doing patient care work and outcomes research. The research report is currently in press
1 year (and counting) of health economics research, co-authored one abstract and presented at a major national conference and will hopefully get more authorships out of this
2 years (and counting) of stats research related to clinical trial design/physiology
I was a business development manager for my family's law firm
I accepted an offer for an internship this summer in an investment bank as a summer analyst in the healthcare mergers and acquisitions division
Held leadership roles in 2 campus organizations (1 of which I co-founded)

I'm shooting for an mph in health management and I was wondering what schools I would have a good shot at with my experience and (projected) stats
 
I'm not looking into applying until 2014 or 2015, but here's what I have so far:

-Major: Biomedical engineering
-GPA: 3.10
-6 months of doing research at GT's Neuroengineering Lab

GPA isn't my strongest suit, hence why I'm gaining work experience. I'm currently working for an EMR software company (some of y'all might be able to figure out who it is), so I'm hoping that will help me out.

I'm also thinking of taking the GRE this summer while I'm somewhat still fresh out of college/training. I'm not too worried about the scores for that.

Any suggestions on what I need to improve? (Philanthropy, work experience, etc.) I only want to attend UNC for their MHA program, since Chapel Hill is home for me.

My biggest question is...how long should I wait before applying for UNC?
 
Last edited:
MadisonJacket said:
I'm not looking into getting my MHA until 2014 or 2015, but here's what I have so far:

-Undergrad: Georgia Tech
-Major: Biomedical engineering
-GPA: 3.10
-Major GPA: 3.3
-Designed a prototype cuff-less, wireless blood pressure monitor that got my senior design group invited to the semifinals for Inventure Prize competition (didn't attend due to job).
-6 months of doing research at GT's Neuroengineering Lab
-I'm looking into getting involved with volunteering events with the alumni network for my school

GPA isn't my strongest suit, hence why I'm gaining work experience. I'm currently working for an EMR software company (some of y'all might be able to figure out who it is), so I'm hoping that will help me out.

I'm also thinking of taking the GRE this summer while I'm somewhat still fresh out of college/training. I'm not too worried about the scores for that.

Any suggestions on what I need to improve? (Philanthropy, work experience, etc.) I only want to attend UNC for their MHA program, since Chapel Hill is home for me.

My biggest question is...how long should I wait before applying for UNC?
Click to expand...

I'm assuming you mean you're not considering applying till 2014 or 2015... I think it's extremely helpful to have two years of experience before applying. This is generally the minimum work experience requirement for top programs in healthcare management but also in other fields (JD, MBA, etc.). That's not to say that lots of people don't get in without two years experience, but I think it puts you at a distinct advantage (given you're working in a somewhat related field and can articulate why you took this path).

I highly recommend that despite you thinking UNC is the one program, you apply to multiple MHA programs. UNCs is very well ranked and while a few years ago I would say anyone has a very good chance at getting into any MHA program (most acceptance rates were 50+ or above), I think it's becoming a much more competitive degree as the public attention has switched to healthcare as one of the strongest job markets. I can't repeat this enough but when I interviewed with Hopkins this year they told me they had 180 applicants for 20-25 spots. They used to have an acceptance rate around 50% so this would mean their acceptance rate should be much lower this year. I don't think this is a trend isolated to Hopkins.

I would try to get experience either through an internship or volunteering within a clinical setting. Your biomedical background is interesting but you'll need to be able to explain why you want to transition to healthcare management and how you're suited for it. If you're thinking of being a CIO, or something similar, you could probably easily craft something around you're experience with EMRs.

Best of luck!
 
Last edited:
LAD2013 said:
I'm assuming you mean you're not considering applying till 2014 or 2015... I think it's extremely helpful to have two years of experience before applying. This is generally the minimum work experience requirement for top programs in healthcare management but also in other fields (JD, MBA, etc.). That's not to say that lots of people don't get in without two years experience, but I think it puts you at a distinct advantage (given you're working in a somewhat related field and can articulate why you took this path).

I highly recommend that despite you thinking UNC is the one program, you apply to multiple MHA programs. UNCs is very well ranked and while a few years ago I would say anyone has a very good chance at getting into any MHA program (most acceptance rates were 50+ or above), I think it's becoming a much more competitive degree as the public attention has switched to healthcare as one of the strongest job markets. I can't repeat this enough but when I itnerviewed with Hopkins this year they told me they had 180 applicants for 20-25 spots. They used to have an acceptance rate around 50% so this would mean their acceptance rate should be much lower this year. I don't think this is a trend isolated to Hopkins.

I would try to get experience either through an internship or volunteering within a clinical setting. You're biomedical background is interesting but you'll need to be able to explain why you want to transition to healthcare management and how you're suited for it. If you're thinking of being a CIO, or something similar, you could probably easily craft something around you're experience with EMRs.

Best of luck!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice, this helps a lot! I am indeed thinking of being a CIO, so I'll convey that message whenever I apply. My job requires that I travel to hospitals around the nation (and possibly the world) to help maintain the EMR and assist nurses/doctors in using it, so hopefully that will help.

Thanks for the heads up about the acceptance rate. I indeed have noticed that there's an influx of people heading to work in the healthcare field, so I will apply to other schools just to be safe.

Thanks, again!
 
Ok guys I need help. Applied for mph epi. Arrange best to worst for texas houston, drexel,tulane,suny albany,sdsu,south carolina. Thankssss so much in advance
 
I'm going to post this here to get more feedback!

I'm in my third year at a large research university in Canada. I will be taking the GRE over the summer and possibly again in the fall (depending on how the first attempt goes).

I am applying for MHA programs in the States.

Here's a summary of my qualifications:
GPA: ~3.2 (will finish this year with as low as a 3.19 and as high as a 3.28)
Professional Experience:
Physician's Assistant (5 years)
- Managed flow of patients, did travel consultations
- Ran a preventative program for ~400 diabetes patients (which led into my next job with the clinic)

Health Promotion Coordinator (2 years)
- Ran campaigns for: shingles prevention, mindfulness therapy, bone marrow donation

Fundraising Supervisor
- Personally raised about $35 000 in a summer

Fundraising Specialist
- Started recently, so not a lot to say just yet haha

Research Experience:
RA for...
- Large specialized hospital (breast cancer epidemiology)
- Local hospital (health services research)
- HIV Prevention lab (mental health and HIV prevention)
- Psychology lab (developmental psychology)
- School of Public Health (nutritional health)

Published in a journal on public policy with group on campus

Extracurricular:
Editor-in-Chief of student newspaper (budget of $15 000)
Executive on a few student groups
Executive on a local charity for two years

So that's what I have done...here's where I want to go...

MHA
Tulane
UNC - Chapel Hill
Johns Hopkins
Cornell
Georgia State
San Diego State
Washington
Michigan
Memphis

I would love to get into Tulane or Johns Hopkins, but I would also be happy at any of these schools.

Anyways, what are my chances? Other than the obvious (improve GPA/high score on GRE), what can I do to improve my application?
 
Last edited:
troubadour said:
I'm going to post this here to get more feedback!

I'm in my third year at the University of Toronto. I will be taking the GRE over the summer and possibly again in the fall (depending on how the first attempt goes).

I am applying for MHA programs in the States.

Here's a summary of my qualifications:
GPA: ~3.2 (will finish this year with as low as a 3.19 and as high as a 3.28)
Professional Experience:
Physician's Assistant (5 years)
- Managed flow of patients, did travel consultations
- Ran a preventative program for ~400 diabetes patients (which led into my next job with the clinic)

Health Promotion Coordinator (2 years)
- Ran campaigns for: shingles prevention, mindfulness therapy, bone marrow donation

Fundraising Supervisor
- Personally raised about $35 000 in a summer

Fundraising Specialist
- Started recently, so not a lot to say just yet haha

Research Experience:
RA for...
- Large specialized hospital (breast cancer epidemiology)
- Local hospital (health services research)
- HIV Prevention lab (mental health and HIV prevention)
- Psychology lab (developmental psychology)
- School of Public Health (nutritional health)

Published in a journal on public policy with group on campus

Extracurricular:
Editor-in-Chief of student newspaper (budget of $15 000)
Executive on a few student groups
Executive on a local charity for two years

So that's what I have done...here's where I want to go...

MHA
Tulane
UNC - Chapel Hill
Johns Hopkins
Cornell
Georgia State
San Diego State
Washington
Michigan
Memphis

I would love to get into Tulane or Johns Hopkins, but I would also be happy at any of these schools.

Anyways, what are my chances? Other than the obvious (improve GPA/high score on GRE), what can I do to improve my application?
Click to expand...

I think you have a very good shot at both Tulane and Hopkins! I had a GPA of 3.25 and got into JHU's MPH program. Focus your personal statement on your experience and have a good idea of what you want to study and why. And how your experience gives you the background you need to hit the ground running and make significant progress in your field of choice.
 
Hi there. I have been on this site for quite some time now and today I finally decided to ask that dreaded "what are my chances" question since I plan on applying this year. Ok so here goes:

UGrad GPA: 3.0 at best :(

Grad GPA: 3.5-3.6 (a MSc in Health Policy from a top 5 university in England with a distinction in my thesis).

Professional Experience: So far I have crossed two years (will be 3 at the time of application). In Year 1 I taught Community Health Sciences to MD students and also handled projects which were funded by UN and IDRF, the projects themselves dealt with MNCH and Nutrition. In addition I was an undergrad research supervisor to my students. After this I have moved on to the Red Cross where I now plan, manage, monitor and report our funded project implemented in a number of health facilities. The project itself is rooted in MNCH with integrated components of disaster management and violence prevention.

GRE: not taken so far but am planning on taking it by August.

Research: Currently working on 5 research papers that I am confident would be accepted, if not published by the time I apply.

Ok now for the tricky part. Since I already have a MSc, the rationale for applying to an MPH is to get one only from a Ivy League university (read Harvard) or Johns Hopkins. I want a MPH in global health not only to have a profession terminal degree but also for bragging purposes (sounds shallow I know :(). The only thing I am worried about is my undergrad GPA, but I did get great grades in my masters and my professors from England would vouch for that.

I am more interested in the health diplomacy/human rights aspect of global health and I also have an additional masters in International Relations (with 3.5-3.8 GPA). But I will not be reporting this masters as it was earned via distance learning and also it would hamper my chances as the panel might think that I am more interested in stacking master degrees. I also speak 5 languages including basic French (if that helps :/).

So to sum it up in the end, do I have a chance? or am I just kidding myself? any feedback would be much appreciated. :)
 
Last edited:
Members don't see this ad :)
troubadour said:
Why do you have so many Masters?
Click to expand...

I only have 2.:shrug: I liked IR as a subject and apparently it helps in the development sector to have a degree in IR. But like I said, I will not be reporting it because I think it will actually hurt my chances. :)
 
Cool. I think I have one more degree in me. After that, I'm taking my chances on the job market haha.
 
Is anyone going to comment on my prospects?? :( C'mon, I'm a big boy and I can handle the truth :cool:
 
CrazySexyCool said:
Ok now for the tricky part. Since I already have a MSc, the rationale for applying to an MPH is to get one only from a Ivy League university (read Harvard) or Johns Hopkins. I want a MPH in global health not only to have a profession terminal degree but also for bragging purposes (sounds shallow I know :().

The only thing I am worried about is my undergrad GPA, but I did get great grades in my masters and my professors from England would vouch for that.

I am more interested in the health diplomacy/human rights aspect of global health and I also have an additional masters in International Relations (with 3.5-3.8 GPA). But I will not be reporting this masters as it was earned via distance learning and also it would hamper my chances as the panel might think that I am more interested in stacking master degrees. I also speak 5 languages including basic French (if that helps :/).

So to sum it up in the end, do I have a chance? or am I just kidding myself? any feedback would be much appreciated. :)
Click to expand...

You don't need a third masters degree here. Your two other masters degrees position you well enough to do the type of work you describe. The only real justification you give for pursuing and MPH is the perceived prestige of the ivy league name, but that isn't really worth the financial and opportunity cost.

Are there any specific skills that you believe you can get from an MPH that you haven't already gotten?
 
MolBio said:
You don't need a third masters degree here. Your two other masters degrees position you well enough to do the type of work you describe. The only real justification you give for pursuing and MPH is the perceived prestige of the ivy league name, but that isn't really worth the financial and opportunity cost.

Are there any specific skills that you believe you can get from an MPH that you haven't already gotten?
Click to expand...

Hey MolBio, thanks for replying :). Actually I wouldn't count my IR degree, as it was just something I wanted to do for fun and didn't even study hard for it.

My MSc, however, was centered around the NHS and I now wanted to shift my focus to global/international health, particularly health diplomacy and human rights.

Additionally I want to venture out and have an international career (I would kill to work in the UN HQ in NY, even for just a little while), and right now the best possible way I see of achieving that is by getting a reputable and internationally recognized MPH.

I'm not too worried about the money as I have been saving money like crazy for the past 1 year and I'm sure I would be able to save enough not to have any financial burden. :)
 
Hi guys,

First time poster here. I recently applied to GWU and Tulane's MPH (global health) program. I'm really more interested in the Master's International program. According to SOPHAS, my application was mailed out today. However, I e-submitted my application (all transcripts/grades/letter of recs were in) on 4/15. I see here that most of y'all applied much earlier in the application cycle than I did. Are people still likely to be accepted this late in the game? I felt pretty good about my application, but am now worried that I applied too late.

Stats if you're interested:

GPA: 3.68 (from a top 5 public university)
Major/Minor: Biology/Chemistry
GRE: High 150s on both V and Q, (I had to take the test last minute (2 days to prepare) and haven't received official scores yet.)
Extracurriculars: Lots of them (but most are not related to public health). 2 years of undergraduate research in a microbiology lab.

Thanks, guys! Congrats to everyone who got accepted and good luck to those still waiting!
 
Hey everyone! Congrats to those accepted who have already decided where they will attend!

I am having a difficult time deciding between Emory's Health Policy & Management program and UIC's MHA.

I am most concerned with financing my degree and prospects after graduation, just like everyone else. Both schools are pricey; both have a huge metropolitan network.

Emory pros: much, much, much bigger name, 3 semesters, lower cost of living.

UIC pros: might be a more appropriate degree for healthcare consult/admin which is what I think I may want to pursue, closer to "home", though I am not from Illinois.

Is anyone else facing a similar decision? I'd appreciate any advice! PM me please.
 
Schools applying to: Montclair State, Rutgers, Mount Sinai, CUNY

Major: Biology

Overall GPA: 3.35

Science GPA: 3.45

GRE Score: Not Taken Yet

Number of LORs and source of LORs: 1 LOR from my Gen Chem / Organic Chem Professor. 1 LOR from my Gen Bio / Microbiology Professor. 1 LOR from my A&P / Cell Bio Professor

Volunteer experience:
Educational Opportunity Fund Student Association, September 2012 - Present
- Community Service Coordinator
Muslim Student Association, February 2012 - Present
Peer Mentor, Educational Opportunity Fund Program, June 2011 - Present
Asian Club, September 2010 - Present
Emerging Leaders, February 2011 – April 2011
Volunteer / Mentor - Boys & Girls Club of New Jersey (Fall Semester of Freshman Year)
Volunteer – Emegency Room at a local Hospital (About a year and half)
Volunteer – Educational Opportunity Fund Office
Community Service - Junkyard Dogs
Community Service - MLK Community Service (Park Clean-Up)

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: Decent. Many have / will proofread.
This is pretty much it. Any ways to improve?
 
There MHA and MPH programs. I don't have any research experience though. ; ;
 
Hi everyone,

I am applying to MD and MPH programs at the same time. I REALLY want to go to Hopkins for MPH...it is my first choice. What I would prefer to do, is get into Hopkins' 11 month programs, and defer med school for a year. I do not think I could get into Hopkins med, so I am not applying for the combined program.

I graduated from a top public school in 2012 with a BS in genetics, minors in public health and women's studies. I have volunteered at several free clinics, need exchange groups, HIV/AIDS groups doing outreach. I also was the president of a global health group at my school with >150 members and volunteered abroad.

Currently, I work at NIH doing stem cell research. I have also worked in three other labs doing RNA research, infectious disease research and cell cycle research. I have an undergrad thesis, wrote several abstracts and am on two papers (with more on the way).

STATS:

3.49 GPA
GRE: 159V (80%), 152Q (52%), 4.5W (73%)

I know that my experience is OK for someone who doesn't have an MD or other higher degree.

Do I have a chance though?? My quantitative is a bit lower than there recommended 70-90 percentile. I also just dont know how much not having an MD will hold me back...thanks so much
 
member42892 said:
International Relations major with a full tuition scholarship at a top-50 school with a top 15 MPH program, accepted for nonbinding dual degree program for BA/MPH, so I have classes in statistics, epi, etc as well. Applying straight from undergrad.

GPA: 3.8

GRE: Haven't taken yet

Languages: Fluent in Spanish, some Portuguese

Experience: I've had paid work on three population health studies, one looking community health programs to fight obesity in poor urban youth with home visits, the second teaching intervention health classes to these families, and the third looking at how community health clinics affect low-income families. I also had grants to run a study in rural South America evaluating health clinics for indigenous trauma victims and am implementing a nutrition study there this summer. I am also Chair of a public health group at my college, a resident assistant, a Kiva translator, and taught English to indigenous students in Ecuador.

I'm interested in ultimately pursuing a PhD but want to get more education and then work a few years first. What are my chances? Should I wait a few years? I'm trying to find programs that will take me out of undergrad but not sure if my experience is sufficient. Suggestions for other programs would be great too. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hey all, I've just done the practice GRE test and will have the real one on Friday. Unfortunately my scores aren't top-notch - I got a 158 on quantitative and 156 on verbal. I'm going to try to look at worked-out solutions and improve over the next few days, but I'm wondering if these will cut me out of the running for some top schools. My GPA is about the same and I now have some jobs and extracurriculars which might strengthen my app, but the scores just aren't looking too good. I'm leaning toward just staying at my own school for the combined BA/MPH now and deferring a year because I just want to do more research/NGO work to narrow down what I study and save money, but I'd also turn my own school down, work two years, and then go back for an MPH later. Would I be competitive for doctorates with a few publications (working on one right now, on a study in Asia over the summer which may lead to one as well) and these stats in spite of the GRE scores, or should I expect to take tem again? Thanks so much, I really appreciate the help of all of you who are more familiar with the process.
 
My Chances :scared:

Current Junior at a Big Public School in the northeast
GPA: 3.45 (Major) 3.23(Overall)
This will go up to a 3.45~ overall and hopefully 3.6(Major)
Major: Public Health (Public Health Admin Certification Track) w/ Minor in Philosophy
Practice GRE Scores: Q: 159 V: 157 W: 5

Clubs: Debate Team, Model UN, Muslim Student Association
Internship: A student chapter of USPIRG
100+ volunteer hours
1 LoR promised so far by my Public Health Economics Prof

Issue: I went to another 4 year as a freshmen and was a Bio major, I transferred with a 2.8GPA (Overall) I want to know if that will hurt me in applying for the schools I want to attend.

Schools wanting to attended.

1. JHU (Dream School, I'd give an arm to attended JHU)
2. UWashington
3. UMichigan
4. I'm open to suggestion to be honest.

Any idea's about how hard it would it be for me to get in to these schools?

Thank you very much.
 
stai said:
My Chances :scared:

Current Junior at a Big Public School in the northeast
GPA: 3.45 (Major) 3.23(Overall)
This will go up to a 3.45~ overall and hopefully 3.6(Major)
Major: Public Health (Public Health Admin Certification Track) w/ Minor in Philosophy
Practice GRE Scores: Q: 159 V: 157 W: 5

Clubs: Debate Team, Model UN, Muslim Student Association
Internship: A student chapter of USPIRG
100+ volunteer hours
1 LoR promised so far by my Public Health Economics Prof

Issue: I went to another 4 year as a freshmen and was a Bio major, I transferred with a 2.8GPA (Overall) I want to know if that will hurt me in applying for the schools I want to attend.

Schools wanting to attended.

1. JHU (Dream School, I'd give an arm to attended JHU)
2. UWashington
3. UMichigan
4. I'm open to suggestion to be honest.

Any idea's about how hard it would it be for me to get in to these schools?

Thank you very much.
Click to expand...


I am pretty sure you need two years work experience to get into JHU MPH
 
andrews1989 said:
I am pretty sure you need two years work experience to get into JHU MPH
Click to expand...

Not looking for a MPH, but the MHA.

And off the JHU website

"IS WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?
No, you may apply directly from undergraduate school. If you are applying directly from undergraduate school, the admissions committee will look at your resume closely for leadership potential as well as relevant volunteer or paid part-time work experience."

http://www.jhsph.edu/departments/health-policy-and-management/degrees-programs/master-of-health-administration/faqs.html
 
Turns out I'm having to learn about Canadian and UK healthcare laws. How does having international experience help with MHA, especially since I'm having to learn about health information exchange laws within those countries? I'm not planning on getting a global healthcare specialty, but rather a public health informatics certificate along with my MHA.
 
andrews1989 said:
Hi everyone,

I am applying to MD and MPH programs at the same time. I REALLY want to go to Hopkins for MPH...it is my first choice. What I would prefer to do, is get into Hopkins' 11 month programs, and defer med school for a year. I do not think I could get into Hopkins med, so I am not applying for the combined program.

I graduated from a top public school in 2012 with a BS in genetics, minors in public health and women's studies. I have volunteered at several free clinics, need exchange groups, HIV/AIDS groups doing outreach. I also was the president of a global health group at my school with >150 members and volunteered abroad.

Currently, I work at NIH doing stem cell research. I have also worked in three other labs doing RNA research, infectious disease research and cell cycle research. I have an undergrad thesis, wrote several abstracts and am on two papers (with more on the way).

STATS:

3.49 GPA
GRE: 159V (80%), 152Q (52%), 4.5W (73%)

I know that my experience is OK for someone who doesn't have an MD or other higher degree.

Do I have a chance though?? My quantitative is a bit lower than there recommended 70-90 percentile. I also just dont know how much not having an MD will hold me back...thanks so much
Click to expand...

I had your same GRE scores and will be attending the 11-month MPH program at Hopkins this year. What I've found from going through this process is that experience can compensate for average scores and high scores can compensate for lack of experience. I don't have an MD either--everyone comes in with unique experiences and that's what makes grad school interesting and valuable. GOOD LUCK!
 
mch55er said:
I had your same GRE scores and will be attending the 11-month MPH program at Hopkins this year. What I've found from going through this process is that experience can compensate for average scores and high scores can compensate for lack of experience. I don't have an MD either--everyone comes in with unique experiences and that's what makes grad school interesting and valuable. GOOD LUCK!
Click to expand...

Wow awesome! Very encouraging. Do you know if JHU does rolling admissions for MPH? If I apply as soon as the app opens-- will that increase my chances?
 
Hey everyone! This is my first time posting and I'd like to say thanks to all of you who contribute - this is an excellent place for information and support.

I would love to go to Yale, JHU, Columbia, Emory, Harvard, UCLA or Berkely for my MPH/MSc in Epi and want to know what my chances are/ what I can improve on, so here it goes!

I just finished my fourth year at the University of Toronto. (Will be doing a fifth due to changing my program mid-way).

cGPA = 3.5 (1st year = 2.58, 2nd year = 3.68, 3rd year=3.93, 4th year = 4.0, 5th year=4.0 I hope!)

Majored in Human Biology/Health and Disease, Minored in Spanish and Italian.

- Hospital volunteering at SickKids (500hours) clinical+research
- Worked on three research projects with three different doctors at SickKids
- Should have three pubs in prep (1st author on one, 2nd author and 3rd author); these are all epidemiological/public health related studies on obesity and food insecurity
- Shadowing physicians and epidemiologist
- Work in doctor's office
- Worked as research assistant at SickKids enrolling and recruiting patients
- Heart and Stroke Foundation Volunteer as Heart Health Ambassador educating public on risk factors for CVD and stroke

Other randomness:
- Speak four languages in addition to english (native), summer abroad in france, intramural soccer captain, won scholarships for languages, dean's list, residence mentor...

Have to take GRE still, will take MCAT too.

Ultimate aim is to combine MPH & MD.

I welcome any suggestions on how I can improve! Thanks for reading everyone :)
 
Hey I'm not sure how competitive these programs are. Can anyone tell me what my chances are for MPH-Epi programs?

BS in Biology

3.42 cumulative GPA, 3.0 science GPA

GRE - I haven't taken yet
50th percentile on quant and verbal practice tests

Experience
2 years - Alzheimer's disease research assistant
1 year - EMT experience
2 years - ER tech experience (blood draws, perform EKGs, patient care, etc)
1 semester - Research assistant in the ER

LOR - both know me well
- research prof
- academic prof/epidemiologist


Thanks!
 
To begin, I am a 32 year old former US Navy Master-at-Arms. Discharged for single parenting, I decided to acquire an education at East Tennessee State University. Going to school away from family, and without the financial assistance of the (deadbeat) mother, I had to sometimes work to pay bills and avoid the electricity being shut off and in doing so struggled to maintain a descent GPA. I'll be graduating in Aug likely with a ~3.2 GPA or thereabouts with a B.S. in Health Science (conc. Human Health) and a minor in Environmental Health. A bittersweet graduation though as most single parents don't get to go to college but the few (who get ZERO help from family) often may not end up with competitive GPA's anyways; simply too many other things going on to focus at times.

I've remarried a short time ago and am hoping to continue to Masters school. I dont know where I could move but as long as I could do graduate loans in an amount sufficient to pay the cost of tuition with enough left over to live meagerly off of, plus maybe work on the side, I would go anywhere. So, understanding the maximum federal loans, and my 3.2 GPA what can I do. I've been tutoring for the GRE for 2 months now and expect to take in later this summer. Thus far my ETS Powerprep practice NEW GRE scores are (159 and 164 V, and 165 and 170 Q).

Also, being a single parent for nearly the entirety of my undergrad prevented me from performing research of volunteering. IF the kids couldn't attend, there wasn't anyone else to watch them and no money for sitter (thanks in large part to their deadbeat mother).

Would an Environmental Health MPH school accept me on the account of my lack of research, lower than hopeful GPA, and utter reliance on loans essentially entirely so that I can attend graduate school? Am I competitive for a GA position? Would out-of-state college even be possible to apply for given their increased tuition cost? I have no idea of how to do this but it been all I've wanted for years. Any helpful advice on where and/or how I should apply would be greatly appreciated.

It is my sincerest home that at the completion of my second year of graduate education that I could apply to reenter Navy, this time as a commissioned health specialists :rolleyes: That's would be livin the dream.

Adam
 
Last edited:
Hey guys, first of all thanks so much for looking! I'll try to make this quick.

I've interested in applying to MHA programs in Chicago (I don't want to consider any other location), though I don't have the best record for entering this field.
Grand Valley State University (Michigan) 3.3 BS Econ
A lowish GRE 156Q 152V
Currently 1 year as a Quality Engineer for an automotive supplier.

I don't mind going the consulting or other routes if I'm unable to get into an accredited school in the Chicago area. Just wanting to know what my chances are for 2014, my goal is UIC but would consider other schools. Also currently working around 80hrs/wk but I don't have any issue taking another job/volunteering/networking/retaking the GRE/Taking more classes for preparation... etc if it gets me closer to my goal.

Sorry if I posted this is the wrong forum or lack the proper research, but thank you guys so much for all your help and best of luck to everyone!:D
 
Last edited:
stai said:
My Chances :scared:

Current Junior at a Big Public School in the northeast
GPA: 3.45 (Major) 3.23(Overall)
This will go up to a 3.45~ overall and hopefully 3.6(Major)
Major: Public Health (Public Health Admin Certification Track) w/ Minor in Philosophy
Practice GRE Scores: Q: 159 V: 157 W: 5

Clubs: Debate Team, Model UN, Muslim Student Association
Internship: A student chapter of USPIRG
100+ volunteer hours
1 LoR promised so far by my Public Health Economics Prof

Issue: I went to another 4 year as a freshmen and was a Bio major, I transferred with a 2.8GPA (Overall) I want to know if that will hurt me in applying for the schools I want to attend.

Schools wanting to attended.

1. JHU (Dream School, I'd give an arm to attended JHU)
2. UWashington
3. UMichigan
4. I'm open to suggestion to be honest.

Any idea's about how hard it would it be for me to get in to these schools?

Thank you very much.
Click to expand...

Our similarities are frightening..
 
Hi Everyone,

I guess I'll just jump right in!

I have a BA (Philosophy) and a BSc (Genetics, Immunology and Microbiology) from the University of Melbourne, in Australia (convenient, as I am Australian).

Undergrad GPA: 3.3 (WES)
Grad GPA: 3.96 (WES) - see Honours year description below
GRE: 164 V, 167 Q, 5.5 AWA (1470 in old scale)
Other experience: 6 month volunteer in Tanzania (not health related), numerous leadership and volunteering positions, work as a research assistant part-time for several years, two overseas exchanges, attempting to learn Spanish.

I did an Honours year in Malaria Immuno-Epidemiology, it's a special research year we do in Aus (and the UK) - WES seems to have counted it as a graduate year, which has probably helped my application a great deal!

Do I have any chances at a top 10 MPH school (Emory, Harvard, JH) or LSHTM - looking to study Infectious Disease Epidemiology, so am looking at MSc in Epi as well as MPH (my supervisor says MPHs are too common these days, doing straight Epi would, for me, be more useful - thoughts?)

Sorry for the information overload - coming from the other side of the world it's difficult to know, and my overall GPA is not amazing but I think my GRE is good.

Also, how difficult would getting funding be? (might be hard to answer for an international, but thanks all the same)

Thanks for your time!

Editing to help out anyone reading this in the future:

Applied: Emory (MSPH GLEPI), JHU (MHS Epi), GWU (MPH Epi), Columbia (MPH Epi), Harvard (MS SM2 Epi)
Accepted: Emory (1/30), GWU (2/04), Columbia (2/21)
Rejected:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hi I consider myself a non-traditional MPH candidate

Education: (no undergrad) Doctor of Pharmacy (2005, GPA 3.17 from a Northeastern), completed a PGY2 pharmacy residency in a Oncology and Board Certified in Oncology Pharmacy and currently working on a MA in National Security from the Naval War College (GPA 3.3)

Research experience: published a pair of articles as lead author and about six or so poster presentations.

Work experience: Military Officer/Pharmacist, I have had traditional pharmacist jobs long with some untraditional ones such a medical planning officer a division headquarters during the a the surge in Iraq and even a temporary military fellow in Congress. Also moonlighted as a lecturer for a community college for a Pharmacy Tech program for minorities/immigrants funded by the department of labor

GRE: I will take in early September.

I have the opportunity a year from now go to school full time for an MPH, while remaining on active duty.

How important is some public health work experience for a top MPH program? (and my low GPA)

Thank You for any feedback
 
hi
I am a student from India who has just completed my Masters in economics with Honors. i am planning to apply for this program . I have done my internship in Public health foundation of India and have started working their now. It states a minimum ! year work ex requirement. how Good are my chances?

Any kind of Help/Guidance will be appreciated
 
hi everyone,
can anyone help me whether these are CEPH accerited universities
- Cleveland State U, OH
- CSU, San Bernandio, CA
- CSU, Fullerton, CA
- Loma Linda U, CA
- Kent State U, OH
- Old Dominon U,VA
- Wright State U, OH
- National U,CA
 
Hello StudentDoctor community,

I'm thinking seriously about applying for MPH program in the US, probably universities in MD, VA, or DC areas.
My concern is my GPA, 2.3, awful! i know, especially that I'll be applying as an international student.. I've done my research on colleges,admissions..etc , I hold a BDS degree from my home country, with 3 years of experience as a general dentist.. and will be taking my GRE in 2 months. So my question is: will the fact that I'm a dentist with clinical experience enhance my chances of being accepted? like can it really make up for my low gpa?
also, what options do I have to make a better application, besides the GRE

thanks in advance
 
Hi everyone, I've been a member of the forum for some time, and I finally decided to post today to get your opinions on my chances for acceptance to a few MPH programs, namely the MPH programs at UC Berkeley and UCLA (Those are my top two choices as I am originally from California, and would be paying in state tuition if accepted).

Statistics:

BS Public Health (Tulane University - May 2014) - I'll be applying right out of undergrad.
GPA: 3.45-3.5 (Depending on my last two semesters)
GRE: V157 Q158 (Planning to retake, aiming for 160+ in each section)

Experience
- Hospital volunteer for 4+ years
- Intern with UCSF Kidney Transplant Department
- Intern with New Orleans Health Department
- American Red Cross Member - active in the New Orleans Community
- Secretary of Public Health Undergraduate Student Government
- Resident Advisor for 3 years

Right now I'm really worried that my GPA and my GRE scores are going to hinder my chances. I'm planning to apply to Berkeley's MPH in Infectious Disease (top choice) and UCLA's MPH in Epi. I've already been accepted to Tulane's MPH in Tropical Medicine, through the Combined Degree program.

Any input would be appreciated! Thanks!
 
Hey everyone! I posted this in the Chance Me thread, but it seemed a little inactive, so I decided to make my own thread. Hope that's allowed!

Hi everyone, I've been a member of the forum for some time, and I finally decided to post today to get your opinions on my chances for acceptance to a few MPH programs, namely the MPH programs at UC Berkeley and UCLA (Those are my top two choices as I am originally from California, and would be paying in state tuition if accepted).

Statistics:

BS Public Health (Tulane University - May 2014) - I'll be applying right out of undergrad.
GPA: 3.45-3.5 (Depending on my last two semesters)
GRE: V157 Q158 (Planning to retake, aiming for 160+ in each section)

Experience
- Hospital volunteer for 4+ years
- Intern with UCSF Kidney Transplant Department
- Intern with New Orleans Health Department
- American Red Cross Member - active in the New Orleans Community
- Secretary of Public Health Undergraduate Student Government
- Resident Advisor for 3 years

Right now I'm really worried that my GPA and my GRE scores are going to hinder my chances. I'm planning to apply to Berkeley's MPH in Infectious Disease (top choice) and UCLA's MPH in Epi. I've already been accepted to Tulane's MPH in Tropical Medicine, through the Combined Degree program.

Any input would be appreciated! Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Your GPA is healthy and I agree with retaking the GRE. Your experience is good too so I think it'll come down to your LOR's and your statement of purpose. In my opinion, statement of purpose is more important than GRE, but you still want the best GRE score you can get, especially if you're competing against other applicants for Berkeley and LA. Good luck!
 
Hi everyone, I've just joined this forum and would really like some advice on my chances for applying for my MPH focusing on Epidemiology for Fall 2014.

BS in Health Science from Boston University
GPA: 2.4. Yes, I know it's low and this might be the thing that kills me. However, I do have somewhat of an explanation as to why it's so low.
GRE: V 153, Q 158. Should I retake? I definitely can if it will significantly improve my chances.

Experience:
-Did research for about 1.5 years at a molecular/cell biology lab and was published.
-Interned for 6 months in clinical research at a nutrition center
-Will be working this year as a research assistant in the department of epidemiology. Will be working on two different studies.
-Other community service sprawled throughout undergrad including a trip to India where I volunteered in a clinic in a small village helping with basic medical care, etc.

-->Is my GPA a total hinderance to my application? I plan on taking one or two grad classes this year (maybe Epidemiology and/or Biostatistics) and hopefully will get As in them. Will this help?? BU is my top choice! Other schools I'm looking at are GW, Drexel, UMass, and maybe some others.
 
Last edited:
Hello,
Friends

I am keen to join MPH in any top schools
My profile :

Pharma MBA GPA 3.0

M.Sc medicinal chemistry GPA 2.6

B.Sc. Chemistry GPA 3.3

4.5 years work experience:
Pharma (3 yrs Regulatory affairs , int marketing) & public health(1.5 yrs)

Currently working as a public health program manager & trainer at national level, India

GRE: 325 ( Q-167, V-158)

I am looking for Harvard, Berkeley, john Hopkins, LSE or any top schools but my GPA is very low. Will these schools consider my application or I should apply in some lower grade schools as well? :confused::confused:

please help me out

Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Next unread thread

Similar threads

D
2024 Public Health Doctoral Programs ( PhD, DrPH, ScD): Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Attending, Rejected
Replies
0
Views
865
drph2024
D
MedGrl@2022
MPH MD/MPH without residency interested in a public health career
Replies
0
Views
868
MedGrl@2022
MedGrl@2022
J
2024 PHAP (CDC's Public Health Associate Program)
Replies
21
Views
3K
jreneearias1
jreneearias1
rpflash100
Other Doctoral Degree 2023 Doctoral Public Health (PhD, DrPH, ScD): Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Rejected!
Replies
2
Views
3K
Diana Bixler
Diana Bixler
P
Yale Health Policy MPH or UNC Global Health MPH
Replies
1
Views
3K
Medstart108
Medstart108
Top