2013 Public Health Application Thread

[mle1989]

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I am also waiting impatiently for mine to be mailed. All of my documents have been received by SOPHAS as well. They told me that they can't start verifying anything until:
1) it's been e-submitted
2) all fees are have been received
3) at least 2 recs have been received
4) all U.S. transcripts have been received

After all these things are in, it takes up to 4 weeks to verify and then mail everything. And for me, these things came in at different times. I e-submitted Nov 2nd but my second recommendation didn't come in until Nov 13th. So I can't expect for them to mail everything until about 4 weeks after the 13th since they said it can take 4 weeks to verify everything (ugh). They haven't even calculated my GPA yet.

BUT, you don't have to worry about getting everything mailed by Dec 15th. Check the SOPHAS profile for your school, I'm pretty sure that it'll say that you need to have e-submitted your application or have all documents received by SOPHAS (or both) by the posted deadline (Dec 15th). This means that it doesn't have to be mailed to the school by Dec 15th at all.

An incredibly confusing process? YES, I agree.

Quick question to everyone: Does your GRE score report give you a cumulative score? I can't find mine at all. Does ETS not give you a cumulative score?

 

[honeybadger11]

Thanks for the info! I guess I might have to wait another month for it to be mailed because my last recommendation came in only a few days ago. 🙁 Here's to hoping it will be quicker than that!

To answer your GRE question, I don't think there is a cumulative score. You should just have verbal, quantitative, and writing, which are all separate. 🙂

 

[HopefulMHA]

Hey! Anyone heard back from any schools yet?
I am applying for the MHA Program to Cornell, Boston( MPH HPM) , UPitt, Georgetown, UNC Chapel Hill and South Carolina.
I got a reject from Cornell this morning while I had an interview with Pitt last week.
Also, anyone with an opinion on Pitt's reputation and the MHA program?
I think I am most keen on Pitt. Let me know your opinion please!

 

[364462]

Hey! Anyone heard back from any schools yet?
I am applying for the MHA Program to Cornell, Boston( MPH HPM) , UPitt, Georgetown, UNC Chapel Hill and South Carolina.
I got a reject from Cornell this morning while I had an interview with Pitt last week.
Also, anyone with an opinion on Pitt's reputation and the MHA program?
I think I am most keen on Pitt. Let me know your opinion please!

Yes. Go to the Rejected, Accepted, Waitlisted thread. I think folks are starting to hear, particularly from Tulane. Good luck! 😀

 

[gumbyj]

Has it been taking ~ 4 weeks for applications to be mailed to schools (from submission date)?

 

[mle1989]

Has it been taking ~ 4 weeks for applications to be mailed to schools (from submission date)?

On the Facebook page of SOPHAS (which is very helpful to check out if you "like" it), they said that it's taken them about 2 weeks on average to mail applications to schools, not 4. But it's been over 2 weeks for me already so here's to hoping for 3 weeks.

 

[what987]

Mine were mailed 1 week after verification. They arrived at my schools within a few days.

 

[364462]

Has it been taking ~ 4 weeks for applications to be mailed to schools (from submission date)?

Once materials are submitted and verified, the mailing to schools is not long after that, typically in the next mailing cycle, which is usually less than 1 week thereafter. Then, if you have other schools you want to designate, the mailing to those schools is even less than that (in my experience), usually within 5 days. It is the waiting period for the verification that takes the longest. Good luck! 😀

 

[gumbyj]

I am getting so anxious for verification! (submitted 11/27)

I just realized I was taking a microbio class this semester and didn't put it anywhere on my application -- was this a huge mistake? how should I correct it? I didn't even think about it at the time!

 

[honeybadger11]

Mine still hasn't been verified and I submitted on 11/11....maybe I did something wrong? 😕😕

 

[joylabella]

I am Freaking out. Submitted my application to John Hopkins SPH on 11/13 and application completed on 11/29. GPA: 3.88. John Hopkins waives GRE scores for students with a MD degree (I have degree in medicine from India), so didn't take it. Other than that, 1 year work experience in India, rotations in various clinics and hospitals in the US. My concern is that while I have stated my interest in epidemiology in my statement, I don't have anything to show my quantitative skills which are very important for epidemiology. I have cleared USMLEs which involves epidemio and biostatistics and I have mentioned the same in my application, I am still worried. What are my chances of getting in?? 😕😕

I am confident about my essay and have very clearly stated my long term and short term goals and objectives.

 

[gumbyj]

Mine still hasn't been verified and I submitted on 11/11....maybe I did something wrong? 😕😕

I emailed SOPHAS yesterday to ask about verification (I submitted on 11/27) and they said they are running 4 weeks for verification!

 

[honeybadger11]

Oh jeez, okay that makes sense then. I might have to wait a couple more weeks for mailing then. How do we know if it's verified? Thanks for the info! 🙂

 

[364462]

Oh jeez, okay that makes sense then. I might have to wait a couple more weeks for mailing then. How do we know if it's verified? Thanks for the info! 🙂

You will get an internal message on SOPHAS, which will also send the same message to whichever e-mail address you used to start the application. The message will say that your app has been verified and that it will be mailed in the next mailing cycle (which is typically less than a week from that).

As anxiety-provoking as the wait may be, it may be helpful to be reminded that the date you submitted your app to SOPHAS is the date programs will also consider it completed. So, as long as you submitted to SOPHAS before the deadline(s) then the program considers it submitted. As far as I am concerned, it is the school that is waiting - not us.

 

[Doctor 234]

You will get an internal message on SOPHAS, which will also send the same message to whichever e-mail address you used to start the application. The message will say that your app has been verified and that it will be mailed in the next mailing cycle (which is typically less than a week from that).

As anxiety-provoking as the wait may be, it may be helpful to be reminded that the date you submitted your app to SOPHAS is the date programs will also consider it completed. So, as long as you submitted to SOPHAS before the deadline(s) then the program considers it submitted. As far as I am concerned, it is the school that is waiting - not us.

Hmm, I like that last sentence by porksbunrule

 

[364462]

I can keep a running list of schools/programs that have offered admissions, have sent rejection and waitlist notices, and sent out interview invitations (if applicable).

SEE FIRST POST ON FIRST PAGE OF R.A.W. 2013 THREAD.

However, I need your help. If you have received notices from any schools/programs, please notify me by private message. I will then edit this running list. Folks can refer to it much more easily since it is the top post.

In your message please include school/program (MS, MPH, etc.), track/concentration/department (Epi, Bio, Social, Environ, Policy, etc.), and how you got the message (email, phone, etc.). Most critically, please include the date.

 

[Tarheel11]

Today I got an email from Emory statung that they received my applciation however Im not seeing that my GPA has been verified by SOPHAS. Arent they supposed to calculate the GPAs before the applications are mailed out? I E-submitted the application on 12/02.

 

[gumbyj]

Today I got an email from Emory statung that they received my applciation however Im not seeing that my GPA has been verified by SOPHAS. Arent they supposed to calculate the GPAs before the applications are mailed out? I E-submitted the application on 12/02.

Hm, that is strange. I am pretty sure they don't mail out apps until the app is verified (which would mean GPA calculated), but who knows!

I hope mine gets sent soon! (Submitted 11/27)

 

[Tarheel11]

It is very strange, did they at least calculate your GPAs yet?
I also applied to GWU but didnt get an email stating if they received my application or not

 

[jfloriaxx]

Today I got an email from Emory statung that they received my applciation however Im not seeing that my GPA has been verified by SOPHAS. Arent they supposed to calculate the GPAs before the applications are mailed out? I E-submitted the application on 12/02.

I think that once you submit, your application can be viewed online by the schools you've submitted to, even if the GPAs are not calculated yet. Once the app is verified, SOPHAS will mail a hard copy to the schools with all the complete information. That's what someone told me at the SOPHAS virtual fair anyways. So maybe some schools wait until they receive the hard copy and some confirm once your application is viewable online. I'd double check with Emory though to make sure everything is in order.

 

[Tarheel11]

Hi jfloriaxx, thank you so much for that information. I iwll definitely follow up with them

 

[Maroonlove]

Quick (and maybe silly?) question- When SOPHAS says it requires 2-4 weeks to 'verify and process' applications, it basically means that it's verifying course work and transcripts etc, right?

Since I'm an international applicant and my transcripts have been verified (and the equivalent GPA calculated) by WES already, would that reduce the processing time on my app? (presumably SOPHAS would send the transcript and GPA as-is without converting my percentage to GPA)

 

[xoromanticide]

Hey all,

Sorry for a second post but I got my acceptance packet in the mail from Drexel and they included a letter telling me I got the Dean's Award, which pays 8,000 a year. I'm pretty excited!

 

[littlefurrybugs]

Finally verified! about time too...

 

[gumbyj]

Finally verified as well!

Does anyone know when the mailing dates are? (I think I might have seen Wednesdays somewhere..)

I am trying to get all my essays done and submit to the rest of my schools.

Also, can anyone comment on which schools are generous with scholarships? I know I have seen some BU and Drexel =)

 

[364462]

...just received MyFinaid info and pin from HSPH.

 

[medic211987]

Congrats!!!

 

[medic211987]

Hello,
i need help on a problem. All the schools i'm applying to keep mailing me to say my application is incomplete because my GRE scores are missing.

I thought i read somewhere that SOPHAS sends official GRE scores to every institution i'm applying to? Because SOPHAS definitely has my scores. they're in my SOPHAS portal account right there.

Do i still need to send them out to each school individually at a cost of $25 each?

i'm confused.

 

[xoromanticide]

Hello,
i need help on a problem. All the schools i'm applying to keep mailing me to say my application is incomplete because my GRE scores are missing.

I thought i read somewhere that SOPHAS sends official GRE scores to every institution i'm applying to? Because SOPHAS definitely has my scores. they're in my SOPHAS portal account right there.

Do i still need to send them out to each school individually at a cost of $25 each?

i'm confused.

Yes, you need to send your scores to all of the schools you are applying to.

 

[what987]

Yes, you need to send your scores to all of the schools you are applying to.

I heard the opposite. I'd call SOPHAS.

 

[jfloriaxx]

Hello,
i need help on a problem. All the schools i'm applying to keep mailing me to say my application is incomplete because my GRE scores are missing.

I thought i read somewhere that SOPHAS sends official GRE scores to every institution i'm applying to? Because SOPHAS definitely has my scores. they're in my SOPHAS portal account right there.

Do i still need to send them out to each school individually at a cost of $25 each?

i'm confused.

I agree with xo, you need to send GRE scores to every school you're applying to. Some schools forward the GRE score they receive from you to SOPHAS (which is why it shows up), but every school still needs to get the score report individually.... Yeah it sucks, I paid like $100 for all of mine 🙁

 

[gumbyj]

Can someone help --

When I enter my SOP I am copy and pasting from Notepad (not Word) and everything looks fine -- essay is formatted correctly. But, when I click "Print" the preview shows an essay with no paragraph breaks! Does this happen to everyone? Is this a problem? I can't figure out how to change it!

 

[medic211987]

Yes, you need to send your scores to all of the schools you are applying to.

Thanks XO. Just called SOPHAS and they confirmed what you said. That sucks. $225 extra. Oh well. 🙁

 

[jfloriaxx]

...just received MyFinaid info and pin from HSPH.

So I take it you're in? Congrats!!!

 

[364462]

So I take it you're in? Congrats!!!

....hehe. No. The financial aid app comes during the admissions app period. It doesn't mean I'm admitted. But thanks for your enthusiasm. 😀

 

[jfloriaxx]

....hehe. No. The financial aid app comes during the admissions app period. It doesn't mean I'm admitted. But thanks for your enthusiasm. 😀

Darn, I spoke too soon! Actually, speaking of financial aid...when do most schools start sending out financial aid packages? Do you have to have your FAFSA completed in order for them to give you anything, even if it's a merit award (not need-based)?

 

[364462]

Darn, I spoke too soon! Actually, speaking of financial aid...when do most schools start sending out financial aid packages? Do you have to have your FAFSA completed in order for them to give you anything, even if it's a merit award (not need-based)?

It is sent some time in late December/early-to-mid January because it is typically due in mid-to-late February.

As for FAFSA, this will vary for schools. Look on their websites. Harvard, for instance, clearly states that the FAFSA must be completed even if students are only interested in scholarships/grants.

Good luck! 😉

 

[gumbyj]

!! Can someone help !!

When I enter my SOP I am copy and pasting from Notepad (not Word) and everything looks fine -- essay is formatted correctly. But, when I click "Print" the preview shows an essay with no paragraph breaks! Does this happen to everyone? Is this a problem? I can't figure out how to change it!

I know they do mailings today (one apps my apps was just sent). If I submit another within an hour or so do you think it will be mailed today?

 

[gumbyj]

. double post

 

[gumbyj]

!! Can someone help !!

When I enter my SOP I am copy and pasting from Notepad (not Word) and everything looks fine -- essay is formatted correctly. But, when I click "Print" the preview shows an essay with no paragraph breaks! Does this happen to everyone? Is this a problem? I can't figure out how to change it!

I know they do mailings today (one apps my apps was just sent). If I submit another within an hour or so do you think it will be mailed today?

Okay never-mind - when I click "Print Application" the line breaks are there so I am less concerned.

 

[wanderlust2013]

Hello all - I've been reading through these forums for a bit. Wonderful (and a bit intimidating!) to read about everyone's impressive backgrounds! I hate to start off with a request, but I was hoping someone would be willing to look over my personal statement for a public health program. I posted this request on another forum but decided to try here as well since you all are dedicated to the public health field.

I'm applying for a dual degree combining economics and global health. Coming from a generalist background in international development (my undergraduate degree was international relations), I have some but not a lot of relevant academic and internship experience. I want to make sure I explain my objectives and motives clearly, as well as capture the "big picture" of global health. Feel free to PM me. I'd be thrilled for any help I can get at this point!

 

[364462]

I was wondering if those who have applied to Mailman have heard from the FinAid Office (i.e., access to the FinAid online system, PIN, etc.).

...and Happy New Year! Here is to great news in the coming months! 😎

 

[mle1989]

I was wondering if those who have applied to Mailman have heard from the FinAid Office (i.e., access to the FinAid online system, PIN, etc.).

...and Happy New Year! Here is to great news in the coming months! 😎

I haven't heard a thing from them since my application was mailed out 🙁

 

[mch55er]

Hey all,

Got a strange e-mail today from BU. They had sent me an e-mail ago several weeks ago saying my application was complete, but today they said that that e-mail was a mistake and they're missing my official GRE scores. Meanwhile, I rechecked my ETS account and the scores were sent to BU back in May.

Has this ever happened to anyone? Any thoughts on what to do?

I've e-mailed both BU and ETS. I suppose now I wait...

 

[364462]

Hey all,

Got a strange e-mail today from BU. They had sent me an e-mail ago several weeks ago saying my application was complete, but today they said that that e-mail was a mistake and they're missing my official GRE scores. Meanwhile, I rechecked my ETS account and the scores were sent to BU back in May.

Has this ever happened to anyone? Any thoughts on what to do?

I've e-mailed both BU and ETS. I suppose now I wait...

I would directly call BU. Perhaps it is lost in the pile since it was sent early in the year.

 

[gumbyj]

Does anyone know - after an acceptance - how long do you have to respond and what are the deposits (specifically for Yale, BU and Columbia)?

 

[Shostakovich]

Does anyone know - after an acceptance - how long do you have to respond and what are the deposits (specifically for Yale, BU and Columbia)?

Most schools have an agreement to not require the student to accept an offer of admission until 4/15, so that should be the date for all the schools you mentioned. Also from prior experience the deposit they ask for is $250 which goes toward your student account.

 

[Jamiefrances]

Hey all,

Got a strange e-mail today from BU. They had sent me an e-mail ago several weeks ago saying my application was complete, but today they said that that e-mail was a mistake and they're missing my official GRE scores. Meanwhile, I rechecked my ETS account and the scores were sent to BU back in May.

Has this ever happened to anyone? Any thoughts on what to do?

I've e-mailed both BU and ETS. I suppose now I wait...

I agree with porkbunsrule, if you sent them to BU, they should be able to find them, so it wouldn't hurt to give them a call. I actually work with processing scores (not at BU, though), and it's not impossible that they were received and then 'misplaced'. If they handle GRE scores the same way, they should have them saved/scanned somewhere, and should be able to locate them.

Good luck!

 

[DomerRM]

Any other UIC applicants - how long did it take for them to confirm receipt of SOPHAS app? Mine was mailed 12/19 and it still has "Items Incomplete/Outstanding" on their Application Status page.

 

[zekashis]

i had the same problem, got the same email. i sent a screenshot of my sophas page, showing that it has been sent to BU. the next day, they told me they found my GRE scores after searching more thoroughly