Admitted applicants' stats

[dut99002]

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Is there a good source/thread that shows the test score/GPA/experience for admitted applicants to MPH/MS programs?

I am aware that different programs have posts some stats on their websites (class profiles, etc.), but it seems that this is the exception, rather than the rule. Other than contacting the schools themselves directly, can anyone point me to a good source of this information?

I'm seriously considering applying for fall of 2009 and want to see as detailed stats as possible for what it takes to get into the varying programs and sub-programs of the varying graduate schools of public health.

 

[Leejwwc]

Most graduate programs do not post stats on their websites. This is likely because 1) stats vary considerably from year to year and 2) stats are used more as a cut-off rather than an admission factor.

 

[seva86]

dutt, it's honestly very difficult to find statistics for admission to MPH/MS programs. I know I went nearly insane because every school I called told me that they don't look for anything in particular, every aspect of an application is weighted the same.

If anything, I know that the minimum GPA for most programs is a 3.0 and the minimum GRE is 1000 (some schools will tell you what percentile they look for -- Yale for instance [on it's website] says they prefer applicants be in the 50th percentile or higher for the quantitative section). Very few programs take below a 3.0 (except schools like Kentucky, that was recently accredited), but I wouldn't recommend looking at those. The schools you see the most here (Columbia, UMich, Yale, UNC, Emory, Drexel, etc) are all reputable and accredited (i.e. have good programs).

I had a friend had a sub-3.0 GPA but a high GRE score and was recently admitted into the program of her choice (Epid). Apparently the department accepted her but because of her low GPA, her application had to be justified at the head admissions department. Fortunately, her extracurriculars (research experience) and letters of recommendation helped her.

Anything is possible 😉

 

[briy61]

I think your essay and your experience has the most to do with whether you are accepted.

My GRE's sucked - 1070 (650 Quantitative, 420 Verbal); 3.5 Writing

My GPA wasn't bad - 3.53 (according to SOPHAS), but I had a terrible freshman year (1.17 gpa) because I had too much fun.

I applied to 20 schools with the expectation that I might get in to 4 or 5.

I've been accepted to all 16 schools that I've heard back from so far. I'm still waiting to hear back from the remaining 4.

Please understand - I'm not bragging. I'm trying to tell you that it's very possible to get into an MPH program if you communicate your interests clearly in your essay.

My essay wasn't really all that specific though. I talked mainly about the fact that I need to learn more to accomplish the goals that I have, and I left those goals as nebulous as I could, because I honestly don't know what I'll be doing in 5 years.

The last two years of work experience were also really helpful I think.

 

[MNPublicHealth]

I agree with Briy61. I didn't have the greatest stats going in - 3.0 GPA, 1220 GRE (680 verbal, 540 quant, 5.0 writing)- and I was a music major in undergrad nonetheless!

The most important part of your application is your personal statement (PS) and your recommendations. If the PS and recommendations aren't very good, then they often weigh your GPA and GRE scores more heavily, but if you write a good and clear PS and have strong recommendations, you should be fine, even with a less than stellar academic record. Relevant work (or even volunteer) experience also help.

 

[catladyMPH]

i was accepted to 8/10 schools i applied to with a 3.0 gpa and a 1240 GRE. i was really surprised and am convinced that two things made all the difference for me:

- resume (lots of work experience)

- a specific and goal driven statement of purpose.

 

[BROOKSST]

Do you guys mind telling me what schools you got accepted to?

 

[healthpro1896]

Do you guys mind telling me what schools you got accepted to?

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=500101

 

[BROOKSST]

Hi everyone! I am new to this forum, but I have recently decided to pursue public health for grad school. With all the acceptance posts I have read, does anyone have any advice for me or let me know my chances of getting into my schools of choice? I will begin applying Fall '08. Any feedback would be great. Here is a little info about me:

GPA= >3.5
UG Major= Psychology with undergraduate thesis completed
GRE= not too good so I'm taking the GMAT instead
Experience= Approaching 1 year clinical research experience at NIH as a post bacc fellow. Just signed on for another year, so will have 2 years total.

I want to get into the MPH Hopkins program real bad along with Yale, BU, and Drexel. Anyone have any advice as to improving my chances and a target score for GMAT? Also does anyone know how many applicants these schools accept each year? THANKS!!!

 

[briy61]

Brooks,

I'm assuming your work experience might land you a co-authorship or at least a mention on a published paper.

That will help you big time.

Your essay will also be key. Be honest about what has brought you to this decision.

Get to know the people you're working for now. If you've been out of school for a couple years by the time you apply, your undergrad professors won't hold as much weight if they're writing your rec letters. Try to get your rec letters from those who know your recent work/ethic.

Your GPA is fine and as long as your GRE is above 1000, you're fine.

I really believe that the two most important components to your app are your essay and your experience (summarized in your resume).

If you applied now, you'd probably be surprised at how many schools would accept you.

 

[DrChimRichalds]

Here's my take on MPH admissions:

1) Do you have a pulse?

2) Can you string together a coherent sentence?

If you answered 'yes' to the above two questions then you will definitely get into a MPH program somewhere. They are not at all difficult to get into.

 

[BROOKSST]

Thanks for your positive comments BRI! I'm just a little freaked out b/c I applied to 4 genetic counseling programs this year and only got into 1 (which I turned down). Ive decided to take a different route with public health and want to make sure I get into a top school. I don't want to go through another round of rejections...but then again usually gen counseling progs only accept 5 or 6 students whereas MPH is much larger. Im going to try and take the GMAT and see if I do better. From the looks of all the other posts and acceptances, my GRE score does not suffice (I got a 1000) if I want to get into Hopkins or Yale....

 

[briy61]

I hear what you're saying. I'd agree that genetic counseling programs sound really narrow in their scope, and mph is more general.

honestly though, think about it like this:

you're not the only one who has a 3.5 gpa or a 1000 gre.

you're probably not the only one doing research either.

where can you set yourself apart?

the answer to that question is the key to getting into yale or hopkins.

for me, i believe it was the essay, rec's, and experience.

my grades and gre are maybe average-slightly above average.

really put some thought into those, and target programs that reflect your specific interests.

i know that yale and hopkins sound great, but if yale and hopkins don't offer programs that reflect your interest, then you're wasting time / money on application fees applying there.

i think this forum has a lot of people who are obsessed with the name of the school or the ranking of the school, and that really doesn't matter when you're in the classroom or doing your practicum.

maybe the name of a school will get you an interview here or there, but you'll be better-equipped to make a contribution to public health if you focus on going to a school that is a good match for you, rather than just a feather in your cap.

Good Luck.

 

[house vs god]

x

 

[Runnergirl08]

Totally agree! I completely underestimated my ability to get into a good public health school.

My stats:
U.Grad GPA: 3.3
Cum. GRE: 1100
MCAT: 28P

Background and Experiences:
Applying straight out of u. grad
B.S. Biology
6 mo. research exp. in cancer epi
3 mo. research exp. in genetics and breast cancer
Leadership in u.grad public health student org.
Volunteer exp through a student group and a community service learning course (health related volunteering)

Accepted to all schools applied to:
Johns Hopkins: MHS in Global Disease Epi and Control
Columbia: MPH in Epi
Boston University: MPH in Maternal and Child Health
University of Illinois- Chicago: MPH in Epi in MCH
Minnesota: MPH in Epi

Deciding between Hopkins and Columbia. Strongly leaning towards Hopkins.

Hey my stats are pretty similar... what undergraduate school?

 

[pbutter]

Hi everyone,

I am wondering if anyone knows what PhD Epidemiology programs are looking for in terms of "stats"?

I've asked a similar question before and it seems as if PhD programs are much, much harder to get into than MPH programs. Any information will be much appreciated 🙂