Columbia 2013?

[Epi12345]

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Well mine got screwed up because of the SSN issue. Did anyone get anything other than their scholarships and loans in the package? Just curious (no need for specifics if you don't want) 🙂

Just loans and scholarship, nothing else.

 

[kbarr]

I thought they gave need-based grants ..hmm....Anyways...what is everyone doing for housing?? I want to do off-campus for sure since I hear its cheaper

 

[what987]

Got the package, it's just a really unsubstantial package of federal loans.

 

[hopefulchanger]

Got the package, it's just a really unsubstantial package of federal loans.

Same here. I guess this confirms that Columbia is a no go for me.

 

[jt09]

I thought they gave need-based grants ..hmm....Anyways...what is everyone doing for housing?? I want to do off-campus for sure since I hear its cheaper

I got a small need-based scholarship.

For housing, are you looking at any specific off campus places? They seem comparable to some of the better on campus options to me?

 

[gumbyj]

Wow. Not even enough unsubsidized loans to cover tuition... Columbia definitely won't be happening for me.

 

[Abbeyroad1791]

I also received the email telling me forms weren't in but haven't received a fin. aid package yet. I'd love to say yes to Columbia, but I'm also planning on med school after my MPH and I'm incredibly nervous about the debt that I'm going to rack up over the 2 degrees. ....why is school SO expensive?!

 

[kbarr]

I got a small need-based scholarship.

For housing, are you looking at any specific off campus places? They seem comparable to some of the better on campus options to me?

I am not sure yet, but I heard Washington Heights is the cheapest and closest obviously even though its sketchy lol At this point I don't care! So I will start looking there first.

 

[what987]

Harlem close to the main campus is pretty safe.

 

[1814171193118]

I will definitely be attending Columbia, but I'm not happy about the $33,000 loans that they offered!! That's only about half of what the 2013-14 school year is supposed to cost. Are you guys planning on taking on such a heavy financial burden too or do you have other sources of funding other than loans? I just want to make sure i'm not the only idiot burying myself in so much debt.

 

[kbarr]

I will definitely be attending Columbia, but I'm not happy about the $33,000 loans that they offered!! That's only about half of what the 2013-14 school year is supposed to cost. Are you guys planning on taking on such a heavy financial burden too or do you have other sources of funding other than loans? I just want to make sure i'm not the only idiot burying myself in so much debt.

Both my sister and I are going....I had other cheaper options for sure...but the program at Columbia is top-notch and I am not giving this opportunity up...so yolo!! lol This is the first time I get loans, I managed my undergrad years without any...guess its time to start hahaha

 

[kateosee]

I strongly, strongly suggest everyone run some loan calculators to see how much of their paycheck is going to be eaten up every month, potentially for ten years or more, before blindly taking out substantial loans.

Americans, as a whole, just do not understand the negative effects of debt until it's too late.

Not trying to discourage anyone, just want everyone to really understand the effects of that level of debt.

 

[what987]

Fosho, that 6-9% interest rate really adds up, especially in this not-so-great paying field.

 

[kbarr]

For sure! 🙂

 

[reflectionss]

anyone still waiting for columbia decision???? I havent heard back from them after I filled out the financial aid survey👎 🙁

 

[SMPtoMD]

I am still waiting to hear my admission's decision. Fin Aid is not even something i am worried about right now lol... I need my decision ... I am starting to worry a lot now... 🙁

 

[chriskyk]

Hey fellas, does anyone have any idea on how the certificate works with the MPH? I read Columbia's website but still don't really get it. Would that be extra burden to the workload or be a good complement to class materials? How's that going to boost our chances in our career prospects?

Also, is that possible to switch to another topic? I'm in SMS with the certificate in social determinants of health, but am also interested in climate change so thinking of jumping to the climate and health certificate.

Thoughts are appreciated :xp

 

[1814171193118]

I received my financial aid package and it says that my remaining need is $35,000. Where does Columbia expect me to come up with this money? Private loans? Does anyone have any advice on where to get the best loans? Thanks y'all!

 

[PseudoScientist]

Hi everyone!

Unfortunately, I will miss the admitted students day by a couple of days. I am flying into NY on the 19th and was wondering if anyone would like to meet up (preferably with someone who was able to attend the admitted students event). I will be in the city through the 26th, so PM me if you'd like to set something up!

Thanks.

 

[what987]

Hey fellas, does anyone have any idea on how the certificate works with the MPH? I read Columbia's website but still don't really get it. Would that be extra burden to the workload or be a good complement to class materials? How's that going to boost our chances in our career prospects?

Also, is that possible to switch to another topic? I'm in SMS with the certificate in social determinants of health, but am also interested in climate change so thinking of jumping to the climate and health certificate.

Thoughts are appreciated :xp

I'm going to talk to FinAid about the difference in degree cost if I opt-out of the policy analysis certificate. If it adds an extra $15k onto the bill, I'm going to be really hesitant to stay on. It's a Mailman certificate that provides you with extra skills. Certificate doesn't mean a lot for employment, IMO, unless it is officially recognized everywhere.

I received my financial aid package and it says that my remaining need is $35,000. Where does Columbia expect me to come up with this money? Private loans? Does anyone have any advice on where to get the best loans? Thanks y'all!

Call FinAid about where to get private loans. They might have good advice about not getting screwed.

 

[reflectionss]

hey guys
do u think columbia will respond at all ??? accepted or rejected ...i really need my decision Should I contact the admissions office and ask?

 

[kbarr]

let me know if you actually have the option of not getting a certificate and if it would reduce the costs....that would be interesting!

 

[SeattleJER]

hey guys
do u think columbia will respond at all ??? accepted or rejected ...i really need my decision Should I contact the admissions office and ask?

Hey there,

Yes, definitely contact them and ask. I found out (by accident) this way from Tulane; I turned in my applications super late (they didn't get them until 2/29), so I just called to personally explain the situation (my undergrad institution sent a transcript with an error on it), and they told me I had been admitted. The point being, they can certainly speak with you over the phone about admissions decisions.

Good luck!

 

[nainabobaina]

I got a small need-based scholarship.

For housing, are you looking at any specific off campus places? They seem comparable to some of the better on campus options to me?

Did they tell you about the need based scholarship with your financial aid package? I only got loans, and I was really hoping for more.

 

[jt09]

Did they tell you about the need based scholarship with your financial aid package? I only got loans, and I was really hoping for more.

Yes; it came with my financial aid package, simply called "need based award," but the supplemental app online asks for more information from you for other need-based scholarships, so I am not really clear on if they've given out everything. I will be asking for clarification at the admitted students' day this weekend.

 

[1814171193118]

Yes; it came with my financial aid package, simply called "need based award," but the supplemental app online asks for more information from you for other need-based scholarships, so I am not really clear on if they've given out everything. I will be asking for clarification at the admitted students' day this weekend.

Can you please post what you learn about financial aid at the admitted students' day? i'm unable to attend.

 

[jt09]

Can you please post what you learn about financial aid at the admitted students' day? i'm unable to attend.

Sure thing

 

[agendas]

Can you please post what you learn about financial aid at the admitted students' day? i'm unable to attend.

You can also call the financial aid office and set up an appointment with a counselor. There were no available appts for Friday left, so I'm just speaking to a counselor by phone tomorrow. There are plenty of appts open; if I hadn't had a meeting, I could have done mine when I called.

 

[lhd]

Hello everyone!

I've been accepted to Columbia's Epidemiology MPH program with a certificate in Applied Biostatistics. I will most likely be going (unless I get accepted into Emory with a substantially better financial aid package) and would love to connect with anyone in the school and program. Like everyone else, I'm pretty worried about the cost of attendance for both Columbia and NYC. And, I'm hoping I will, not only be a good fit, but also successful in the program.

Overall, I'm very excited to be accepted into an Ivy League and heading to such an vibrant city like NYC. Yes it's expensive, but it's a huge reason to why I applied to Columbia. Hoping to meeting new people, learn lots, and grow lots in the next few years!

 

[tnot]

Any one still waiting to hear from Columbia? I have not heard anything yet...

 

[az2013]

Any one still waiting to hear from Columbia? I have not heard anything yet...

I am still waiting as well. I'm one of the later submissions -- submitted to SOPHAS on 1/15 and mailed to Columbia on 2/21.

 

[SeattleJER]

I am still waiting as well. I'm one of the later submissions -- submitted to SOPHAS on 1/15 and mailed to Columbia on 2/21.

Hey! Me too...I submitted 1/15 and it was sent 2/21. I called admissions earlier this week, and the woman I spoke with said they were meeting to review applications this week, but she doubted they would have decisions out by this week, most likely next. She told me to call back if I hadn't heard by the end of next week.

Good luck!

 

[az2013]

Hey! Me too...I submitted 1/15 and it was sent 2/21. I called admissions earlier this week, and the woman I spoke with said they were meeting to review applications this week, but she doubted they would have decisions out by this week, most likely next. She told me to call back if I hadn't heard by the end of next week.

Good luck!

Thanks for the update! Hope it's good news next week. 🙂

 

[reflectionss]

received my decision email today...im on waiting list and they 'll give me a decision by May 🙁 cant wait for them now

 

[Realistic]

For those who got sent 2/21, can you post when you receive your decisions? Mine was sent then too and, like many of you, I'm growing frantic and just really want to know. My husband will be hearing back from his top choice business school soon, and we really want to be able to move forward in our planning, especially since we're currently living abroad. There's so much uncertainty ahead of us, and any helpful glimpses of what's to come would be greatly appreciated. Good luck everyone!

I applied to the Epi department.

 

[lhd]

I submitted my application to SOPHAS maybe 1/13 or so (a few days before the deadline) and SOPHAS didn't mail it out until a few weeks later. I have already heard back from Columbia. I think they send out decisions in batches and it also really depends on your department as well. Be patient and good luck!

 

[Realistic]

I submitted my application to SOPHAS maybe 1/13 or so (a few days before the deadline) and SOPHAS didn't mail it out until a few weeks later. I have already heard back from Columbia. I think they send out decisions in batches and it also really depends on your department as well. Be patient and good luck!

May I ask if you applied to Epi? And if so, which certificate? I applied to Global Health. Thanks!

 

[lhd]

May I ask if you applied to Epi? And if so, which certificate? I applied to Global Health. Thanks!

I applied and was accepted into Epi with a certificate in Applied Biostatistics.

 

[CatNoise]

Finally got my acceptance on the ides of March. Epi, with a global health certificate. I haven't received a lot of the information I'll need from Columbia, so can any of you tell me when the next admitted students day is? Sometime in April, right? Are there any after that?

 

[Realistic]

Finally got my acceptance on the ides of March. Epi, with a global health certificate. I haven't received a lot of the information I'll need from Columbia, so can any of you tell me when the next admitted students day is? Sometime in April, right? Are there any after that?

Congratulations!! Since you applied to the same program and certificate that I did, would you mind sharing when you submitted your application and, more importantly, when it was sent by SOPHAS? Thanks so much, and congrats again! I hope to receive similar news!

 

[jt09]

Can you please post what you learn about financial aid at the admitted students' day? i'm unable to attend.

So I just called today and they said that not all awards have been given out yet because it is pending on how much money they get, but most of them have been given out - hence our getting our packages before submitting the supplemental app. The info it asks about is for awarding any more funds they get.

You can also waive the health insurance fee if you have your own insurance.
And you can use PLUS loans to cover the whole cost of attendance. They also go away with the public service forgiveness program. They will send us info when the time gets closer. And for people new to getting loans, the entrance interview and MPN aren't required for being awarded aid - they are needed to receive the aid. So you can wait a few months to fill those out.

I didn't see the whole fin aid session at the visit day, but the part I was there for wasn't too helpful. It just suggested various loans, pointed to their website to find outside funding, said that they have more governmental funds coming but don't really count on it (sequester!), and again suggested we look at outside funding.

A professor suggested we look at "niche" scholarships, like for research in a specific geographic region, or if you have an uncommon language skill.

Hope this is helpful.

 

[MistahMark]

I am still waiting as well. I'm one of the later submissions -- submitted to SOPHAS on 1/15 and mailed to Columbia on 2/21.

I am one of you guys 2/21....So hopefully will be hearing from them by the end of the week (epi). UMich rejected my azz so im not sure how it'll turn out.

 

[kbarr]

Anyone know what the starting salary for a Columbia MPH grad is...did they give this information during visit day? I wonder if it's any different from other schools...if the loans are worth it or not...hmmmm

 

[agendas]

So I just called today and they said that not all awards have been given out yet because it is pending on how much money they get, but most of them have been given out - hence our getting our packages before submitting the supplemental app. The info it asks about is for awarding any more funds they get.

You can also waive the health insurance fee if you have your own insurance.
And you can use PLUS loans to cover the whole cost of attendance. They also go away with the public service forgiveness program. They will send us info when the time gets closer. And for people new to getting loans, the entrance interview and MPN aren't required for being awarded aid - they are needed to receive the aid. So you can wait a few months to fill those out.

I didn't see the whole fin aid session at the visit day, but the part I was there for wasn't too helpful. It just suggested various loans, pointed to their website to find outside funding, said that they have more governmental funds coming but don't really count on it (sequester!), and again suggested we look at outside funding.

A professor suggested we look at "niche" scholarships, like for research in a specific geographic region, or if you have an uncommon language skill.

Hope this is helpful.

Also, if you want work-study, you can call them and get it! $2300/year. They added it on to my package without an issue. They recommend not working during the first semester, though you can work all of it during the second semester.

 

[MistahMark]

Did any of you 2/21 SOPHAS verified people get your reply back yet?

 

[gumbyj]

.

 

[1814171193118]

Just to let everyone know Columbia is still awarding scholarships!

I just received an e-mail that I am being considered for a full-scholarship covering tuition, books and fees for two years! I had written Columbia off because all they offered me was loans, but I am ecstatic about this possibility!

OH MY GOD!!! that would be amazing! did you do anything to be considered or were you just picked?

 

[hopefulchanger]

OH MY GOD!!! that would be amazing! did you do anything to be considered or were you just picked?

wow. really?

I already declined. Oh well.

 

[Realistic]

Did any of you 2/21 SOPHAS verified people get your reply back yet?

Not yet - still waiting, in agony. I wish I'd applied sooner.

 

[MistahMark]

Not yet - still waiting, in agony. I wish I'd applied sooner.

I called today, very sarcastic reply...

"You applied less than a month ago and you want to know if you got accepted?"

its been a month and one day, snobby secretary!