Deciding where to go...

[Music333]

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I think someone posted about this in the 'Acceptances' thread. So how is everyone deciding where they're going to go?
I've started pro/con lists, but I don't have much listed on there.

Current students, what do you like and dislike about your programs/schools?

 

[classicvendetta]

I'm not a current student yet, but this is how I have been evaluating my schools:

-Cost of living/Location: As much as I fantasize about living in NYC, I really can't substantiate living in a small bedroom with three other roommates in a NYC-size apartment, where I can use the same amount of money to get a much bigger place. Maybe when I have a salary, but right now, this is a dream deferred.

-Financial aid: Given that I'm probably going to be in the non-profit or government field, taking on a lot of debt doesn't seem like the best idea. I'd also like to go to a school where I can work part-time. The poor college student lifestyle isn't fun anymore! Not that it ever was fun.😎

-Room for and availability of electives: I want to pursue an MHA degree for the management skills, but I have interests in community health, health disparities, health policy as well. During those two years, I want to learn as much as I can!

-Community service/volunteer activities: Most of the schools I applied to have created strong ties and service programs within the community. For example, many schools I applied to have student-run clinics. These are opportunities for learning and community-service.

-Job placement: I've been looking closely at where previous graduates have taken jobs. For the public schools, I've looked to see what other states people have found jobs. I've also looked to see if graduates are in positions that I could see myself in. I think this is an indicator of the strength of the program, who is recruiting at these schools, and the interests of the students.

 

[healthwolf]

Good post, Music...

I'd add the following to vendetta's list:

-Curriculum: Diversity of coursework and quality of required courses; make sure your interests are covered well by what's offered and reflect where you want to go with the degree. Some schools heavily tilt towards research while others go more with practice, but not both...

-Department: Similarly, carefully look at the focus of the department in question. Even though you're applying to a top school, it may turn out that their __ department's strengths do not include your interests. Also, look at the department faculty to see what they research, and get a feel if they're accessible enough that students can find assistantships easily.

-Student demographics: how much experience do students generally have coming in? Is there a good mix of in/out-of-state and domestic/int'l?

-Career placement: Find out how many students get a job after graduating, and in what sectors. Also how many go on to do a PhD/DrPH afterward. This can be deceiving, given that most schools can only track the first year out...

 

[304246]

All important things posted above.

I would add:

1. Faculty specialties and research areas: If you're a health policy buff you don't want to end up at a school that's mainly focused on immunology

2. School of Public Health: From my personal experience, I found that there was a big difference in attending a school of public health vs. a school that has an MPH/MHS/MS program that's not in a school of public health. If public health is really what you;re focused on-being at a school of public health makes all the difference philosophy wise (prevention prevention prevention//demographic influences). I can't comment on a school that has an MPH program that is affiliated with a hospital. I imagine that the training would be something between a school of public health and a program that is not part of a school PH, but have a strong clinical approach.

 

[Kibster]

On top of everything else I would add a few things that are very important to me.
- Job market and quality of life for my wife: My wife is finishing up her Doctorate of Physical Therapy and I do not want to move to a place that is so small that it would be difficult to get a job. She has said that she will move anywhere that I want to go, but I do not think that she would be happy in a large metropolitan area like NYC or Chicago, so I did not even apply.
- Also the relationship that the staff has with the students is very important to me. I get the most out of classes where I can relate and have conversations with the professors. For the programs that do not have interviews, if I get accepted, I plan on making a visit to the campus and get a feel for the programs and staff.

 

[Music333]

Good suggestions!

Anybody have opinions for MPH Epi at UMich, Emory, UIC, or U Pitt? I think I'm going to not even consider BU because living expenses are so high.

 

[ald]

I would agree with all of the above. I can't speak for the other programs, but here's my take on Emory:

1. Atlanta:
Pros: good location for me because of family ties, but it's a GREAT place to be for public health. Cost of living is pretty low in comparison to other cities of its size. (My roommate and I share a very nice, 1250 sqft. apartment for ~$600 each). Nice restaurants, nightlife, shopping, etc.
Cons: ugh. traffic. Atlanta is a commuter city, so traffic is awful. If you live close to campus, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. It's maybe not as exciting a place to live as NYC, Boston, etc.

2. Emory professors:
Pros: Very approachable. Everyone has been extremely nice, eager to talk with students. Lots of different research interests among faculty means there's something for everyone, thesis-wise.
Cons: One issue that could be potentially a con is that there's a lot of interest among students in infectious diseases, and I know some people didn't get their first choice faculty adviser because of high demand in that area. (Not a problem for me, since my interest is MCH).

3. Epi program:
Pros: Very nurturing environment. People seem to really want us to do well, and go out of their way to provide opportunities for students.
Cons: No problems thus far. One thing you MIGHT consider a con is that, so far, the courses have not been as academically rigorous as I expected. (I hope I didn't just jinx myself for this semester!!).

4. Miscellaneous:
Pros: Awesome career services department. Job placement among Emory grads is excellent, particularly those that actively use career services. Everyone knows the CDC is here, but it's a tremendous resource for students. I, and most of my peers, work as students at CDC, and I'm using data from the study I'm working on for my thesis. There's also CARE, ACS, Carter Center, etc., LOTS of opportunities here.
Cons: Expense. *sigh* It's private, not much funding available. Oh and parking on campus is $654/year!, (unless you live and work really close to campus a car is necessary; MARTA and a campus shuttle are some alternatives though).

Whew. I know that was wordy, but I know it's a big decision to make too. I hope this helps. FWIW, I, too, decided against BU due to cost, and I'm very happy with my decision to come to Emory.

 

[love2bfit]

ald, thanks for your post... it's very helpful!!! I was recently accepted to Emory (still waiting on BU, Harvard, Hopkins, and Pitt)... and I'm finding myself more and more tempted by the low cost of living, proximity to so many public health career opportunities, and of course, the warm weather! Would you mind if I PM you to get some more information?

 

[ald]

ald, thanks for your post... it's very helpful!!! I was recently accepted to Emory (still waiting on BU, Harvard, Hopkins, and Pitt)... and I'm finding myself more and more tempted by the low cost of living, proximity to so many public health career opportunities, and of course, the warm weather! Would you mind if I PM you to get some more information?

I'm glad it was helpful. I found SDN to be very helpful in my application process, so I'm happy to give back. And yes, you may PM me for more info. 🙂

 

[Music333]

Thank you so much, ald! That was really helpful.

UMich and Emory are my top two choices, but it's hard to decide between the two. I might have to PM you as well with more questions.

 

[Stories]

3. Epi program:
Pros: Very nurturing environment. People seem to really want us to do well, and go out of their way to provide opportunities for students.
Cons: No problems thus far. One thing you MIGHT consider a con is that, so far, the courses have not been as academically rigorous as I expected. (I hope I didn't just jinx myself for this semester!!).

Welcome to graduate education 🙂 They want to see you succeed, and just because you're not getting B's (or god forbid, a C) doesn't mean you're not learning what you need to be learning 🙂 Your grad GPA should be high (and will be higher than your undergrad GPA).

 

[premad]

Welcome to graduate education 🙂 They want to see you succeed, and just because you're not getting B's (or god forbid, a C) doesn't mean you're not learning what you need to be learning 🙂 Your grad GPA should be high (and will be higher than your undergrad GPA).

👍 Further, I would say that you should really push yourself in graduate education to master what it is you're interested in/you feel will be particularly applicable to your future aspirations. No one is going to hit you on the knuckles with a bad mark, but when you're starting your first job post-graduation you'll be happy that you mastered X skill or can draw upon Y body of literature. The rigor is self-induced, and should be fun.

 

[Music333]

Any input/opinions on UMich?

I've read on their website that if you do the MPH at UMich, then you can finish the PhD in 2.5-4 years...Is that really true? Will professors want someone for a PhD if they did their master's there?

How's the career services department? Do people find jobs mostly in-state or out-of-state?

 

[kubajf]

I would agree with all of the above. I can't speak for the other programs, but here's my take on Emory:

1. Atlanta:
Pros: good location for me because of family ties, but it's a GREAT place to be for public health. Cost of living is pretty low in comparison to other cities of its size. (My roommate and I share a very nice, 1250 sqft. apartment for ~$600 each). Nice restaurants, nightlife, shopping, etc.
Cons: ugh. traffic. Atlanta is a commuter city, so traffic is awful. If you live close to campus, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. It's maybe not as exciting a place to live as NYC, Boston, etc.

2. Emory professors:
Pros: Very approachable. Everyone has been extremely nice, eager to talk with students. Lots of different research interests among faculty means there's something for everyone, thesis-wise.
Cons: One issue that could be potentially a con is that there's a lot of interest among students in infectious diseases, and I know some people didn't get their first choice faculty adviser because of high demand in that area. (Not a problem for me, since my interest is MCH).

3. Epi program:
Pros: Very nurturing environment. People seem to really want us to do well, and go out of their way to provide opportunities for students.
Cons: No problems thus far. One thing you MIGHT consider a con is that, so far, the courses have not been as academically rigorous as I expected. (I hope I didn't just jinx myself for this semester!!).

4. Miscellaneous:
Pros: Awesome career services department. Job placement among Emory grads is excellent, particularly those that actively use career services. Everyone knows the CDC is here, but it's a tremendous resource for students. I, and most of my peers, work as students at CDC, and I'm using data from the study I'm working on for my thesis. There's also CARE, ACS, Carter Center, etc., LOTS of opportunities here.
Cons: Expense. *sigh* It's private, not much funding available. Oh and parking on campus is $654/year!, (unless you live and work really close to campus a car is necessary; MARTA and a campus shuttle are some alternatives though).

Whew. I know that was wordy, but I know it's a big decision to make too. I hope this helps. FWIW, I, too, decided against BU due to cost, and I'm very happy with my decision to come to Emory.

I had a question for ya- when people work at the CDC or in Labs, do they get paid? if so, how much? and how many hours are typical while a student as RSPH.

 

[ald]

For the Emory people, a couple of things people have asked me:

Work- Nearly every RSPH student qualifies for work-study (remember to fill out a FAFSA!) although there are a few "regular" jobs available as well. Work-study, at least this year, funds are limited to $4000 for the academic year, with first-year students earning $11.50/hr and second-year students earning $12.50/hr. Most RSPH students work 10-20 hrs/wk, with 20 being the most you can work at a work-study job while school is in session (40 hrs/wk during holidays).

Emory has an internal job-search system called symplicity. The job postings indicate whether it is work-study or not, and are usually available to apply at the beginning-middle of August. There is also a job fair the first week or so of school.

For CDC, the jobs postings include the branch and some of the job responsibilities. I applied for a job based on my research interests, but I know lots of students that applied for several (or many) jobs across different divisions or companies. My advice is apply early if you want a job that matches your research interests. (You don't have to keep the same job for both years, or even 2 semesters if it's really not working out.)

Emory is located in the North Druid Hills neighborhood of Atlanta. While it is relatively close to downtown/midtown, it has a much more residential feel. Most students live in apartment complexes, of which there are many, near campus.

As a female, I feel completely comfortable walking around campus or the surrounding area alone, during the day. There are parts of downtown I would even feel comfortable walking by myself during the day. However, Atlanta is a big city and, as we're all aware, anything can happen anywhere at any time, so find a group of friends and follow the "safety in numbers" rule. 😉


For the last few of you who PM'd me, I haven't ignored your posts. I'm sorry I haven't responded sooner, but classes have started and the busy-ness has begun. 🙂

 

[glas]

Does anyone have any input about Pitt? Specifically the Epi and BCHS programs? I'm interested in international health/maternal and child health and just don't know that much about them... i.e. accessibility of professors, reputation in the field (career placements) etc. Pittsburgh seems a bit off the beaten track IH wise... Thoughts?

Just received my acceptance email today 🙂.

 

[Music333]

Any info on UIC, specifically epi? It seems like they offer a lot of assistantships and whatnot. But they told me that most grads find jobs in Chicago, which isn't great if I even need to move anywhere else. And the school doesn't seem as friendly and enthusiastic like Emory and UMich.

 

[cutie20]

Can anyone give me any tips about USC?? I am really excited as i just got accepted today. I am still waiting on other UCs but USC seems like a really good program. any tips??

 

[lonemavericks]

1. Univ of north texas health science center sph,
2.sph and health profession , SUNY, Buffalo,
3.Univ of texas sph at houston,
can any one pls guide to which is the better choice, thank you

 

[utph]

1. Univ of north texas health science center sph,
2.sph and health profession , SUNY, Buffalo,
3.Univ of texas sph at houston,
can any one pls guide to which is the better choice, thank you

I can help with the texas schools, but I'm not familiar with SUNYs program.

To which programs/depts are you applying? What are your goals?

 

[lonemavericks]

I can help with the texas schools, but I'm not familiar with SUNYs program.

To which programs/depts are you applying? What are your goals?

I am applying to Univ of north texas sph in fort worth for MPH in epidemiology. i would like to know abt the faculty there i mean like how the staff are , whether they are helpful and stuff. also i would like to know abt career opportunity after completing MPH there. any other details will be very much appreciated. thanks a lot

 

[concern]

Texas (Houston) apparently has a two year MPH program. I'm not sure how the U.S. credit system works but can this be shortened to say 1 or 1.5 years by taking 'more credits per semester'?

 

[lonemavericks]

Texas (Houston) apparently has a two year MPH program. I'm not sure how the U.S. credit system works but can this be shortened to say 1 or 1.5 years by taking 'more credits per semester'?

Yes i have been selected there also but i prefer North texas, fort worth and yes it can be shortened to 1.5 yrs. thanks @concern

 

[JMM051]

A lot of people are getting into a bunch of schools and i'm sure most have clear cut favorites. Besides the money factor, how are you all deciding which schools to visit? I am having a tough time with this because there are 2 I am definitely visiting but I am worried that not visiting the 3rd that I am (sort of) considering. I am worried I could be keeping myself from the best program for me and I don't even know it. I am probably stressing about this more than I need to but how are the rest of you deciding which schools to visit?

 

[ricegirl08]

Yes i have been selected there also but i prefer North texas, fort worth and yes it can be shortened to 1.5 yrs. thanks @concern

why do you prefer north texas?

 

[MPHProgram]

Any inputs on Yale vs. Emory?

I am an international student and therefore, I am eager to find a part-time job while studying. For this reason, I am leaning towards to Emory. As I am not eligible to apply for FAFSA, is there any other sources for loans ?

Thanks,

 

[Cho231]

Hey everyone,

Was wondering if anyone could give some suggestions on either schools... I'm looking to focus on management of health programs in developing countries. I got accepted:

1) Columbia's MPH in Health Management and Policy (Global Health Track)

and

2) Johns Hopkins general MPH program.

I've been dealing with tons of factors... so I was just wondering if you guys knew anything about either programs (reputation, prospect of job after graduation, academic rigor)?

Thanks!!

 

[utph]

I think Hopkins wins in all three of those areas:reputation, job placement, and academics.

 

[socialepi]

Hey everyone,

Was wondering if anyone could give some suggestions on either schools... I'm looking to focus on management of health programs in developing countries. I got accepted:

1) Columbia's MPH in Health Management and Policy (Global Health Track)

and

2) Johns Hopkins general MPH program.

I've been dealing with tons of factors... so I was just wondering if you guys knew anything about either programs (reputation, prospect of job after graduation, academic rigor)?

Thanks!!

I would suggest calling the schools, explaining your interests/goals and asking to be put in contact with current/former students. Also sometimes helpful is looking through the faculty profiles and looking at professors who are working at one school but got their degrees from another. Most are open to comparing the two schools based on their experiences as student/prof.

 

[MPH0205]

What about the reputation between Columbia and UW? For Epi specifically?

 

[Cho231]

I would suggest calling the schools, explaining your interests/goals and asking to be put in contact with current/former students. Also sometimes helpful is looking through the faculty profiles and looking at professors who are working at one school but got their degrees from another. Most are open to comparing the two schools based on their experiences as student/prof.

Thanks for the suggestion!! I'm in contact with alumnis from both schools, but would really love to talk to some teachers about the decision.

 

[socialepi]

What about the reputation between Columbia and UW? For Epi specifically?

My impression is that UW is better known for having a rigorous epi program, especially if you are at all interested in disease modeling. Columbia is certainly a top school though - I'm just less certain how well known they are for epi.

 

[Z1234]

Any input/opinions on UMich?

I've read on their website that if you do the MPH at UMich, then you can finish the PhD in 2.5-4 years...Is that really true? Will professors want someone for a PhD if they did their master's there?

How's the career services department? Do people find jobs mostly in-state or out-of-state?

Hey there, not sure which department you're applying to, but I know of someone who did their MPH here and will do their PhD as well. Think as long as you make a good connection, have strong interests in the research areas that you pursue and excel in during your master's, you should be fine!
but heads up, I have met many UM SPH kids who are unhappy in their programs and too many have commented that their classes are irrelevant, boring, or have had trouble with their professors. Many think that you have to just regurtitate what they tell you in order to excel (people are very competitive!) and most of the time, this is what happens.

 

[mwt137]

Right now, I'm choosing between Emory and UNC for my MPH in Environmental Health Science.

 

[GHKE2012]

I've applied to GW (Global Health Design, monitoring and evaluation), BU (Intl Health) USF (Global comm. diseases).

I've got a strong background in neglected tropical disease research..
Career wise, I'd like to get into tropical disease control implementing public health programs in developing countries.

GW- has a particular professor I am keen on working with. He's a renown NTD specialist- I've written to him and he's willing to take me under his wing. This is definitely a plus. Plus DC is the hub for NGO HQs.. so for internships and employment I think DC is the place to be!

The USF program sounds like it has solid tropical disease program but it doesn't seem very highly ranked. But with such intense work on tropical diseases in developing nations, this could be the place to study too!

As for BU.... I am very interested in their program too- tons of electives to choose from, and great opportunities to intern abroad. Plus, they have this summer program on disease program designing, planning and management. So this school appeals greatly too.

What to do?? I'd love some advice...

 

[Stories]

Right now, I'm choosing between BU and Yale for my MPH in Environmental Health Science. I'm still waiting on Harvard as well, but I'm not sure if I will be accepted into their program.

Does anyone know about the two programs and their pros/cons? I'm hoping to do something with environmental epidemiology, so I would like an institution and department that is strong in research. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Yale is probably your best choice. Almost everything here is focused on epidemiologic research. At BU, they tend to focus more on risk assessment and toxicology evaluation.

 

[MPHProgram]

Decision Made. Emory it is.

Just got rejected by Yale. Although everyone is telling me that Emory is a better PH school than Yale, I still feel a bit upset about the rejection 🙁

 

[applyingforMPH]

i hate rejection

 

[ftsaudade]

Hey everyone - congratulations on all the acceptances! as tough as the decisions are, it's nice to have a choice.

I'm trying to decide between Hopkins (MHS in Epi) and Columbia (MPH Epi)...does anyone have any advice/input about the programs/ degrees? Class size, faculty, job prospects, reputation, tuition support, quality of life, etc?

 

[citrusguy2010]

Hey everyone - congratulations on all the acceptances! as tough as the decisions are, it's nice to have a choice.

I'm trying to decide between Hopkins (MHS in Infectious Disease Epi) and Columbia (MPH Epi)...does anyone have any advice/input about the programs/ degrees? Class size, faculty, job prospects, reputation, tuition support, quality of life, etc?

I'm with you on Columbia for Epi but compared against UC Berkeley and Emory for Biostats/Epidemiology and Epidemiology respectively

 

[Stories]

Decision Made. Emory it is.

Just got rejected by Yale. Although everyone is telling me that Emory is a better PH school than Yale, I still feel a bit upset about the rejection 🙁

Don't worry about it so much. Yale isn't a good fit for a number of people, and they don't realize it until they get here. Emory is a better school for most folks because they are much wider and more diverse in their work than Yale. The areas of expertise for the Yale faculty is fairly narrow (which is the major con of being such a small school).

Hi,
I'm wondering if anyone knows much about the caliber of the Health Promotion track at Columbia. I applied, but am not sure if it provides enough opportunity for policy course work to eventually relate evaluation to policy. (I'm sorry if this doesn't make sense, I can clarify if need be) I've been accepted to Yale, BU and GWU all in the Behavioral Sciences. Does anyone know how these compare (if I am interested in combining program evaluation and policy)? Thanks!

I can tell you the drastic differences between Yale and BU: if you're interested in social epidemiology research methods, Yale is the place to be. If you're interested in social behavioral programming, implementation, and evaluation, BU is the place to be.

 

[Melife]

Hey all,
Congratulations on all the acceptances. I am deciding between MHS International Health at Hopkins and MPH Epi at Emory. I am so confused as to what to choose. I ve always wanted to do MPH. But an offer from Hopkins is very tempting. Any input would be appreciated. I would like to know if the MHS degree is as recognized as MPH in terms of career and job opportunities.

 

[katerinamd]

Hi!

I have a decision to make, and have no idea how to decide!

I was accepted into the MPH program at Yale's school of public health for social and behavioral sciences. I was also just accepted into Harvard's Masters of Science in public health (into the department of society, human development and health).

First, I have no idea what Boston is like for graduate students! Is it fun? Is there school support, or is it hard to make friends in the program?

Second, I am not sure which degree (masters of public health or masters of science in public health) is best for me. I have not decided yet whether I want to get a PhD in public health or go onto medical school.

Any advice or feedback would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

[livi37]

I am trying to decide between Emory (epidemiology) , GW (maternal and child health), Michigan (epi), and Columbia (epi). Is it true that Michigan students are unhappy? What about the other schools? Are their students happy with their education?

 

[citrusguy2010]

I am trying to decide between Emory (epidemiology) , GW (maternal and child health), Michigan (epi), and Columbia (epi). Is it true that Michigan students are unhappy? What about the other schools? Are their students happy with their education?

same boat as you with Emory and Columbia except through in Epi/Biostats for Cal and we'd be identical. would love to hear what people have to say...

 

[pufftissue]

Hi!

I have a decision to make, and have no idea how to decide!

I was accepted into the MPH program at Yale's school of public health for social and behavioral sciences. I was also just accepted into Harvard's Masters of Science in public health (into the department of society, human development and health).

First, I have no idea what Boston is like for graduate students! Is it fun? Is there school support, or is it hard to make friends in the program?

Second, I am not sure which degree (masters of public health or masters of science in public health) is best for me. I have not decided yet whether I want to get a PhD in public health or go onto medical school.

Any advice or feedback would be GREATLY appreciated!

Boston is the epicenter of education in America. If people/networking potential matter, then Boston is your choice. Boston is teaming with students.

As good as Yale is, I don't see how Yale would pull ahead of Harvard in any way--not lifestyle, reputation, actual education, networking opportunities. I don't even think Connecticut is all that much cheaper than Boston.

Keep in mind that you're in a win-win situation and I'm sure alot of people would love to have your "problem"

 

[Stories]

Boston is the epicenter of education in America. If people/networking potential matter, then Boston is your choice. Boston is teaming with students.

As good as Yale is, I don't see how Yale would pull ahead of Harvard in any way--not lifestyle, reputation, actual education, networking opportunities. I don't even think Connecticut is all that much cheaper than Boston.

Keep in mind that you're in a win-win situation and I'm sure alot of people would love to have your "problem"

Boston: Agreed. Boston is lovely. There's few better places to be as a student than in Boston. Just stay away from certain cities (Dorchester, Roxbury, certain areas of Jamaica Plain). If I had a choice, Boston is one of the top 3 cities I'd live in forever if I had to choose.

Connecticut: living expenses are substantially cheaper (well, New Haven anyway). For $150 less than I was paying in Brookline, I have a far more modern apartment with fewer roommates (1 vs. 3), and a parking spot, all for $200 less/mo (not to mention I didn't have a car or parking in Boston). Yale's tuition is cheaper than Harvard's between $2000-$4000. That said, I don't have a love affair with New Haven like I do Boston.

 

[Melife]

Hello,
I have got an offer for MHS International Health at Hopkins. The jhsph.edu just says that there is no difference between the degrees in terms of value and recognition. But some do not believe so. Any comments from prospective, current or old MHS/MPH students would be appreciated.

 

[sblax18]

I am trying to decide between BU, UIC, and UT-Houston for HPM. I am having a really hard time deciding between these options.

BU: I received a $8k merit scholarship. Tuition and cost of living are still expensive. PAMP track is very attractive, as well as a multitude of job opportunities and networking in Boston. From what I have heard, Boston would be a great place to live for a couple of years.

UT: I received a scholarship for instate tuition plus $1k on top of that. The city of Houston is not very appealing at all , but the cost of the program as well as cost of living is very hard to dismiss. UT Health Sciences has a solid reputation, but I am concerned about networking and job opportunities after graduating (as I do not want to live in TX).

UIC: Program seems fairly solid. Appears to be a good amount of job opportunities and options for work-study (which decreases the cost of tuition enormously??). Chicago appears to be a great city to live in.

I was accepted to Emory and Ohio State as well, but they aren't that appealing to due various reasons (cost, location, strength of program, etc.). I know that Emory is a great school, but from what I have gathered on these forums is that it is not as strong in HPM. I am still waiting to hear back from from UCLA and U Florida as well...

Any opinions (good or bad) regarding these schools and/or programs? I am planning on going to school full-time. Long terms plans involve working for CRO or pharma. Any and all help is much appreciated!

 

[Stories]

I am trying to decide between BU, UIC, and UT-Houston for HPM. I am having a really hard time deciding between these options.

BU: I received a $8k merit scholarship. Tuition and cost of living are still expensive. PAMP track is very attractive, as well as a multitude of job opportunities and networking in Boston. From what I have heard, Boston would be a great place to live for a couple of years.

UT: I received a scholarship for instate tuition plus $1k on top of that. The city of Houston is not very appealing at all , but the cost of the program as well as cost of living is very hard to dismiss. UT Health Sciences has a solid reputation, but I am concerned about networking and job opportunities after graduating (as I do not want to live in TX).

UIC: Program seems fairly solid. Appears to be a good amount of job opportunities and options for work-study (which decreases the cost of tuition enormously??). Chicago appears to be a great city to live in.

I was accepted to Emory and Ohio State as well, but they aren't that appealing to due various reasons (cost, location, strength of program, etc.). I know that Emory is a great school, but from what I have gathered on these forums is that it is not as strong in HPM. I am still waiting to hear back from from UCLA and U Florida as well...

Any opinions (good or bad) regarding these schools and/or programs? I am planning on going to school full-time. Long terms plans involve working for CRO or pharma. Any and all help is much appreciated!

BU sounds like a good fit for you. I can vouch for the quality of life in Boston. It is expensive, but you can generally find decent work opportunities to help with living expenses. And if you are vigilant, you can finish your studies in 1.5 years.