Fall 2012 Applicants

[Veggie Monster]

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Have not taken the GRE yet, still studying for it. I'm still weighing between applying for Fall 2012 or working for a year and applying for 2013, but I'm definitely leaning towards 2012.

I'd be able to explain it for sure, long story short a family member who I was very close to was ill for a while then we found out it was cancer and he passed away shortly into the Spring semester. So I sort of stopped caring about school and am still trying to get out of the funk, of course I'd word it in a much better way on my SOP but that's the gist of it.

EDIT: Do you have to do a fellowship for MHA? I know CSUN helps with residency which I know you need to do...

FYI, the revised GRE is rolling out on Aug 1, 2011.

USC MHA students are req to do a 1000-hr residency before graduating. After graduation, they are not req to do a fellowship.

 

[hbat009]

on a slightly off-topic note, can i ask what the normal workload i.e. number of courses per semester in the US is?

I'll be there this fall for my last semester, and I need to bump up my gpa. In New Zealand where I'm from, we only take 4 courses per semester, so I was hoping to do the same in the US.

My question: Will my gpa be weighted lower or looked at unfavourably by the adcom if I only take 4 courses/12 credits total? (Normal work load at the uni ill be attending is 5 courses/15 credits total). Is 5 courses the minimum for all colleges there?

Just thought that if I stick with 4 (all that I'm required to do), I have a better shot at gaining a higher average, but I wouldn't do this if it means my application gets chucked further down the pile.

Sorry this may not be the place to ask but thought id hear your thoughts!

 

[Veggie Monster]

on a slightly off-topic note, can i ask what the normal workload i.e. number of courses per semester in the US is?

I'll be there this fall for my last semester, and I need to bump up my gpa. In New Zealand where I'm from, we only take 4 courses per semester, so I was hoping to do the same in the US.

My question: Will my gpa be weighted lower or looked at unfavourably by the adcom if I only take 4 courses/12 credits total? (Normal work load at the uni ill be attending is 5 courses/15 credits total). Is 5 courses the minimum for all colleges there?

Just thought that if I stick with 4 (all that I'm required to do), I have a better shot at gaining a higher average, but I wouldn't do this if it means my application gets chucked further down the pile.

Sorry this may not be the place to ask but thought id hear your thoughts!

i was part time in my last quarter of college and admissions committee don't care. just get a higher gpa

 

[Ginger Ale]

Im graduating in Spring 2012 and I wanted to get into an MHA or MPH program in Fall of 2012. Am I behind in the game? When are the application deadlines for most programs?

I haven't taken the GRE's yet...I'm currently studying for the MCATs... When should I take my GRE's?

I don't have any research related to health care policy, but I do have a few semesters of biochem/mole bio research...

Thank you!

 

[Veggie Monster]

Im graduating in Spring 2012 and I wanted to get into an MHA or MPH program in Fall of 2012. Am I behind in the game? When are the application deadlines for most programs?

I haven't taken the GRE's yet...I'm currently studying for the MCATs... When should I take my GRE's?

I don't have any research related to health care policy, but I do have a few semesters of biochem/mole bio research...

Thank you!

no, you're not late. take the GRE test now!!! note: the revised test rolls out on aug 1, 2011. most deadlines are from dec to jan.

 

[Ginger Ale]

no, you're not late. take the GRE test now!!! note: the revised test rolls out on aug 1, 2011. most deadlines are from dec to jan.

Thank you Veggie Monster. I will take the GRE if I have to after I finish up the MCATs in August. Have you heard of any programs accepting MCAT scores in lieu of the GRE?

 

[Veggie Monster]

Thank you Veggie Monster. I will take the GRE if I have to after I finish up the MCATs in August. Have you heard of any programs accepting MCAT scores in lieu of the GRE?

Sorry, not that I know of any mha programs that accepts the mcat.

however, columbia accepts the mcat.

We require the (GRE) Graduate Record Examination General Test but will consider GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, or DAT. A written request for a waiver of test scores will be reviewed but is only appropriate if your transcripts provide clear evidence of strong quantitative and analytical writing ability. When reporting GRE scores from ETS, students should use Institutional Code 2159 and Department Code 0616. The Admissions Committee does not exclude GREs based on test date. However, the Admissions Committee does reserve the right to ask an applicant to retake the GRE exam.


why MHA + MD ? just curious since i thought i wanted to apply to med school but decided not to. 😆

 

[Ginger Ale]

Thanks for the information!
I find health care policy and management pretty fascinating.
In the long run, I think a physician with a background in health care management has valuable insight and credibility on how to delivery quality care in the most cost-effective way. If ACO's go through, physicians may have a larger managerial role.

Plus, Im graduating early, and would like to take a gap year and do something useful..

Hmm, I don't think my classes have demonstrated strong writing or quantitative skills, so I'll probably end up taking the GRE in the Fall.

I've tried looking for stats on admittants to JHU's MHA program, but haven't found any. I guess I'll just assume the higher the better...
Do you think these programs place a heavy emphasis on public health/health care policy research or anything of that sort? My research experience has only been basic science related...

Thanks

 

[Veggie Monster]

Thanks for the information!
I find health care policy and management pretty fascinating.
In the long run, I think a physician with a background in health care management has valuable insight and credibility on how to delivery quality care in the most cost-effective way. If ACO's go through, physicians may have a larger managerial role.

Plus, Im graduating early, and would like to take a gap year and do something useful..

Hmm, I don't think my classes have demonstrated strong writing or quantitative skills, so I'll probably end up taking the GRE in the Fall.

I've tried looking for stats on admittants to JHU's MHA program, but haven't found any. I guess I'll just assume the higher the better...
Do you think these programs place a heavy emphasis on public health/health care policy research or anything of that sort? My research experience has only been basic science related...

Thanks

JHU's MHA is quant heavy.

No, MHA programs don't really place a heavy emphasis on prior PH/HC policy research experience. only research i've done are plant pathology, epi of burn victims, and liver disease. i don't plan to talk about any of them or list those experiences on my resume. though i have a multitude of health policy experience, which i plan to talk about and list on my resume.

 

[Veggie Monster]

Any Fall 2012 MHA candidates working on their statement of purpose (SOP) right now? I would like a second opinion on my SOP and I am willing to look over yours as well. yeah, go team!

 

[Ginger Ale]

Any Fall 2012 MHA candidates working on their statement of purpose (SOP) right now? I would like a second opinion on my SOP and I am willing to look over yours as well. yeah, go team!

I don't mind looking yours over and giving ya some feedback. You can PM me.

 

[madison575]

Jaya-

Where exactly could I find these opportunities on Craigslist? I have spent the last couple of weeks keeping an eye out for them but either I'm not looking in the right spot or there just haven't been any openings what with all the students out of school for the summer. Or to make things easier, do you know of someone at Rush that I could contact regarding these opportunities?

Thanks for the info!

Hi Madison575,
If you are in Chicago, I would suggest looking at craigslist for research assistant postings for Rush. They often have a number of RA positions open for public health studies. A lot of it is data collection and going out to data collection sites, but it gets you in the door. I realize it is more MPH related than MHA but chances are you will get better experience and perhaps more opportunities for more administrative experiences.

Also, if you have any interest in Chicago schools, then you are already set up at Rush. I applied to UIC as a safety school of sorts and I didn't expect to go there but I found this amazing fellowship opportunity at Rush that was too good to pass up, so I will work there part-time and go to UIC. It is worth looking into.

Jaya

 

[Wickel]

I'd be more than happy to give yours a look over. I haven't touched mine in awhile, but I'd love to hear what you think about it. Shoot me a PM.

 

[Mystikal]

Blah.. I need to get some motivation to tackle the SOP monster. Applying to 5 different schools means a different one for each of them 😱

 

[Wickel]

Blah.. I need to get some motivation to tackle the SOP monster. Applying to 5 different schools means a different one for each of them 😱

Well not necessarily...I've been told that one should draft a very strong, but general SOP that is easy to tweak for specific programs.

 

[Mystikal]

That actually was my game plan 😉 still going to be a pain. Since sophas doesn't open till september not much motivation now. I spent a lot of time tackling the GRE this summer

Well not necessarily...I've been told that one should draft a very strong, but general SOP that is easy to tweak for specific programs.

 

[mwdl4life]

FYI, the revised GRE is rolling out on Aug 1, 2011.

USC MHA students are req to do a 1000-hr residency before graduating. After graduation, they are not req to do a fellowship.

Veggie, are you a USC grad by chance? 👍 I graduated from there in May, and I think I'm going to apply to the MHA program at the school.

 

[Veggie Monster]

Veggie, are you a USC grad by chance? 👍 I graduated from there in May, and I think I'm going to apply to the MHA program at the school.

haha unfortunately no. but i've met a lot of famous usc alums in dc who are involved in politics. they have influenced me to apply to usc! 😀 😀

usc's mha program is my first choice over yale and columbia!

 

[mwdl4life]

haha unfortunately no. but i've met a lot of famous usc alums in dc who are involved in politics. they have influenced me to apply to usc! 😀 😀

usc's mha program is my first choice over yale and columbia!

nice!

 

[Veggie Monster]

Veggie, are you a USC grad by chance? 👍 I graduated from there in May, and I think I'm going to apply to the MHA program at the school.

what are your thoughts about the MHA program?

do admission staffers work during the summer? i've emailed them 5x and they have yet to reply to any of my questions. i'm mad.

 

[drpeachdoll]

hey..i wanted to apply for the mha program at uofmich...can u guide me how to apply as i am not familiar with the SOPHAS system and what other mha's programs are good?

 

[Mystikal]

hey..i wanted to apply for the mha program at uofmich...can u guide me how to apply as i am not familiar with the SOPHAS system and what other mha's programs are good?

As for other quality MHA programs here are some rankings from US news.

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/healthcare-management-rankings

 

[Veggie Monster]

I have an interest in implementation of Accountable Care Organization (ACO) models within hospitals and medical groups. Does anyone know which school or professor I can learn more about ACOs as a prospective MHA / MPH (Health Management) student?

Any other profs or schools?

 

[Veggie Monster]

bump?* ^

 

[madison575]

So is no one else applying for an MHA in Fall 2012 or is it still too soon?!

 

[drmaddy]

Hi guys ..its nice to see so many mha enthusiasts at one place...and i hope i can get some answers regarding my queries 🙂..
i graduated in medicine and surgery in jan 2011 and hav a work ex of 6 months as a general practitioner and i plan to apply to the mha programs at UNC,JHU,U Mich and VCU(in order of preference) the problem is tht i havent yet given the gre and i was wondering if they wud accept a gmat score (710 Q49 C36 )

 

[Veggie Monster]

Hi guys ..its nice to see so many mha enthusiasts at one place...and i hope i can get some answers regarding my queries 🙂..
i graduated in medicine and surgery in jan 2011 and hav a work ex of 6 months as a general practitioner and i plan to apply to the mha programs at UNC,JHU,U Mich and VCU(in order of preference) the problem is tht i havent yet given the gre and i was wondering if they wud accept a gmat score (710 Q49 C36 )

with a quick google search that only takes less than 1 min, the answer is yes to all of those schools.

 

[Mitu]

Hey all,

So, I just took the GMAT. I got a 710 (92nd percentile) overall, but my quant/verbal split was pretty big: 59th percentile in quant and 99th in verbal. Do you guys think I should retake it in order to be a competitive applicant?

Thanks!

 

[Veggie Monster]

Hey all,

So, I just took the GMAT. I got a 710 (92nd percentile) overall, but my quant/verbal split was pretty big: 59th percentile in quant and 99th in verbal. Do you guys think I should retake it in order to be a competitive applicant?

Thanks!

if i were you, i wouldn't retake it. however, if you have time to waste, you can always study more on the quant section and improve your overall score.

 

[Ginger Ale]

I have an interest in implementation of Accountable Care Organization (ACO) models within hospitals and medical groups. Does anyone know which school or professor I can learn more about ACOs as a prospective MHA / MPH (Health Management) student?

Any other profs or schools?

Try UMich, I know they are working on making an ACO

 

[Mystikal]

Can anyone shed some light on roughly how long it takes for schools to get back to you with an acceptance or rejection

 

[MHA]

Great to see this thread. I'm another applicant in the FA2012 pool!

I graduated June 2011 from UCSD with a biology degree and econ minor. GPA 3.2, GRE 1490 (700 V/790 Q).

Healthcare Exp: 2 years of hospital volunteering in HS, 2 years diabetic neuropathy research experience, 1 year Health and Nutrition Coordinator for Seattle non-profit through AmeriCorps

Leadership: 4 years student council experience (President of my college), 1 year RA, Alumni Association Outstanding Senior Award.

Veggie Monster, may I ask what advantage there is to applying in October? The earliest deadline I've been able to find is in November (Cornell, when reviewing starts).

UPDATE:
Applied: UW MHA, USC MHA, Cornell MHA
Acceptances: UW, USC (Dean's Merit), Cornell
Rejections: 🙂
Attending: University of Washington

 

[Wickel]

Great to see this thread. I'm another applicant in the FA2012 pool!

I graduated June 2011 from UCSD with a biology degree and econ minor. GPA 3.2, GRE 1490 (700 V/790 Q).


And Veggie Monster, may I ask what advantage there is to applying in October? The earliest deadline I've been able to find is in November (Cornell, when reviewing starts).

Also, does anyone have any admission stats? I'm planning on applying to UW, JHU, Cornell, USC, Georgetown, and WSU, but I have no idea what chance I have of getting in. Or if anyone has any advice on getting experience besides volunteering (which I'm starting this month), I'd appreciate it!

I'm going to go ahead and answer some of these questions for ya:

The advantage to submitting application by early October is ofcourse an earlier reply. And I think that you're mistaken when it comes to Cornell's deadlines. It is actually April 15 and you'll find that MHA programs do not tend to have have even soft deadlines earlier than December 1st. Personally, I want to have all of my application submitted at the very latest, early November. I figure most people will be submitting their applications in late November/early December and I'd like to have my results by the start of my Spring semester.

It looks like we're applying to some of the same programs (JHU, Cornell, GT). I'll be graduating this May with Majors in Spanish and Health Systems Management from a top private school in Chicago. I have a 3.25 (darn pre-med past) and my GRE scores are both in the mid-500's, 4.0W. I had very little time to prepare so I will most likely retake it sometime in October, oy! I hope I sufficiently answered some of your questions for you.

 

[MHA]

Thanks Wickel! I guess I meant that Cornell's webpage suggested submitting in November, but I see how earlier is better.


Good luck to you on your GRE! But Health Systems Management in undergrad... whew! That's good preparation. Too bad the closest my school even got to business were intense calculus based economics classes (they're working on an Accounting major).

 

[Wickel]

Thanks Wickel! I guess I meant that Cornell's webpage suggested submitting in November, but I see how earlier is better.


Good luck to you on your GRE! But Health Systems Management in undergrad... whew! That's good preparation. Too bad the closest my school even got to business were intense calculus based economics classes (they're working on an Accounting major).

I see what you meant now. Most of the programs that I've com across have highly recommended applying as early as November.

And yes, I'm very lucky. I originally started out Bio/Pre-med, hated the classes I was taking and had the good fortune of discovering this amazing program. There aren't very many undergraduate hsm programs out there so I got VERY luck. I'm hoping my background will give me an edge when applying. You attended UCSD correct? It surprises me that there wouldn't be a School of Business with Economics, Accounting, Management, etc. as options for a major.

 

[Veggie Monster]

random q:

what's the dress attire when visiting schools, classrooms, admission directors, students, profs, etc.?


=======

@ MHA

I'm just submitting my apps early for personal reasons. I wana get it done quickly!

 

[Veggie Monster]

.

 

[Mystikal]

SOPHAS re opening on the 14. You guys ready?

 

[Veggie Monster]

SOPHAS re opening on the 14. You guys ready?

Ready to pwn, brah. 👍

 

[alwyn17]

hey guys,

i just joined the forum. This thread is really helpful..👍
i am a dentist n plannin to apply for mha with a yr's experience. wat gre score is considered good for admissions in most universities?

 

[MHA]

You attended UCSD correct? It surprises me that there wouldn't be a School of Business with Economics, Accounting, Management, etc. as options for a major.

UCSD has a graduate business school (Rady School of Management), but they haven't expanded much in terms of undergraduate programs yet. They just opened an Accounting minor (but not major) last year. The "Management Science" major gets you a Bachelor of Science, so it's very very calculus heavy rather than developing soft business skills.

hey guys,

i just joined the forum. This thread is really helpful..👍
i am a dentist n plannin to apply for mha with a yr's experience. wat gre score is considered good for admissions in most universities?

From Johns Hopkin's FAQs:
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM TEST SCORES?
The minimum scores are at the 55%; however, the average scores in the quantitative and verbal sections are between 70-75%. (percentiles)

Here are the stats for George Washington's entire public health graduate department (incl. the MHSA program):
Incoming Class: 400
Average Age: 27
Average GRE: 550 Verbal, 650 Quantitative
Average GPA: 3.4
Identify as Minority:45%
Speak a Foreign Language: 27%
International Background: 22%
Hold an Advanced Degree: 16%

Some more info can be found in AUPHA's directory of member programs: http://www.aupha.org/custom/directory/index.cfm
Apparently Cornell's MHA program has a 66% acceptance rate for a cohort of 20?

 

[Veggie Monster]

20. 60%?

hmm, someone dislikes studying in the middle of no where 😴

here's columbia:

Application and Acceptance Information
New Entrants Minimum GPA Minimum GRE Minimum GMAT Acceptance Rate
0 3.0 50th percentile in each category 50th percentile in each category 78

hmm, large migration into nyc.

 

[alwyn17]

UCSD has a graduate business school (Rady School of Management), but they haven't expanded much in terms of undergraduate programs yet. They just opened an Accounting minor (but not major) last year. The "Management Science" major gets you a Bachelor of Science, so it's very very calculus heavy rather than developing soft business skills.



From Johns Hopkin's FAQs:
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM TEST SCORES?
The minimum scores are at the 55%; however, the average scores in the quantitative and verbal sections are between 70-75%. (percentiles)

Here are the stats for George Washington's entire public health graduate department (incl. the MHSA program):
Incoming Class: 400
Average Age: 27
Average GRE: 550 Verbal, 650 Quantitative
Average GPA: 3.4
Identify as Minority:45%
Speak a Foreign Language: 27%
International Background: 22%
Hold an Advanced Degree: 16%

Some more info can be found in AUPHA's directory of member programs: http://www.aupha.org/custom/directory/index.cfm
Apparently Cornell's MHA program has a 66% acceptance rate for a cohort of 20?

thanks.. working on my sop.. hope to b done soon..

 

[Veggie Monster]

is anyone planning to visit the programs on campus?😕

i'll be visiting usc soon.

(columbia + yale in 3 weeks)

 

[Wickel]

is anyone planning to visit the programs on campus?😕

i'll be visiting usc soon.

(columbia + yale in 3 weeks)

As much as I'd love to, between finances and time, I just don't see myself being able to do so. Fortunately there will be a grad school fair coming into Chicago in the upcoming weeks and I'll have the opportunity to meet representatives from JHU, NYU, Columbia and a few other programs on my list.

 

[RAMPA]

As much as I'd love to, between finances and time, I just don't see myself being able to do so. Fortunately there will be a grad school fair coming into Chicago in the upcoming weeks and I'll have the opportunity to meet representatives from JHU, NYU, Columbia and a few other programs on my list.

+1
I did that when I was in Chicago. It was such a time saver and a $$$ saver.

Plus I would prefer to visit a campus I've already been accepted at since there is more relevant information for admitted students.

Good luck

 

[Ginger Ale]

So would you say that most schools admit students on a rolling basis?
My only issue about getting in my application in is letters of recs. I'm taking courses this semester with professors who I plan to get recs from...

Veggie Monster, I'd assume the dress code for visiting programs is a dress shirt, khaki pants and a formal sweater if its cold. At least that's my preference.

 

[Veggie Monster]

So would you say that most schools admit students on a rolling basis?
My only issue about getting in my application in is letters of recs. I'm taking courses this semester with professors who I plan to get recs from...

Veggie Monster, I'd assume the dress code for visiting programs is a dress shirt, khaki pants and a formal sweater if its cold. At least that's my preference.

wait, i have to wear clothes? 😱

 

[Wickel]

+1
I did that when I was in Chicago. It was such a time saver and a $$$ saver.

Plus I would prefer to visit a campus I've already been accepted at since there is more relevant information for admitted students.

Good luck

Who can I expect to speak with at this fair? Alumni or actual admissions counselors? I've attended MBA fairs in the past and had the opportunity to meet actual admissions DIRECTORS and I'm hoping for the same at this fair.

 

[RAMPA]

Who can I expect to speak with at this fair? Alumni or actual admissions counselors? I've attended MBA fairs in the past and had the opportunity to meet actual admissions DIRECTORS and I'm hoping for the same at this fair.

It varied by programs, but for the most part it was staff from the admissions office.
-Yale had local (Chicago) Health Management alumni.
-Harvard had the SPH Admissions director.
-NYU Wagner had an assistant admissions director.
-UCLA had the Dean for Student Affairs from the SPH.

I did notice that the MAJORITY of attendees were not in business casual dress (I wasn't either), so dressing up a little would help you stand out. Is it going to be at UIC again?