MPH 2019: Applied, Waitlisted, Accepted!

Started by el.mo19
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#notadoctor said:
Hi everyone, as we all are starting to hear back about admissions and financial aid packages, for those who pretty much only applied for schools with huge price tags, how are people navigating questions of whether to defer for a year and work + prepare for bigger scholarships that they maybe only recently found out about versus committing to the cost and just spending time preparing to compete for a higher paying job post graduation? Added to that the caveat that a lot of one year positions that I, at least, could think of that are tangentially related to public health are more entry level so it's not certain how much I'd be able to save + very uncertain of earning much extra from scholarships just due to high volume of competition? Or are people considering the third option of waiting a cycle to apply for more cost effective programs?

I'm stressing out a bit over this, and I know each person will arrive at a different answer, but just hoping for guidance for what people are considering along the way 🙂
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Bloops said:
Thank you to everyone for the support and reassurance. I don’t believe there is no job for an MPH graduate and I’m incredibly passionate about the field, which is why I’m willing to take out loans for it.

I guess I just don’t have as strong of a support system as some people, and receive very conflicting advice sometimes. I was unsure if I should wait a year to save up, even though I’m eager to start grad school. I’m just not sure that one year would really make that much of a difference financially.
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I'm currently in my 2nd gap year after undergrad (only 1 of them was planned), and I can tell you that I go back and forth on whether or not I'm happy about it. After spending a year getting rejected from a bunch of med schools, I've been living with my parents while working in order to save money. However, it's taken a bit of a toll on my mental health. I'm really counting the days (months) until I move away. There's something to be said for getting away as soon as possible. However, I am saving up a fair amount of money, and even though I'll need to take out some loans, it'll be significantly less than most people. It feels like I'm mortgaging my present to make my future better, if that makes any sense. Just my $0.02.

ktenn10 said:
Have y'all received any kind of financial info from Emory yet other than that award app or the scholarships they sent out in late Feb? At this point, they are the only school that hasn't given me any kind of financial package and it looks like those awards won't be announced until late March
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Not only have I not heard any other financial aid info, I haven't heard back about the travel grant for Visit Emory, and I haven't heard back about staying with a current student. I think I might call by the end of the week if I still haven't heard.

plsmphepi said:
To people who attended/ are attending the Emory Epidemiology webinar going on March 5, 12 PM EST; the video will be recorded, but could you guys post critical information from the chats? I don't think that will be given in the link they provide, but important questions may be answered the chats. Thank you!
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I'd also appreciate someone doing this for BSHE if at all possible.
 
Gutterball1234 said:
Not only have I not heard any other financial aid info, I haven't heard back about the travel grant for Visit Emory, and I haven't heard back about staying with a current student. I think I might call by the end of the week if I still haven't heard.
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I still haven't heard form Emory regarding my travel grant either but they sent me a student match notification a couple of weeks ago, so I would definitely inquire about that as soon as possible if I were you.
 
Gutterball1234 said:
Not only have I not heard any other financial aid info, I haven't heard back about the travel grant for Visit Emory, and I haven't heard back about staying with a current student. I think I might call by the end of the week if I still haven't heard.
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JDGBruin1317 said:
I still haven't heard form Emory regarding my travel grant either but they sent me a student match notification a couple of weeks ago, so I would definitely inquire about that as soon as possible if I were you.
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I actually caved and emailed them sometime last week, and I finally got a response earlier this week that "travel grant awards are currently being distributed; however, please allow some extra time to receive your decision due to high volume of requests." I'm definitely worried that because I'm working FT that I'm in a "if funding allows" pile.
 
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#notadoctor said:
Hi everyone, as we all are starting to hear back about admissions and financial aid packages, for those who pretty much only applied for schools with huge price tags, how are people navigating questions of whether to defer for a year and work + prepare for bigger scholarships that they maybe only recently found out about versus committing to the cost and just spending time preparing to compete for a higher paying job post graduation? Added to that the caveat that a lot of one year positions that I, at least, could think of that are tangentially related to public health are more entry level so it's not certain how much I'd be able to save + very uncertain of earning much extra from scholarships just due to high volume of competition? Or are people considering the third option of waiting a cycle to apply for more cost effective programs?

I'm stressing out a bit over this, and I know each person will arrive at a different answer, but just hoping for guidance for what people are considering along the way 🙂
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I actually took two gap years because at the time I was planning on applying to HSB@UCB, which requires 2 years post-grad work. I personally, wouldn't have taken two years if a program wouldn't have required it because while I've been able to save money, it's not nearly enough to make a dent in tuition, but rather, to help offset COL expenses.

I think everyone's situation varies on how much they can save such as if they can live with family/have little or no UG loans to pay back. I'm currently living in Los Angeles, which is definitely a pricier city but ya know what I mean.

If you think you can apply for some major $$ through external scholarships, it might be worth it!
 
el.mo19 said:
I actually caved and emailed them sometime last week, and I finally got a response earlier this week that "travel grant awards are currently being distributed; however, please allow some extra time to receive your decision due to high volume of requests." I'm definitely worried that because I'm working FT that I'm in a "if funding allows" pile.
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I thought the same - because I work FT, I wouldn’t receive the travel grant; however, I applied and did get half, $175. I submitted the app shortly after Visit Emory Reg opened up. so it’s not a foregone conclusion.

Additionally, I learned today that I’ve been offered the Rollins Pathways Scholarship, $15k over 2 yrs. Not much, but for those of us who did not receive Merit-based awards from Emory, there’s still hope!
 
So glad that Yale is finally sending out decisions! I am a current Yale MPH student who would be happy to answer questions. I am not on here nearly as much as I would like to be since I am in the middle of writing my thesis, but feel free to send me a message! Just make questions as specific as possible since I may not have time to answer something very broad. Overall, I highly recommend the program. Congrats, everyone!
 
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Gutterball1234 said:
I'm currently in my 2nd gap year after undergrad (only 1 of them was planned), and I can tell you that I go back and forth on whether or not I'm happy about it. After spending a year getting rejected from a bunch of med schools, I've been living with my parents while working in order to save money. However, it's taken a bit of a toll on my mental health. I'm really counting the days (months) until I move away. There's something to be said for getting away as soon as possible. However, I am saving up a fair amount of money, and even though I'll need to take out some loans, it'll be significantly less than most people. It feels like I'm mortgaging my present to make my future better, if that makes any sense. Just my $0.02.



Not only have I not heard any other financial aid info, I haven't heard back about the travel grant for Visit Emory, and I haven't heard back about staying with a current student. I think I might call by the end of the week if I still haven't heard.



I'd also appreciate someone doing this for BSHE if at all possible.
Click to expand...

JDGBruin1317 said:
I still haven't heard form Emory regarding my travel grant either but they sent me a student match notification a couple of weeks ago, so I would definitely inquire about that as soon as possible if I were you.
Click to expand...

el.mo19 said:
I actually caved and emailed them sometime last week, and I finally got a response earlier this week that "travel grant awards are currently being distributed; however, please allow some extra time to receive your decision due to high volume of requests." I'm definitely worried that because I'm working FT that I'm in a "if funding allows" pile.
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Just a note that not all students who signed up to host have been matched yet (myself included!) so they're still working on it!
 
TD2018 said:
I don't know if I'm as worried about not finding a job, jobs are out there. But I am highly nervous about taking on the debt given the expected salary range both short and long term. I've only been accepted to schools with some pretty high price tags, and I don't know if I can justify the cost. I'm pretty upset about it, not going to grad would feel like throwing away a dream I've been working towards for years.

I think tough choices are in our future, but I'm sure we'll come out of it ok.
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Just because you don’t go this year, doesn’t mean you won’t go! I am finishing my second year of work after undergrad and I am so happy I didn’t go straight to grad school. First, I wouldn’t have gone to school for public health if I hadn’t waited. Also if you get a good job and save aggressively, you will have great experience on your resume and 15-30k to start school with. If you have been accepted to schools now, the door to graduate school will always be there for you. You should go on your terms- if that is now or later!
 
docyosh said:
I have also appied to LSHTM but still waiting for their decision. I submitted my application in mid December. When did you submit your application?
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I submitted on 12/28 but one of my recommenders came a bit tardy. I recall they say it takes about 6-8 weeks:/ Are you heavily considering them over your US schools?
 
PublicHealthScholar said:
I submitted on 12/28 but one of my recommenders came a bit tardy. I recall they say it takes about 6-8 weeks:/ Are you heavily considering them over your US schools?
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I got accepted to Johns Hopkins and Waitlisted at Harvard. These were the only two schools I applied in USA. I have a strong predilection for LSHTM as it as reputed as the US schools but tuition fee is around half way cheaper than elite US schools.

I emailed the admissions office last week and they said that my application is under review and they are having a backlog of applications and can't really say when I will hear a decision.

Which program have you applied to?
 
docyosh said:
I got accepted to Johns Hopkins and Waitlisted at Harvard. These were the only two schools I applied in USA. I have a strong predilection for LSHTM as it as reputed as the US schools but tuition fee is around half way cheaper than elite US schools.

I emailed the admissions office last week and they said that my application is under review and they are having a backlog of applications and can't really say when I will hear a decision.

Which program have you applied to?
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Hmmm! I may need to reach out also, especially if we need to decide by April 15. My first choice was control of infectious disease and second was epi!
 
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Has anyone been applying to scholarships/fellowships outside of universities, that may have a suggestion of where to start? I received a merit scholarship to my top choice, but unfortunately it is still pricey.
upload_2019-3-6_11-49-52.png
 
Alr5599 said:
Has anyone been applying to scholarships/fellowships outside of universities, that may have a suggestion of where to start? I received a merit scholarship to my top choice, but unfortunately it is still pricey. View attachment 252980
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I found a list of scholarships that people in the department I was accepted to have actually received in the past. To me that is the best place to start because it’s a short list and you know they are actually winnable.
 
Undergrad School: CNU (small liberal arts college in Southeast Virginia/Hampton Roads), Class of 2015
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.5 / 3.4
Major: Biochemistry
GRE: 161 V, 150 Q (blegh), 4.5 W (February 2019)
Experience/Research:
- 2 years working in health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) consulting for pharma clients in the DC area (2017-present)
- 2 years working in regulatory sciences for a tobacco company, ensuring compliance with FDA regulations (2015-2017)
LOR: 4: 1 from current supervisor, 1 from past supervisor, 1 from undergrad major adviser, 1 from undergrad research adviser
Interests: Health policy, health economics, transportation & health outcomes, antimicrobial resistance, HIV/AIDS, Medicare For All
Applied: UVA, VCU, GMU
Accepted: UVA, VCU, GMU
Waitlisted/Rejected: None 🙂
 
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If anyone is committed to UCLA, please send me a message for sharing thoughts. I've received a fellowship from them, but I’m skeptical, maybe because their website and their communications is surprisingly out of date and weaker than their peers.
 
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doc_tfk said:
I am looking for a math review button!! I definitely need it. Where did you find it? Also, yes I have a contingency (i.e. earning and submitting my degree)
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It was on my portal! at the very bottom left side with the other links. It just appeared yesterday! How did you hear of your contingency? (What it was)
 
PublicHealthScholar said:
It was on my portal! at the very bottom left side with the other links. It just appeared yesterday! How did you hear of your contingency? (What it was)
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Thanks! Do you know how to register for it? I can't seem to find a link to sign up. My contingency was on the portal (upper right corner of the screen), just below admissions reply form.
 
doc_tfk said:
Thanks! Do you know how to register for it? I can't seem to find a link to sign up. My contingency was on the portal (upper right corner of the screen), just below admissions reply form.
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I'm not sure how to register! I assume that option will appear in the coming weeks. And okay - thanks! Mine still says no contingency even though my letter mentioned it. Thanks anyways!
 
Any one know about (accepted students) starting the harvard mph-45 in the summer? They emailed about it, but said to apply through Sophas express...which is trying to make me re-enter all of my Sophas application info and pay $50!
 
Missaayyyy said:
I'm really confused because outside of merit scholarships, I haven't heard anything about loans/financial aid/FAFSA from any of my schools. Has everyone else? Or does anyone know when schools usually update us about this?
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We should all, or at least most of us, be hearing from schools regarding financial aid throughout the month of March, mostly within the first couple of weeks since many schools are having visit days at the end of this month and I believe there is an April 15th deadline to commit to a school, correct me if I'm wrong because last year I received my financial aide package from Emory during the second week of March, a couple weeks prior to Visit Emory.
 
JDGBruin1317 said:
We should all, or at least most of us, be hearing from schools regarding financial aid throughout the month of March, mostly within the first couple of weeks since many schools are having visit days at the end of this month and I believe there is an April 15th deadline to commit to a school, correct me if I'm wrong because last year I received my financial aide package from Emory during the second week of March, a couple weeks prior to Visit Emory.
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Ok great, thanks!

*pencils in another date to wait anxiously for*
 
Curious if anyone has received a departmental merit scholarship from Columbia? They mentioned at admitted students day that some were forthcoming but they were vague about the timeline...
 
I am in a dilemma and I an seeking opinions from others. I was offered admission to Emory for Health Policy and Management, GWU for Global Epi but waitlisted at Johns Hopkins for MSPH in International Health Systems. I am only considering Emory and JHSPH. However, JHSPH will decide again on April 16 for waitlisted candidates and at that time the April 15 deadline will have passed. If I accept Emory and then get a positive decision from JHSPH, is there any rule that binds me to the admission I accepted? Can I still accept JHSPH if I decide to go there?
 
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Sage_ramone said:
I am in a dilemma and I an seeking opinions from others. I was offered admission to Emory for Health Policy and Management, GWU for Global Epi but waitlisted at Johns Hopkins for MSPH in International Health Systems. I am only considering Emory and JHSPH. However, JHSPH will decide again on April 16 for waitlisted candidates and at that time the April 15 deadline will have passed. If I accept Emory and then get a positive decision from JHSPH, is there any rule that binds me to the admission I accepted? Can I still accept JHSPH if I decide to go there?
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It's not *binding*, but it's definitely not a great look to back out of after April 15th. That being said, it's probably more important to go to the school you think is best for you. As long as you're okay with not getting your deposit back (and Emory harboring some unhappy feelings towards you) I think it's legally okay.
 
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Does anyone hane any info of the MPH Environmental Health departments at UCLA or UCB? Each school has great programs, but I wanted to learn if there are main differences between the two within the EH concentrations. I am open to attending either university but I'm not sure which one would be better for me. I've never been to either schools but I am planning on going to both of their admitted student days this month.
 
Hi everyone, congrats to everyone's admittance letters! I'm hoping if I could get some advice from you guys. I'm an undergraduate at UW, planning to go to either UW or Harvard for masters, and then possibly medical school (for now). Here's some stuff I'm considering so far, but I would love your input!

University of Washington (MPH: Epidemiology- MCH focus)
- cheaper tuition (almost half of Harvard)
- connections I've built since undergraduate
- the director of MCH has been very involved in keeping contact with me
- seems like there are various opportunities for TA and RA, which could lead to tuition waiver
- medium reputation in public health (?)
- small cohort for MCH program

Harvard University (SM-80: Global Health and Population)
- expensive tuition
- great resources and networking
- small cohort of students
- many opportunities to grow for practicum and research internship
- great reputation
- has MCH concentration and research centers

Couple tag along questions: will the MPH vs. SM make a big difference? I didn't apply to epidemiology for Harvard and I was wondering if I were to pursue getting a job would it be a problem in the epidemiology field? Lastly, how much does the 'brand name' really matter in your opinion?

Thank you in advance!!
 
safeandsound0103 said:
Hi everyone, congrats to everyone's admittance letters! I'm hoping if I could get some advice from you guys. I'm an undergraduate at UW, planning to go to either UW or Harvard for masters, and then possibly medical school (for now). Here's some stuff I'm considering so far, but I would love your input!

University of Washington (MPH: Epidemiology- MCH focus)
- cheaper tuition (almost half of Harvard)
- connections I've built since undergraduate
- the director of MCH has been very involved in keeping contact with me
- seems like there are various opportunities for TA and RA, which could lead to tuition waiver
- medium reputation in public health (?)
- small cohort for MCH program

Harvard University (SM-80: Global Health and Population)
- expensive tuition
- great resources and networking
- small cohort of students
- many opportunities to grow for practicum and research internship
- great reputation
- has MCH concentration and research centers

Couple tag along questions: will the MPH vs. SM make a big difference? I didn't apply to epidemiology for Harvard and I was wondering if I were to pursue getting a job would it be a problem in the epidemiology field? Lastly, how much does the 'brand name' really matter in your opinion?

Thank you in advance!!
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I have similar questions regarding MPH vs MS and the title of Harvard's program if the ultimate goal is to work in epidemiology. I was also accepted to the MS-80 GHP program if you'd like to discuss!
 
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