MPH 2019: Applied, Waitlisted, Accepted!

Started by el.mo19
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miraenn said:
I emailed UCB/Cal's MPH-HPM email to ask when will admissions status's be released and Kristine Doss, the Program Manager for UCB's HPM program, stated that all admission decisions were made and forwarded to UCB's Public Health Admissions. Kristine reached out to the admissions team on when applicants can expect to be notified and they confirmed that emails are being sent out this week.

Based on how what I've seen of UCB, most decisions sent from general admissions are often rejections...

Oh well.. guess I was rejected 🙁
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I don't mean to be negative and mean, but I just find it extremely unprofessional to drag this out for so long without any formal updates. I think the least they could do is send an email maybe even a week ago saying, "Hey it's been a longer process than normal but all applicants will hear by X" or something along those lines. It's unfair to us and unprofessional as well that we hear so many different things about why they haven't told us anything yet. Definitely doesn't help the mental health and waiting.

But thank you so much for reaching out!!!!!
 
Greentree1 said:
Thank you! Though I'm going to wait for my official email before I let myself be officially excited lol.

I am so so so so conflicted as well - I have applied for MPH in Health Policy & Management to both. I like how JH is 1yr, that people would be more my age-ish (not that I have any issues with those coming directly from undergrad - I'm 26 so not even old, but def different to when I was 21), and that its truly the #1 PH School. I can also balance my electives between both Policy & Management. However I do not want to get into research - I want to get straight in to industry and at Columbia I can also benefit from the Law & Business Schools (but my cert would be in Policy Analysis, so more Policy than Management). It's also an Ivy and although I'm not fussed about that per se, its nice to be part of an 'Ivy Group' because you are also well connected with the other Ivies through a plethora of research and study opportunities. It's like its own community. And I think the campus looks beautiful (through Google - though I'm planning to visit on admitted students day on Mar 29th - are you?) And I LOVE NYC. This would be a great chance for me to live there (I am from Asia) and IDK when I would have such an opportunity.

I'll be attending both student days (hopefully) and will see how JH can help me with my career path. Maybe after my MPH I'll find a job in NYC! I would like to earn there so that I have money to spend lol. But I also see huge benefits of being a student in NYC i.e. the opportunity to meet and connect with so so many people from the city and also other great universities in the surrounding area. However the nature of the JH course is more compact and appealing and kindof straight to the point.

I am very undecided.
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I am interested in epi and have been admitted to the MPH Epidemiology w Global Health Certificate in Columbia and the MSPH Global Disease Epi Control in Johns Hopkins. Although we're in different departments, I have been having the exact same thoughts/conflicts as you! I would also like to get into industry, especially right after graduating(will consider PHD later) and definitely would rather be/work in NYC than Baltimore. I unfortunately can't make it to admitted students day so please let me know what you think! I have visited the area and it's wonderful and diverse. I've also heard back from a professor regarding research opp. in Columbia, which is great(NYC has many research opportunities). But, as you said, it's difficult turning down Hopkins the #1 name in public health. I know it's incredible for research and the professors and students are doing amazing projects(esp globally). I've also heard Hopkins is very aggressive and rigorous(as expected), although I don't expect Columbia to be much different... Decisions, decisions!
 
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oxytocin16 said:
@Greentree1: Note about Baltimore - they have the BEST ramen shop ever!!! (I've tried highly-rated ramen places in D.C., NYC, LA, and Houston). I am also from SEA and have found decent restaurants here.

Of course NYC have a lot of options too but I don't like spending >$20 to go out (versus ~$15 in Baltimore). Just my two cents 🙂.

Anyhow, I am deciding between MPH program at Columbia and MSPH program at Hopkins (I love their practicum opportunities!). I highly recommend emailing/calling current students at both programs. They are both excellent options regardless 🙂. I am also a bit "older" (25) and I met more people around my age at Hopkins (for both MSPH and MPH) than at Columbia .
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Damn, are we old at 25 now!? I'm excited for the older cohort at Hopkins, it's one of the reasons I think i'm committing there.
 
Has ANYONE applied to Cornell? Last decision i'm waiting for, their intake is so small, about 20 people I think. Has anyone heard anything?
 
brokenboujie said:
Hi y'all! It seems like there are quite a few of us here who are still deciding/pretty conflicted sooo has anyone made a decision yet about which school to attend? If so, can you share how/why you came to that decision? (desperately need some pointers 😛)
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In my case, I’m torn between Yale and Harvard. Most important advantage of Yale is its small cohort size and the possibility of close contact with professors, but the curriculum of Harvard SM program is more challenging and Quantitative-based which is more attractive for me. However, Yale tuition and CoL would be almost 20k lower than Harvard, and I’ve heard that their atmosphere is more friendly and collaborative than Harvard, but when I googled ”Harvard vs Yale”, almost every results, even those which were proponent of Yale, had mentioned that ”Harvard is Harvard”!

I really appreciate if someone compares Boston vs New Haven, in terms of paid research opportunities after graduation.
 
cramerb83 said:
Damn, are we old at 25 now!? I'm excited for the older cohort at Hopkins, it's one of the reasons I think i'm committing there.
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Haha I know, right? I've been talking to a lot of 2nd-year students and realizes that most of them are younger than me... Anyhow, which program are you in at Hopkins? I know for MSPH GDEC, median age is 24.3. I am sure it is higher for MPH
 
oxytocin16 said:
Haha I know, right? I've been talking to a lot of 2nd-year students and realizes that most of them are younger than me... Anyhow, which program are you in at Hopkins? I know for MSPH GDEC, median age is 24.3. I am sure it is higher for MPH
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MSPH in International Health (as well!), Social and Behavioural Interventions. 99% sure that i'll end up at Hopkins, and reeeeeally looking forward to it.
 
brokenboujie said:
I am interested in epi and have been admitted to the MPH Epidemiology w Global Health Certificate in Columbia and the MSPH Global Disease Epi Control in Johns Hopkins. Although we're in different departments, I have been having the exact same thoughts/conflicts as you! I would also like to get into industry, especially right after graduating(will consider PHD later) and definitely would rather be/work in NYC than Baltimore. I unfortunately can't make it to admitted students day so please let me know what you think! I have visited the area and it's wonderful and diverse. I've also heard back from a professor regarding research opp. in Columbia, which is great(NYC has many research opportunities). But, as you said, it's difficult turning down Hopkins the #1 name in public health. I know it's incredible for research and the professors and students are doing amazing projects(esp globally). I've also heard Hopkins is very aggressive and rigorous(as expected), although I don't expect Columbia to be much different... Decisions, decisions!
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I am deciding between these two programs right now! I made a spreadsheet (edited from someone from this forum actually), went to admitted students day (If you could not make it, try to email/call students - I've been doing that also), and I am meeting alumni both for one-on-one conversation and at the school's reception in my city.

If you would rather be/work in NYC than Baltimore than Columbia would definitely be a better option. Personally, I love Baltimore and plan to stay in D.C. area after graduation so Hopkins seems to be a better choice. My note below will be biased - anyone who is leaning toward Columbia please chime in:

- About practicum abroad: If you decide to do the 6-month practicum at Columbia, you basically will miss out a semester of class while still pay for full tuition. For Hopkins, tuition is 75% off second year and you potentially can still take class online while you are abroad (depends on if the courses are offered online and if the country has reliable internet).
- About Cohort size: For MPH Epidemiology, your cohort will have 120 people. For MSPH GDEC, you will be with about 25 people. However, Columbia also tries to break down the cohort into smaller size by having all first-year students taking a cases-based, leadership class that only have 20 people from all departments - this will be your main "cohort."
- About network: my impression is that with international health, Hopkins itself has a more extensive network, established fieldwork all around the world. Columbia still has a very strong connection and can still help connect you to the right people though.
- About coursework: Epi training will be the same for both schools, Hopkins teaches Stata, Columbia teaches SAS. For Columbia, you will take electives based on your certificate - for Hopkins, you can take any electives your want for second year.

Anyhow, students from both schools have a lot of positive things to say about their programs and some concrete criticism too. Both are excellent choices so it all depends on what is important to you :-D
 
cramerb83 said:
MSPH in International Health (as well!), Social and Behavioural Interventions. 99% sure that i'll end up at Hopkins, and reeeeeally looking forward to it.
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That's awesome! I was also accepted to SBI and talked to the program's director and coordinator - they are so approachable and helpful! Median age for SBI is 24 but most people that I met were working now. Anyhow, I am going to send you a message now!
 
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oxytocin16 said:
I am deciding between these two programs right now! I made a spreadsheet (edited from someone from this forum actually), went to admitted students day (If you could not make it, try to email/call students - I've been doing that also), and I am meeting alumni both for one-on-one conversation and at the school's reception in my city.

If you would rather be/work in NYC than Baltimore than Columbia would definitely be a better option. Personally, I love Baltimore and plan to stay in D.C. area after graduation so Hopkins seems to be a better choice. My note below will be biased - anyone who is leaning toward Columbia please chime in:

- About practicum abroad: If you decide to do the 6-month practicum at Columbia, you basically will miss out a semester of class while still pay for full tuition. For Hopkins, tuition is 75% off second year and you potentially can still take class online while you are abroad (depends on if the courses are offered online and if the country has reliable internet).
- About Cohort size: For MPH Epidemiology, your cohort will have 120 people. For MSPH GDEC, you will be with about 25 people. However, Columbia also tries to break down the cohort into smaller size by having all first-year students taking a cases-based, leadership class that only have 20 people from all departments - this will be your main "cohort."
- About network: my impression is that with international health, Hopkins itself has a more extensive network, established fieldwork all around the world. Columbia still has a very strong connection and can still help connect you to the right people though.
- About coursework: Epi training will be the same for both schools, Hopkins teaches Stata, Columbia teaches SAS. For Columbia, you will take electives based on your certificate - for Hopkins, you can take any electives your want for second year.

Anyhow, students from both schools have a lot of positive things to say about their programs and some concrete criticism too. Both are excellent choices so it all depends on what is important to you :-D
Click to expand...

Although Im not in Epi this is super useful. Would you mind sharing the criticisms for each? Though im guessing some might be specific to some people and not in general
 
oxytocin16 said:
I am deciding between these two programs right now! I made a spreadsheet (edited from someone from this forum actually), went to admitted students day (If you could not make it, try to email/call students - I've been doing that also), and I am meeting alumni both for one-on-one conversation and at the school's reception in my city.

If you would rather be/work in NYC than Baltimore than Columbia would definitely be a better option. Personally, I love Baltimore and plan to stay in D.C. area after graduation so Hopkins seems to be a better choice. My note below will be biased - anyone who is leaning toward Columbia please chime in:

- About practicum abroad: If you decide to do the 6-month practicum at Columbia, you basically will miss out a semester of class while still pay for full tuition. For Hopkins, tuition is 75% off second year and you potentially can still take class online while you are abroad (depends on if the courses are offered online and if the country has reliable internet).
- About Cohort size: For MPH Epidemiology, your cohort will have 120 people. For MSPH GDEC, you will be with about 25 people. However, Columbia also tries to break down the cohort into smaller size by having all first-year students taking a cases-based, leadership class that only have 20 people from all departments - this will be your main "cohort."
- About network: my impression is that with international health, Hopkins itself has a more extensive network, established fieldwork all around the world. Columbia still has a very strong connection and can still help connect you to the right people though.
- About coursework: Epi training will be the same for both schools, Hopkins teaches Stata, Columbia teaches SAS. For Columbia, you will take electives based on your certificate - for Hopkins, you can take any electives your want for second year.

Anyhow, students from both schools have a lot of positive things to say about their programs and some concrete criticism too. Both are excellent choices so it all depends on what is important to you :-D
Click to expand...

This was so helpful thank you!! I didn't know that the 6 month practicum in Columbia requires you to pay the full tuition amount still. I think SAS is more useful than STATA though, from what I've heard. I spoke to a professor of GDEC at Hopkins and got the impression that they're tight knit and very much care about their students successes thus place them in the best practicum etc. But you're right there doesn't seem to be any significant disadvantage about choosing one or the other(right?) so it's kind of upto the individual.. Thanks again 😀
 
Came home from Spring Break and had a snail mail acceptance to SDSU- leaning heavily towards this school, however I am waiting on one more school to make a decision. If I don't get accepted to my other option I am thinking I will submit my intent to enroll at SDSU!
 
Greentree1 said:
Although Im not in Epi this is super useful. Would you mind sharing the criticisms for each? Though im guessing some might be specific to some people and not in general
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For sure! Honestly there are not much haha...For Columbia, a lot of students complained about the Core. For people who have public health background in undergrad, it can be repetitive. You also don't know your schedule for the Core until you arrive so it is hard to plan anything ahead. The Core schedule (time + location) can occasionally change with very short notice. A good thing is that the school seems to be very responsive with students' feedback on the Core so it changes every year. Another downside of Columbia is that students are discouraged to work as RA/TA during their first-year - most positions are reserved for second-year students.

For Hopkins, it might be difficult to set up appointment with faculty since they travel a lot. You will have to schedule it weeks in advance.

Personally, I think Hopkins' career service can be better. I emailed both schools to ask about career outcomes and places that I am interested in working. Hopkins only sent me a report that was last updated in 2016 with a much smaller participant pool than Columbia and recommended me to talk with my department instead. Columbia's report (last updated in 2017) is so much more expansive (with stats on # of jobs students applied, # of interviews received, etc.) and they also told me about their efforts in getting students' opportunities at organizations that I was interested in. However, students from both schools had positive things to say about their career services.
 
gg.mn14 said:
I emailed regarding this and was told they have not started to award REAL yet but they will start doing so in the next couple weeks. It is based on when you submitted your application and when you completed FAFSA.
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I had called and asked about a week ago and they told me that financial packages with need based aid will start coming out like the beginning of April
 
You all seem very well informed, so can I ask what questions you're asking about each program/what you're searching for on the websites? Outside of costs, what are things you all think it's important to look at in each school? I'm trying to do a pro-con list for my programs but all I have is location and funding and it's really unhelpful lol.
 
lazyegg said:
Hi~ yes, I was able to open mine. I had to create a myUCLA account and then go in and enter my SS number before they were able to create a PAL. It was all loans though, so it didn't help much lol
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Where do you enter your SS? This is really all I am able to access.
upload_2019-3-14_15-3-45.png
 
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I think this may be helpful to share again! @Missaayyyy
Cassatrass said:
I'd recommend doing online research of all your schools and visiting those that you can!

Some things to consider (in whatever order matters most to you!):
- Tuition Cost
- Cost of Living
- Faculty Interests
- Courses (required and elective) available
- External & Internal opportunities
- Alumni statistics
- Location (this is where you'll form your network!)
- Atmosphere / Facilities
- Student happiness
- Student/ Professional Organizations
- Family/friends/etc
- Prestige

That being said, I chose Emory and absolutely love it so far!
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Hello! Does anyone interested in Pitt or is already a student at Pitt know anything regarding financial aid for MPH out-of-state students? Even though the school is highly ranked, it's way too high of a sticker price for out-of state applicants and I heard they already gave out their 50% scholarships to only like 10 people. Are there any other scholarships or need-based aid (not loans) still available? I tried contacting a guy named Kevin Broom who's in charge of it for like a month and never heard back. If not, I don't think there is a point in going to their admitted student's day on the 29th
 
I have a question for everyone; what reason did you decide to pursue an MPH at a different school than where you received your undergraduate degree?
I have the option to stay at UF for one more year (combined degree) and finish my MPH; it's cheaper and quicker, but not as reputable. Thoughts?
 
annizizi15 said:
I have a question for everyone; what reason did you decide to pursue an MPH at a different school than where you received your undergraduate degree?
I have the option to stay at UF for one more year (combined degree) and finish my MPH; it's cheaper and quicker, but not as reputable. Thoughts?
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I did apply to my Alma mater to their MPH program but I was rejected. If I was accepted, I'm 70% sure I would have attended due to my familiarity with the campus and public health courses, as well as saving a lot of money because of in state tuition. I'm excited for my choice nonetheless and looking forward to the new scenery, so I guess that rejection had some good to it! 😛😀

Pertaining to your situation, it depends on what's important to you. Do you want to save money and gain your degree faster, which has a lot of pros, or do you want a new scenery and re-build your network in another location/institution?
 
annizizi15 said:
I have a question for everyone; what reason did you decide to pursue an MPH at a different school than where you received your undergraduate degree?
I have the option to stay at UF for one more year (combined degree) and finish my MPH; it's cheaper and quicker, but not as reputable. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Personally for me, I wanted to try something new and experience more of the world around me haha. And since MPH programs are generally only 2 years long, I think it would also go by fast (in the case that you get homesick, etc.). I pretty much wanted to explore a new environment/surroundings. That way I think it'll help me to appreciate where I am currently at 🙂

With that said, I have plenty of friends who stayed at the same institution after undergrad for their grad. programs and loved it! So it really depends on what you're looking for
 
Anyone else apply to University of Nevada, Las Vegas? I submitted my app 10/26 and still have yet to hear back 🙁 I'm ready to make a decision but can't till I have all my options. Its frustrating because it was the first school I applied to. The last school I applied to has already gotten back to me! 🙁
 
annizizi15 said:
I have a question for everyone; what reason did you decide to pursue an MPH at a different school than where you received your undergraduate degree?
I have the option to stay at UF for one more year (combined degree) and finish my MPH; it's cheaper and quicker, but not as reputable. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
I did apply at the school where I received my undergraduate degree and I was accepted- however, I have ultimately decided at this point I do not want to stay there. I think mine came down to the fact that I felt like I need to expand my options when it came to finding a job and possibly pursing my PhD. I knew if I got my masters here I couldn't get my PhD here. If I stayed here for my masters, most of my connections for a PhD would be here as well and I wasn't ready to limit myself. It is significantly cheaper and that was appealing to the eye, but I felt like I would be doing myself wrong if I stayed here. They also couldn't offer me what I needed in terms of research, plus they prep you to work in our city- which I do not want to stay here.
 
PrestonNotBurke said:
Yeah, I got the same email too. Though it does sound tempting to start school in the Summer, it however won't work for me as I have already made some conflicting engagements which I can't get out of.
By the way, any word from the Financial Aid Office yet?
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I'm a bad person to ask as I got super lucky and don't need financial aid (work is paying). Saving some for the rest of you!
 
annizizi15 said:
I have a question for everyone; what reason did you decide to pursue an MPH at a different school than where you received your undergraduate degree?
I have the option to stay at UF for one more year (combined degree) and finish my MPH; it's cheaper and quicker, but not as reputable. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

This is very much specific to my personal situation, but I've lived my whole life in the city where my undergrad is located (undergrad was Ohio State, so Columbus). I feel like I need a fresh start in a new city. Also, Emory seems like it'll provide a lot more opportunity for me to pursue my interests than what OSU would have (nothing against OSU, but I'm really eyeing the CDC right now).
 
pubhealthiscool said:
Undergrad School: UMich (graduate in April)
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.65 on SOPHAS but just finished a good semester
Major/Minor: Community and Global Public Health
GRE: V: 162 (91%), Q: 153 (50%), W: 4.0 (November 2018)
Experience/Research:
- interned for 2 political campaigns (a gubernatorial primary and targeted congressional race) and was a field organizer for a third (a ballot proposal)
- starting an internship at the MI state leg next month
- interned at a telehealth addiction/opioid treatment program
- Wrote for the opinion section of my daily student newspaper for 3 years on politics and mental health
- Did a service learning trip to Vietnam and worked with an NGO that provided social services for families effected by HIV/AIDS
- 2 years on executive board of statewide federation of Michigan college dems chapters
- Research with pediatric ENT doctor for CDC project

LOR: one from the COO of the startup I interned for, 2 from professors I had each had in twice (both in health behavior, one was former director of public health undergrad program)


Interests: MPH in Health Policy/health management and policy with a concentration in mental health/substance abuse and health care reform

Applied: Emory, Boston, UMich, UNC, GW, WashU

Accepted: GW + Presidential Scholarship (12/19), Emory (1/9). Boston + $ (1/25), WashU (3/13)
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Denied: UMich, UNC
 
annizizi15 said:
I have a question for everyone; what reason did you decide to pursue an MPH at a different school than where you received your undergraduate degree?
I have the option to stay at UF for one more year (combined degree) and finish my MPH; it's cheaper and quicker, but not as reputable. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I know long term I don’t want to stay in Los Angeles, and want to expand my network outside. Having attended UCLA, and been working there since, ALL my network is here and I would like to create more outside. Plus I haven’t been able to find as many faculty doing the research that I am interested as I have at other unis.

On a personal note, I know I wouldn’t be able to work full-time as a student, and don’t think I can transition from my current living situation to something I was more used to in UG either (not looking to take out the loans on top of tuition to help me cover my current COL). Other towns COL are much more affordable IMO (minus Berk but I have family in the Bay I could stay with). When I was applying, I found out I could get reduced tuition if I continued working full-time, but as the year progresses, I don't think I (mentally) could handle staying at my current position 40 hours a week while also being a student. It would definitely be the most convenient, but personally just don't think it's feasible or like I'm doing something because it's "easiest"
 
Last edited:
UNC offered me full tuition/fees/stipend for the first year with a research assistantship!! :wow:

I think that officially narrows my decision down to UNC vs. Emory vs. Harvard. Definitely feeling very forunate to be in this position, but also feeling very torn in making this decision! I know it'll ultimately be a very personal decision, but any thoughts from you all would be appreciated.
 
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MPAfya_19 said:
UNC offered me full tuition/fees/stipend for the first year with a research assistantship!! :wow:

I think that officially narrows my decision down to UNC vs. Emory vs. Harvard. Definitely feeling very forunate to be in this position, but also feeling very torn in making this decision! I know it'll ultimately be a very personal decision, but any thoughts from you all would be appreciated.
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Congrats! You’re doing incredibly! Was this in your portal or did they email you?
 
annizizi15 said:
I have a question for everyone; what reason did you decide to pursue an MPH at a different school than where you received your undergraduate degree?
I have the option to stay at UF for one more year (combined degree) and finish my MPH; it's cheaper and quicker, but not as reputable. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I did my undergrad at UF too! I didn’t end up applying for my mph there mostly because I didn’t see myself staying in Gainesville another two years. I also took a three year gap to work in DC and it just didn’t make sense to me to go back to Florida.
 
Just curious.. any other parents on this thread trying to also make their decision based on education quality for little ones in the neighborhood of their school choice? This is such a complicated puzzle!
 
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