MPH 2019: Applied, Waitlisted, Accepted!

[Gutterball1234]

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Due to circumstances, I was just able to submit my SOPHAS application. My top choice has a priority deadline of January 5. Am I screwed, or has verification been going relatively fast this year? I know I'm kinda late submitting.

 

[TD2018]

Hi, guys. One of the schools that I applied to, Loma Linda University, sent me an email saying I have exactly 14 days before making a decision from the date the email was received. I already emailed the admission, but it doesn't make any sense because I haven't even received a financial aid package. Does this happen often in MPH/MSPH programs? I'm very confused right now...

That seems really extreme. Most schools want decisions by April. Expecting you to reply before hearing from other schools or about financial aid is not realistic or common.

 

[wwmmkk]

Hi, guys. One of the schools that I applied to, Loma Linda University, sent me an email saying I have exactly 14 days before making a decision from the date the email was received. I already emailed the admission, but it doesn't make any sense because I haven't even received a financial aid package. Does this happen often in MPH/MSPH programs? I'm very confused right now...

This is sketchy if you applied for Fall admissions. The Council of Graduate Schools (to which Loma Linda belongs) has a resolution stating that April 15 is the earliest deadline at which a school can require a prospective or current student to accept/reject an offer of financial support (scholarship, financial aid, fellowships, TA/RA, etc.). The vast majority of graduate schools also interpret this to mean that admitted students do not have to confirm or deny enrollment until this date.

Don't accept an offer of admission unless you know what they are offering you financially. Don't feel pressured into accepting an offer until April 15 (or until you've gotten a definitive acceptance with financial info or rejection from every school you applied to).

 

[blackjedbartlett]

This is basically a cross post from the MHA thread, but I applied to a few non health admin programs and this thread is far more active anyway
So here are my stats:
School: The University of Texas
GPA: 3.72
GRE: 161 V 154 Q
Major: a combination of public health and human development
Experience: Intern in health policy at the Texas House of representives
Intern at the medical school in health outcomes management
Independent project collaborating with the medical school working with geriatric populatins.
Undergraduate teaching assistsnt
Human development lab research effects of socail ties
Lab research on creating a biomarker screening test for cancer
Special Factors: URM
Fnished college early( I'm 20 so this could be both good or bad for programs lol)

Applied: BU(MPH MBA dual degree health management) Yale HPM, Hopkins MHA, Minnesota MHA, Columbia MHA, Dartmouth Institute, Brown MPH, Harvard MS aging populations epidemiology, Tufts MPH.
all applied around mid to late October except Minnesota and Columbia and Harvard which were late November.
Interview: Had some sort of informal interviews at BU and Tufts late October when visiting ,12/13 Hopkins, 1/4 Minnesota
Waitlist:
Rejected:
Accepted:
Attending:

I applied to a few non directly hospital admin programs so I have been stalking the MPH threads just as much as the MHA threads! Here's to hopefully a good cycle for us all

 

[oacljv]

Well shoot, somehow I completely missed that there was a graduate division application for Berkeley, so despite submitting my SOPHAS app quite early, I didn't ever do that additional app. I just got a very sternly worded email from the SPH that seems to be encouraging me to complete the application while also telling me that only applications submitted by 12/1 will be evaluated. I guess I'll fill it out and see what happens, but I hope I'm not just wasting money if it's a lost cause at this point...

It's absolutely my fault for missing that extra application, but I have to say, it definitely wasn't listed on the SOPHAS page like other schools (ie UCLA), and also wasn't extremely prominently mentioned on their website (at least in the places I was looking).

edit : well, looks like I'm not getting into Berkeley. I quickly filled out the grad application, but I'm being being prevented from submitting due to the passed due date. I suppose I could try to get in touch with the SPH and see if they could extend the deadline for me, but at this point I think it's best to accept that I screwed up and take it as a lesson to be more careful in the future. The good news is that Berkeley wasn't my top choice, anyway, but it's frustrating.

 

[Missaayyyy]

Well shoot, somehow I completely missed that there was a graduate division application for Berkeley, so despite submitting my SOPHAS app quite early, I didn't ever do that additional app. I just got a very sternly worded email from the SPH that seems to be encouraging me to complete the application while also telling me that only applications submitted by 12/1 will be evaluated. I guess I'll fill it out and see what happens, but I hope I'm not just wasting money if it's a lost cause at this point...

It's absolutely my fault for missing that extra application, but I have to say, it definitely wasn't listed on the SOPHAS page like other schools (ie UCLA), and also wasn't extremely prominently mentioned on their website (at least in the places I was looking).

edit : well, looks like I'm not getting into Berkeley. I quickly filled out the grad application, but I'm being being prevented from submitting due to the passed due date. I suppose I could try to get in touch with the SPH and see if they could extend the deadline for me, but at this point I think it's best to accept that I screwed up and take it as a lesson to be more careful in the future. The good news is that Berkeley wasn't my top choice, anyway, but it's frustrating.

I got this email, too, but I submitted my apps early. I'm not sure why they sent it 4 days after their stated deadline but it made me freak out a little and now I want to be extra sure that they DID receive my 2 apps....unfortunately Berkeley is my top choice so I'm a little worried haha.

Hope they let you submit, the graduate division app was only due yesterday.

 

[Ramaq Chishti]

Undergrad School: Harvard Affiliated Medical University in India
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.47 (WES)
Major/Minor: Bachelor of Dental Surgery
GRE: V: 149 (42%), Q: 145 (20%), W: 4.0 (Oct 2018)
TOEFL : 111/120 (Oct 2018)
Experience/Research (please, be brief):
Awards : Summer Research Fellowship at my university and Best Paper Presentation.
Also have paper presented in numerous conferences.
- 1 year dental internship at my university.
- 6 months research internship at my university.
- 6 months dental observer ship.
- 1.8 years Dentist Trainee in the middle east.
- 8 months Clinical Coordinator, managing accounting, marketing, basically all clinical management duties.
- Several Local volunteer in middle east and India.
- 1.5 years as a Dentist in Middle East.

Will soon join a NGO which helps women in distressing situations.


LOR: two strong letters from the general managers at my work place, and one from my university dean.

Interests: MPH in behavioral health and/or health education; program evaluation and implementation

Applying:
Any suggestions? I am quite unconfident because of my low GRE scores,
Should I take it again and apply?

I am not uber qualified to comment, but the scores need a definite improvement to boost acceptance and even scholarship chances.

 

[lapislazuli19]

@Ramaq Chishti Thank you for response.
I am working on trying to do better in my GRE.

 

[lapislazuli19]

Well shoot, somehow I completely missed that there was a graduate division application for Berkeley, so despite submitting my SOPHAS app quite early, I didn't ever do that additional app. I just got a very sternly worded email from the SPH that seems to be encouraging me to complete the application while also telling me that only applications submitted by 12/1 will be evaluated. I guess I'll fill it out and see what happens, but I hope I'm not just wasting money if it's a lost cause at this point...

It's absolutely my fault for missing that extra application, but I have to say, it definitely wasn't listed on the SOPHAS page like other schools (ie UCLA), and also wasn't extremely prominently mentioned on their website (at least in the places I was looking).

edit : well, looks like I'm not getting into Berkeley. I quickly filled out the grad application, but I'm being being prevented from submitting due to the passed due date. I suppose I could try to get in touch with the SPH and see if they could extend the deadline for me, but at this point I think it's best to accept that I screwed up and take it as a lesson to be more careful in the future. The good news is that Berkeley wasn't my top choice, anyway, but it's frustrating.

Same thing happened to me, I do not know what is gonna happen next. I did email them.
I hope so they manage to help us in some way or the other. I also didn’t find any particular area in their website or SOPHAS application that stated this Grad app form is required to be submitted.

 

[MePleaseHokay]

Well shoot, somehow I completely missed that there was a graduate division application for Berkeley, so despite submitting my SOPHAS app quite early, I didn't ever do that additional app. I just got a very sternly worded email from the SPH that seems to be encouraging me to complete the application while also telling me that only applications submitted by 12/1 will be evaluated. I guess I'll fill it out and see what happens, but I hope I'm not just wasting money if it's a lost cause at this point...

It's absolutely my fault for missing that extra application, but I have to say, it definitely wasn't listed on the SOPHAS page like other schools (ie UCLA), and also wasn't extremely prominently mentioned on their website (at least in the places I was looking).

edit : well, looks like I'm not getting into Berkeley. I quickly filled out the grad application, but I'm being being prevented from submitting due to the passed due date. I suppose I could try to get in touch with the SPH and see if they could extend the deadline for me, but at this point I think it's best to accept that I screwed up and take it as a lesson to be more careful in the future. The good news is that Berkeley wasn't my top choice, anyway, but it's frustrating.

Right there with you. I'm so crushed and frustrated as it was definitely one of my top choices, I've been dreaming of moving out there. I had NO IDEA this was additionally due by the 1st. I emailed the committee and am completing mine today but damn it.

 

[kinasekinasekat]

Right there with you. I'm so crushed and frustrated as it was definitely one of my top choices, I've been dreaming of moving out there. I had NO IDEA this was additionally due by the 1st. I emailed the committee and am completing mine today but damn it.

Same! I just emailed them and you know I think if enough people do email them we might have a shot. I really think it is on them for not putting it on SOPHAS like all the other schools that do.

 

[eskiiit]

I got this email, too, but I submitted my apps early. I'm not sure why they sent it 4 days after their stated deadline but it made me freak out a little and now I want to be extra sure that they DID receive my 2 apps....unfortunately Berkeley is my top choice so I'm a little worried haha.

Hope they let you submit, the graduate division app was only due yesterday.

I got this email too, but my submission dates show before 12/1 - love spazzing out

 

[eskiiit]

Same! I just emailed them and you know I think if enough people do email them we might have a shot. I really think it is on them for not putting it on SOPHAS like all the other schools that do.

I agree, I filled the app out before but only because I had been stalking their site for months. It wasn't easily known I hope they let previous applicants apply!!!!!

 

[oacljv]

This whole situation is very odd. I don't understand why they sent this "reminder" several days AFTER the due date. The way it's worded makes it sound like they won't take late applications, but what's the point of a "reminder" in that case?

Anyway, I feel horrible that other people are in this situation too, but hopefully we will have strength in numbers.

 

[kinasekinasekat]

They're letting us submit btw! You have to email them and then they will extend the deadline for you through Sunday

 

[doctorjonesofhampton]

Just got into Pitt for HPM!

Strange though, I didn't get an official acceptance notification, rather a professor emailed to say congrats and offered to set up a time to talk lol. But I'll take what I can get!

(But should I be concerned about it not being like a legit legit acceptance letter?)


Update: Got the official letter 3 days later. 🙂

Congratulations. Pitt is my first choice but I am yet to send in my application. If I may ask, what were your test scores and GPA? and have you been offered any funding yet?

 

[dubbz09]

Congratulations. Pitt is my first choice but I am yet to send in my application. If I may ask, what were your test scores and GPA? and have you been offered any funding yet?

Thank you! All the best with your app! My GRE scores are 160V 160Q 4.0A, GPA 3.62 (WES Eval). I'm not so sure when we hear about funding, the email I received didn't speak to it at all but I figured I would hear more Feb/March next year. From previous forums I've seen that Pitt isn't that generous with funding but keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[php2019]

I received this email too, and I submitted both applications on 11/29. It definitely freaked me out--I'm not sure why they would send out a reminder after the deadline, or to those who had already submitted both applications... but I'm glad they are still letting people apply!!

 

[doctorjonesofhampton]

Thank you! All the best with your app! My GRE scores are 160V 160Q 4.0A, GPA 3.62 (WES Eval). I'm not so sure when we hear about funding, the email I received didn't speak to it at all but I figured I would hear more Feb/March next year. From previous forums I've seen that Pitt isn't that generous with funding but keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks. And yes I agree with you, most of the programs give aid packages usually in March. I hope everything goes well for you. Good luck

 

[wwmmkk]

Congratulations. Pitt is my first choice but I am yet to send in my application. If I may ask, what were your test scores and GPA? and have you been offered any funding yet?

I have heard from someone on Pitt's admissions committee that Pitt does not offer funding to the vast majority of its Masters students. A handful (I'm talking 5-6 students per year) qualify for a merit scholarship, but applicants should not expect any funding from Pitt.

 

[twinkysaur]

Got into GWU Epi program! Surprised to hear back 3 weeks after they sent me an email saying my app was under review. I hope that anybody who also applied will hear back very soon with good news!!

 

[kinasekinasekat]

Admitted to UMich MPH in Epidemiology! It is among my first choices so I'm very happy. My parents also both went there for undergrad so they are very very happy haa


Undergrad: UChicago
GPA: 3.31 || GRE: 162V, 160 Q, 4.5W
Applied: Emory MPH Epi, Harvard MS Epi, Johns Hopkins Full-time MPH, Berkeley MPH Epi/Biostat, GWU Biostat, UNC MPH Epi, University of Washington Epi. SOPHAS Verified 11/16
Accepted: UMich 12/7
Rejected: GWU 12/3

 

[acn2019]

My Verified SOPHAS application was submitted to BU on 11/5. I filled out the supplemental app (one question) the day they emailed me the link, 11/15. They just emailed me today to say that my application is complete. Do y’all think I will still hear back from them next week? This email says 4 to 6 weeks, but the first wave heard back on 12/15 last year.

 

[Omahask]

Admitted to UMich MPH in Epidemiology! It is among my first choices so I'm very happy. My parents also both went there for undergrad so they are very very happy haa


Undergrad: UChicago
GPA: 3.31 || GRE: 162V, 160 Q, 4.5W
Applied: Emory MPH Epi, Harvard MS Epi, Johns Hopkins Full-time MPH, Berkeley MPH Epi/Biostat, GWU Biostat, UNC MPH Epi, University of Washington Epi. SOPHAS Verified 11/16
Accepted: UMich 12/7
Rejected: GWU 12/3

congrats!!

 

[Omahask]

just got accepted to WVU and University of Alabama at Birmingham...🙂

 

[EnviroJusticeWarrior]

For anyone applying to Penn, good luck with online/in-person interviews!

 

[el.mo19]

My Verified SOPHAS application was submitted to BU on 11/5. I filled out the supplemental app (one question) the day they emailed me the link, 11/15. They just emailed me today to say that my application is complete. Do y’all think I will still hear back from them next week? This email says 4 to 6 weeks, but the first wave heard back on 12/15 last year.

I think it depends on your department/how many apps were in the queue. So I wouldn't be discouraged if you don't hear back next week, given it will only have been "complete" for ~1 week. I noticed the same trend you mentioned and am anticipating a first wave of decisions next week!

 

[el.mo19]

Has anyone else whose been accepted to Tulane struggled to find the correct Public Health FinAid Addendum? I can only find the 2018-2019 one, not 19-20. I emailed my counselor and plan to update when I get a response.

 

[livingconversation]

Has anyone applied to the University of Minnesota?

I applied on 10/31 and just wondering whether others have received any information!

 

[jacobble]

Has anyone applied to the University of Minnesota?

I applied on 10/31 and just wondering whether others have received any information!

No. I applied 11/1 and only received a confirmation email that they've received my application and that it was complete. Hopefully we hear back soon!

 

[Uniqueusername13]

Just wondering how other people’s application shows on OPUS (Emory). I opened my account on the portal at least a week ago now. My account has nothing in the To Do List but under the Status it still says Incomplete. Not sure if there’s something I need to do or what. Hate to bug them with an unnecessary email.

 

[EnviroJusticeWarrior]

Just wondering how other people’s application shows on OPUS (Emory). I opened my account on the portal at least a week ago now. My account has nothing in the To Do List but under the Status it still says Incomplete. Not sure if there’s something I need to do or what. Hate to bug them with an unnecessary email.

It could be the FAFSA form that they want you to fill out

 

[livingconversation]

No. I applied 11/1 and only received a confirmation email that they've received my application and that it was complete. Hopefully we hear back soon!

Yeah that’s the email I got too, which also said we’d get more info soon. Anyway, good luck to you!

 

[jacobble]

Thanks! From looking at last year's thread, it looks like they started sending out decisions the week of 12/10. What dept. did you apply to?

 

[livingconversation]

Thanks! From looking at last year's thread, it looks like they started sending out decisions the week of 12/10. What dept. did you apply to?

Hey, that’s pretty soon! I applied for the epi program. And you?

 

[Ilovejesuschrist]

No def not that. No FAFSA for me as not a US citizen.

Same happened to me.....but after a week, it became complete and the status changed to ‘application under review’

 

[doctorjonesofhampton]

I have heard from someone on Pitt's admissions committee that Pitt does not offer funding to the vast majority of its Masters students. A handful (I'm talking 5-6 students per year) qualify for a merit scholarship, but applicants should not expect any funding from Pitt.

You're right. A number of people have said this about Pitt. I guess I wouldn't count on them so much for funding then. I'll have to consider other options elsewhere. Meanwhile, I'm still very hopeful))

 

[kegreatness25]

Undergrad School: U of Washington
Undergrad GPA: 3.19 (Not verified, upward trend, about 3.5 in the final year)
Major: Biology/Physiology
GRE: V: 158 (80%), Q: 163 (83%) W: 3.0 (17%) (Will retake on the 20th, is it too late?)

Experience/Research (please, be brief):
- Volunteered at a special education center in rural China, teaching children how to write and read. (2 years)
- Co-founder of a student organization focuses on helping international students getting familiar with living and studying abroad. (3 years)
- Member of a non-profit organization helping children with disabilities in Kenya (1 year)
- Peer teaching assistant (2 quarters ~5 months in total)
- Worked as barista and cashier (8 months)
- Cancer care wig fitter in a nation's top 10 cancer care hospital (started this July)
- Patient escort at a local hospital (started this September)

LOR: Two from my professors in the Biology department that I've known quite well and one from my supervisor at the cancer care hospital.

Interests: MPH in Epi or Community Health, chronic diseases in specific

Applying: UCLA (community health or epi), Emory (health policy and management), JHU (epi), GWU and UBC still haven't decided yet...

My biggest concerns are my low GPA and lack of research experience especially when I'm going for Epi programs. I feel like most of the school I'm currently applying are a bit of reach. I was wondering if you guys can give me some feedback on what my chances are, and should I change my focus to community health? I feel like my experience is more fit to that program.

Thanks!

Hi! Speaking from my experience I had a 3.26 cumulative GPA (that was verified 3.17 on SOPHAS for some reason) and had lower GRE scores than you and still got into great schools like GWU! My advice is that if you're applying to specific MPH programs that you know your scores are slacking in then apply instead to another concentration you're interested in where you're more competitive. That way your chances of admission are higher and you can always apply to switch concentrations once you're enrolled!

 

[kinasekinasekat]

Guys I got into Johns Hopkins full time mph! I found out yesterday morning but didn’t have a chance to post until today!

Undergrad: UChicago
GPA: 3.31 || GRE: 162V, 160 Q, 4.5W
Applied: Emory MPH Epi, Harvard MS Epi, Johns Hopkins Full-time MPH, Berkeley MPH Epi/Biostat, GWU Biostat, UNC MPH Epi, University of Washington Epi. SOPHAS Verified 11/16
Accepted: UMich 12/7, JHU full time MPH 12/8
Rejected: GWU 12/3

 

[14321]

Guys I got into Johns Hopkins full time mph! I found out yesterday morning but didn’t have a chance to post until today!

Undergrad: UChicago
GPA: 3.31 || GRE: 162V, 160 Q, 4.5W
Applied: Emory MPH Epi, Harvard MS Epi, Johns Hopkins Full-time MPH, Berkeley MPH Epi/Biostat, GWU Biostat, UNC MPH Epi, University of Washington Epi. SOPHAS Verified 11/16
Accepted: UMich 12/7, JHU full time MPH 12/8
Rejected: GWU 12/3

I applied to Hopkins MPH on 12/1 and got verified 12/6. I haven't received any emails from Hopkins indicating that my application was accepted. How soon did you receive info from them, and should I be asking if there's anything missing? I applied with my LSAT score, which doesn't send reports directly to SOPHAS/schools.

 

[kinasekinasekat]

I applied to Hopkins MPH on 12/1 and got verified 12/6. I haven't received any emails from Hopkins indicating that my application was accepted. How soon did you receive info from them, and should I be asking if there's anything missing? I applied with my LSAT score, which doesn't send reports directly to SOPHAS/schools.

Hey! I applied 11/15 and was verified 11/16. I got the email that said they were reviewing my application on 11/17. I wouldn't worry; I think they're just busier because lots of people likely applied right on 12/1.

 

[Abbah]

Guys I got into Johns Hopkins full time mph! I found out yesterday morning but didn’t have a chance to post until today!

Undergrad: UChicago
GPA: 3.31 || GRE: 162V, 160 Q, 4.5W
Applied: Emory MPH Epi, Harvard MS Epi, Johns Hopkins Full-time MPH, Berkeley MPH Epi/Biostat, GWU Biostat, UNC MPH Epi, University of Washington Epi. SOPHAS Verified 11/16
Accepted: UMich 12/7, JHU full time MPH 12/8
Rejected: GWU 12/3

Congrats!!!
I can see good things are coming your way after your initial setback. Hoping for some good news too.

 

[TD2018]

Has anyone applied to the University of Minnesota?

I applied on 10/31 and just wondering whether others have received any information!

I was verified 10/31 and have only received the confirmation email. I was looking through their website, and they had a 6 week estimate for getting back to applicants. That's technically this week for us, so we'll see if we hear anything!

 

[Abbah]

Just received my first decision letter and it was a rejection from GWU. It isnt my first choice but still hurts... Hoping it gets better..

 

[Amvist1819]

Got into my first choice, Emory's Community Health Development track! Their faculty reached out last week to arrange a call and that experience was pretty telling, but it just became official in OPUS today. Fingers crossed for everyone still waiting!

Undergrad School: University of Illinois - Urbana/Champaign
Undergrad GPA: 3.72 SOPHAS verified
Major: Community Health - Administration and Planning
GRE: V: 158 (80%), Q: 151 (42%) W: 5.0 (92%)

Applied (include the date of application):
Emory University - MPH in Community Health Development - Applied 11/20 - SOPHAS verified 11/21
Johns Hopkins - MSPH in International Health: Health Systems - Applied 11/20 - SOPHAS verified 11/21
GWU - MPH in GH Program Design, Monitoring, & Evaluation - Applied 11/20 - SOPHAS verified 11/21
University of Illinois Chicago - MPH in Community Health Sciences: Global Health track - Applied 11/20 - SOPHAS verified 11/21

Accepted: Emory (12/10)
Rejected:
Waitlisted:

 

[el.mo19]

Got into my first choice, Emory's Community Health Development track! Their faculty reached out last week to arrange a call and that experience was pretty telling, but it just became official in OPUS today. Fingers crossed for everyone still waiting!

Undergrad School: University of Illinois - Urbana/Champaign
Undergrad GPA: 3.72 SOPHAS verified
Major: Community Health - Administration and Planning
GRE: V: 158 (80%), Q: 151 (42%) W: 5.0 (92%)

Applied (include the date of application):
Emory University - MPH in Community Health Development - Applied 11/20 - SOPHAS verified 11/21
Johns Hopkins - MSPH in International Health: Health Systems - Applied 11/20 - SOPHAS verified 11/21
GWU - MPH in GH Program Design, Monitoring, & Evaluation - Applied 11/20 - SOPHAS verified 11/21
University of Illinois Chicago - MPH in Community Health Sciences: Global Health track - Applied 11/20 - SOPHAS verified 11/21

Accepted: Emory (12/10)
Rejected:
Waitlisted:

Omg! Congrats on your first acceptance!The way it came about seems really awesome! I think it's telling of your cycle and that you're definitely a strong applicant!

 

[dubbz09]

Just received my first decision letter and it was a rejection from GWU. It isnt my first choice but still hurts... Hoping it gets better..

Sorry to hear, but try not to be too bummed about it, we're still pretty early in the decision season. Hoping that you get better news soon!

 

[rnostdnt]

Just received my first decision letter and it was a rejection from GWU. It isnt my first choice but still hurts... Hoping it gets better..

Sorry to hear that! Those are rough, what other schools did you apply to? Also when was your application verified for GWU?

 

[Ramaq Chishti]

Sorry to hear, but try not to be too bummed about it, we're still pretty early in the decision season. Hoping that you get better news soon!

Hey, so I have been following the thread and congratulations on your acceptances! I wanted to ask that since you applied to dual degree programs, how have you considered managing the finances? and as a doctor, what made you choose dual degrees as preferences? Asking as a doctor myself but majorly seeing myself as someone interested in clinical side.

 

[Abbah]

Sorry to hear, but try not to be too bummed about it, we're still pretty early in the decision season. Hoping that you get better news soon!

Thanks. Hopefully we will all get where we want to go.