MPH 2020: Applied, Accepted, Rejected, Waitlisted

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Does anyone know how likely it is to be accepted to Harvard's program if you're accepted to JHU? I heard from my advisor that they have similar admissions processes. Is this true or likely? Really starting to get anxious about it.
I don’t know but I kinda doubt it. For example: the SOP limit for JHU MHS is 2 pages whereas it is 600 words for many programs of Harvard. You can explain yourself better if you have more word limit. This is just one of the many criteria, so I doubt that they have almost similar processes. If someone can clarify this further, would really appreciate it.
 
has anyone else applied to UNC’s online program or Maryland’s online program? I haven’t seen much chatter about either program on here.

Two years ago, I thought for sure I’d be applying for in-person full time programs, but after working full-time this long and meeting my significant other, my priorities have become 1) not going into tremendous debt and 2) staying in Washington, DC! I wish there were more options here besides GW...

anyone else in a similar situation?

Hi there definitely in a similar position! Im in the DC area and applied to UMD and GW both online programs and got into both. The only program I applied to in person was Brown and haven't heard anything yet. I also want to stay in DC and work, so decisions decisions.
 
Hi there definitely in a similar position! Im in the DC area and applied to UMD and GW both online programs and got into both. The only program I applied to in person was Brown and haven't heard anything yet. I also want to stay in DC and work, so decisions decisions.
@ChloMo I just sent you a message!
 
Thank you so much! This is extremely helpful 🙂 What are your thoughts on the Colorado program, and do you think there's a chance you'll attend?

I honestly don’t know much about it and it’s not one of my top choices currently but that could definitely change once I do some research. I know it’s a relatively new program, so there are obviously pros and cons with that. I also got accepted to OHSU/PSU which is an even newer program, and the director called me on his cell to personally congratulate me. I went to an open house there last year and he said he would make cold calls for grads to help them get jobs after graduating. So that’s just one example of how attending a newer program could be beneficial. But of course all schools are different, so I really hope I can visit Colorado and get a feel for the school and the people there!
 
I feel like I’m going to get rejected too. They are weirdly picky about the people they admit, according to my friend whose mom works there.
I’m assuming it’s more competitive and gets more apps than other schools, especially since their global health program doesn’t require a GRE score.
 
I don’t know but I kinda doubt it. For example: the SOP limit for JHU MHS is 2 pages whereas it is 600 words for many programs of Harvard. You can explain yourself better if you have more word limit. This is just one of the many criteria, so I doubt that they have almost similar processes. If someone can clarify this further, would really appreciate it.
I see where you’re coming from, but I submitted the same SOP for all schools, and tailored it to the school with the lowest word count (Columbia; 500) to avoid dealing with changing it too much, with some variability. but given all schools I applied to, I didn’t go above 700 words. That could be a factor, though.
 
I don’t know but I kinda doubt it. For example: the SOP limit for JHU MHS is 2 pages whereas it is 600 words for many programs of Harvard. You can explain yourself better if you have more word limit. This is just one of the many criteria, so I doubt that they have almost similar processes. If someone can clarify this further, would really appreciate it.

I totally understand why there are word limits, but I personally found it super difficult to write the 500 word SOP for Columbia. I felt like I explained my background and experience better in my SOPs for other schools with the higher limit of 1200 words or less. And I had a couple schools who required two separate SOPS, one about your professional experience and the other about your cultural/personal experiences. I would guess that schools with shorter SOP word limits place more emphasis on recommendation letters, test scores, and what's on your resume. That being said, I know that most schools let you submit additional documents that could support your application, so someone could use that as a way to supplement their short SOP??
 
Just got a rejection from University of Washington Global Health, but not too bummed about this one! looks like decisions are coming out slowly for UW, best of luck for all other applicants!
I also got the rejection from Uni of Washington Global Health today morning! I was kinda sad but it’s for the best
 
I feel like I’m going to get rejected too. They are weirdly picky about the people they admit, according to my friend whose mom works there.
Oh what do you mean by picky? Just curious but what kinda candidates do they prefer?
 
Long time lurker here! I thought I can contribute now that I've heard back from a few schools.

Undergraduate School: UC Berkeley
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.72/3.72
Major/minor: Molecular and Cell Biology / Music
GRE(including date taken): V158/Q164/AWA4.5 (11/04/2019)

Experience/research:
- 2.5 years as an HHMI Staff Research Associate I in a ubiquitin/protein quality control lab (author of a Science publication and Nature article in revision)
- 5 months as an undergraduate instructor for a freshman introductory biology class at UC Berkeley
- 5 months as a physician shadower
- 2 years as a Clinical Workshop Coordinator for an on-campus medical organization, teaching the basics of vital signs and typical conditions found in Latin America
- went on a medical mission to Panama and served as the first-point-of-contact
- 2.5 years as a church pianist and music educator

LOR:
- Principal Investigator (Ph.D.) in which I served as an honors undergraduate researcher (for academic credit) and HHMI Staff Research Associate I (employed)
- Director of Pediatric Gastroenterology at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital (MD) whom I shadowed
- Director of the church music program I accompany (employed)

Applied: Harvard (MPH in Maternal and Child Health - 11/30/2019, portal received 12/11/2019), Johns Hopkins (MPH in Child and Adolescent Health - 11/30/2019, portal received 12/8/2019), UC Berkeley (Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health - 11/30/2019, verified 12/3/2019), UCLA (Child and Family Health Leadership Training Program Certificate - 11/30/2019, verified 12/6/2019), Columbia (Population and Family Health with a certificate in Child, Youth, and Family Health - 11/30/2019, portal received 12/1/2019)

SOPHAS Verified: 12/2/2019

Accepted: Johns Hopkins + ? (12/28/2019), Columbia + ? (2/5/2020), UC Berkeley + ? (2/5/2020)
Rejected: TBD
 
Hi all, congrats on everyone's acceptances! 🙂 Does anyone have any advice for deciding between JHU (MHS) and University of Washington (MPH) both for Epi? I am leaning towards Washington as of now for financial reasons, it being a smaller program, and I have family/friends there and love the area. Both schools have the areas of research I am looking to become involved with. However, I also realize JHU is such a great place to be, and a more well-known/highly ranked program. If anyone has any advice or experiences with either program, I'd appreciate any info. I'm hoping the admitted students days will help. (Also tuition is comparable for both up front, but the potential of getting an RAship at UW would help make it a much more affordable option than JHU). Would appreciate any insight or opinions!
 
Amazing! I'm loving all this Emory love. It's also one of my top choices and I really feel like visiting is going to seal the deal for me 😀

Please visit Emory. You will love all the admin staff. I met them in person some times at the end of November . I had a great impression. Went home and got my app started and managed to get everything in on January 6, as I am super busy. The best part was I was not required to take the GRE because I have a doctorate degree at an accredited school in the health profession in the USA. With my stats and experiences, I could have a shot at all mph programs in the USA, but I chose Emory because they truly impressed me with their genuine caring.
 
Their website clearly states they're highly selective and relatively small program; therefore lacks fund for aid. They select experienced students in GH fields, person who can afford the bill and international student with external scholarships and diverse cohort (1/2 for each topic/subject area). I've had extensive email correspondence with them and decided not tot apply when I sensed some of these factors. Clue: When a program drops GRE which means they are looking for experience and suitable subject/GPA background/LoR/SoP.
 
Their website clearly states they're highly selective and relatively small program; therefore lacks fund for aid. They select experienced students in GH fields, person who can afford the bill and international student with external scholarships and diverse cohort (1/2 for each topic/subject area). I've had extensive email correspondence with them and decided not tot apply when I sensed some of these factors. Clue: When a program drops GRE which means they are looking for experience and suitable subject/GPA background/LoR/SoP.

When you have a doctorate degree from an accredited university in the USA, you are automatically exempted from GRE at all mph programs in the USA.
 
Their website clearly states they're highly selective and relatively small program; therefore lacks fund for aid. They select experienced students in GH fields, person who can afford the bill and international student with external scholarships and diverse cohort (1/2 for each topic/subject area). I've had extensive email correspondence with them and decided not tot apply when I sensed some of these factors. Clue: When a program drops GRE which means they are looking for experience and suitable subject/GPA background/LoR/SoP.
Thank you!
 
I'm informed about that my friend. However, some schools i..e UW, BU, UMN (except Epi) ..droped GRE all together for all applicants.

Ok, if schools dont require gre when you dont have a doctorate, they clearly look for something else.

Schools that exempt gre for doctorate degree holders require that:
1. Your doctorate must be from an accredited school.
2. Your doctorate must be from usa. They will not make exceptions for doctorate degree holders from foreign countries. Period. Pretty strict.
 
Hi just a quick question - after having your applications verified by SOPHAS, did you receive an email directly from the school you were applying to? I only got an email from CUNY confirming that my app is under review and I should hear back in 4-5 weeks. I applied to GW, Emory, Rutgers, and NYMC but haven't gotten any word from them yet, and I'm just worried that my app didn't get sent in properly.
Any help would be appreciated,
Thanks!

Hi! I had the same problem with GW and with Rutgers. For GW I emailed them to make sure it was received before the priority deadline and they got back to me pretty quickly and said it was! Rutgers did not send me a follow up email but I called them and asked and they confirmed that it was received. Your best bet would be to do the same!
 
I'm still waiting for MPH Epi from Columbia! I've seen a bunch of people who have gotten in though so I'm expecting a rejection lol
Same to be honest... although I am still hoping it won’t be the case. Columbia is my first choice..
 
Still waiting for HPM lmao. Gosh this is by far the longest waiting period for any app ive submitted in my life thus far.
In last year’s thread, many people posted acceptances from Columbia in late Feb and early March, apart from their January 23rd date. So, may be there is still a chance. Fingers crossed
 
I'm still waiting for MPH Epi from Columbia! I've seen a bunch of people who have gotten in though so I'm expecting a rejection lol
I am also waiting. Applied to Accelerated MPH in Epidemiology and fearing it might be a rejection, since I have not heard it till now.
Still waiting for HPM lmao. Gosh this is by far the longest waiting period for any app ive submitted in my life thus far.
I'm still waiting for HPM as well.....
Fingers crossed for all of us! Columbia seems to give out way more acceptances compared to their enrolment numbers so we might still have a chance.
 
This is my daughter's account, but since I will be contributing $, I want to be informed!
International, looking at MD schools (SO is American, New England area), but thinks it would be useful to have a better understanding of the health policy atmosphere in the US.
Looking at a 1 year TDI (accepted), 2 year Columbia (still waiting) and 2 year BU (still waiting)

Does anyone have any advice or knowledge about what programs would be beneficial?
 
Hi y'all, just discovered this forum and wanted to join in.
I'm still waiting on Columbia and apparently there were supplemental questions on their portal that I didn't even notice until they sent me a follow up email on 2/1 to complete them...I wonder if that hurt my chances at all especially since the answers I provided were succinct but rushed since I thought I could go back and edit later.
Since I got rejected from JHU I don't expect to get into Harvard since I think they look for similar qualities in a candidate re: work experience and fit.
I'm really anxious and nervous about Berkeley; I'm from California and I would love to have another option to choose from besides UCLA.
 
Hi y'all, just discovered this forum and wanted to join in.
I'm still waiting on Columbia and apparently there were supplemental questions on their portal that I didn't even notice until they sent me a follow up email on 2/1 to complete them...I wonder if that hurt my chances at all especially since the answers I provided were succinct but rushed since I thought I could go back and edit later.
Since I got rejected from JHU I don't expect to get into Harvard since I think they look for similar qualities in a candidate re: work experience and fit.
I'm really anxious and nervous about Berkeley; I'm from California and I would love to have another option to choose from besides UCLA.
Honestly I think that might be a positive for you, Columbia was the first place I applied so I didn't quite understand the SOPHAS portal yet and I completely skipped all of their optional questions and I still got accepted. If they're asking you to complete them I'm guessing it means they're still considering you!
 
Hi y'all, just discovered this forum and wanted to join in.
I'm still waiting on Columbia and apparently there were supplemental questions on their portal that I didn't even notice until they sent me a follow up email on 2/1 to complete them...I wonder if that hurt my chances at all especially since the answers I provided were succinct but rushed since I thought I could go back and edit later.
Since I got rejected from JHU I don't expect to get into Harvard since I think they look for similar qualities in a candidate re: work experience and fit.
I'm really anxious and nervous about Berkeley; I'm from California and I would love to have another option to choose from besides UCLA.
I thought the supplemental questions were optional and didn't fill them until last week too 😵
 
Happy Friday everyone! Has anyone applied for the MCH certificate/fellowship at Emory? I’m wondering if anyone has received confirmation that their application was received. I submitted mine on 1/30 but I haven’t heard back. I’m going to reach out next week to confirm that they have it but I’m curious if anyone else is in a similar situation.
 
Happy Friday everyone! Has anyone applied for the MCH certificate/fellowship at Emory? I’m wondering if anyone has received confirmation that their application was received. I submitted mine on 1/30 but I haven’t heard back. I’m going to reach out next week to confirm that they have it but I’m curious if anyone else is in a similar situation.
I submitted mine at some point in late December/early January (before I was accepted) and never received a confirmation email or anything. I actually hadn't thought about it after I applied, LOL. If they give you any information about it when you reach out, I'd love to hear about it!
 
Hi y'all, just discovered this forum and wanted to join in.
I'm still waiting on Columbia and apparently there were supplemental questions on their portal that I didn't even notice until they sent me a follow up email on 2/1 to complete them...I wonder if that hurt my chances at all especially since the answers I provided were succinct but rushed since I thought I could go back and edit later.
Since I got rejected from JHU I don't expect to get into Harvard since I think they look for similar qualities in a candidate re: work experience and fit.
I'm really anxious and nervous about Berkeley; I'm from California and I would love to have another option to choose from besides UCLA.

My answers were short too since I think I answered similar ones in my SOP if I remember correctly. Best of luck and congrats on UCLA!!!
 
Accepted at Michigan and Emory (a while back but final semester is kicking my butt, so posting is slow). Honestly, torn right now. I've connected with some students at Michigan and it seems like the program is very focused on Hospital Admin, with other outcomes being less emphasized but still happening. It will likely come down to deciding between Yale and UM based on cost and aid. Any tips for helping make the decision? I'm so excited to be accepted at such great schools, honestly I'm surprised to have been accepted to UM... anywayyyyy any suggestions on decision making between Yale and UM would be greatly appreciated! (I will be declining my offers at GW & Tufts). And as always, good luck as we keep hearing back!!!
 
Accepted at Michigan and Emory (a while back but final semester is kicking my butt, so posting is slow). Honestly, torn right now. I've connected with some students at Michigan and it seems like the program is very focused on Hospital Admin, with other outcomes being less emphasized but still happening. It will likely come down to deciding between Yale and UM based on cost and aid. Any tips for helping make the decision? I'm so excited to be accepted at such great schools, honestly I'm surprised to have been accepted to UM... anywayyyyy any suggestions on decision making between Yale and UM would be greatly appreciated! (I will be declining my offers at GW & Tufts). And as always, good luck as we keep hearing back!!!

What are your career goals/fields of interest?
 
Still waiting to hear from Yale and Tufts, but right now think I'm ultimately between Columbia, Emory, and GW. I wanted to know what people's thoughts are on these programs for global health, specifically in food security and child and maternal health interests?? I'm most concerned (as I'm sure anyone is lol) about getting jobs after school so I want the best connections and opportunities in the field, I think with that it will ultimately come down to Emory and Columbia since they are so established in Global Health efforts, and I feel myself leaning towards Columbia. I love love love DC but I want the best of both practical and research experience, and GW of course has the practical being surrounded by so many public health organizations, but just haven't found any specific global health research there that I'm excited about. I will of course be visiting everywhere in March to help make my final decisions, but I wanted to know if anyone has any specific input or advice on choosing one of these schools. Or knows anyone who's been through these programs and is now in a successful job in the field?? I know all of these are great schools so I really can't go wrong but just want to make sure I end up at the best place for me and my career goals so any input is so appreciated.
 
Still waiting to hear from Yale and Tufts, but right now think I'm ultimately between Columbia, Emory, and GW. I wanted to know what people's thoughts are on these programs for global health, specifically in food security and child and maternal health interests?? I'm most concerned (as I'm sure anyone is lol) about getting jobs after school so I want the best connections and opportunities in the field, I think with that it will ultimately come down to Emory and Columbia since they are so established in Global Health efforts, and I feel myself leaning towards Columbia. I love love love DC but I want the best of both practical and research experience, and GW of course has the practical being surrounded by so many public health organizations, but just haven't found any specific global health research there that I'm excited about. I will of course be visiting everywhere in March to help make my final decisions, but I wanted to know if anyone has any specific input or advice on choosing one of these schools. Or knows anyone who's been through these programs and is now in a successful job in the field?? I know all of these are great schools so I really can't go wrong but just want to make sure I end up at the best place for me and my career goals so any input is so appreciated.
It’s gonna come down to these three for me too, any info/advice/opinions/random musings anyone has would be appreciated! 🙂
 
I just received the 48K Horstmann Scholarship from Yale and I'm so excited! I'm still waiting to receive a financial aid offer from Columbia. I'm ultimately trying to decide between Yale, Columbia, and UW at this point. I'm leaning more towards Yale and Columbia since I most likely would not have to seek out a RA/TA position for financial reasons. I definitely want to do research, but being able to commit to a school knowing I won't be in any debt afterwards would be ideal. Does anyone know how the epi programs at Yale and Columbia compare (specifically, regarding faculty mentorship and career support)? My main priority is research/internship opportunities and job outlooks after graduating. Thank you to anyone who has any information specifically about the epi programs at these schools.
 
I submitted mine at some point in late December/early January (before I was accepted) and never received a confirmation email or anything. I actually hadn't thought about it after I applied, LOL. If they give you any information about it when you reach out, I'd love to hear about it!

It’s comforting that I am not the only one haha. I’m planning on reaching out to the Program Coordinator early next week. I’ll share any valuable information they give me 🙂
 
Has anyone who applied heard from UIC yet?
I have! I received an email that said that the Epidemiology program had admitted me and had sent my application to the admissions office for a final evaluation.
 
What are your career goals/fields of interest?
That's a great question. Im really interested in a lot, specifically in health service payment design (switching to quality based care), health system reform, healthcare cost reduction, data driven decision making, and international development.

My biggest draw away from hospital admin is that I want to focus on using big data to create system change. However, I know that my MPH will probably change a lot of my opinions on career interests.
 
I am also waiting. Applied to Accelerated MPH in Epidemiology and fearing it might be a rejection, since I have not heard it till now.

Honestly, I haven't seen Columbia accelerated Epi acceptances come out in this forum yet. Maybe they haven't gotten around to it.
EDIT: I think there's one person (levothyroxine) who said they heard back.
 
Top