MPH 2020: Applied, Accepted, Rejected, Waitlisted

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Seems like the perfect place to bring this up...but is anyone concerned about travel and coronavirus right now? I have all my admitted student visits coming up as I'm sure most of you do too with Columbia next week, Berkeley in two weeks, GW and Emory at the end of the month. Obviously I am aware of coronavirus and all its developments, but have not really seen it as a significant concern for me personally and with domestic travel right now. However, the PI at my research institute told me today there's "no way" I can go and I should cancel my trips or else I may end up stuck there or in quarantine for a month. He's an Epi guy and an MD so I value his input but also really need these student visits to make my decision lol. I think I will still go as of right now just because cancelling everything and not being able to attend these visits would be really frustrating (But I guess so would being quarantined for a month :/). Just wondering if anyone else is dealing with similar concerns/what your plans are! We are the public health ~masters~ anyways 🙂

interesting question! thanks for bringing it up! I've thought about this too, I'm surprised at how intense your PI is because mine are ID and more chill as in "you don't have clinical symptoms ,not much we can do right now except have a plan and be preventative" so my thought is take all the preventative measures that you can, be vigilent from obviously cold/flu symptomatic people as you would anyway, but go (unless you are surrounded by potentially sick people in which case you might be a vector for disease yourself lol!)

in your case, I don't know if Berkeley is a top school for you or not but california has the most diagnosed cases right now so that's one thing youcould consider. GW and Emory are in states that have zero diagnosed cases right now for what that's worth. personally, i'll still be visiting, but i'll have a backup plan in case i do get quarantined, namely where would i stay.

 

[gbr101]

Seems like the perfect place to bring this up...but is anyone concerned about travel and coronavirus right now? I have all my admitted student visits coming up as I'm sure most of you do too with Columbia next week, Berkeley in two weeks, GW and Emory at the end of the month. Obviously I am aware of coronavirus and all its developments, but have not really seen it as a significant concern for me personally and with domestic travel right now. However, the PI at my research institute told me today there's "no way" I can go and I should cancel my trips or else I may end up stuck there or in quarantine for a month. He's an Epi guy and an MD so I value his input but also really need these student visits to make my decision lol. I think I will still go as of right now just because cancelling everything and not being able to attend these visits would be really frustrating (But I guess so would being quarantined for a month :/). Just wondering if anyone else is dealing with similar concerns/what your plans are! We are the public health ~masters~ anyways 🙂

I have that concern a little bit too. I'm still going on my visit to Emory in March just because it's really the only admitted students day I plan to attend. I would just be extremely mindful of utilizing good sanitation and hygiene practices especially when travelling. I'm in Sacramento, CA right now for my AmeriCorps service and they just announced that the first case of community spread for the virus is in Sacramento with the actual patient being at a hospital that is literally 5 minutes away from me. So, this whole situation is just moving at a very alarming rate. But I don't think you should cancel your visits unless in the next few weeks the spread begins to escalate and affect multiple regions of the U.S. in this manner.

 

[amr2297]

If you’re flying domestic I don’t see a big issue with it

interesting question! thanks for bringing it up! I've thought about this too, I'm surprised at how intense your PI is because mine are ID and more chill as in "you don't have clinical symptoms ,not much we can do right now except have a plan and be preventative" so my thought is take all the preventative measures that you can, be vigilent from obviously cold/flu symptomatic people as you would anyway, but go (unless you are surrounded by potentially sick people in which case you might be a vector for disease yourself lol!)

in your case, I don't know if Berkeley is a top school for you or not but california has the most diagnosed cases right now so that's one thing youcould consider. GW and Emory are in states that have zero diagnosed cases right now for what that's worth. personally, i'll still be visiting, but i'll have a backup plan in case i do get quarantined, namely where would i stay.

I have that concern a little bit too. I'm still going on my visit to Emory in March just because it's really the only admitted students day I plan to attend. I would just be extremely mindful of utilizing good sanitation and hygiene practices especially when travelling. I'm in Sacramento, CA right now for my AmeriCorps service and they just announced that the first case of community spread for the virus is in Sacramento with the actual patient being at a hospital that is literally 5 minutes away from me. So, this whole situation is just moving at a very alarming rate. But I don't think you should cancel your visits unless in the next few weeks the spread begins to escalate and affect multiple regions of the U.S. in this manner.

Thanks so much for all the input! I knew this thread would be helpful 😀 Pretty much all confirm my view on things, my PI is definitely a bit alarmist (he's been buying pure oxygen online all morning in preparation for a pandemic) so I was already taking his advice lightly, but still just had me second guessing my plans. Berkeley is probably the school I am most unsure of attending which is why I wanted to go visit, but I have been aware of the developments in cases in CA, so maybe that would be the most wise one to cancel. I think I'll just move forward as planned right now, of course taking all necessary precautions, and just being vigilant of and smart about any significant updates or changes. Thanks again guys 🙂

 

[LiveTheMoment98]

I’m really holding out for some kind of scholarship/financial aid but I’m 99% sure I’ll end up there, just need the confirmation of how I feel on campus at admitted students day! Are you thinking of committing?

same!

 

[Joyce777]

Can I ask where you're getting that information from? I called the Emory financial aid office yesterday and they said merit awards would continue to go out from RSPH over the first couple of weeks in March.

Office of Admissions replied to me in email.

 

[Joyce777]

They said from mid to late Feb

 

[biotopubhealth]

Office of Admissions replied to me in email.

Good to know, thanks!

 

[Joyce777]

Good to know, thanks!

Early March are for institutional scholarships. But merit scholarships are handed out mud to late Feb.

 

[deleted1009686]

Hi! Congrats to everyone! I was wondering how many students will choose to attend UC Irvine, and I think we can form a group chat

I’m not 100% sure at that moment because I’m still waiting on other schools!

 

[milligans]

Early March are for institutional scholarships. But merit scholarships are handed out mud to late Feb.

what is the difference between those?

 

[Moose97]

Thanks so much for all the input! I knew this thread would be helpful 😀 Pretty much all confirm my view on things, my PI is definitely a bit alarmist (he's been buying pure oxygen online all morning in preparation for a pandemic) so I was already taking his advice lightly, but still just had me second guessing my plans. Berkeley is probably the school I am most unsure of attending which is why I wanted to go visit, but I have been aware of the developments in cases in CA, so maybe that would be the most wise one to cancel. I think I'll just move forward as planned right now, of course taking all necessary precautions, and just being vigilant of and smart about any significant updates or changes. Thanks again guys 🙂

My understanding is that a quarantine would be 2 weeks, not a month. As long as you are smart (wash your hands properly, consider taking disinfecting wipes for tray tables, try not to touch banisters, etc.) I personally am not considering it an issue.

 

[Joyce777]

what is the difference between those?

I am guessing. The big difference is in the amount of money awarded. This is why you see percent off on tuition in Merit Scholarships. Some folks do get a full ride.

 

[biotopubhealth]

what is the difference between those?

There's some info here: Financing Your Degree
Institutional awards are need-based and seem to be smaller amounts than the merit awards.

 

[nerdyforepi]

Early March are for institutional scholarships. But merit scholarships are handed out mud to late Feb.

Great, so it looks like we only have to be anxious wrecks for another 48 hours :’)

 

[mmjj82]

Is anyone choosing between Columbia and Yale for Epi? Some opinions would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Mphclassof22]

Hi! Congrats to everyone! I was wondering how many students will choose to attend UC Irvine, and I think we can form a group chat

I will be attending UCI! Yes definitely a group chat would be great! Will you be at the admitted students day on March 13th?

 

[MPHhopeful20]

Hi! Congrats to everyone! I was wondering how many students will choose to attend UC Irvine, and I think we can form a group chat

I am 95% sure I will be attending UCI 🙂

 

[mel151]

Just received an email from Harvard fin aid. No support for me

Probably as an international MD enrolling for my 5th degree, I’m not their priority...

Hopefully others have more luck!

No aid for me either 🙁

 

[deleted1016707]

Thanks so much for all the input! I knew this thread would be helpful 😀 Pretty much all confirm my view on things, my PI is definitely a bit alarmist (he's been buying pure oxygen online all morning in preparation for a pandemic) so I was already taking his advice lightly, but still just had me second guessing my plans. Berkeley is probably the school I am most unsure of attending which is why I wanted to go visit, but I have been aware of the developments in cases in CA, so maybe that would be the most wise one to cancel. I think I'll just move forward as planned right now, of course taking all necessary precautions, and just being vigilant of and smart about any significant updates or changes. Thanks again guys 🙂

If you can, buy some solid masks. Masks are super expensive in California right now, so much so that I could probably pay for my tuition selling masks.

 

[tryingToGetByMPH]

Thanks so much for all the input! I knew this thread would be helpful 😀 Pretty much all confirm my view on things, my PI is definitely a bit alarmist (he's been buying pure oxygen online all morning in preparation for a pandemic) so I was already taking his advice lightly, but still just had me second guessing my plans. Berkeley is probably the school I am most unsure of attending which is why I wanted to go visit, but I have been aware of the developments in cases in CA, so maybe that would be the most wise one to cancel. I think I'll just move forward as planned right now, of course taking all necessary precautions, and just being vigilant of and smart about any significant updates or changes. Thanks again guys 🙂

I am in Berkeley right now and we are fine!
You have a pretty low chance of being symptomatic and in danger, unless you are immunocompromised.
Pure oxygen isn't helping anyone, as time goes on the virus will slow down as it is in China. We just have to hold it off until it does, you will be fine.

 

[deleted1016707]

I am in Berkeley right now and we are fine!
You have a pretty low chance of being symptomatic and in danger, unless you are immunocompromised.
Pure oxygen isn't helping anyone, as time goes on the virus will slow down as it is in China. We just have to hold it off until it does, you will be fine.

Also in Berkeley, can confirm veracity of this post 🙂

 

[mel151]

i'm still waiting to hear back for hpm columbia finaid and full-time 1 yr hopkins finaid
is anyone else in the same boat or have already heard back? thanks everyone!

Same here for Columbia HPM!

 

[snemph]

I appealed based on what previous years have suggested once I was awarded an initial amount of financial aid. Past forums haven't been the best about updating whether or not this has worked for them (people fall off posting once they commit), but I'll try my best to let you know if anything comes out of my various appeals. Here's the basic formula I used for Columbia:

1. Explain to them that their school is your top choice due to x, y, z
2. Thank them graciously for the amount they have offered.
3. Indicate that your choice in commitment will ultimately come down to funding. If you've been awarded a substantial amount to somewhere else: "another top program has awarded me x amount, which will reduce my yearly tuition to y amount." You could also bring up your income here (I did) or cost of living differences.
4. Don't ask directly about matching an offer, I said something along the lines of "avenues of alternative funding" or something like that. Ask straight up for the appeal though!

Remember that you've worked really hard to get where you are, and you deserve access to higher education.

I contacted Columbia about a scholarship appeal using your advice, so thank you for sharing this!

They responded pretty quickly saying "At this time we are not reviewing appeals. This will begin sometime in late March to early April. Based on your application, this was the amount you were eligible to receive. Appeal decisions, once we begin reviewing, will not be rendered until closer to April 15th"

hm

 

[GlobalOrthoLover]

A question for int students applying through the Fulbright program. I’ve received an email that I’ve been nominated by the Fulbright commission of my country for an award and that my nomination has been forwarded to the Board of Foreign Scholarship to the US. Has anyone received something similar? And do you know what the acceptance rates are of this Board?

 

[electriclady]

Has anyone pressed accept without getting financial offers? Basically, I know without a doubt I am going to Carolina next year but I haven’t gotten a financial offer from them or Columbia yet (and at this rate I don’t think I will till late March/early April for UNC at least).

Might just be my anxiousness speaking haha but I'm so ready to click accept!! I also know that at UNC I'll be saving 30k more than I would if I went to Columbia (even if i got no aid at all)

 

[uk__med]

Has anyone pressed accept without getting financial offers? Basically, I know without a doubt I am going to Carolina next year but I haven’t gotten a financial offer from them or Columbia yet (and at this rate I don’t think I will till late March/early April for UNC at least).

Might just be my anxiousness speaking haha but I'm so ready to click accept!! I also know that at UNC I'll be saving 30k more than I would if I went to Columbia (even if i got no aid at all)

I did!

 

[electriclady]

I would NOT do this unless you are comfortable paying for your program out of pocket. Even if you know where you want to go, wait until you have a financial offer to accept/decline admissions. Once you commit, you have no leverage to ask for more funding, and they know they do not need to offer you anything to entice you to the school.

ah, that makes complete sense!!

 

[rassykins]

Thanks so much for all the input! I knew this thread would be helpful 😀 Pretty much all confirm my view on things, my PI is definitely a bit alarmist (he's been buying pure oxygen online all morning in preparation for a pandemic) so I was already taking his advice lightly, but still just had me second guessing my plans. Berkeley is probably the school I am most unsure of attending which is why I wanted to go visit, but I have been aware of the developments in cases in CA, so maybe that would be the most wise one to cancel. I think I'll just move forward as planned right now, of course taking all necessary precautions, and just being vigilant of and smart about any significant updates or changes. Thanks again guys 🙂

CA native here-- you'll be fine as long as you take the normal precautions against any flu/cold, as everyone said. My peers fly between SoCal (LA/OC/SD) and NorCal (Bay/Fresno/Sac) every other week, they're all fine. Enjoy your trip! Our "winters" are very enjoyable, stop by the beach if you get the chance!

 

[GlobalOrthoLover]

I would NOT do this unless you are comfortable paying for your program out of pocket. Even if you know where you want to go, wait until you have a financial offer to accept/decline admissions. Once you commit, you have no leverage to ask for more funding, and they know they do not need to offer you anything to entice you to the school.

However this argument seems to go both ways. I received an email from Hopkins that I’m being considered for a full-tuition scholarship, but they wanted to know if they’d offer me one if Hopkins woud be my first choice.

 

[Moose97]

If we accept somewhere that has an early acceptance, will the other schools know? I have all of the acceptances but not all the aid info. One school wants a decision by the end of the month.

 

[Bleedingblue94]

However this argument seems to go both ways. I received an email from Hopkins that I’m being considered for a full-tuition scholarship, but they wanted to know if they’d offer me one if Hopkins woud be my first choice.

Hi there. Just wondering. Did you receive email from Hopkins admissions office or financial aid office?

 

[Bleedingblue94]

Is there some place on the JHUPH mypath page to know our current financial aid status with the university?

 

[rassykins]

Is there some place on the JHUPH mypath page to know our current financial aid status with the university?

Financial Aid FAQS

Did you receive the email from JHSPH.finaid?

Johns Hopkins University - SIS (Student Information System)

"Your academic department/program will notify you directly if you are selected for any merit-based scholarship assistance. Processing of your aid application will take approximately 2-4 weeks from when your application became complete. The Financial Aid Office will send you an email when your aid application has been processed."

 

[GlobalOrthoLover]

Hi there. Just wondering. Did you receive email from Hopkins admissions office or financial aid office?

I received an email from the head of the fin aid office yesterday. Apparently they have their merit-based scholarship meeting today, and he wanted to ask me some specific questions in preparation of today’s meeting.

 

[vovo9828]

i'm still waiting to hear back for hpm columbia finaid and full-time 1 yr hopkins finaid
is anyone else in the same boat or have already heard back? thanks everyone!

Me too! Waiting for Columbia HPM

 

[AdGradMPH]

Me, for that same program too! Called them today and was told to follow up with the department and they’d get back to me tomorrow hopefully

Heard back from Berkeley but sounds like nothing coming soon... “Applicants will received decision notifications within the next several weeks by mid-March.” Not really a top choice but frustrating to still be waiting!

 

[Bleedingblue94]

I received an email from the head of the fin aid office yesterday. Apparently they have their merit-based scholarship meeting today, and he wanted to ask me some specific questions in preparation of today’s meeting.

Thats amazing. I just emailed Both fin aid and mph admissions office and the coordinator sent a reply back saying i am not eligible or selected for any of their aids . It is sad because Hopkins is my top choice and I was hoping if i have some support from the university, it will make my decision making really easy and I could just enrol !

 

[valbeanssss]

Should I email admissions for a status update? I called roughly 2 weeks ago and they said they would let me know within a week. Tomorrow is going to be 2 weeks should I hold off or follow up? This is for Columbia SMS btw.

 

[Bleedingblue94]

Should I email admissions for a status update? I called roughly 2 weeks ago and they said they would let me know within a week. Tomorrow is going to be 2 weeks should I hold off or follow up? This is for Columbia SMS btw.

I emailed them yday abt admission decision and they said if i don't hear back by Mid march, I should contact them.

 

[valbeanssss]

I emailed them yday abt admission decision and they said if i don't hear back by Mid march, I should contact them.

Thank you! It just sucks bc I know there is an admitted student day on the 6th.

 

[globalhealthgirl95]

Does anyone know if Yale allows people to change to a difference concentration than the one they were accepted to?

 

[madgirl1349]

Should I email admissions for a status update? I called roughly 2 weeks ago and they said they would let me know within a week. Tomorrow is going to be 2 weeks should I hold off or follow up? This is for Columbia SMS btw.

I've been calling about once a week for a while now so you wouldn't be the worst.... if you do decide, please let me know what they say!

 

[honeybee77]

Just got a call from JHU but unfortunately couldn't pick up because I'm in a meeting! Anyone know what it was for / received somethign similar?

 

[mph_student_2020]

Does anyone know if Yale allows people to change to a difference concentration than the one they were accepted to?

i have a friend at yale who is changing concentrations so i think it’s possible but i would call and ask just in case!

 

[hujkw]

Just got off the phone with Columbia financial aid. The numbers I've been seeing about cutoffs for GPA or GRE for consideration for merit scholarships aren't strict. They said I am being considered and I have a 3.55 GPA! My GRE scores are also good but not exactly groundbreaking and they said that's fine, if you aren't as strong in one section (like me and verbal) it won't cause you to not be considered. It seems like a very holistic process. They are also behind and so don't worry if you haven't received anything yet.

Also, TA and RA positions are typically only available to 2nd-year students (in case anyone was interested in that way of funding).

 

[lolawmph]

Still haven't heard from Yale.... accelerated health policy. anyone else?

 

[deleted1016707]

Search Yale Courses

Yale Course Search is the official resource for viewing course offerings at Yale University.

courses.yale.edu

If anyone is curious as to which courses Yale has offered/is offering, you can check out the link!

 

[withbobahalfsweet]

I contacted Columbia about a scholarship appeal using your advice, so thank you for sharing this!

They responded pretty quickly saying "At this time we are not reviewing appeals. This will begin sometime in late March to early April. Based on your application, this was the amount you were eligible to receive. Appeal decisions, once we begin reviewing, will not be rendered until closer to April 15th"

hm

AFAIK appeals are primarily for financial aid packages re: loans or need based, not merit scholarships

 

[amr2297]

Still haven't heard from Yale.... accelerated health policy. anyone else?

I haven’t heard for SBS, emailed them today and they said “so sorry for the delay we’ll get back to you with a decision by end of this week or worst case next week” lol I don’t have high hopes but would just like a definitive yes or no at this point, only school I’m still waiting on

 

[biotopubhealth]

Anyone know if there's a Facebook group for Emory admitted students? Sorry if this question's already been asked upthread.