MPH Admissions Question

[dj1234]

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Hello.

I'm in the process of applying to MPH programs.

I've noticed that many institutions have a 3.0 expectation for undergraduate GPA. However, I have (excluding next semester) achieved only a 2.7 as a biochemistry major. My GRE scores are 500 (Verbal) and 680 (Quantitative) along with a 5 on the essay portion.

I understand that my academic qualifications are a bit low. How much emphasis do the admissions committees place on experience? I have completed an internship with the Health Department (Environmental Health) and am the founder and current Chief of Operations of a large emergency response team (50+ members) in which we coordinate public health events such as H1N1 vaccination point of distribution.

In addition, I have amassed over 5,000 hours of community service in various settings (from emergency services/medicine to public health).

I'm hoping my achievements will help offset my low GPA. I have a genuine interest in Public Health, and have strived to focus my activities in that and related fields.

Am I thinking correctly? Thanks for your time.

 

[curious14]

You still have a chance at many schools. What you want to do is apply to a wide variety of schools and programs. Since you have very significant experience, you also want to be sure to talk and elaborate on as much as possible. Experience and strong commitment to public health is definitely looked at favorably.

The admissions committee looks at the whole package you have to offer, so be sure to have good LORs and an awesome personal statement. I also feel like applying early to program helps in the process as well.

And if you're really worried about your GPA, I know some schools consider where you got your degree from and what major you did. Biochemistry is most def a difficult major :0 so I don't think it's going to hurt you too much, considering everything else you've mentioned. It also depends on the program you're going for.

I wish you the best of luck!!

 

[dj1234]

You still have a chance at many schools. What you want to do is apply to a wide variety of schools and programs. Since you have very significant experience, you also want to be sure to talk and elaborate on as much as possible. Experience and strong commitment to public health is definitely looked at favorably.

The admissions committee looks at the whole package you have to offer, so be sure to have good LORs and an awesome personal statement. I also feel like applying early to program helps in the process as well.

And if you're really worried about your GPA, I know some schools consider where you got your degree from and what major you did. Biochemistry is most def a difficult major :0 so I don't think it's going to hurt you too much, considering everything else you've mentioned. It also depends on the program you're going for.

I wish you the best of luck!!

Thanks for the prompt response.

I've assembled a list of schools which are in the general geographic area I would like to apply (midwest/northeast). However, what I'm lacking is a definitive ranking of these schools.

With final deadlines starting February 1ST, I'm preparing to send applications next week for my top few choices. However, I want to also apply to a few schools which are a bit less competitive, as to assure a better chance at admission. Other than the USNews rankings, is anything else available?

 

[curious14]

I haven't been able to find anything else, so I honestly had to go with my "gut feeling" with some of the schools I chose. But perhaps someone else on the board has more info.

 

[EpiDoc1981]

After undergrad, I applied for admissions to a public health institution too especially since my GPA was not to my standards either...math pre-med major. But I would suggest to you to examine all ASPH schools after you determine what concentration you are interested in pursuing and how strong that program is in that field. Per another's response, schools do consider your major and the types of classes taken. But you still need to consider how strong a program is and what you hope to get out of the program so that you won't feel you are wasting your time. For example, I am interested in infectious diseases and I wanted to choose a program with a good epidemiology program that would provide the opportunities for me to embark in research that dealt with STIs including HIV/AIDS and/or other IDs. So after applying to several schools, I chose a MSPH program at UAB which was a great opportunity for me and is still aligning all of my interests for a career as a medical epidemiologist (this program and experiences will strengthen my application to med school). So I think you should choose what you believe will enhance your future career and put you in the place you need to be. Everything will work out as long as you know what you are interested in pursuing, I wish you the best.🙂

 

[Nibor6000]

I would recommend that you email some professors doing some of the work you are interested in. Lay out your stats but also your experience. With someone pulling for you, I think you stand a great chance of admission. And I'm not just being nice. Yes, the GPA isn't stellar, but you've taken difficult classes and will bring a lot of useful, real-world skills to the program that accepts you.

Good luck!

 

[dj1234]

Thanks for the advise.

Any additional advice is most welcome...

 

[304246]

I agree with the other posts. You will be competitive. I was in a similar situation- just under 3.0 GPA with an 80th percentile test score. I had a very strong resume and strong LOR. I made a point in my personal statement to talk about my academic pitfalls, which I think made a difference. So far, I've been accepted to Emory and Minn. Good luck!

 

[Wiingy]

Your GRE looks fine, and coming from a biochemisty program the schools won't expect your GPA to be as high as if you had come from a different program. However, 2.7 is still a problem. You have enough experience where I'd be very surprised if at least one school didn't bite on your application, especially if you have a strong personal statement. If accepted, the low GPA is likely to prevent any scholarship offers. Good luck!

 

[dj1234]

I'm attempting to make some finals picks on where to submit applications.

Honestly - in what range of institutions should I be looking at? I've assembled a list of everything from Dartmouth to SUNY/CUNY schools to other private schools.

I certainly don't want to waste time and money applying to a school where my application will be disregarded due to GPA.

As always, any assistance is appreciated.

 

[dj1234]

Do you think it is wise to include a section of my personal statement which explains my realization of my low GPA, and how the lessons I have learned will be applied to my graduate studies?

 

[JMM051]

Some say yes, some say no.

It's going to be really your judgment.

I do know that the BSHE dept. at Emory specifically addresses this question on their website...

If your undergradruate GPA is below the recommended 3.0, you can help us understand why by including a supplementary memo to let us know.

• Did you start off as a pre-med major, not do well in those science courses and change your major to one that did not require those classes?
• Were you the sole care-taker of an ill family member while a full-time student? Did you have children while a full-time student? Tell us that, and how you managed.
• If your GPA in your major classes is higher than your overall GPA, indicate that.
  (i.e.: GPA: 2.75, Major GPA: 3.4)
• Highlight any higher level math, research or stats courses you completed by listing them along with your final grade in each.

 

[curious14]

Do you think it is wise to include a section of my personal statement which explains my realization of my low GPA, and how the lessons I have learned will be applied to my graduate studies?

Like JMM051 said, it's really up to you what you think is best.

I have gone with the personal belief of no, because usually most student DO NOT have a good reason and I for one don't like to make excuses. However, the second point given by Emory is probably one of those few instances where you should elaborate on why your GPA was not around a 3.0.

It's such a tough one to decide, but do also note the keyword of recommended GPA. It's not the end all be all!

 

[dj1234]

Like JMM051 said, it's really up to you what you think is best.

I have gone with the personal belief of no, because usually most student DO NOT have a good reason and I for one don't like to make excuses. However, the second point given by Emory is probably one of those few instances where you should elaborate on why your GPA was not around a 3.0.

It's such a tough one to decide, but do also note the keyword of recommended GPA. It's not the end all be all!

I think I agree with your suggestions.

I'd rather not bring extra attention to the GPA. My focus in the personal statement will be my professional activities and volunteer work.

 

[curious14]

I think I agree with your suggestions.

I'd rather not bring extra attention to the GPA. My focus in the personal statement will be my professional activities and volunteer work.

Yeah that's how I felt, personally. Also, if it makes you feel better I've gotten into programs and don't have a high GPA and I'm still waiting on some more schools. Though, I think the program you're applying to will also factor in.

Good Luck!! I honestly feel like MPH admissions are truly "holistic" especially if you pass their GRE cutoff.

 

[dj1234]

Yeah that's what I did personally. Also, if it makes you feel better I've gotten into programs and have below a 3.0 and I'm still waiting on some more schools. Though, I think the program you're applying to will also factor in.

Good Luck!! I honestly feel like MPH admissions are truly "holistic" especially if you pass their GRE cutoff.

I'm applying to Environmental Health, as much of my experience and interest lies in that.

How competitive is this? I'm noticing that many are going for epi or community health.

 

[curious14]

I'm applying to Environmental Health, as much of my experience and interest lies in that.

How competitive is this? I'm noticing that many are going for epi or community health.

Not sure how competitive, because less people do tend to apply to Environmental programs, however, the class size may also be smaller.

This might be of some help, also some schools put out the stats of the students enrolled to a given program. You may also want to call the Admissions Offices of the schools you're interested in.