MPH Fall 2014: Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Rejected!

[antaresoul]

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Just got in at University of Michigan HBHE program. That's all schools for me..well except Berkeley but I tossed in the towel on that a long time ago.

Congrats!!!! You were waiting to hear back from them for a while! Are you going to Admit Day on 3/21?

 

[cloudzz]

Got into Berkeley for Epi/Biostats!!!

Congrats! When did you hear from them? Today?

 

[Sandcat]

Figured it was time to do this since I've been checking this thread multiple times a day for the last few weeks. 🙂
Undergrad School: UNC-Chapel Hill
Undergrad GPA: 3.86
Major/Minor: Psychology
GRE: Taken Oct 7th, 2013. Verbal: 168, Quant: 159, Writing: 4.0
Experience/Research: 3 years as a research associate on NIH-funded health curricula; 2.5 years as a project director for survey research at a market research firm; 4 years as a project manager at a health department for training & evaluation initiatives

Applied: UC Berkeley for Health and Social Behavior (HSB) -- end of Nov; San Francisco State University (SFSU) -- end of Jan
Accepted: San Francisco State University--email on March 12: "recommended for admission by department"
Rejected: UC Berkeley for Health and Social Behavior (HSB) - email on March 21

 

[coloradolove]

Undergrad School: University of Miami
Undergrad GPA: 3.47
Major/Minor: Biology and Psychology majors, Chemistry minor
GRE: 166V (96%), 159Q (75%), 4.5W (79%) (taken in October 2013)
Experience/Research (please, be brief): ~2 years working in psychological research on CPT for victims of sexual trauma
Desired concentration: Epidemiology

Applied: University of Miami, Florida International University
Accepted: University of Miami


I'm still waiting to hear back from FIU, but I'm so excited to have gotten accepted into UM! Hopefully, I end up getting some sort of financial aid...

Congrats on your acceptance! I was also recently accepted and am very excited, but not sure it's going to be financially feasible :-( Can I ask why you chose to apply there?

 

[JK_green]

Got into Berkeley for Epi/Biostats!!!

CONGRATS!
I just recieved my email as well! Now tough decision picking the right MPH program... Any advice?

Emory? Yale or CAL? what are peoples thoughts about the various programs?

 

[coloradolove]

What programs did you apply to?

Behavioral Sciences and Health Education. I feel forgotten after seeing how everyone else has heard something

 

[ms26]

Congrats! When did you hear from them? Today?

Just a few hours ago! I'm sure they're still working on sending out decisions since it seemed somewhat personalized.

 

[fromthedessert]

Got waitlisted from UA.....ANOTHER waitlist. Maybe I should really re-take my GRE. I am hesitant only because I don't think I can deal with the stress to study as I am finishing off senior year of undergrad. What are everyone's suggestions? Also, isn't the average age for grad students like 25 nowadays?! So taking time to sharpen my application wont hurt right?

 

[ms26]

CONGRATS!
I just recieved my email as well! Now tough decision picking the right MPH program... Any advice?

Emory? Yale or CAL? what are peoples thoughts about the various programs?

I know I'm so conflicted. I think I'm pretty much between cal and Columbia..don't know much about the Yale or Emory programs but they all sound great so congratulations and good luck!

 

[588211]

,

 

[Renee Middle]

Got into Berkeley for Epi/Biostats!!!

AHHH CONGRATS! ME TOO!!! I am so excited and have high hopes for you @CWE2014!

 

[fromthedessert]

Definitely. I am always pro taking a year or two off after UG. Get some work experience, improve your app, make sure you want this, and give yourself the best opportunity to get into the program you want.

It's not the most exciting/glamorous idea, and I get that it often doesn't sound appealing, but it is often the best and most responsible option available.

Thanks so much for your feedback. I too believe it is a realistic and responsible move! Did you take time off? What did you do to gain experience?

 

[fromthedessert]

Did any one take a year or two off after undergrad before they applied this year to graduate programs? If so, what did you do during that time? Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated 🙂 Good luck to everyone! One day down....4 more to go! Hopefully good news for everyone!

 

[trueblue824]

Congrats on your acceptance! I was also recently accepted and am very excited, but not sure it's going to be financially feasible :-( Can I ask why you chose to apply there?

Thank you! Congrats to you too! I applied b/c UM's program allows a lot of freedom in choosing electives beyond your core classes, while other programs required specific courses for a concentration and since UM offers a lot of research opportunities. I also wanted to go to grad school in my home town to avoid any living expenses (I'm from Miami and went to UM for undergrad). That's why I only applied to FIU and UM.

I'm worried about the financial aspect as well... It's almost $80000 in total. Hopefully in a week or so, we find if we get any scholarships/aid!

 

[tranm3]

Congrats!!!! You were waiting to hear back from them for a while! Are you going to Admit Day on 3/21?

I was! It was the last one I hadn't heard back from yet and I got good news!

I haven't been able to find any information about the Admit Day. It wasn't on my E-mail or easily found on the Admitted Students Page. However, I can't attend it as I'll be at Visit Emory that day but I am planning to make a trip to see Michigan before I make a final decision. I've only spent time in Chicago so my experience with the Midwest/Ann Arbor is very small.

 

[yuskimph]

Congrats to everyone who has heard back from most or all schools. Some of us haven't heard back from half . I'd give anything to have the problem of deciding rather than waiting right now.

Please If you know a school is definitely out of the question, it'd be nice to turn down the offer so maybe wait listed people or those who haven't heard back get can get a shot. I'm not sure if this makes a difference but I hope it does. Good luck to everyone.

 

[Renee Middle]

Congrats to everyone who has heard back from most or all schools. Some of us haven't heard back from half . I'd give anything to have the problem of deciding rather than waiting right now.

Please If you know a school is definitely out of the question, it'd be nice to turn down the offer so maybe wait listed people or those who haven't heard back get can get a shot. I'm not sure if this makes a difference but I hope it does. Good luck to everyone.

Will do! Best wishes to you!

 

[justin22]

Did any one take a year or two off after undergrad before they applied this year to graduate programs? If so, what did you do during that time? Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated 🙂 Good luck to everyone! One day down....4 more to go! Hopefully good news for everyone!

I'm in the middle of my year off after my undergrad. During the summer I crammed for the GRE. I'm currently working as a research study coordinator for a clinical trial. I believe it's been a very beneficial time off for me. It's been a nice break from school but I'm ready to go back.

 

[c0435]

Did any one take a year or two off after undergrad before they applied this year to graduate programs? If so, what did you do during that time? Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated 🙂 Good luck to everyone! One day down....4 more to go! Hopefully good news for everyone!

Yep. I graduated Fall 2011 from undergrad and used the time off to really figure out what it is I want for my future. Once I figured it out, I did some resume building… took some free online CDC courses, volunteered at my local health department's HIV program, and at a hospital as a case management volunteer.

I don't think that schools view time off negatively, as long as you fill that time working toward your future success.

Hope that helps! Best of luck!!!

 

[bathnbodyworks]

Did any one take a year or two off after undergrad before they applied this year to graduate programs? If so, what did you do during that time? Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated 🙂 Good luck to everyone! One day down....4 more to go! Hopefully good news for everyone!

thanks for the positive wishes🙂 Just wondering what the countdown is for (what happens in 4 days)? Also, I took a year off and did volunteer work! It gave me insight into the field of public health as a whole and put things into perspective in terms of post-Masters job opportunities. Highly recommended to take time off. You will no doubt grow from it 🙂

 

[ms26]

Did any one take a year or two off after undergrad before they applied this year to graduate programs? If so, what did you do during that time? Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated 🙂 Good luck to everyone! One day down....4 more to go! Hopefully good news for everyone!

I graduated last Spring, so I'm taking a year off before I start MPH in this Fall. I think for me it was definitely the right move! I've had the opportunity to really evaluate what I want to get out of my graduate degree. I got to travel internationally for a month and a half. I learned how to job search, build a resume, and had a million interviews (the more the better: practice, practice, practice!). I had uninterrupted time to write my personal statements and study for the GRE, and did better than I expected to! After a few months of job searching (done simultaneously while studying for the GRE) I found a full-time job at a private medical meta-analysis company (which is relevant to epidemiology, though not as altruistic as I would like my career to eventually be [most of our clients are giant pharmaceutical corporations..meh]). I'm learning what the 9-5 life is all about, and how to cope with the adult world. I won't lie, this year has been stressful. Finding a job was no joke, and I couldn't stand not knowing what was going to happen and having nothing to do. Apparently, unemployment is my mortal enemy. My lifestyle is much different now than it was as an undergrad but I think I've matured a lot because of it, and it definitely makes me appreciate being able to go back to school even more! So yeah, for me, taking a year off was definitely the way to go.

If you think you're ready for grad school now I wouldn't tell you not to go, but if taking a year or two off means you get to go to build your resume and go to your dream school, it's definitely a good choice to consider. It sounds like you're a bit unsure. Just think about what's best for you, not about what other people will think. I had family members that tried to pressure me into applying for Fall 2013, but decided it was in my own best interest to have a gap year.

Good luck! Whatever you decide to do, it'll work out. Life in your 20's is kind of insane, you just have to roll with it.

 

[shailley]

Congrats to everyone who has heard back from most or all schools. Some of us haven't heard back from half . I'd give anything to have the problem of deciding rather than waiting right now.

Please If you know a school is definitely out of the question, it'd be nice to turn down the offer so maybe wait listed people or those who haven't heard back get can get a shot. I'm not sure if this makes a difference but I hope it does. Good luck to everyone.

yep I hv already said no to many schools.. all the best dear 🙂

 

[ThereTheirTheyre]

it's about time i post my stats...i've waited long enough!

Undergrad School: Top public university
Undergrad GPA: ~3.2 (SOPHAS)
Major/Minor: Public Health
GradGPA (if applicable): N/A
Grad Studies (if applicable): N/A
GRE (including date taken): V 155, Q 157, AW 4.5
Experience/Research (please, be brief):

Applied for the Environmental Health (EH) concentration at all schools:

Applied: Columbia, University of Minnesota, University of Texas-Houston, GWU, University of Arizona, SDSU
Accepted: Columbia, University of Minnesota, University of Texas-Houston, GWU, University of Arizona
Rejected:

 

[its_tay]

Not sure! I'm leaning towards SDSU, because I'm from Southern California and in-state/public school tuition would be reaaaaallly nice. Not to mention San Diego is just a beautiful area in general. So I'm really, really hoping I get accepted there. Otherwise, next up would probabaly be Arizona, Claremont, Colorado.. so many decisions. hahah

What about you!?

Update: Accepted into SDSU - Health Promotion & Behavioral Science today! 🙂 woohoo (came by snail mail, FYI)

 

[InsaneObserver]

it's about time i post my stats...i've waited long enough!

Undergrad School: Top public university
Undergrad GPA: ~3.2 (SOPHAS)
Major/Minor: Public Health
GradGPA (if applicable): N/A
Grad Studies (if applicable): N/A
GRE (including date taken): V 155, Q 157, AW 4.5
Experience/Research (please, be brief):

Applied for the Environmental Health (EH) concentration at all schools:

Applied: Columbia, University of Minnesota, University of Texas-Houston, GWU, University of Arizona, SDSU
Accepted: Columbia, University of Minnesota, University of Texas-Houston, GWU, University of Arizona
Rejected:

When did you hear from Columbia? I got accepted into SDSU as well, do you know about the program? I can't seem to track down current students or recent graduates to talk to about the program. What school are you leaning towards?

 

[Lynsey]

Did any one take a year or two off after undergrad before they applied this year to graduate programs? If so, what did you do during that time? Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated 🙂 Good luck to everyone! One day down....4 more to go! Hopefully good news for everyone!

Hi there! I'm in the middle of my gap year as a full-time volunteer with AmeriCorps! I couldn't recommend the program enough--it's excellent volunteer and work experience, you receive a $5,000+ education award (which some schools, including Emory, match), and receive a living stipend that albeit being small, is certainly manageable, especially when almost all schools for public health and the SOPHAS give application fee waivers to AmeriCorps members. If you have any questions, feel free to message me! Also, here's the AmeriCorps website: http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps

 

[NeurosciTMS]

Did any one take a year or two off after undergrad before they applied this year to graduate programs? If so, what did you do during that time? Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated 🙂 Good luck to everyone! One day down....4 more to go! Hopefully good news for everyone!

I decided to take a gap year before I applied and I am currently participating in an education and financial literacy based AmeriCorps - VISTA project since I am also passionate about education in addition to health and medicine. I think taking a gap year allowed me to focus my studying for my MCAT. It also allowed me to form stronger relationships with my friends and other people. It gave me time to focus on my applications without having to worry about tests or homework. Taking time off also allowed me to focus on my vision of where I see myself and the kind of work, research or other things that I would like to do. It also gave me some time to grow up. I think ultimately it has paid off and I am looking forward to going back to school and I am ready for the commitment of PH and medical school. I hope this helps.

 

[JK_green]

AHHH CONGRATS! ME TOO!!! I am so excited and have high hopes for you @CWE2014!

Are you going to visit Emory March 20? also, what program is your top choice?

 

[epfrias]

Hi there! I'm in the middle of my gap year as a full-time volunteer with AmeriCorps! I couldn't recommend the program enough--it's excellent volunteer and work experience, you receive a $5,000+ education award (which some schools, including Emory, match), and receive a living stipend that albeit being small, is certainly manageable, especially when almost all schools for public health and the SOPHAS give application fee waivers to AmeriCorps members. If you have any questions, feel free to message me! Also, here's the AmeriCorps website: http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps

Did any one take a year or two off after undergrad before they applied this year to graduate programs? If so, what did you do during that time? Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated 🙂 Good luck to everyone! One day down....4 more to go! Hopefully good news for everyone!

I agree with Lynsey. AmeriCorps is a great gap year opportunity that is not only a resume booster but also an experience that could help you grow as a person, in academia, etc. If you could get a position that is relevant to your career goal then kudos to ya because it could be very competitive, especially VISTA positions. My recommendation for you would be to really do some research on budgeting and how your quality of life would be regarding living on the living allowance. It is hard, really hard and depends on the location of your position but if you can make it then committing a year of your life to service will be awesome! SOPHAS only gives fee waivers for up to two schools (not very much). Another thing I really like about AmeriCorps is that you can defer your loan payments and they'll pay the accruing interest. I am a current VISTA member and this experience is incredible. You can also message me as well🙂

 

[Lynsey]

I agree with Lynsey. AmeriCorps is a great gap year opportunity that is not only a resume booster but also an experience that could help you grow as a person, in academia, etc. If you could get a position that is relevant to your career goal then kudos to ya because it could be very competitive, especially VISTA positions. My recommendation for you would be to really do some research on budgeting and how your quality of life would be regarding living on the living allowance. It is hard, really hard and depends on the location of your position but if you can make it then committing a year of your life to service will be awesome! SOPHAS only gives fee waivers for up to two schools (not very much). Another thing I really like about AmeriCorps is that you can defer your loan payments and they'll pay the accruing interest. I am a current VISTA member and this experience is incredible. You can also message me as well🙂

I should have clarified, my program is "State and National" therefore, we are allowed to have a second job. Plus, I work for a particularly gracious organization that provides fuel reimbursement and many free meals 😛. Epfrias is correct in that finances are definitely something to consider before applying for AmeriCorps, but my particular circumstances as an early 20-something and the job location made the 11-month financial sacrifice more than worth it for the experience and resume boost 🙂.

 

[ThereTheirTheyre]

When did you hear from Columbia? I got accepted into SDSU as well, do you know about the program? I can't seem to track down current students or recent graduates to talk to about the program. What school are you leaning towards?

I heard back from Columbia mid-February...submitted my application mid-December. SDSU is the only school I'm waiting for right now, I haven't been accepted yet. I've been looking into the program though like you since it's the most affordable (in-state), but can't find much info on it, especially for the EH concentration!
I would love to go to Columbia, but the tuition costs scare me...so right now I'm leaning toward UT-Houston, and maybe SDSU if I get in...but I'm still trying to keep all my options open!

 

[egzzz]

Did any one take a year or two off after undergrad before they applied this year to graduate programs? If so, what did you do during that time? Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated 🙂 Good luck to everyone! One day down....4 more to go! Hopefully good news for everyone!

I graduated in 2012 and will be going back to school in 2014. In between I did lots of volunteer work, including AmeriCorps. I think it really helped my application! I highly recommend it especially if you want to go into HSBS or SBS

 

[Pdesai8]

I will have 5 years of experience when I start my MPH. This is a little more than average, but now when I graduate, I will be looking for management positions instead of entry-level positions. And the best part is, I have saved up more than enough to pay for grad school...not being in debt after school will be great. After 5 years in the workforce, going back to school is going to be a wonderful change of pace!

As for what I did. I worked in healthcare consulting for a little over a year and since then have worked in strategy at a prestigious Chicago hospital. It is very interesting work but I will need a masters if I want to keep going up into management positions, and my boss thought this is the perfect time to get it.

 

[James13]

I'll hop on the bandwagon and say that AmeriCorps is a great experience to do during your gap year. I am currently a VISTA in my home state and I live with my parents which helps me afford to live off of the stipend. This experience has allowed me to figure out what I do and don't want out of a job as this is my first full time position. I would say look for a position with an agency that really connects to your interests so it can be a worth while experience. (If you decide you are interested in AmeriCorps)

 

[justin22]

I will have 5 years of experience when I start my MPH. This is a little more than average, but now when I graduate, I will be looking for management positions instead of entry-level positions. And the best part is, I have saved up more than enough to pay for grad school...not being in debt after school will be great. After 5 years in the workforce, going back to school is going to be a wonderful change of pace!

As for what I did. I worked in healthcare consulting for a little over a year and since then have worked in strategy at a prestigious Chicago hospital. It is very interesting work but I will need a masters if I want to keep going up into management positions, and my boss thought this is the perfect time to get it.

You were able to get those jobs straight out of undergrad? What's your background like? I'm just asking because I had a bit of trouble securing those types of jobs.

 

[Pdesai8]

You were able to get those jobs straight out of undergrad? What's your background like? I'm just asking because I had a bit of trouble securing those types of jobs.

I graduated from University of Michigan Business School for my undergrad, the school is a big feeder for investment banks and the large consulting companies. I did graduate in 2009 during the recession though, so it was more difficult than usual to secure jobs in these industries. But we had tons of networking and campus recruiting and career office support, so I guess I was just lucky to go to such a wonderful school with a lot of great opportunities.

 

[NigerianDr]

I'm also waiting for Emory. My application was sent to Epidemiology department 25/02

 

[deleted558264]

I was rejected from Harvard SM2 last Friday but just got accepted into JH MSPH in international health!!!

I think this "should" be my first choice but I just can't get over how supportive Emory appears to be, and the great internship opportunities they have with the CDC etc...

Im interested in infectious disease epidemiology and control, specifically in vulnerable populations (e.g. Refugee camps, post-crisis). Does anyone have any advice?

Also, does anyone know when we should be expecting to hear from JHU about scholarships? I imagine they're few and far between??

 

[health816]

I was rejected from Harvard SM2 last Friday but just got accepted into JH MSPH in international health!!!

I think this "should" be my first choice but I just can't get over how supportive Emory appears to be, and the great internship opportunities they have with the CDC etc...

Im interested in infectious disease epidemiology and control, specifically in vulnerable populations (e.g. Refugee camps, post-crisis). Does anyone have any advice?

Also, does anyone know when we should be expecting to hear from JHU about scholarships? I imagine they're few and far between??

Congrats on your acceptances! I'm currently waiting on JHSPH for the same degree and concentration. When did you submit your application?
Obviously making the decision is the hardest part but I'm weighing things like cost and the opportunities available especially for international health after graduating. Too many people talking about the lack of jobs makes me nervous about that prospect and makes me lean more towards the name-brand schools for the global health field.

 

[PubHPosse]

So just had my conversation with JH-MHA admissions lady. She basically told me that "from my application it looked as if i was more interested in the broader field of public health rather than the tunnel focus of their program" which is soo TRUE! Guess I am OFFICIALLY attending Yale in the fall. It was became my first choice (ahead of JHSPH) back in december after I turned in my applications.

Advice: admissions committees really know how to read between the line man! So if you've been rejected/waitlisted, and your GPA/GRE/LORs are unquestionably amazing, your personal statement will reveal the truth anyways!

 

[HannahR]

I was rejected from Harvard SM2 last Friday but just got accepted into JH MSPH in international health!!!

I think this "should" be my first choice but I just can't get over how supportive Emory appears to be, and the great internship opportunities they have with the CDC etc...

Im interested in infectious disease epidemiology and control, specifically in vulnerable populations (e.g. Refugee camps, post-crisis). Does anyone have any advice?

Also, does anyone know when we should be expecting to hear from JHU about scholarships? I imagine they're few and far between??

Congratulations!! I am also interested in infectious disease epidemiology, and I, too, got into JHSPH (MHS Epidemiology) and Emory (MPH Epidemiology)! I'm also feeling quite conflicted about what "should" be a top choice based on reputation, versus where I may have the best career opportunities (Emory and the CDC). I also got into Yale, and the program there is really closely aligned with my interests, so I have no clue how I will ever choose! Still waiting on HSPH. What are you leaning towards as of now?

 

[fromthedessert]

I'm in the middle of my year off after my undergrad. During the summer I crammed for the GRE. I'm currently working as a research study coordinator for a clinical trial. I believe it's been a very beneficial time off for me. It's been a nice break from school but I'm ready to go back.

Thank you so much for your reply! It means so much! I am glad that you had time to relax and are back at it! Good Luck with everything!

 

[fromthedessert]

Yep. I graduated Fall 2011 from undergrad and used the time off to really figure out what it is I want for my future. Once I figured it out, I did some resume building… took some free online CDC courses, volunteered at my local health department's HIV program, and at a hospital as a case management volunteer.

I don't think that schools view time off negatively, as long as you fill that time working toward your future success.

Hope that helps! Best of luck!!!

This definitely helped me a lot! Thanks so much for your feedback! Good Luck with everything! 🙂

 

[fromthedessert]

thanks for the positive wishes🙂 Just wondering what the countdown is for (what happens in 4 days)? Also, I took a year off and did volunteer work! It gave me insight into the field of public health as a whole and put things into perspective in terms of post-Masters job opportunities. Highly recommended to take time off. You will no doubt grow from it 🙂

Hahah the countdown is for the number of weekdays left to receive news about our applications. Thank you so much for your reply! It means a lot! I really think I will do the same..I need that perspective! Good luck with everything!! 🙂

 

[fromthedessert]

I graduated last Spring, so I'm taking a year off before I start MPH in this Fall. I think for me it was definitely the right move! I've had the opportunity to really evaluate what I want to get out of my graduate degree. I got to travel internationally for a month and a half. I learned how to job search, build a resume, and had a million interviews (the more the better: practice, practice, practice!). I had uninterrupted time to write my personal statements and study for the GRE, and did better than I expected to! After a few months of job searching (done simultaneously while studying for the GRE) I found a full-time job at a private medical meta-analysis company (which is relevant to epidemiology, though not as altruistic as I would like my career to eventually be [most of our clients are giant pharmaceutical corporations..meh]). I'm learning what the 9-5 life is all about, and how to cope with the adult world. I won't lie, this year has been stressful. Finding a job was no joke, and I couldn't stand not knowing what was going to happen and having nothing to do. Apparently, unemployment is my mortal enemy. My lifestyle is much different now than it was as an undergrad but I think I've matured a lot because of it, and it definitely makes me appreciate being able to go back to school even more! So yeah, for me, taking a year off was definitely the way to go.

If you think you're ready for grad school now I wouldn't tell you not to go, but if taking a year or two off means you get to go to build your resume and go to your dream school, it's definitely a good choice to consider. It sounds like you're a bit unsure. Just think about what's best for you, not about what other people will think. I had family members that tried to pressure me into applying for Fall 2013, but decided it was in my own best interest to have a gap year.

Good luck! Whatever you decide to do, it'll work out. Life in your 20's is kind of insane, you just have to roll with it.

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing! It means a lot! I am learning so much from everyone's responses! Good luck with everything!! 🙂

 

[fromthedessert]

Agreeing with everyone else that time off after undergrad is a great choice! When I matriculate this fall, I will have taken two full years off. I spent one year doing a health related AmeriCorps VISTA program, and one year at the Dept of Health, in a volunteer position that became paid. You have probably been in school for 17+ years- it is REALLY nice to not have to worry about homework for a few years!! Other benefits I've found from taking time off: when I was studying for the GRE, being able to totally devote myself to that; not having to worry about other school work when I was working on my application; saving money and being able to reconnect with my family (I moved home). I strongly recommend looking into VISTA programs- there are lots that are health related, and although the living stipend can be tough, if you're able to live at home, it's a great experience. I think that MPH programs look very favorably on people that do VISTA. In other words, don't be afraid to take some time off from school!

Thank you sooo much! I actually am looking into that right now! I already starting filling out the application! Thank you for your feedback! Good luck with everything!! 🙂

 

[fromthedessert]

I decided to take a gap year before I applied and I am currently participating in an education and financial literacy based AmeriCorps - VISTA project since I am also passionate about education in addition to health and medicine. I think taking a gap year allowed me to focus my studying for my MCAT. It also allowed me to form stronger relationships with my friends and other people. It gave me time to focus on my applications without having to worry about tests or homework. Taking time off also allowed me to focus on my vision of where I see myself and the kind of work, research or other things that I would like to do. It also gave me some time to grow up. I think ultimately it has paid off and I am looking forward to going back to school and I am ready for the commitment of PH and medical school. I hope this helps.

Thanks so much! This definitely helped me a lot! I like that you said it allowed you to grow up! I feel like we don't usually think we need to grow up until we do and realize just how much we had to learn. Best of luck with everything!! 🙂

 

[fromthedessert]

I graduated in 2012 and will be going back to school in 2014. In between I did lots of volunteer work, including AmeriCorps. I think it really helped my application! I highly recommend it especially if you want to go into HSBS or SBS

Thank you so much for your feedback!! I think taking a gap year will help my application as well! Best of luck with everything!! 🙂

 

[fromthedessert]

I took 2 years off and I am sure that I would not have been as happy with my admissions results if I had not done so! I spent the first year after undergrad volunteering in East Africa. If you want to go into global health, many of the top programs require at least a year's work experience abroad. I wasn't working in a healthcare setting, but just living in a small village for a year gave me SO much valuable insight that I used to write my personal statement. When I came back it took a while to find a job, but I had time to really focus on putting together a strong school application. I eventually found a job at a very well-known hospital. I am doing administrative work which isn't the most interesting work, but I have made many amazing connections here and it has given me a lot of insight into the healthcare world (and I am living at home so that I can save up some money for grad school). I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do in public health until very recently; I definitely recommend that you at least have an idea of the kind of career you want after you get your Masters before applying. I am so glad that I took 2 years off and feel that I have matured a lot in that time, and that all of the experience that I gained will really help me in grad school.

Thank you so much for sharing! It means a lot! I recently talked to my parents and they recommended that I go to Africa and work with the US embassy or something like that! I think that would be a good experience. I am from DRC so it wouldn't be a problem moving there. Also, thanks for the advice to really consider a long-term goal! Best of luck with everything!! 🙂

 

[fromthedessert]

I will have 5 years of experience when I start my MPH. This is a little more than average, but now when I graduate, I will be looking for management positions instead of entry-level positions. And the best part is, I have saved up more than enough to pay for grad school...not being in debt after school will be great. After 5 years in the workforce, going back to school is going to be a wonderful change of pace!

As for what I did. I worked in healthcare consulting for a little over a year and since then have worked in strategy at a prestigious Chicago hospital. It is very interesting work but I will need a masters if I want to keep going up into management positions, and my boss thought this is the perfect time to get it.

Thank you so much for your reply! Best of luck with school! I am getting the sense that those who took time off appreciate going back way more than anything! That is awesome! Best of luck with everything!! 🙂