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

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justin22 said:
Congrats! I'm on the edge about Columbia as well. Can you elaborate some more about why you're picking Columbia? How was your visit? Did you get to interact with any professors?
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c0435 said:
I think I'm dead set on Columbia SMS... so excited.
How was your visit?? What made you choose Columbia over the others?
How are you dealing with the financial panic?... could use someone who can relate to talk to! 🙂
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A large reason I'm choosing Columbia is that I'm very interested in urban health, an area in which Columbia professors have a ton of expertise -- in stark contrast to almost every other school I applied to. For the same reason, NYC could not be beat as a city in which to study urban health! The main reason why I was hesitant was that it is a very large program, so I was concerned it would be difficult to develop a rapport with professors and to network. The students there I spoke to (at least five) all insisted that that is completely NOT the case, that professors are all very willing to help you out and meet with you and that there are SO SO many research opportunities within the school itself since it is so large. They said only the first semester (the core) are big classes, then the rest are fairly small at around give or take ~20 people.

I sat in on one class and the professor was great at integrating me and another visiting student into the class discussion and the other students were very interested in what I had to say. The professor also insisted that I contact her if I had any questions about her class or the program in general. I also like that Columbia, unlike the other NYC schools, has the option of morning classes. As an international student there are limited employment opportunities that can be available to me under a student visa so I was concerned about what I would do during the day.

While the program advisor wasn't trying to "sell" me Columbia like the advisors at the other schools were doing, she took the time to answer any question I had and if she didn't have an answer she referred me to the appropriate people. What I hadn't known before, and that I liked, was that the mandatory thesis does not have to be original research, but there are three options: a lit review, research, or something more program/evaluation oriented (I forget how they phrased it).

Columbia has career services specifically for its MPH students, a huge alumni network, an active student life, and also the opportunity to study at their other professional schools. Finally, the certificate program is attractive for the opportunity to have increased specialization (which they also say can be complemented by the thesis and practicum).

Oh, and how can I forget that it's in NYC! The location of the campus isn't fantastic but it's riiiight on the A/C/1 metro lines so if I can find somewhere, I am probably going to live in a more lively area. There is a free shuttle from the main Columbia campus, which has much more going on around it so I'm probably going to aim to live near there.

As for financial panic, I am absolutely with you! As a Canadian, I am only eligible for merit-based aid and as of now I don't have any from the school. I have applied to many external scholarships so I'm hoping for the best and I will also apply for provincial grants and bursaries! Given the extensive resources though, and the opportunity to intern at local organizations or conduct research while in school (which it seems all students do), it will be possible to easily get your foot into many amazing doors!

I hope that answered both of your questions!
 
brittmtl said:
A large reason I'm choosing Columbia is that I'm very interested in urban health, an area in which Columbia professors have a ton of expertise -- in stark contrast to almost every other school I applied to. For the same reason, NYC could not be beat as a city in which to study urban health! The main reason why I was hesitant was that it is a very large program, so I was concerned it would be difficult to develop a rapport with professors and to network. The students there I spoke to (at least five) all insisted that that is completely NOT the case, that professors are all very willing to help you out and meet with you and that there are SO SO many research opportunities within the school itself since it is so large. They said only the first semester (the core) are big classes, then the rest are fairly small at around give or take ~20 people.

I sat in on one class and the professor was great at integrating me and another visiting student into the class discussion and the other students were very interested in what I had to say. The professor also insisted that I contact her if I had any questions about her class or the program in general. I also like that Columbia, unlike the other NYC schools, has the option of morning classes. As an international student there are limited employment opportunities that can be available to me under a student visa so I was concerned about what I would do during the day.

While the program advisor wasn't trying to "sell" me Columbia like the advisors at the other schools were doing, she took the time to answer any question I had and if she didn't have an answer she referred me to the appropriate people. What I hadn't known before, and that I liked, was that the mandatory thesis does not have to be original research, but there are three options: a lit review, research, or something more program/evaluation oriented (I forget how they phrased it).

Columbia has career services specifically for its MPH students, a huge alumni network, an active student life, and also the opportunity to study at their other professional schools. Finally, the certificate program is attractive for the opportunity to have increased specialization (which they also say can be complemented by the thesis and practicum).

Oh, and how can I forget that it's in NYC! The location of the campus isn't fantastic but it's riiiight on the A/C/1 metro lines so if I can find somewhere, I am probably going to live in a more lively area. There is a free shuttle from the main Columbia campus, which has much more going on around it so I'm probably going to aim to live near there.

As for financial panic, I am absolutely with you! As a Canadian, I am only eligible for merit-based aid and as of now I don't have any from the school. I have applied to many external scholarships so I'm hoping for the best and I will also apply for provincial grants and bursaries! Given the extensive resources though, and the opportunity to intern at local organizations or conduct research while in school (which it seems all students do), it will be possible to easily get your foot into many amazing doors!

I hope that answered both of your questions!
Click to expand...

I'll also be going to Columbia too, but for epi.
 
brittmtl said:
A large reason I'm choosing Columbia is that I'm very interested in urban health, an area in which Columbia professors have a ton of expertise -- in stark contrast to almost every other school I applied to. For the same reason, NYC could not be beat as a city in which to study urban health! The main reason why I was hesitant was that it is a very large program, so I was concerned it would be difficult to develop a rapport with professors and to network. The students there I spoke to (at least five) all insisted that that is completely NOT the case, that professors are all very willing to help you out and meet with you and that there are SO SO many research opportunities within the school itself since it is so large. They said only the first semester (the core) are big classes, then the rest are fairly small at around give or take ~20 people.

I sat in on one class and the professor was great at integrating me and another visiting student into the class discussion and the other students were very interested in what I had to say. The professor also insisted that I contact her if I had any questions about her class or the program in general. I also like that Columbia, unlike the other NYC schools, has the option of morning classes. As an international student there are limited employment opportunities that can be available to me under a student visa so I was concerned about what I would do during the day.

While the program advisor wasn't trying to "sell" me Columbia like the advisors at the other schools were doing, she took the time to answer any question I had and if she didn't have an answer she referred me to the appropriate people. What I hadn't known before, and that I liked, was that the mandatory thesis does not have to be original research, but there are three options: a lit review, research, or something more program/evaluation oriented (I forget how they phrased it).

Columbia has career services specifically for its MPH students, a huge alumni network, an active student life, and also the opportunity to study at their other professional schools. Finally, the certificate program is attractive for the opportunity to have increased specialization (which they also say can be complemented by the thesis and practicum).

Oh, and how can I forget that it's in NYC! The location of the campus isn't fantastic but it's riiiight on the A/C/1 metro lines so if I can find somewhere, I am probably going to live in a more lively area. There is a free shuttle from the main Columbia campus, which has much more going on around it so I'm probably going to aim to live near there.

As for financial panic, I am absolutely with you! As a Canadian, I am only eligible for merit-based aid and as of now I don't have any from the school. I have applied to many external scholarships so I'm hoping for the best and I will also apply for provincial grants and bursaries! Given the extensive resources though, and the opportunity to intern at local organizations or conduct research while in school (which it seems all students do), it will be possible to easily get your foot into many amazing doors!

I hope that answered both of your questions!
Click to expand...
Wow that thank you for that comprehensive answer!! That was extremely helpful. You addressed some of my biggest concern of class sizes by professor availability!! I'm excited to visit and see for myself now 🙂 Now if only we can get financial aid taken care of, we'll be set!
 
slp2014 said:
Have you heard back yet from the MPH-RD program yet? I applied there too and have yet to hear anything, no idea why they're taking so long!
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No I still haven't heard anything! I called them a couple weeks ago and they said they would be sending out decisions by the end of the wek but still nothing... : /
 
Sherlockanne said:
No I still haven't heard anything! I called them a couple weeks ago and they said they would be sending out decisions by the end of the wek but still nothing... : /
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Well I at least feel better that no one else has heard anything yet either! Thanks
 
Anyone who has already been accepted and is considering Colorado- Have you heard any details regarding financial aid or scholarships?
 
sea_ph said:
So I've been lurking for a while now, and finally decided to post...
Undergrad School: UW
Undergrad GPA: 2.9 (not thrilled)
Major/Minor: Major: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Minor: Global Health
GradGPA (if applicable):
Grad Studies (if applicable):
GRE (including date taken) or Other Test (if applicable): 155 V, 158 Q, 4.5 W
Experience/Research (please, be brief):
-3 yrs lab assistant at a large cancer research center
-Research internship at an infectious disease research institute
-Research internship at a pediatric cancer research institute
-Global health study abroad program in India
-In general, have traveled to many places

Applied: Mt. Sinai, Drexel, UW, Emory, Columbia (all MPH Epi), UCI, UTH (both MS Epi), GWU (MS PH Microbio and EID)
Accepted: Drexel, BU (w/merit award), Columbia (w/certificate in Infectious Disease Epi)
Rejected: UTH, UW
Waitlisted: Emory

So right now I think I'm deciding between BU and Columbia. I'm definitely leaning towards Columbia, but any thought and advice are appreciated! Anyone have any advice about housing in NYC?
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What UW program did you apply for?
 
Has anyone heard from SUNY Albany Epidemiology program,my app was submited via SOPHAS 21/01
 
Here are my stats maybe you can tell me what my chances are of being admitted

Undergrad Schoop: international
Undergrad n/ a
Major/Minor: biology
GradGPA (if applicable): n/a
Grad Studies (if applicable):
GRE (including date taken): 150v 147q. 3.5w 🙁
Other Test (if applicable): n/a
Experience/Research: n/ a

***Please include the following whenever possible: specific concentration/track, dates, type of correspondence (phone, email, letter, etc.), scholarships/grants. Judging by last year's thread, yes we are this obsessive and neurotic.***

Applied: all submitted on 21/01/2014 SUNY
Accepted: n/a
Rejected: n/a
Waitlisted: n/a[/quote]
 
coloradolove said:
Anyone who has already been accepted and is considering Colorado- Have you heard any details regarding financial aid or scholarships?
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Nada. There were those few emails back in February about scholarship applications, but I haven't heard anything as far as being awarded anything. 🙁
 
Hi Everyone,
One of my friend is an international student and he applied to UIC, but he still hasn't heard from them.
I saw that some of you already heard from UIC...
So is it safe to assume at this point that he didn't get in? or is the process for international students taking a little longer?
Also, is UIC good with financial aid for international students?
Please let me know!
 
c0435 said:
Any of you guys going to grad school without savings? I'm trying my hardest to gather money … Loans do cover living expenses right?… Edit: I know they do… but am I the only one here diving into serious amounts of debt?

I see it as a justified investment in my future… just a bit scared.

Legit freaking out about funds… though everyone tells me not to.
Click to expand...

EXACTLY how I feel...legit freaking out
 
audreyp513 said:
Hi Everyone,
One of my friend is an international student and he applied to UIC, but he still hasn't heard from them.
I saw that some of you already heard from UIC...
So is it safe to assume at this point that he didn't get in? or is the process for international students taking a little longer?
Also, is UIC good with financial aid for international students?
Please let me know!
Click to expand...

I haven't heard and I'm domestic.
 
audreyp513 said:
do you know other people that heard from them? is this unusual?
Click to expand...
I have heard from them, accepted on 2/19. Besides offering my case, I don't know much detail about what is or is not a usual practice, and sadly I know little about financial aid at this point.
 
hajj said:
Has anyone heard from SUNY Albany Epidemiology program,my app was submited via SOPHAS 21/01
Click to expand...
Hi hajj,

I heard back from the SUNY Albany Epidemiology program yesterday March 8th. I turned in my application back in January. Unfortunately, I was rejected. You should know this upcoming week because they sent me an email about a week ago saying that they anticipate sending out decisions within the next two weeks. And I received a decision a week after I received that email. Good luck!
 
Has anyone heard back who applied to the GW mph nutrition program yet?
 
next91ws said:
If I had to choose between BU and Columbia, I'd pick Columbia. About NYC, the school of pubic health is located at the CU Medical Center in Washington Height. It's still in Manhattan but north of the main campus. Washington Heights has MUCH cheaper rent than lower Manhattan but still expensive. Living in Wash heights would be the most convenient but Harlem and the Bronx are still pretty close. I've heard of a lot of students who live in other boroughs and use the commute to read/study. You can anywhere by train/bus. I've been accepted to Columbia but I'm still waiting for Berkeley. Good luck!
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Thanks for the info! I've been to NYC a couple times, but don't know much about the location of Columbia within the concrete jungle. Good luck!
 
hajj said:
Has anyone heard from SUNY Albany Epidemiology program,my app was submited via SOPHAS 21/01
Click to expand...

Hey Hajj,

I applied to SUNY Albany's PhD and MS programs in Epidemiology. I only have a BS so they rejected me from their PhD but accepted me to their MS program. My SOPHAS application was mailed on January 9th and I heard back from them on March 4th. They also let me know that I would find out about my fellowship application by March 14th. I think you should find out pretty soon. Good luck 🙂
 
Undergrad School: Michigan State University
Undergrad GPA: 3.1
Major/Minor: Clinical Lab Science
Grad Studies : did a stint at med school. i really decided this was neither right for me, at least at this time in life. in another life maybe.
GRE Verbal: 165 Quantitative: 155 Writing: 5.0
Experience/Research: chronic pain research for 1.5 years resulting in publications + 3 conference presentations.

Applied: BU (MPH Social and Behavioral Sciences, SDSU (MPH Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences)-
Accepted: BU- maternal and child health; University of North Texas - Epidemiology; Columbia - Epidemiology/Reproductive health; University of North Carolina- maternal and child health; University of Alabama Birmingham - Epidemiology
Waitlisted:
Rejected: University of Michigan, Tulane, University of Texas, John Hopkins

I am happy with the acceptances I've had thus far. I am happy for the Epidemiology program acceptances which I am interested in. But I am beginning to think that Epidemiology is an easier field to find jobs in. It worries me when I hear about graduates struggling to find employment post graduation.

Does anyone know plan to go to UNC ? I would love to talk to students who are at University of North Texas, UNC, or Columbia.
If anyone has any tips on where to look or who to talk to, I would immensely appreciate it.
 
audreyp513 said:
Hi Everyone,
One of my friend is an international student and he applied to UIC, but he still hasn't heard from them.
I saw that some of you already heard from UIC...
So is it safe to assume at this point that he didn't get in? or is the process for international students taking a little longer?
Also, is UIC good with financial aid for international students?
Please let me know!
Click to expand...

I think it depends on the department you applied. I asked the EOHS department they said me they will review the whole student pool so you wont know the result until their deadline for domestics on March 15th. Good luck.
 
Igt2turntablesandamcrofon said:
Hey Hajj,

I applied to SUNY Albany's PhD and MS programs in Epidemiology. I only have a BS so they rejected me from their PhD but accepted me to their MS program. My SOPHAS application was mailed on January 9th and I heard back from them on March 4th. They also let me know that I would find out about my fellowship application by March 14th. I think you should find out pretty soon. Good luck 🙂
Click to expand...
Thank you hey,at least this is the last week of torture. I also have a BSc
 
Still waiting to hear from UNC about the MPH-RD nutrition program. I'm thinking maybe this means I've been waitlisted and they're waiting on people to make their decisions before telling us yes/no? Anyone else been accepted/rejected/waiting?
 
MPH Nutrition hopeful said:
Still waiting to hear from UNC about the MPH-RD nutrition program. I'm thinking maybe this means I've been waitlisted and they're waiting on people to make their decisions before telling us yes/no? Anyone else been accepted/rejected/waiting?
Click to expand...
I was waiting on that one too and got rejected this morning. Good luck to you. Apparently they only took 3 undergrads so I guess I didn't have much of a chance.
 
Sherlockanne said:
I was waiting on that one too and got rejected this morning. Good luck to you. Apparently they only took 3 undergrads so I guess I didn't have much of a chance.
Click to expand...
Sorry 🙁 No word on my end yet, this day will be a rough one. I've heard a number of people got accepted their second year applying so that's something to think about. Good luck with whatever/wherever you decide! 🙂
 
Jamayer said:
Has anyone heard back who applied to the GW mph nutrition program yet?
Click to expand...

I applied to their coordinated program and got waitlisted at the beginning of January (received a letter in the mail) haven't heard anything since.
 
Sherlockanne said:
Just got the rejection email this morning. Hope it's better news for you.
Click to expand...
Oh no, I'm sorry! I haven't heard yet. Looking forward to ending this period of suspense, but I'm almost too scared to know! Good luck with your other applications!
 
KCC1223 said:
Thank you, I will definitely let you know when I hear back 🙂 Just emailed Stephanie again! By the way, is your status changed to accepted on the UCI application tracker? I keep checking it... and it still says under review.... ahh...

Good luck with UCLA! You never know what can happen 😉
I live in SoCal too! So UCI would be really convenient or SDSU (still waiting...) or USC (still waiting)... haha... I am just so tired of waiting :'( Did you apply anywhere else?
Click to expand...

Did you hear back from UCI yet? I am also awaiting for UCI. It would def be easier to move down to SoCal than to Boston.
 
Anyone know how many credits JHU's MHS degree program in epidemiology is? I can't find it anywhere.
 
hoodwinks said:
Awesome! Hope she gets back to you soon. My status hasn't changed on the UCI application tracker haha which is annoying. I used to check that application tracker multiple times a day!

I was actually going to apply to USC too but I got lazy because it wasn't the SOPHAS app. Hope you hear back from SDSU and USC soon too though! I feel like you will be notified next week since it's already the 2nd week of March.

I applied to UIC and University of Washington but they haven't gotten back to me...so at this point it's looking like UCI unless UCLA decides to pull me off the waitlist haha
Click to expand...

Best luck to you! You still have a chance of getting in 🙂
Keep me updated!

Oh btw, Stephanie just got back to me and said the epi department is still reviewing the applications and should notify people by the end of March or April. Ugh.... I'll try to patient!
 
InsaneObserver said:
Did you hear back from UCI yet? I am also awaiting for UCI. It would def be easier to move down to SoCal than to Boston.
Click to expand...

No, not yet. I emailed Stephanie from UCI and she informed me that the dept (epi) is still reviewing applications and should notify people by the end of March or April. What concentration did you apply?
 
MphGh said:
The school wide program is 80 credits...So I am assuming the same thing......
Click to expand...

The reason I ask is because you are required to complete 64 credits by the first year in order to qualify for the 75% tuition waiver for the second year. When I counted the credits from the sample curriculum for my track, it came out to 108 credits, but they don't list the total credits needed for graduation anywhere on their website. Maybe the quarter system vs. semester system is what is confusing me. For example, why is Harvard's MPH 42.5 credits while JHU's MPH is 80 for the one year MPH. Is the quarter system roughly double the semester system in terms of credit hours?
 
NeurosciTMS said:
The reason I ask is because you are required to complete 64 credits by the first year in order to qualify for the 75% tuition waiver for the second year. When I counted the credits from the sample curriculum for my track, it came out to 108 credits, but they don't list the total credits needed for graduation anywhere on their website. Maybe the quarter system vs. semester system is what is confusing me. For example, why is Harvard's MPH 42.5 credits while JHU's MPH is 80 for the one year MPH. Is the quarter system roughly double the semester system in terms of credit hours?
Click to expand...


It has a lot to do with the credits for JHU. If you look at their class offerings, you can see some classes with 4, 5, and even 6 credit courses.
 
egzzz said:
Congrats! I definitely have suggestions...a lot of people like to move to Allston/Brighton area because it's much cheaper and on a map is looks close but I don't recommend it. It's an hour commute on the T and incredibly inconvenient. I highly suggest spending a little bit more and moving closer, either to the South End, Fenway/Kenmore, or Back Bay. South Boston is fine too, but it's not super convenient by public transportation. Dorchester and Roxbury are also close and cheap but they're not quite as safe. Start looking for a place now, no joke.

DO NOT bring a car. I can't emphasize that enough. You'll hate your life!

I live in the South End now and I split my rent with my boyfriend so we each pay $800, heat and hot water included (always look for that). Roommates are the way to go!

Where on the West Coast are you from? My BF and I both went to school in LA and he's from Santa Monica
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CWE2014 said:
Definitely agree with egzzz on the South End thing! Allston/Brighton are only really convenient if you're at the main campus, which the Public Health school is not. Dorchester and Roxbury are also sketchy, there are definitely nicer parts but I'd be extremely cautious if you don't know the area at all. I would look at bus routes too, the major bus lines in Boston are very reliable.

Since Boston's so student driven though, most leases start on September 1 so be prepared for moving day to be a nightmare - if you're renting a moving company, book ASAP and start checking out places as soon as you can!
Click to expand...


I am also considering going to BU, but awaiting other schools before I make my final decision. I am also from the West Coast and this was extremely helpful. I will probably PM if I have any questions.
 
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