MPH Fall 2015: Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Rejected!

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Haha, snow flurries are the worst! Chicago at least has the infrastructure to deal with the snow.

Very true. A ton of schools and businesses shut down here on Monday and Tuesday because of "snow". There was no snow. Not even any ice. After what happened last year though (people got stuck on the interstate for days), the state is on high alert. So warning to anybody coming from up north to attend Emory: down here in the south, we do freak out about the smallest amounts of snow 🤣.
 
I'm a little nervous about this lack of communication being indicative of a disorganized department...I haven't gotten too much info either.
I have spoken to about 4 students who graduated from Columbia's Mailman and all of them have told me how disorganized it is although they did say the epi department is the most well put together.
 
I got a "Pay Admission Deposit" last night on OPUS! How long did it take before an official letter is out? I don't feel like I can properly celebrate until it is official!
For most of us, we got an e-mail about 2-4 hours later. The package for me came about a month later, but it may be sooner because I think they were waiting to send them in bulk.
 
For most of us, we got an e-mail about 2-4 hours later. The package for me came about a month later, but it may be sooner because I think they were waiting to send them in bulk.
Ok thank you. That just makes me more nervous since I saw it when I checked late last night..
 
So are we all speculating that Harvard is releasing decisions tomorrow?
I'm hoping they do but when I called them yesterday they were sort of wishy washy and said decisions could go out anytime between now through March. They said some decisions had gone out already (maybe they were talking about PhD?) but they refused to get into specifics.
 
I got an email Monday morning 6:22 am my time telling me I was accepted. The BAMF PORTAL shows Jan. 20th for my initial student registration form completion. That is all I really can help with also, my application was submitted Dec. 23rd or 24th I believe. I wish you all the luck in the world!

I am loving the name of the portal. P.S. Congrats!
 
I'm hoping they do but when I called them yesterday they were sort of wishy washy and said decisions could go out anytime between now through March. They said some decisions had gone out already (maybe they were talking about PhD?) but they refused to get into specifics.
Looking at when last years decisions were released, it seems most of them went out between the first and second week of March. A lot of schools seem to be releasing decisions earlier this year, so hopefully they will too. I really don't know if I want to wait until mid or late March to make a decision.
 
I have spoken to about 4 students who graduated from Columbia's Mailman and all of them have told me how disorganized it is although they did say the epi department is the most well put together.
I've heard similar things. A friend who goes there said he has to make a lot of effort to get his questions answered. If I'm paying that much I want a well-run operation. I'm going to visit in April and see for myself.
 
Do you guys think calling schools is obnoxious? Still waiting on JHU part-time MPH! The programs start this summer so I am rather anxious.
 
Do you guys think calling schools is obnoxious? Still waiting on JHU part-time MPH! The programs start this summer so I am rather anxious.
I'm having similar thoughts about calling UNC. I have decided to hold off because according to grad cafe, few people have actually heard anything. Plus, it is only February, so not hearing back is still acceptable at this point. Come the second week of March, if I have not heard yet, I will contact the school.

I love having control over things, so waiting on schools is hard, but Im treating this as an exercise of my patience. 🙂
 
just got into NYU for Community and International Health!!! I feel like it's going to be my final choice, because my aunt lives there. Unless I get some really good offers financially from the other schools...

When did you submit/SOPHAS verify? I am dying to hear from them!
 
Who's interested in being involved with the research side of public health, possibly going for a doctorate after the MPH? I'm trying to compile a list of good, specific questions for current students and admissions officers when I visit schools. My background is more in clinical and psychology research, so I don't know much about public health research.
 
For those of you who have been waiting to hear back from Colorado School of Public Health I received a response from one of the advisors that they are expecting to send out admissions this week and to be expecting them shortly. Crossing my fingers!!
 
Who's interested in being involved with the research side of public health, possibly going for a doctorate after the MPH? I'm trying to compile a list of good, specific questions for current students and admissions officers when I visit schools. My background is more in clinical and psychology research, so I don't know much about public health research.
I'm also interested in pursuing public health research and would like to eventually pursue a doctorate. I know one of the things to look out for with MPH programs is how easy it is for MPH students to become a part of research opportunities. Some schools don't provide many opportunities, as they tend to reserve them for the MS or PhD students.
 
For those of you who have been waiting to hear back from Colorado School of Public Health I received a response from one of the advisors that they are expecting to send out admissions this week and to be expecting them shortly. Crossing my fingers!!
Thank you for this, I've been refreshing my email every two minutes hoping to hear from them.
 
Thank you for this, I've been refreshing my email every two minutes hoping to hear from them.
Same here haha it's starting to get a little out of hand how often I've been refreshing my email!!
 
I'm also interested in pursuing public health research and would like to eventually pursue a doctorate. I know one of the things to look out for with MPH programs is how easy it is for MPH students to become a part of research opportunities. Some schools don't provide many opportunities, as they tend to reserve them for the MS or PhD students.
Same here. That's why I applied to MS programs, but I think if you're proactive and express a strong interest in research, you should be fine.
 
Same here. That's why I applied to MS programs, but I think if you're proactive and express a strong interest in research, you should be fine.
Yeah, I was on the fence about whether I wanted to go into research when I was applying so I didn't apply to MS programs. That, and I didn't think my application would be competitive enough for an MS. I'm definitely leaning more towards the research side now and plan to start contacting professors that do research in my focus area once I actually commit to a school. I've already created a spreadsheet full of potential contacts for the schools I'm considering so that I have all of the information in one place :whistle:.
 
Yeah, I was on the fence about whether I wanted to go into research when I was applying so I didn't apply to MS programs. That, and I didn't think my application would be competitive enough for an MS. I'm definitely leaning more towards the research side now and plan to start contacting professors that do research in my focus area once I actually commit to a school. I've already created a spreadsheet full of potential contacts for the schools I'm considering so that I have all of the information in one place :whistle:.
I've done some Linkedin, shall we say, "research" 😉, and out of all the people I looked at who were in PhD programs in epi more had MPH's than MS. This is probably partly because there are just more MPHs than MS students, but I think that is a good sign. Anyway, this is obviously anecdotal and probably depends on the school, but my guess is that if you are proactive (which it sounds like you definitely are!) than you should have no problem getting the experiences you need to get into a PhD program.
 
for anyone who has received admission to colorado, can someone explain the background check? are we suppose to pay that fee even before we know we are accepting admission?
 
Yeah, I was on the fence about whether I wanted to go into research when I was applying so I didn't apply to MS programs. That, and I didn't think my application would be competitive enough for an MS. I'm definitely leaning more towards the research side now and plan to start contacting professors that do research in my focus area once I actually commit to a school. I've already created a spreadsheet full of potential contacts for the schools I'm considering so that I have all of the information in one place :whistle:.
Yea, like I said, if you're on top of things and make opportunities for yourself, you should be just fine. A lot of times schools will let you take extra biostats classes during your MPH, so you're more prepared for research. Ask about that now. 🙂
 
Who's interested in being involved with the research side of public health, possibly going for a doctorate after the MPH? I'm trying to compile a list of good, specific questions for current students and admissions officers when I visit schools. My background is more in clinical and psychology research, so I don't know much about public health research.
I'm definitely going into research. The biggest thing for me is getting information on the research being done in the department already, that way you know what research projects to ask about. I find that most professors are open to talking about their projects but you need to read up on them before asking. I would ask the students how much time do they get to spend on research and what type of mentoring they receive, whether its very hands on or are they doing more case study things. I often email professors about their research and they ask to set up a phone call or video chat to tell me more so if you do not get all your questions answered during your visit that may be an option. I would actually recommend you contact professors about their research before visiting. I don't expect admissions to know much about the research aspect.
 
I'm definitely going into research. The biggest thing for me is getting information on the research being done in the department already, that way you know what research projects to ask about. I find that most professors are open to talking about their projects but you need to read up on them before asking. I would ask the students how much time do they get to spend on research and what type of mentoring they receive, whether its very hands on or are they doing more case study things. I often email professors about their research and they ask to set up a phone call or video chat to tell me more so if you do not get all your questions answered during your visit that may be an option. I would actually recommend you contact professors about their research before visiting. I don't expect admissions to know much about the research aspect.
Typically I go through all of the professors in a department and look up their publications, read them, and if I'm interested email them asking for more information.
 
I've done some Linkedin, shall we say, "research" 😉, and out of all the people I looked at who were in PhD programs in epi more had MPH's than MS. This is probably partly because there are just more MPHs than MS students, but I think that is a good sign. Anyway, this is obviously anecdotal and probably depends on the school, but my guess is that if you are proactive (which it sounds like you definitely are!) than you should have no problem getting the experiences you need to get into a PhD program.
That's good to know! It seems that most MPH programs gear their epi concentrations so that you can prepare yourself decently well for PhD programs. It seems surreal though that it's getting so close to having to make a decision. I didn't think I'd be in a situation where I would be able to look at the intricacies of each program to decide which is the best fit for me!
Yea, like I said, if you're on top of things and make opportunities for yourself, you should be just fine. A lot of times schools will let you take extra biostats classes during your MPH, so you're more prepared for research. Ask about that now. 🙂
I definitely plan to take some extra biostat classes. I'm a huge proponent of gaining practical skills and I plan to tailor my MPH in such a way that will allow me to pick up as many applicable skills as I can, that way I'm prepared for both furthering my career in research or entering the job market.
 
I'm about 99% sure I'll be attending Emory. Which program are you in? What was the deciding factor(s) for you?
I'm in the global health track with a concentration in infectious disease. I've heard amazing things about Rollins (faculty, research, CDC connections, etc) and it was my dream program so once I got in it was an easy decision! They've also been amazing at answering my questions and have great follow through.
What will be your deciding factor? Are you going to Visit Emory?
 
I GOT INTO UCLA!!!!!!!! AHHHHH for MPH- Community Health Sciences. My first choice!!!!!! I received the school email Tuesday night and the grad admissions office email Wednesday morning. I seriously cried so much out of happiness and exhaustion and relief and "I'm good enough!" ^_^
 
Congrats! 🙂 When was your application officially sent to the schools?

Are you leaning towards any particular school at the moment?

Thanks! I officially submitted both on 1/5. Heard back from Tulane 1 week later and BU 3 weeks later. And I'm totally torn! I want to enter the international disaster management field which is why Tulane is perfect but I'm worried it will leave me too narrow in the PH field if I ever change my mind. It's a strict MPH in Disaster Management degree. I know if I go to BU it will be a challenge to be hired abroad but it's Global Health (focus in disaster management) track will give me a general PH background, leaving different career paths open. If that makes sense...

I have phone meetings with both schools next week to ask questions. Anyone have more in depth insight to either program?
 
I'm in the global health track with a concentration in infectious disease. I've heard amazing things about Rollins (faculty, research, CDC connections, etc) and it was my dream program so once I got in it was an easy decision! They've also been amazing at answering my questions and have great follow through.
What will be your deciding factor? Are you going to Visit Emory?

I have also heard amazing things. Between the CDC, the actual research going on, and the program I am pretty amped. I like that it is a MSPH so I will be taking core classes and doing a practicum in addition to a thesis. The other program I am considering, which is the MS in epi at Tulane, does not require core classes or a practicum. I think having those things will provide a more well-rounded education in preparation for a PhD. The main thing holding me back is that I know who my advisor will be at Tulane and I really like the research she is doing (and she seems really nice!). I haven't been assigned an advisor at Emory yet and I am worried it will be someone doing research that is not of interest to me. But I have a feeling that I can't go wrong with Emory given the large number of opportunities they seem to have.

I will not be attending Visit Emory, which I am bummed about. Just can't make it out before I move. What about you?
 
Just got accepted to Emory for Health Policy! It was my second choice but I'm still happy. 10 minutes after my acceptance, I got the e-mail that my application was denied for global health and moving on to my next choice, health policy and management ha. Not sure how this will affect my decisions because Emory is still a favorite
 
For those of you who have been waiting to hear back from Colorado School of Public Health I received a response from one of the advisors that they are expecting to send out admissions this week and to be expecting them shortly. Crossing my fingers!!
Hey! Good luck, I applied for CSU's global health and health disparities. Hopefully we both have acceptances by this time next week!!
 
Did anyone else interview with Columbia this week? Do you know when we will hear back?

*Feel like I'm talking too myself here...* +pity+
 
for anyone who has received admission to colorado, can someone explain the background check? are we suppose to pay that fee even before we know we are accepting admission?

My understanding is that you send in the money for that when you accept the offer BEFORE April 15. That way you save that fee if you decide not to enter.
 
Did anyone else interview with Columbia this week? Do you know when we will hear back?

*Feel like I'm talking too myself here...* +pity+
I didn't know they did interviews for masters programs?
 
I've done some Linkedin, shall we say, "research" 😉, and out of all the people I looked at who were in PhD programs in epi more had MPH's than MS. This is probably partly because there are just more MPHs than MS students, but I think that is a good sign. Anyway, this is obviously anecdotal and probably depends on the school, but my guess is that if you are proactive (which it sounds like you definitely are!) than you should have no problem getting the experiences you need to get into a PhD program.

I think it may also be that it's more appealing to have a research degree (PhD) and a professional degree (MPH). Not that it's a bad thing to have a PhD and MS. I think it's just the general preference to have PhD, MPH from what I've gathered from my own research and just talking to people.
 
I have also heard amazing things. Between the CDC, the actual research going on, and the program I am pretty amped. I like that it is a MSPH so I will be taking core classes and doing a practicum in addition to a thesis. The other program I am considering, which is the MS in epi at Tulane, does not require core classes or a practicum. I think having those things will provide a more well-rounded education in preparation for a PhD. The main thing holding me back is that I know who my advisor will be at Tulane and I really like the research she is doing (and she seems really nice!). I haven't been assigned an advisor at Emory yet and I am worried it will be someone doing research that is not of interest to me. But I have a feeling that I can't go wrong with Emory given the large number of opportunities they seem to have.

I will not be attending Visit Emory, which I am bummed about. Just can't make it out before I move. What about you?

Have you looked at potential professors you may want to work with? It wouldn't hurt to email them or ask your dept if you can work with them/have them as an advisor.

And yeah I'll be attending visit Emory !
 
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