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

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
I have a relatively complicated situation that just came up in the last two weeks. Please advise!

So I began this application cycle on time, obviously planning to attend starting in the Fall 2015 semester. I finished all apps by 12/1. Well, a couple weeks ago my Spanish teacher offered to recommend me to teach English abroad next year. My absolute dream/reach school (Berkeley) turned me down and I promised myself that if that happened I would at least apply to go abroad. The problem is: I won't find out about that until late April to June-- after April 15. I bumped Boston already because it's too expensive and VCU because I just wasn't digging it. I've contacted all the other schools I got into so far and my top pick (Denver) said that I can't defer but they'll give me until May 1 to decide. GW said I can defer and can wait to decide if I will until July, but I think I still have to officially accept the offer by April 15. And today I talked to USFCa and they are now offering an online MPH, which would mean that I would not have to put school off a year. So the options if I go abroad (pretty likely) are: defer to GW, Online at USFCa, or another full application cycle next year while I'm in Spain. Can you guys just give me some perspective?
 
Rejected from Harvard for Epi SM2 as well. Didn't expect to get accepted, so I'm just glad I finally got a decision. Congrats to everybody who received an acceptance!
 
I have a relatively complicated situation that just came up in the last two weeks. Please advise!

So I began this application cycle on time, obviously planning to attend starting in the Fall 2015 semester. I finished all apps by 12/1. Well, a couple weeks ago my Spanish teacher offered to recommend me to teach English abroad next year. My absolute dream/reach school (Berkeley) turned me down and I promised myself that if that happened I would at least apply to go abroad. The problem is: I won't find out about that until late April to June-- after April 15. I bumped Boston already because it's too expensive and VCU because I just wasn't digging it. I've contacted all the other schools I got into so far and my top pick (Denver) said that I can't defer but they'll give me until May 1 to decide. GW said I can defer and can wait to decide if I will until July, but I think I still have to officially accept the offer by April 15. And today I talked to USFCa and they are now offering an online MPH, which would mean that I would not have to put school off a year. So the options if I go abroad (pretty likely) are: defer to GW, Online at USFCa, or another full application cycle next year while I'm in Spain. Can you guys just give me some perspective?
Here's what my thought process initially was:
  • Why didn't you get into Berkeley? Is it because you need to raise some test scores, need to write a better essay, or need some more experience? If so, these are easy fixes, so take the year and work on your app! If it would take a lot of correcting due to a sub 3.0 GPA or something...
  • Do you definitely want to do this program specifically, or do you just want to go abroad? Ask the schools you got into if you can do a practicum abroad, if so. There's other opportunities once you graduate as well.
  • Where is GW on your list? If it's pretty high, just defer there and go!
  • I don't think UC Denver is really that competitive, relatively speaking. If you got in this app cycle, you'd probably get in again, if that's your second pick behind Berkeley.
  • How much is the deposit for GWU? You could always, as an insurance policy, defer at GWU and apply to Berkeley and Denver next app cycle, and if you don't get in, you're already in at GWU.
 
Has anyone heard a decision on JHU MPH? It seems everyone who has heard is doing MSPH or MHS? I applied for an MPH with a concentration in women's and reproductive health, and my application was verified by SOPHAS 12/21, with an email from JHU on 1/5 saying it is now under review.

I called them yesterday and the man I spoke to told me that the admissions committee has until Monday March 16th to make decisions... his tone somehow implied things weren't hopeful, but maybe I was reading into it too much! He also said that since this is their first year using SOPHAS, things have been delayed, etc. I'm so anxious to hear back, and I'm wondering if anyone else has!

I got accepted on 2/9 but I think the process is random- hope you get in!
 
Here's what my thought process initially was:
  • Why didn't you get into Berkeley? Is it because you need to raise some test scores, need to write a better essay, or need some more experience? If so, these are easy fixes, so take the year and work on your app! If it would take a lot of correcting due to a sub 3.0 GPA or something...
  • Do you definitely want to do this program specifically, or do you just want to go abroad? Ask the schools you got into if you can do a practicum abroad, if so. There's other opportunities once you graduate as well.
  • Where is GW on your list? If it's pretty high, just defer there and go!
  • I don't think UC Denver is really that competitive, relatively speaking. If you got in this app cycle, you'd probably get in again, if that's your second pick behind Berkeley.
  • How much is the deposit for GWU? You could always, as an insurance policy, defer at GWU and apply to Berkeley and Denver next app cycle, and if you don't get in, you're already in at GWU.

  • For Berkeley, I have no idea why I didn't get in. I think that everything about me is more-or-less mediocre, so it will likely always be a toss up. I could definitely call and ask about it, though.
  • I definitely want to do this program because it is PAID! And I'm right on the brink of fluency, so going now would be ideal.
  • GW is right behind Denver on my list (3rd). And I'm visiting next weekend so that may make the decision in itself.
  • Totally true about Denver.
  • I'd be willing to pay a bunch to hold my spot, but my big thing is that I will feel like a bad person if I don't let them know the deal.
Edit: Stats for reference. 3.48 GPA. GRE: 163Q, 158V, 3.5AW. Some research experience. Straight from undergrad
 
  • For Berkeley, I have no idea why I didn't get in. I think that everything about me is more-or-less mediocre, so it will likely always be a toss up. I could definitely call and ask about it, though.
  • I definitely want to do this program because it is PAID! And I'm right on the brink of fluency, so going now would be ideal.
  • GW is right behind Denver on my list (3rd). And I'm visiting next weekend so that may make the decision in itself.
  • Totally true about Denver.
  • I'd be willing to pay a bunch to hold my spot, but my big thing is that I will feel like a bad person if I don't let them know the deal.
Don't feel like a bad person. That's what deferment is all about. And you're giving them money, not the other way around. If I were in your spot, I'd probably defer and apply to Berkeley and maybe Denver next cycle.
 
Don't feel like a bad person. That's what deferment is all about. And you're giving them money, not the other way around. If I were in your spot, I'd probably defer and apply to Berkeley and maybe Denver next cycle.

Very true. Do you have any thoughts on doing it online with the University of San Francisco since it'd be nice not to be behind?
 
Very true. Do you have any thoughts on doing it online with the University of San Francisco since it'd be nice not to be behind?
Unless you really feel that you need to start your MPH this year, I wouldn't really go with the online option. I feel like you miss out on something not being in the classroom. It's a great option for working professionals who are getting the degree to move up, but not as ideal for those who can afford to take another year before beginning their education.
 
Does anyone have any information about Mount Sinai? PM me if you do, much appreciated
 
Last edited:
Lol I love you guys
😆

So I think I'm going to watch the 1st episode of the 3rd season of Bates Motel while Harvard takes their time to propose to me:corny:

Oh Norman
Totally off topic, but can you find it online? I got rid of my cable and miss my overly dramatic and totally unrealistic Bates Motel.
 
Very true. Do you have any thoughts on doing it online with the University of San Francisco since it'd be nice not to be behind?
Like I'm finding out is the norm, I agree with IntriguedStudent. It's only a 2 year program and it's not like MPHers make buckets of cash, so putting it off for a year isn't really going to make much of a difference in the grand scheme of things. Plus you'll be able to save up money and practice your Spanish, which will help with future opportunities anyway. I'm not sure what your concentration is, but I'd say almost always the classroom experience is going to be beneficial for you, because it will provide you with more networking opportunities and research opportunities at the university, and probably will have better practicum options. But I've never looked into that program.
 
Rejected at Harvard. Whatever, got into Columbia, UNC and Johns Hopkins, so...Bye, Felicia.

Because my outcome seems really bizarre when viewed altogether, I'm going to share this again:

Undergrad School: Small liberal arts college in Texas
Undergrad GPA: 3.48
Major/Minor: English/Spanish
GradGPA (if applicable):
Grad Studies (if applicable):
GRE (including date taken) or Other Test (if applicable):
166 V / 156 Q / 4.0 AR (Seriously. An English major. Got a 3.5 the first time.)
Experience/Research
- I've worked for the past year and a half as a grant writer for a nationally know nonprofit that supports women's reproductive rights and healthcare for the uninsured.
- Prior to that, I worked as a grant writer/event coordinator for one year within a local hospital's foundation.
- I've volunteered for the past two years as local hospitals, specifically those that serve low-income families and children.

Applied: UNC; Harvard; GWU; UT; JHU; Columbia; Tulane; Emory
Accepted: UNC; Columbia; Tulane; UT; Johns Hopkins
Rejected: Emory; Harvard; GWU
Waitlisted:

Can someone please tell me where I should go? Unqualified hunches and gut reactions totally welcome...
 
  • Like
Reactions: KPZ
Is anybody else still waiting on Columbia for Epi? I still haven't heard anything from them. They told me I should hear in mid-March, but I applied back in early November and still haven't heard anything.
 
Rejected at Harvard. Whatever, got into Columbia, UNC and Johns Hopkins, so...Bye, Felicia.

Because my outcome seems really bizarre when viewed altogether, I'm going to share this again:

Undergrad School: Small liberal arts college in Texas
Undergrad GPA: 3.48
Major/Minor: English/Spanish
GradGPA (if applicable):
Grad Studies (if applicable):
GRE (including date taken) or Other Test (if applicable):
166 V / 156 Q / 4.0 AR (Seriously. An English major. Got a 3.5 the first time.)
Experience/Research
- I've worked for the past year and a half as a grant writer for a nationally know nonprofit that supports women's reproductive rights and healthcare for the uninsured.
- Prior to that, I worked as a grant writer/event coordinator for one year within a local hospital's foundation.
- I've volunteered for the past two years as local hospitals, specifically those that serve low-income families and children.

Applied: UNC; Harvard; GWU; UT; JHU; Columbia; Tulane; Emory
Accepted: UNC; Columbia; Tulane; UT; Johns Hopkins
Rejected: Emory; Harvard; GWU
Waitlisted:

Can someone please tell me where I should go? Unqualified hunches and gut reactions totally welcome...
That IS an interesting outcome. It must have been the wight certain schools place on the quant score or maybe GPA, is all I can guess. What are you doing, MCH?
 
While I certainly agree, that this may be strange, it's definitely not the norm... since there is no norm when it comes to college and graduate school admission. In order to better help you, we will need to know what programs it is that you applied to and were accepted for at each respective university.

If I had to guess, I'm going to say Global Health/ International Health based on your school choice and professional experience in working with low-income families. If that's the case, here are my thoughts and feedback for you:
  • Is there a specific place you want to be after you graduate, geographically speaking that is?
  • What are you looking to get out of your graduate program?
  • Do you want to be in an urban setting, like NYC, or in a more suburban area like Chapel Hill?
As someone who went to UNC undergrad and is now in New Orleans at Tulane, I'd say that there's a huge difference in experience when living in an urban environment versus a truly academic-centered town. It really depends on your personality and what you're looking to get out of your graduate school experience and beyond graduate school. Like if you're plan is to settle and work for an international health organization in NYC, then definitely go to Columbia. Johns Hopkins, as would UNC, if you're looking to move to DC after graduation.

Rejected at Harvard. Whatever, got into Columbia, UNC and Johns Hopkins, so...Bye, Felicia.

Because my outcome seems really bizarre when viewed altogether, I'm going to share this again:

Undergrad School: Small liberal arts college in Texas
Undergrad GPA: 3.48
Major/Minor: English/Spanish
GradGPA (if applicable):
Grad Studies (if applicable):
GRE (including date taken) or Other Test (if applicable):
166 V / 156 Q / 4.0 AR (Seriously. An English major. Got a 3.5 the first time.)
Experience/Research
- I've worked for the past year and a half as a grant writer for a nationally know nonprofit that supports women's reproductive rights and healthcare for the uninsured.
- Prior to that, I worked as a grant writer/event coordinator for one year within a local hospital's foundation.
- I've volunteered for the past two years as local hospitals, specifically those that serve low-income families and children.

Applied: UNC; Harvard; GWU; UT; JHU; Columbia; Tulane; Emory
Accepted: UNC; Columbia; Tulane; UT; Johns Hopkins
Rejected: Emory; Harvard; GWU
Waitlisted:

Can someone please tell me where I should go? Unqualified hunches and gut reactions totally welcome...
 
Last edited:
Well 5 out of 6 ain't bad. Here are my results again, and Harvard you really didn't need to drag it out that long!!!

Undergrad School: University of Florida
Undergrad GPA: 3.84
Major/Minor: Political Science and Anthropology minor in African Studies
GRE:
7/11/11 (old scoring) Verbal: 490 (54th percentile) Quant: 730 (68 percentile) AW: 4.5 (80th percentile)
9/28/14 Verbal: 155 (67th percentile) Quant: 157 (68th percentile) AW: 4.0 (56th percentile)
Experience/Research:
3 years in Alpha Phi Omega co-ed service fraternity
6 months with Alachua County (Florida) Health Department as a volunteer with their minority AIDS program
2 years as a Peace Corps health education volunteer in Kyrgyzstan. I will be finished in the Summer.

SOPHAS Verified 11/13

Applied: Columbia MPH - PFH Harvard SM2 - GHP, GWU MPH-Global Health PDME, Emory MPH -Global Health CHD, BU MPH - Global Health and Johns Hopkins MSPH.
Accepted: Boston University 12/19, Emory 1/8, GWU 1/14, Columbia 2/6, Johns Hopkins MSPH 3/5.
Rejected: Harvard 3/14
 
  • Like
Reactions: KPZ
Can you guys believe Harvard didn't propose to me?
They divorced me before we got married, how dare they?
I'm keeping the ring...
 
That IS an interesting outcome. It must have been the wight certain schools place on the quant score or maybe GPA, is all I can guess. What are you doing, MCH?


Columbia - Population and Family Health
Hopkins - Genearl, but will probably do Population, Family and Reproductive Health
UNC - Health Policy & Management

I'm leaning towards Columbia and JHSPH, because I'm really interested in reproductive health. I think I made a mistake in which department I applied to at UNC. I'm sure they'd let me switch, but...
 
How's the housing at Columbia?
Do I have to sign up quick for a studio?
 
If you're interested in Reproductive Health, I'd say UNC-CH. You should look into iPas, http://www.ipas.org/, headquartered in Chapel Hill. Maybe you'd be able to switch departments at UNC to like MNCH, that's one of their best! HPM is top there too, but MNCH might be more geared towards a career in RH. Depends on if you want to do more of the programming or the policy and legal side of it.

On second thought, NYC has Population Council and others. So maybe Columbia. It will come down to weather, campus type, and where you see yourself post grad-school.

Columbia - Population and Family Health
Hopkins - Genearl, but will probably do Population, Family and Reproductive Health
UNC - Health Policy & Management

I'm leaning towards Columbia and JHSPH, because I'm really interested in reproductive health. I think I made a mistake in which department I applied to at UNC. I'm sure they'd let me switch, but...
 
Last edited:
What concentration are you, if not Epi? And that's encouraging to hear about currents students loving their program!! That's what I've heard too. I've asked a handful of my friends, current grad students and undergrads, and so far, they've recommended Culver City apartments. Or Sawtelle? What are your top choices for attending??

I am in the HPM concentration. I am debating between Columbia and UCLA at this point. I am originally from Northern California so LA and NY have been the two locations I would want to live in. I do want to find a job in California after graduate school. AHHH I'm torn between the two schools :/ How about you what schools are you deciding between?

P.S. I ate around Sawtelle and it seemed like a great place to live in. I have no clue about the prices for apartments. I guess if I decide to go to UCLA then I should find some affordable studios:/
 
On that note, I know that there is a UCLA grad student complex on Sawtelle in the Palms area - there is a Blue Bus pick up/drop off right outside that goes straight to UCLA. It's a good option if you want a convenient apartment, location wise, for cheaper than Westwood rents!

Do you have an idea what its called?
 
I am in the HPM concentration. I am debating between Columbia and UCLA at this point. I am originally from Northern California so LA and NY have been the two locations I would want to live in. I do want to find a job in California after graduate school. AHHH I'm torn between the two schools :/ How about you what schools are you deciding between?

P.S. I ate around Sawtelle and it seemed like a great place to live in. I have no clue about the prices for apartments. I guess if I decide to go to UCLA then I should find some affordable studios:/


I think you sorta answered it yourself... If you want to move back to California post-graduation I would go to UCLA. Unless... You want to try out the East cost for two years @ Columbia and do your practicum in California so you can gain those connections you need.


NYC is congested and Cali is beautifully spaced out even UCLA's campus doesn't compare. I believe NYC is a million times more $$$ than Cali. For $1500/mo. you get a shoebox apartment and a roommate lol! It was hideous
 
I need a reason to pick UW over columbia for ms epi. It's all that's been on my mind this week. Omg
 
I need a reason to pick UW over columbia for ms epi. It's all that's been on my mind this week. Omg


Why don't you make a pros/cons list for the epi programs ??

Yes Columbia is ranked higher, as a SPH not necessarily higher for Epi.

I'd make a list always helps me see my thoughts clearly instead of the ping-pong affect in my mind
 
Totally off topic, but can you find it online? I got rid of my cable and miss my overly dramatic and totally unrealistic Bates Motel.

Oh I'm not sure. I buy it from iTunes
 
Last edited:
That's not even a full-list. HPM/HMP isn't even in the ranking for Columbia or Umich (#1 in HMP)...


EDIT: Wish CEPH would endorse or accumulate their own ranking system since they're the council that accredit's each SPH.
RIGHT?? They should already have a lot of the data that would make the rankings more accurate, such as curriculum, faculty, program size, practicums, etc etc. Hmph. Now I'm reconsidering Pitt out of nowhere. Wow this decision is a lot tougher than I thought it was going to be and a lot more stressful. Coming from a non-health background, I just thought I'd get into 1 program if I was lucky...
 
RIGHT?? They should already have a lot of the data that would make the rankings more accurate, such as curriculum, faculty, program size, practicums, etc etc. Hmph. Now I'm reconsidering Pitt out of nowhere. Wow this decision is a lot tougher than I thought it was going to be and a lot more stressful. Coming from a non-health background, I just thought I'd get into 1 program if I was lucky...

I agree... But I guess they have their reasonings I'm sure. If the school is accredited it passes the criteria so I guess that's all CEPH cares about.
 
Last edited:
you guys and this ranking nonsense omg.
I think there's some basis for it in terms of getting one's foot in the door. However the benefits of attending a highly ranked or prestigious school disappear instantly and completely the first day you show up at the job. At that point, it's time to deliver. If you don't get the job done, no school name or ranking will save you. Conversely, if you're good, no one will care if you went to a school they never heard of.

Some people hope to secure a lucrative 40-year career at the age of 26 by way of the school they graduate from. It doesn't work that way. Long and fruitful careers are still created the way our parents and grandparents created them: By consistently producing year in and year out, decade after decade. In that sense, getting into a good school and getting hired is the easy part...
 
Last edited:
Why don't you make a pros/cons list for the epi programs ??

Yes Columbia is ranked higher, as a SPH not necessarily higher for Epi.

I'd make a list always helps me see my thoughts clearly instead of the ping-pong affect in my mind
I still can't decide. regardless of rank, am I crazy to turn down an Ivy??
 
I still can't decide. regardless of rank, am I crazy to turn down an Ivy??


I totally feel your pain, I kept thinking the same thing (I know I'm still waiting to hear back) but I kept thinking would I be crazy to turn down Ivy to stay in Chicago? I do plan on working in Chicago afterwards, and hopefully I will build the rest of my life here. But would it be crazy to turn down an Ivy League! I keep thinking, personally, I would kick myself in the head later on in life.

Are you only deciding between UW and Columbia? I would really take apart each program and see which one fits you best. And which one would prepare you the best for the career and life you're looking for. You're paying for an education, you want to make sure you're getting your moneys worth.

Things to think about:
  • Semester Vs. Quarter
  • Coursework (how applicable these courses will be for you in the real world)
  • Practicum (opportunities, locations, help from faculty? etc...)
  • Class Style (Traditional vs ISP)
  • Graduating Class vs Employment Rate
  • Recruiting Companies/Firms (i.e, I want to go into consulting and I wanted to know if companies like PwC, Oliver Wyman etc.. recruited on campus)
  • Research Opportunities
  • TA/GSI positions
  • Study Abroad, Leadership and Organization opportunities
  • If you're able to transfer credits from another SPH program (in case of an emergency lets say this may be important)
  • Diversity of school
  • Guest Speakers (Seminars, Commencement etc.. tells me about their affiliation)
Lol trying to think of all the questions I had before selecting each school.

***Side Note NOT to Turn into a Discussion: For those who thinking ranking doesn't matter; please be mindful of those of us who do find it of utter importance. Everyone has their own goals, priorities and reasonings for entering the MPH arena . I personally find it insulting for anyone to disregard my personal discretion for it. I also do not find it forum appropriate to put down anyone for it; if you don't like something you see move on to the next comment. And I will leave my two cents at just that.
 
I am thinking of choosing CSUF over UCLA for mph in environmental health. So I have had lots of thoughts about turning a top notch school for a mediocre state uni... :/ I simply don't have the money to attend UCLA

I totally feel your pain, I kept thinking the same thing (I know I'm still waiting to hear back) but I kept thinking would I be crazy to turn down Ivy to stay in Chicago? I do plan on working in Chicago afterwards, and hopefully I will build the rest of my life here. But would it be crazy to turn down an Ivy League! I keep thinking, personally, I would kick myself in the head later on in life.

Are you only deciding between UW and Columbia? I would really take apart each program and see which one fits you best. And which one would prepare you the best for the career and life you're looking for. You're paying for an education, you want to make sure you're getting your moneys worth.

Things to think about:
  • Semester Vs. Quarter
  • Coursework (how applicable these courses will be for you in the real world)
  • Practicum (opportunities, locations, help from faculty? etc...)
  • Class Style (Traditional vs ISP)
  • Graduating Class vs Employment Rate
  • Recruiting Companies/Firms (i.e, I want to go into consulting and I wanted to know if companies like PwC, Oliver Wyman etc.. recruited on campus)
  • Research Opportunities
  • TA/GSI positions
  • Study Abroad, Leadership and Organization opportunities
  • If you're able to transfer credits from another SPH program (in case of an emergency lets say this may be important)
  • Diversity of school
  • Guest Speakers (Seminars, Commencement etc.. tells me about their affiliation)
Lol trying to think of all the questions I had before selecting each school.

***Side Note NOT to Turn into a Discussion: For those who thinking ranking doesn't matter; please be mindful of those of us who do find it of utter importance. Everyone has their own goals, priorities and reasonings for entering the MPH arena . I personally find it insulting for anyone to disregard my personal discretion for it. I also do not find it forum appropriate to put down anyone for it; if you don't like something you see move on to the next comment. And I will leave my two cents at just that.
 
I am thinking of choosing CSUF over UCLA for mph in environmental health. So I have had lots of thoughts about turning a top notch school for a mediocre state uni... :/ I simply don't have the money to attend UCLA


At the end of the day everyone has to do what they believe is best for themselves. Everyone else's opinion shouldn't affect your decision. Not everyone wants to take out loans

Trust me I know about the $$ I have a BS & MS! I'm swimming in debt I need to win the lottery lol
 
I think there's some basis for it in terms of getting one's foot in the door. However the benefits of attending a highly ranked or prestigious school disappear instantly and completely the first day you show up at the job. At that point, it's time to deliver. If you don't get the job done, no school name or ranking will save you. Conversely, if you're good, no one will care about the fact you went to a school they never heard of.

Some people hope to secure a lucrative 40-year career at the age of 26 by way of the school they graduate from. It doesn't work that way. Long and fruitful careers are still created the way our parents and grandparents created them: By consistently producing year in and year out, decade after decade. In that sense, getting into a good school and getting hired is the easy part...

Omg you said it so well.
Well done
So true
I will have to work hard to keep a nice job
 
At the end of the day everyone has to do what they believe is best for themselves. Everyone else's opinion shouldn't affect your decision. Not everyone wants to take out loans

Trust me I know about the $$ I have a BS & MS! I'm swimming in debt I need to win the lottery lol

I'm swimming in debt too...
I'm not in love with the debt pool though...
I kind of wanna drain the pool

I would love to win the lottery...I would be on my MacBook pro ordering stuff 24/7
 
T
I totally feel your pain, I kept thinking the same thing (I know I'm still waiting to hear back) but I kept thinking would I be crazy to turn down Ivy to stay in Chicago? I do plan on working in Chicago afterwards, and hopefully I will build the rest of my life here. But would it be crazy to turn down an Ivy League! I keep thinking, personally, I would kick myself in the head later on in life.

Are you only deciding between UW and Columbia? I would really take apart each program and see which one fits you best. And which one would prepare you the best for the career and life you're looking for. You're paying for an education, you want to make sure you're getting your moneys worth.

Things to think about:
  • Semester Vs. Quarter
  • Coursework (how applicable these courses will be for you in the real world)
  • Practicum (opportunities, locations, help from faculty? etc...)
  • Class Style (Traditional vs ISP)
  • Graduating Class vs Employment Rate
  • Recruiting Companies/Firms (i.e, I want to go into consulting and I wanted to know if companies like PwC, Oliver Wyman etc.. recruited on campus)
  • Research Opportunities
  • TA/GSI positions
  • Study Abroad, Leadership and Organization opportunities
  • If you're able to transfer credits from another SPH program (in case of an emergency lets say this may be important)
  • Diversity of school
  • Guest Speakers (Seminars, Commencement etc.. tells me about their affiliation)
Lol trying to think of all the questions I had before selecting each school.

***Side Note NOT to Turn into a Discussion: For those who thinking ranking doesn't matter; please be mindful of those of us who do find it of utter importance. Everyone has their own goals, priorities and reasonings for entering the MPH arena . I personally find it insulting for anyone to disregard my personal discretion for it. I also do not find it forum appropriate to put down anyone for it; if you don't like something you see move on to the next comment. And I will leave my two cents at just that.
thank you!!!! This is so helpful!!
 
I have a relatively complicated situation that just came up in the last two weeks. Please advise!

So I began this application cycle on time, obviously planning to attend starting in the Fall 2015 semester. I finished all apps by 12/1. Well, a couple weeks ago my Spanish teacher offered to recommend me to teach English abroad next year. My absolute dream/reach school (Berkeley) turned me down and I promised myself that if that happened I would at least apply to go abroad. The problem is: I won't find out about that until late April to June-- after April 15. I bumped Boston already because it's too expensive and VCU because I just wasn't digging it. I've contacted all the other schools I got into so far and my top pick (Denver) said that I can't defer but they'll give me until May 1 to decide. GW said I can defer and can wait to decide if I will until July, but I think I still have to officially accept the offer by April 15. And today I talked to USFCa and they are now offering an online MPH, which would mean that I would not have to put school off a year. So the options if I go abroad (pretty likely) are: defer to GW, Online at USFCa, or another full application cycle next year while I'm in Spain. Can you guys just give me some perspective?

If you do the teaching English abroad for a year, and apply broadly next fall while abroad, you'll probably get into some pretty good schools, as well as some of the same schools from this cycle. Some schools like to see work experience post undergrad, and this will help your application. However, the only small drawback is that this isn't strictly public health related work, the teach English abroad, though it will generally help your public health application this fall. If you want to do it, then by all means, do it. If you go down the public health route in the longterm, you might not have a chance to do something like this again.

I think that the online programs are mostly geared for working professional who already have a good sense of what public health is about, and that it is better for entry level MPH students to go to a brick and mortar school.
 
Top