MPH Fall 2016: Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Rejected!

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Got accepted to NYU...I seriously can't believe ti but yes I got the admission with 5k scholarship per year, which is ohhh soo much for me :/
But I am happy , I wasn't expecting a single acceptance but now I do have something on my plate. Rutgers and drexel still awaited 🙁
Congratulations!!!!!! That's great!!!!! I'm still waiting for Rutgers as well...I called them 2 weeks ago and they told me they were checking PhD candidates first and then MPH...so the wait continues! But congrats again, awesome!!


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Hey, everyone. I applied and was admitted to JHSPH & UMD (MPH) and have been doing some research regarding job placement post-grad at each institution, etc. I was just wondering what you all are planning on post-MPH... (I know this is early, and depends heavily on your interests/concentration/career goals; I'm just curious.)
  1. Already completed advanced degree (MD, PhD, MSN, JD, etc.) before starting MPH
  2. MPH as a terminal degree
  3. Go on to doctoral degree after MPH
It seems the majority of MPH students at JHSPH (~60%) have already obtained advanced degrees, ~10% pursue a doctoral degree, and ~30% treat the MPH as a terminal degree (no information or stats regarding their success in the public health job market/current careers was provided). This all comes from an academic coordinator. I've considered going the PhD route post-MPH, but since the MPH is considered a professional degree, I figured I wouldn't have to (again, depending on chosen career path/experience). As someone who pretty recently finished undergrad, and has no advanced degree, I'm a little intimidated by JHSPH's stats...
 
Just got my financial aid package from GW...expected COA for one year (with one more or two more after that): 57,000. Loans: 57,000. Wow.

For everyone that received the GW Cost of Attendance - as someone who went to GW for undergrad, I want to advise you to 1) not live in their graduate housing and 2) not take their numbers at face value.

The grad housing at GW isn't very good and it's extremely expensive. The neighborhoods around GW (West End and Foggy Bottom) are very pricey, but if you live somewhere a few metro stops away, it's much more affordable and also a lot more fun in terms of areas to go out, more restaurant/bar options, activities, etc. There are so many awesome neighborhoods in DC - I would suggest looking at Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, Eastern Market, Capitol Hill, and also areas in Northern Virginia. You can likely find a room for around $1000 a month (which is way less than their estimate) and you can easily metro or bike to school in 30 min or less. The main thing to keep in mind is that it looks like their credits come out to $1500 per credit. I also currently work in DC (which I realize some of you don't plan to work while in school), and it looks like my cost per year to attend would come in under $20k. Just some things to think about!

Agreed. They told me that my COA would be $55k for the 2015-2016 year, but my total cost will actually be $52k. I know that doesn't seem like much of a difference, but my circumstances are a little different because I am taking 28 credits this year, so subtract ~$7,200. I live in a two bedroom apartment with two other girls in Alexandria, and I share a room so my rent is under $450. Utilities also divide up to around $100 per person, and I spend around $200 per month on transportation and $150 a month on groceries/other expenses. Add another $150 per term (including summer) for books/supplies and $1000 per year to fly home. Next year, I will be taking 17 credits at $1500 per credit, and considering that we are planning to rent a four bedroom house between five of us in Arlington, I expect that my CoA will be around $39k. Of course, I cannot say anything definitive until we get a place and determine rent, but our limit is $700 each so I'm going off that. I also will be doing my practicum and CE next year, so less books to rent. As you can see, my CoA for the entire degree does not hit six digits. So really, it all depends on where you live, how many roommates you have, and how frugal you are with your outside spending (cook instead of eating out, use metro instead of uber, etc).
 
Agreed. They told me that my COA would be $55k for the 2015-2016 year, but my total cost will actually be $52k. I know that doesn't seem like much of a difference, but my circumstances are a little different because I am taking 28 credits this year, so subtract ~$7,200. I live in a two bedroom apartment with two other girls in Alexandria, and I share a room so my rent is under $450. Utilities also divide up to around $100 per person, and I spend around $200 per month on transportation and $150 a month on groceries/other expenses. Add another $150 per term (including summer) for books/supplies and $1000 per year to fly home. Next year, I will be taking 17 credits at $1500 per credit, and considering that we are planning to rent a four bedroom house between five of us in Arlington, I expect that my CoA will be around $39k. Of course, I cannot say anything definitive until we get a place and determine rent, but our limit is $700 each so I'm going off that. I also will be doing my practicum and CE next year, so less books to rent. As you can see, my CoA for the entire degree does not hit six digits. So really, it all depends on where you live, how many roommates you have, and how frugal you are with your outside spending (cook instead of eating out, use metro instead of uber, etc).

Yeah - I think the biggest disconnect comes from their housing estimate, which is why I strongly urge everyone to not get your housing from GW. As you can see, they budget more than $23,000 for 9 months. But most people would only pay between $4,000 (like the person above) and $10,000
 
Yeah - I think the biggest disconnect comes from their housing estimate, which is why I strongly urge everyone to not get your housing from GW. As you can see, they budget more than $23,000 for 9 months. But most people would only pay between $4,000 (like the person above) and $10,000

Yeah, they try to get you to live in their sponsored apartments in Foggy Bottom (Columbia apartments I think). It's like $1,600 for a studio and over $2,000 for a one bedroom without utilities. I remember that the two bedrooms were $3,300 as someone was trying to get me to be their roommate and send them $825. I suspected it to be a scam as she refused to send me decent pictures of the apartment she "supposedly" booked, and she wouldn't send me her phone number. Anyway, as students we don't need to live in luxury apartments; we can do way better than that cost-wise.
 
I've been lurking on this thread for a while, but thought I should finally post since I got into Columbia's Epidemiology Program today (with a Certificate in Infectious Diseases).

Undergrad School: Cornell
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.7
Major/Minor:
Animal Science, Minor--Business
GRE (including date taken) or Other Test (if applicable): 162 CR/ 159 Q/ 3.5W (took the day after Thanksgiving lol)
Experience/Research (please, be brief):
- 4 semesters conducting gene expression research in advisor's lab at Cornell, specifically looking at how diet affects reproductive efficiency in broiler hens.
- Summer internship at Neuroendocrine Lab at UConn Health Center looking at the sex-based genetic difference of the cocaine response in the nucleus accumbens of mice
- Volunteered in a mobile clinic in Lima, Peru in Winter 2015.

Interested in: Infectious Diseases or Biostatistics.
Applied: Columbia, Yale, BU
Accepted: Columbia, BU
Rejected: Yale
Waitlisted:
 
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Hey, everyone. I applied and was admitted to JHSPH & UMD (MPH) and have been doing some research regarding job placement post-grad at each institution, etc. I was just wondering what you all are planning on post-MPH... (I know this is early, and depends heavily on your interests/concentration/career goals; I'm just curious.)
  1. Already completed advanced degree (MD, PhD, MSN, JD, etc.) before starting MPH
  2. MPH as a terminal degree
  3. Go on to doctoral degree after MPH
It seems the majority of MPH students at JHSPH (~60%) have already obtained advanced degrees, ~10% pursue a doctoral degree, and ~30% treat the MPH as a terminal degree (no information or stats regarding their success in the public health job market/current careers was provided). This all comes from an academic coordinator. I've considered going the PhD route post-MPH, but since the MPH is considered a professional degree, I figured I wouldn't have to (again, depending on chosen career path/experience). As someone who pretty recently finished undergrad, and has no advanced degree, I'm a little intimidated by JHSPH's stats...

You got into JHSPH MSPH or MPH? I know MPH requires experience or an advanced degree and most people there treat it as a terminal degree. I was at Hopkins last week and got to talk to a current student. Most MSPH students come from undergrad and usually get an advanced degree after. The girl I talked to is currently doing her PHD at the school and also got her MSPH there. I got into the MSPH program and am planning on getting either a DrPH or PhD
 
Trust me, y'all will be the first to know. Maybe even before my family. LOL. Can't wait to see where you choose, too! I may or may not be imagining an adorable kitten going to public health school...

HAHA SAME. Visiting UGA this weekend before the ROOST notification has to be accepted/rejected to make up my mind. Talked to some faculty there and they seem cool but like COLORADO THO...

Wish me luck guys!
 
Undergrad School: JWU (Providence, RI)
Undergrad GPA: 3.89
Major/Minor: Counseling Psychology w/ addictions counseling concentration
GRE: 150V 153Q (1/25/16)
Experience/Research:
Two internships at a community based mental health/addiction treatment facility
Four years working as an optometric assistant
Undergraduate research focus: current music trends & rates of specific drug use and addiction amongst listeners
Interested in: Georgia State University (EPI), University of South Florida (EPI), Rutgers University (EPI)
Applied: Georgia State University (2/21), University of South Florida (2/25)
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
 
I am also applying to the program at Rutgers! Have you heard back from the school yet?
 
Hey Guys, I am totally new to this forum.

Anyone applying to Rutgers University? Is it worth to apply there?

I am applying in Columbia, NYU, Drexel, Rutgers Newark and New Brunswick.
Should I remove any or add as I am looking for schools near New York only.

My score in verbal section of GRE is not even reaching 150 🙁 But I don't think that I have much time left so I am giving a shot. What say?
Is there any chance or should I just apply for next cycle?

Undergrad School: Foreign Dental School (BDS)
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA:
Major/Minor: Dentistry
GRE:
147V/152Q/3W 🙁 🙁
TOEFL: 103
Experience/Research:
  • 1 year in government hospital (observer-ship)
  • 1 year as a dental Intern
  • 1.5 years of Dental Practice
Interested in: Epidemiology
Applied/applying to :
NYU, Drexel, Rutgers (Newark and New Brunswick), Columbia
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:


I am also applying to the program at Rutgers! Have you heard back from the school yet?
 
Congratulations!!!!!! That's great!!!!! I'm still waiting for Rutgers as well...I called them 2 weeks ago and they told me they were checking PhD candidates first and then MPH...so the wait continues! But congrats again, awesome!!


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Thank you so much for all the positive vibes. I completely made my mind to apply for the next cycle but I am so happy happy now. Figuring out the finances now:/ 🙂
 
Not yet. Last time I called, it was at the time of submission only. But @asartoretto said that they are reviewing the applications for Phd right now, so waiting seems quite long here :/ Will keep you updated 🙂
 
I am also applying to the program at Rutgers! Have you heard back from the school yet?

Not yet. Last time I called, it was at the time of submission only. But @asartoretto said that they are reviewing the applications for Phd right now, so waiting seems quite long here :/ Will keep you updated 🙂
 
How do I access the BU applicant gateway to notify them of my decision??
 
How do I access the BU applicant gateway to notify them of my decision??

I had the same question. The email from BU said applicant gateway but when I log on I don't see any option to make a decision.
 
Is anyone actually considering BU, besides me? (aka who will I see at admitted student day?) They ended up giving me decent scholarships and need-based, so it is still a contender. I know Columbia is good but it is the same cost and just too huge of a school for me, with lesser focus on what I need.

I'm considering BU seriously, but I don't think I can go for admitted day. I have to come on April 1st for Harvard's, and it isn't feasible for me to make two trips to Boston as this time, taking aside time from work and the cost of travel. I will be visiting BU independently probably a day before Harvard's. I agree with you about the part of huge schools, I am intimidated, I won't lie...
 
What helped you choose?

I got a really good vibe from the program on Spring Visit Day. I had originally applied to HSB and it was my top choice, but I came away confident that MCH would be an even better fit. The quantitative focus that I had initially worried about seemed like it would really provide me with good skills for employment later (methods, better statistical knowledge, etc.). I was also impressed with the breadth and depth of the MCH network and the various opportunities available through the program for internships and research. Also, I was considering UCLA, but I didn't really like the idea of doing a comprehensive exam rather than a capstone project. Finally, I grew up in the Bay Area and would be happy to return for a few years (and I think I should be able to get in-state tuition through a state law that lets CA high school graduates get in-state, even if they are no longer residents). Hope that helps! Good luck making your final decision.
 
Hey all curious to know how many letters of rec we need and if there is any specifics on who they must come from, thanks!


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Hey everyone, It seems that its the high time to decide for everyone.. Good Luck with that..
Despite of an average GRE/ GPA, Got some good acceptance:
JHU MPH, Emory MPH (BSHE), Yale (Advanced Professional MPH in Global Health), BU and Tulane

Its too tough to decide now. Financial Aid will definitely play an important role.
Queries if :
- When is JHU supposed to release its scholarships? Is Sommers the only option for international students?
- Are there any scholarships from Yale? If yes, then when they are supposed to declare?
- I recently got accepted in Emory BSHE. Should I not hope for any scholarship from them now?
 
Hey all curious to know how many letters of rec we need and if there is any specifics on who they must come from, thanks!


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Check SOPHAS and the admissions websites for the schools you want to apply to for more info on LoRs.
 
Has anyone received a financial aid package from Emory yet? Or any ideas when they will be sent out?
 
I think you're right about them having not reviewed our apps yet! I received this email from Columbia today:

"Dear Andrew,

Thank you for your application to the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

The Admissions Committee has begun a preliminary review of your application to the MPH program in Epidemiology. They need more evidence of your quantitative skills and are requesting a syllabus from your HSC 386 Quant Methods & Epidemiology course taken in Spring 2014 at Ball State University.

Can you please send us the syllabus for this course at your earliest convenience?"

I feel like this at least a little bit of good news. They're interested enough to inquire about further information. Does anyone have experience with similar situations?
Thanks! That really helps. I assume they'll send a response by the end of next week (Friday?). They said by mid-March which is next week!
 
Hey all curious to know how many letters of rec we need and if there is any specifics on who they must come from, thanks!


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You need to submit 3 LOR where 2 should be from your academic professors.
 
Hi guys! I've been following this thread for a while, but only got the courage to post my own stats/acceptances now haha
I'm interested in Health Policy & Management and/or Epi

Undergrad School: University of Maryland, College Park
Undergrad GPA: 3.20 (was initially pre-med, those difficult science classes truly killed my GPA)
Major/Minor: Kinesiology/Public Health
GRE: 159V 154Q (March 2014)
Experience/Research:
I'll be attending right after I graduate from my undergrad program this May, so not that much full-time job experience...
Currently working as a pharmacy technician
Worked at a dentist office for a year
Was a research assistant for a year (research on how exercise helps treat patients with Parkinson's disease)
Volunteered at the University of Maryland- Shock Trauma Center for about 3 years
Volunteered as a physical therapy aide for about 2 years
Member of co-ed national service fraternity
Participated in an alternative spring break trip focused on public health and children's healthcare in Columbia, SC
*Strong* (in my opinion) letters of rec

Applied: I applied to a lot of schools simply out of fear that I wouldn't get in anywhere because of my lack of experience and lower-end GPA, really regret that now after receiving a nice chunk of acceptances! Don't be discouraged, future applicants! There's always hope 🙂
GW (12/10/15), Columbia (12/10/15), Drexel (12/10/15), Temple (12/10/15), Rutgers (12/10/15), UMD (MHA) (12/10/15), Drexel (12/10/15), Boston U (12/10/15), NYMC (12/10/15), NYU (1/10/16), Stony Brook (12/10/15), Mt. Sinai (12/10/15), and CUNY (12/10/15)
Accepted: Too lazy to find the exact dates I was accepted but I've been accepted to: GW, Drexel, Temple, UMD, BU (w/ 12k merit scholarship), NYMC, NYU (w/ 24k merit scholarship), Stony Brook, and CUNY
Rejected: Columbia (was not a surprise, honestly)
Waitlisted: n/a

I've heard back from everywhere I want to and am deciding between BU, NYU, and GW (in that order I believe...)
I love Boston's program, but previous forum's posts are leaving me questionable till Accepted Students Day and NYU would be the least expensive for me to attend but what worries me is that the Public Health Policy & Management program is brand new starting with my class and the fact that it's not its own school of public health :/ GW is also a dream so fingers crossed I get off that scholarship waitlist so I can afford that scary-looking number of tuition!

If anyone is going to BU's or NYU's accepted students days, please let me know! 🙂
 
Hi guys! I've been following this thread for a while, but only got the courage to post my own stats/acceptances now haha
I'm interested in Health Policy & Management and/or Epi

Undergrad School: University of Maryland, College Park
Undergrad GPA: 3.20 (was initially pre-med, those difficult science classes truly killed my GPA)
Major/Minor: Kinesiology/Public Health
GRE: 159V 154Q (March 2014)
Experience/Research:
I'll be attending right after I graduate from my undergrad program this May, so not that much full-time job experience...
Currently working as a pharmacy technician
Worked at a dentist office for a year
Was a research assistant for a year (research on how exercise helps treat patients with Parkinson's disease)
Volunteered at the University of Maryland- Shock Trauma Center for about 3 years
Volunteered as a physical therapy aide for about 2 years
Member of co-ed national service fraternity
Participated in an alternative spring break trip focused on public health and children's healthcare in Columbia, SC
*Strong* (in my opinion) letters of rec

Applied: I applied to a lot of schools simply out of fear that I wouldn't get in anywhere because of my lack of experience and lower-end GPA, really regret that now after receiving a nice chunk of acceptances! Don't be discouraged, future applicants! There's always hope 🙂
GW (12/10/15), Columbia (12/10/15), Drexel (12/10/15), Temple (12/10/15), Rutgers (12/10/15), UMD (MHA) (12/10/15), Drexel (12/10/15), Boston U (12/10/15), NYMC (12/10/15), NYU (1/10/16), Stony Brook (12/10/15), Mt. Sinai (12/10/15), and CUNY (12/10/15)
Accepted: Too lazy to find the exact dates I was accepted but I've been accepted to: GW, Drexel, Temple, UMD, BU (w/ 12k merit scholarship), NYMC, NYU (w/ 24k merit scholarship), Stony Brook, and CUNY
Rejected: Columbia (was not a surprise, honestly)
Waitlisted: n/a

I've heard back from everywhere I want to and am deciding between BU, NYU, and GW (in that order I believe...)
I love Boston's program, but previous forum's posts are leaving me questionable till Accepted Students Day and NYU would be the least expensive for me to attend but what worries me is that the Public Health Policy & Management program is brand new starting with my class and the fact that it's not its own school of public health :/ GW is also a dream so fingers crossed I get off that scholarship waitlist so I can afford that scary-looking number of tuition!

If anyone is going to BU's or NYU's accepted students days, please let me know! 🙂
I'm going to the march accepted student day! I'll see you there, if you're going this month. I'm glad there's another BU person out there! 🙂
 
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Hey everyone--not sure if anyone has experience with this yet but I might as well as ask it anyways:
Does anyone know how likely a deferral for enrollment is approved? I know that it might vary depending on the programs but wondering if anyone has had experience/heard anything about deferring for one year from MPH programs once admitted? Thanks !
 
Hey everyone--not sure if anyone has experience with this yet but I might as well as ask it anyways:
Does anyone know how likely a deferral for enrollment is approved? I know that it might vary depending on the programs but wondering if anyone has had experience/heard anything about deferring for one year from MPH programs once admitted? Thanks !
I deferred last year (Emory), and the process was quite simple! I emailed them regarding my rationale, then went onto their portal and selected to "defer" under admission. I still had to pay the deposit fee, obviously, but that rolled over into this year. I am guessing you must do so with reason (I'm abroad doing research) and it's their final decision what is acceptable.
 
Just got this email around 8pm last night from the School of public health admissions office at Berkeley. I applied to their MPH program for HPM.
"Hope all is well! We are currently still reviewing applications and hope to have decisions out via email no later than mid-April.

Thanks so much for your patience and best of luck!
Crystal"

Mid April........ What?!?! All of the schools I got accepted into have a decision deadline of 4/15. I don't think I have much of a chance of getting in so I'm planning accordingly but, they should at least send out some rejections so people know.
 
Hey everyone--not sure if anyone has experience with this yet but I might as well as ask it anyways:
Does anyone know how likely a deferral for enrollment is approved? I know that it might vary depending on the programs but wondering if anyone has had experience/heard anything about deferring for one year from MPH programs once admitted? Thanks !
Very likely, I think, especially if you give them enough notice. I thought I was going to defer so I emailed the academic program coordinator asking her what the process was like and she replied to me a few days later saying "the admissions committee has approved your deferral, please let me know if you do plan to defer."
 
Trust me, y'all will be the first to know. Maybe even before my family. LOL. Can't wait to see where you choose, too! I may or may not be imagining an adorable kitten going to public health school...

I don't normally do this, but I couldn't resist in this case (sorry about the grainy image; she was moving a lot).

IMG_20151216_110725.jpg
 
Hi guys! I've been following this thread for a while, but only got the courage to post my own stats/acceptances now haha
I'm interested in Health Policy & Management and/or Epi

Undergrad School: University of Maryland, College Park
Undergrad GPA: 3.20 (was initially pre-med, those difficult science classes truly killed my GPA)
Major/Minor: Kinesiology/Public Health
GRE: 159V 154Q (March 2014)
Experience/Research:
I'll be attending right after I graduate from my undergrad program this May, so not that much full-time job experience...
Currently working as a pharmacy technician
Worked at a dentist office for a year
Was a research assistant for a year (research on how exercise helps treat patients with Parkinson's disease)
Volunteered at the University of Maryland- Shock Trauma Center for about 3 years
Volunteered as a physical therapy aide for about 2 years
Member of co-ed national service fraternity
Participated in an alternative spring break trip focused on public health and children's healthcare in Columbia, SC
*Strong* (in my opinion) letters of rec

Applied: I applied to a lot of schools simply out of fear that I wouldn't get in anywhere because of my lack of experience and lower-end GPA, really regret that now after receiving a nice chunk of acceptances! Don't be discouraged, future applicants! There's always hope 🙂
GW (12/10/15), Columbia (12/10/15), Drexel (12/10/15), Temple (12/10/15), Rutgers (12/10/15), UMD (MHA) (12/10/15), Drexel (12/10/15), Boston U (12/10/15), NYMC (12/10/15), NYU (1/10/16), Stony Brook (12/10/15), Mt. Sinai (12/10/15), and CUNY (12/10/15)
Accepted: Too lazy to find the exact dates I was accepted but I've been accepted to: GW, Drexel, Temple, UMD, BU (w/ 12k merit scholarship), NYMC, NYU (w/ 24k merit scholarship), Stony Brook, and CUNY
Rejected: Columbia (was not a surprise, honestly)
Waitlisted: n/a

I've heard back from everywhere I want to and am deciding between BU, NYU, and GW (in that order I believe...)
I love Boston's program, but previous forum's posts are leaving me questionable till Accepted Students Day and NYU would be the least expensive for me to attend but what worries me is that the Public Health Policy & Management program is brand new starting with my class and the fact that it's not its own school of public health :/ GW is also a dream so fingers crossed I get off that scholarship waitlist so I can afford that scary-looking number of tuition!

If anyone is going to BU's or NYU's accepted students days, please let me know! 🙂


I am going to BU's accepted students day in April !
 
That is one furry public health practitioner!

Bronte, my roommate's cat, decided during finals week last semester that she was going to study epi with me :laugh:. Her "mom" had gone home earlier and I think she really wanted me to play with her.
 
Just got this email around 8pm last night from the School of public health admissions office at Berkeley. I applied to their MPH program for HPM.
"Hope all is well! We are currently still reviewing applications and hope to have decisions out via email no later than mid-April.

Thanks so much for your patience and best of luck!
Crystal"

Mid April........ What?!?! All of the schools I got accepted into have a decision deadline of 4/15. I don't think I have much of a chance of getting in so I'm planning accordingly but, they should at least send out some rejections so people know.
Yale is doing the same thing with me. My application was verified on the first week of November and still no decision. It's almost 18 weeks. I emailed them 12 days ago saying what is going on there. They replied me that I am supposed to get my decision within next 10 days. But today is the 12th day. Still no reply from them. And their financial aid deadline was March 1. Are they kidding with me? :rage:
 
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