MPH Fall 2017: Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Rejected!

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n3t said:
What are people wearing to admitted students days?
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Definitely dressy casual for me. I don't want to go super formal like I am trying too hard and look unapproachable, but also not a bum who is unaware that presentation matters. I'll wear minimal makeup, and keep my hair tied back into a ponytail or something.
 
Is anyone choosing between BU and Columbia? I only applied to three schools and those are the two I've heard from and, I think, the only two I'll be choosing between regardless of the decision from my last school. I'm really liking the idea of the History, Ethics, and Law certificate at Columbia, but also excited by the Social Justice, Human Rights, and Health Equity certificate at BU (in addition to the fact that you get multiple certificates there). I'm having trouble weighing pros and cons and think I may ultimately end up at BU for many reasons ($ being a big one), but really can't let go of Columbia. So much to consider! Let me know if you've been grappling with a similar dilemma.
 
ellb39 said:
Hey! I realize your admissions process was a bit different from mine as you applied early action, but I was wondering how long after you received your admissions call you got your formal admissions letter/more information via email? My caller said to expect an email the following day. That was last Monday...am planning to give them a week and then reach out to see what may be going on. It makes me nervous that I've not received the email yet!
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I realize I'm late to respond, so you may have already gotten your letter. To answer your question though, I received my letter about 2 days after the call.
 
Just called Harvard admissions. They said people who applied to HSB should hear in the next 2 to 3 weeks. What a joke.

I'm not planning on attending even if I'm admitted, but those kinds of delays just piss me off.
 
nikkster627 said:
Just called Harvard admissions. They said people who applied to HSB should hear in the next 2 to 3 weeks. What a joke.

I'm not planning on attending even if I'm admitted, but those kinds of delays just piss me off.
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I applied 65-Credit MPH HSB and already received my decision. I guess they have a few rounds of decisions, looking back at last years thread.
 
xyz-lmnop said:
Is anyone choosing between BU and Columbia? I only applied to three schools and those are the two I've heard from and, I think, the only two I'll be choosing between regardless of the decision from my last school. I'm really liking the idea of the History, Ethics, and Law certificate at Columbia, but also excited by the Social Justice, Human Rights, and Health Equity certificate at BU (in addition to the fact that you get multiple certificates there). I'm having trouble weighing pros and cons and think I may ultimately end up at BU for many reasons ($ being a big one), but really can't let go of Columbia. So much to consider! Let me know if you've been grappling with a similar dilemma.
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I am in the same situation as you. I would be in the Epidemiology department with infectious disease certificates at both schools. I have a large scholarship at BU, so I know it is a more realistic option. However, I love Columbia's program, and a big part of me is more drawn to Columbia. I am going to the admitted students day at Columbia this weekend and BU on the 18th, and I am hoping this helps with my decision. BU is a great program and it definitely makes more sense for me financially, but I cannot let go of Columbia.
 
I got the pay admissions deposit link on my OPUS account for Emory so I'm assuming I'm in, but I'm not sure which department I got into. First choice was Global Health and second choice was Health Policy, but I never got an email about my app being forwarded (I know their communication has been pretty bad though). I guess I'll find out soon!
 
jmc525 said:
I'm a bit late to the game...

Undergrad School: Cornell University
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.68
Major/Minor: Biology & Society (major); Nutrition and Health (minor); Global Health (minor)
GradGPA (if applicable): N/A
Grad Studies (if applicable): N/A
GRE (including date taken) or Other Test (if applicable): 161 Verbal (88%). 159 Quant (73%). 4.5 Analytical Writing (82%)
Experience/Research (please, be brief):
-Research Assistant working on various health-related projects (2 years+)
Special factors???

Interested in: Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Global Health
Applied: Johns Hopkins (12/1), Cornell University (12/7), George Washington University (12/15), Emory University (1/5), Columbia University (1/15), Yale University (1/15), New York University (2/1)
Accepted: Cornell (1/14), GWU (1/24), Columbia (2/8), Emory (2/9)
Rejected: N/A
Waitlisted: N/A
Still Waiting: JHU, Yale, NYU

I actually just heard back from Emory and I didn't get into their GLEPI MPH program, but they offered me a spot for their EPI MPH program instead!
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Hey did you hear back from NYU?
 
Anyone have any incite on BU's MS in Epi vs. UMN's MPH in Epi? I'm hoping to go into pharmacoepidemiology (pharmaceutical epi).
 
Still haven't heard anything from Colorado or Emory, I know I won't be attending but I still paid the money to apply and had my apps in for both before December 1st. Anyone else dealing with this currently?
 
epihopeful17 said:
Anyone have any incite on BU's MS in Epi vs. UMN's MPH in Epi? I'm hoping to go into pharmacoepidemiology (pharmaceutical epi).
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I was accepted into BU's MS in Ep program about 10 days ago & I'm waiting for the official acceptance package via snail mail. I was told more detail about the program and scholarship info would be included in it. Have you received the package yet? I'm hoping that will provide more information. There isn't a ton of information available online.
 
xyz-lmnop said:
Is anyone choosing between BU and Columbia? I only applied to three schools and those are the two I've heard from and, I think, the only two I'll be choosing between regardless of the decision from my last school. I'm really liking the idea of the History, Ethics, and Law certificate at Columbia, but also excited by the Social Justice, Human Rights, and Health Equity certificate at BU (in addition to the fact that you get multiple certificates there). I'm having trouble weighing pros and cons and think I may ultimately end up at BU for many reasons ($ being a big one), but really can't let go of Columbia. So much to consider! Let me know if you've been grappling with a similar dilemma.
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If you were to attend Columbia, there is an incredibly large number of opportunities related to social justice. It's kind of an interest for everyone here, regardless of the specific program and certificates students are enrolled in. I think it would help to attend admitted students' day for each school, if you are able to. I was close to sending my deposit for another school and attending admitted students day made me completely change my mind.
 
eek_ said:
I was accepted into BU's MS in Ep program about 10 days ago & I'm waiting for the official acceptance package via snail mail. I was told more detail about the program and scholarship info would be included in it. Have you received the package yet? I'm hoping that will provide more information. There isn't a ton of information available online.
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I haven't received the package yet either! In the acceptance email it said that the package will arrive in the next 7-10 days and it's now been 11 days according to my email. I guess I'm just so anxious because the website doesn't have much about the program and some of what they do have is vague so I feel like I just don't know enough about it. I wanted to fill out the application for financial assistance, but you need the BU ID which is in the acceptance letter in the package that has yet to come. :bang:
 
epihopeful17 said:
I haven't received the package yet either! In the acceptance email it said that the package will arrive in the next 7-10 days and it's now been 11 days according to my email. I guess I'm just so anxious because the website doesn't have much about the program and some of what they do have is vague so I feel like I just don't know enough about it. I wanted to fill out the application for financial assistance, but you need the BU ID which is in the acceptance letter in the package that has yet to come. :bang:
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YUP SAME BOAT. I'm thinking it will probably come any day now?!? Also, they may have meant 7-10 business days, and the 20th was technically an U.S. Federal Holiday (so no mail). It's been 11 calendar days for me as well.
 
epihopeful17 said:
I haven't received the package yet either! In the acceptance email it said that the package will arrive in the next 7-10 days and it's now been 11 days according to my email. I guess I'm just so anxious because the website doesn't have much about the program and some of what they do have is vague so I feel like I just don't know enough about it. I wanted to fill out the application for financial assistance, but you need the BU ID which is in the acceptance letter in the package that has yet to come. :bang:
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It took me a solid thirteen days to get my package and I know it was a bit longer for other people. I'm sure you'll have it soon! I filled out the financial aid app without my ID and it seems to have been fine. Luckily you'll have your package any day now, so you should be able to complete it without isuue. I know that frustration well 🙁
 
amm13d said:
If you were to attend Columbia, there is an incredibly large number of opportunities related to social justice. It's kind of an interest for everyone here, regardless of the specific program and certificates students are enrolled in. I think it would help to attend admitted students' day for each school, if you are able to. I was close to sending my deposit for another school and attending admitted students day made me completely change my mind.
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That's good to know! I think either program will be great and my studies will likely be quite similar regardless of where I go. I'm afraid I'm going to go to the accepted students day at Columbia and fall in love and then determine that it's not financially smart. I guess I'll have to wait and see!
 
has anyone who also applied for the priority deadline not heard back from Harvard yet? ]]]:
 
Got an invite to Columbia's Annual breakfast for Admitted Students of Color the morning of their first admit day, which I think is really awesome. They seem to really celebrate and embrace diversity, from what I've gathered from their website. Won't be attending the breakfast, but I thought I'd share!
 
xyz-lmnop said:
That's good to know! I think either program will be great and my studies will likely be quite similar regardless of where I go. I'm afraid I'm going to go to the accepted students day at Columbia and fall in love and then determine that it's not financially smart. I guess I'll have to wait and see!
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I have the same concern! We are definitely on the same page.
 
epihopeful17 said:
I haven't received the package yet either! In the acceptance email it said that the package will arrive in the next 7-10 days and it's now been 11 days according to my email. I guess I'm just so anxious because the website doesn't have much about the program and some of what they do have is vague so I feel like I just don't know enough about it. I wanted to fill out the application for financial assistance, but you need the BU ID which is in the acceptance letter in the package that has yet to come. :bang:
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I ended up just driving over and picking mine up. I understand that's not an option for folks who don't live in Boston, but just so you know it's been consistently slow for weeks. I would check in with the admissions office. They've been super nice to work with. Maybe there's something going on in the university's internal mail system?
 
late_apply said:
Then why did you call, and why did it piss you off?
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Because I'm anxious, tired of waiting, and given the amount of acceptances that have been shared from other schools they seem to be behind. I also think it's unfair and prohibitive to expect people to be able to travel to admitted student days and make decisions about funding, loans, moving, etc within 4 weeks.
 
Has anyone been able to locate employment metrics for Hopkins? I found a page listing some places their alumni from the popfam department work, but haven't seen amything as extensive as the metrics shared by Columbia and Emory. I find it slightly concerning :bored:
 
nikkster627 said:
Because I'm anxious, tired of waiting, and given the amount of acceptances that have been shared from other schools they seem to be behind. I also think it's unfair and prohibitive to expect people to be able to travel to admitted student days and make decisions about funding, loans, moving, etc within 4 weeks.
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I'm sorry that you have had a frustrating experience, but it's not like members of the admissions committee are sitting on their hands either. It's a very busy time of the year for them, and I'm sure that they are working very hard to get decisions out as soon as they can. This has been the case in previous years as well, so I would say it's just how they operate.
 
supercheeky13 said:
Still haven't heard anything from Colorado or Emory, I know I won't be attending but I still paid the money to apply and had my apps in for both before December 1st. Anyone else dealing with this currently?
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If it helps, I applied to Colorado for Global Health (so technically it was Colorado State) in late November and was notified that my app was complete on November 30. I received their decision on February 21.
 
scubadiver108 said:
If it helps, I applied to Colorado for Global Health (so technically it was Colorado State) in late November and was notified that my app was complete on November 30. I received their decision on February 21.
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Did you hear anything about financial aid? I received an acceptance letter on 1/22 but it had nothing on it about funding. From last year pages, it seems that they release aid info pretty late (May!). I emailed them and was told it should go out in February. Still waiting though.
 
sloth17 said:
I'm sorry that you have had a frustrating experience, but it's not like members of the admissions committee are sitting on their hands either. It's a very busy time of the year for them, and I'm sure that they are working very hard to get decisions out as soon as they can. This has been the case in previous years as well, so I would say it's just how they operate.
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No one is saying people aren't working hard (and I'm pretty sure no one in here is looking for a fight either). People are allowed to be frustrated. This whole process is, more often than not, a pain for all involved. Some institutions have their stuff more together than others. Yes, decisions will come out eventually and yes, some of us will have to cross certain schools off our list before we even hear because we can't commit to a school without a solid sense of financial aid, can't visit on a week's notice, etc. It's life and it's crummy and sometimes all we can do is commiserate.
 
If it helps, past threads (and also the results list over at Gradcafe), suggest that the bulk of decisions were released around March 11th/March 18th (i.e. 2-3 weeks from now, like they said). Take some small comfort in the knowledge that most of us who applied are in the same boat. +pissed+

I think it's understood that Harvard receives an extremely high number of applications each year. The waiting is stressful, and moreso as other schools' decisions are rolling in. There's a definite relief associated with knowing the admissions decisions for every school you applied to, even if the news is bad. (Which it will be, for about half of the people who applied. Writing off attending is a common coping mechanism). PLUS, if you are relying on outside scholarships, many of those deadlines are closing in. Some people have to call it, even without knowing what Harvard has to say. As much as the admissions committee may not be sitting on their hands, it's not unreasonable to express dissatisfaction with the turnaround time. It might be time to revise their process.

Not much longer now though, fam.
 
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mpEHch said:
I did it last year @blairburr very simple process: asked the admissions director to defer for one year, formally accepted my offer, and paid a deposit. That's all there was to it.
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@mpEHch thanks for the response! If you don't mind my asking, how did it affect any aid you were awarded? Did you submit a new FAFSA application for the new cycle?
 
In at Emory BSHE. So far in at the following schools: Emory, Upenn, NYMC, Tulane, Drexel, Middlebury. Just waiting on JHS and Brown. Brown is my top pick followed by Emory and Upenn. Wishing all of you the best of luck. Remember, its headache if you dont have any acceptance yet but it is even more headache when you have to choose between really good schools. So while you wait, do some home work ! It will help you a lot when it comes to deciding between schools. Aloha from Hawaii.
 
sd789 said:
Did you hear anything about financial aid? I received an acceptance letter on 1/22 but it had nothing on it about funding. From last year pages, it seems that they release aid info pretty late (May!). I emailed them and was told it should go out in February. Still waiting though.
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I got into Colorado in the beginning of February. I called the finaid office a couple days ago and they said info would go out in "a few weeks." When I asked if I would get it by April 15, the person on the phone sounded confused and said that I probably would but that some people won't hear until June. This makes no sense to me. I would be considering Colorado only if they gave me an unbeatable aid package, so my guess is they are scratched off my list.
 
Has anyone received a travel grant from Michigan?
 
amm13d said:
If you were to attend Columbia, there is an incredibly large number of opportunities related to social justice. It's kind of an interest for everyone here, regardless of the specific program and certificates students are enrolled in. I think it would help to attend admitted students' day for each school, if you are able to. I was close to sending my deposit for another school and attending admitted students day made me completely change my mind.
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Do you mind sharing what school you visited and what from the visiting day made you change your mind?
 
Anyone have any advice/experience with negotiating aid from schools? I have a large amount of scholarship money from Drexel and am trying to figure out if it's possible to use that to leverage aid from my other schools (namely BU, Emory, and Columbia)
 
sideword said:
Anyone have any advice/experience with negotiating aid from schools? I have a large amount of scholarship money from Drexel and am trying to figure out if it's possible to use that to leverage aid from my other schools (namely BU, Emory, and Columbia)
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This is summarized from an email from a friend who did this two years ago w/ Hopkins and had moderate success. I haven't tried it yet, but:
  • Try to get someone in the financial aid office in real time (on the phone or in person). Ask them for an update on your financial aid/scholarship status so that they have to pull up your application/info. Know going into the conversation that there's basically 0 chance of getting anything out of this one phone call because schools have protocols they have to follow about adjusting packages. Your goal is just to get them to pay attention to your case.
  • Explain that their school is your top choice because [insert reason(s) here] but that the decision for you will have to come down to finances. If applicable, say that you are very grateful for the [insert amount here] of grants/scholarships/etc. they have offered you because it has made it possible for you to practically consider attending.
  • Then hit them with the numbers-- "I was lucky enough to receive $Xk from another top school, which would reduce my overall tuition cost there to $Yk for each year. I was wondering if there was any chance that [insert school here] would be able to match that, especially considering the higher cost of living in [insert city here]." Don't tell them which school or where it is located because then it opens up a conversation about what they offer vs. the other institution.
  • Know that they will probably say no to this. Listen to and then thank them for the response they give. Then ask for something lower and explain why that amount will have an impact.
  • Then ask if as people decline acceptance, grants/scholarship money will be reallocated to other applicants (ie., you). They might say yes or "it's possible" to this. Then ask how you can receive updates on this process and state that you will call back in [insert amount of time here] if you haven't heard anything.
  • They will probably suggest that you reach out to your department for info about outside scholarships, TA positions, etc. Contact the program coordinator or whichever administrator makes sense. Maybe even start with the department head if they've sent you and email/letter welcoming you to the department. Ask for the info and give the same explanation about your scholarship at the other school that you gave to finaid.
  • Hope that in a couple weeks they are able to offer you more money. Keep your demands high but your expectations low to avoid feeling angry or cheated by the school. It's a frustrating and disappointing process and it is only going to be worse if you let yourself express anything other than positivity and graciousness to the school. The simple truth is that MPH programs are money-making for most schools. They want most students to pay full tuition out of pocket or through loans. And it's a hard pill to swallow, but the reasons they didn't give you grants or scholarships to begin with are (1) there's a limited amount of money and (2) what money exists did not go to you in first place because there are applicants who the school believes have greater need and/or are more qualified/a better fit for the school.
Good luck!
 
LDK92 said:
Do you mind sharing what school you visited and what from the visiting day made you change your mind?
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Sure! I was impressed by the campus: it consists of many buildings and is surrounded by a multitude of medical centers, so it truly feels like the heart of medicine/public health in uptown Manhattan. I also felt greatly welcomed by current students and by other students who, like me, were considering attending Columbia. No one was trying hard to impress faculty, instead, everyone wanted to gain a feel for other admitted students and see if Columbia is a comfortable place to be. I got the impression that current students were very satisfied with their experience thus far and were very open to direct questions about classes, faculty, and work opportunities.

When I visited DC, I found that I didn't really like the city, especially Foggy Bottom, where the GW campus is located. There was a lot of opportunity to talk one-on-one with faculty and I appreciated that, but it was greatly overshadowed by my discontent with the city. Location and overall content with the city I'm in are very important factors to me because I feel like my general happiness has a great impact on my academic success.
 
Anyone else out there apply to Harvard's SM in Health Data Science? this waiting game is killin me
 
amm13d said:
When I visited DC, I found that I didn't really like the city, especially Foggy Bottom, where the GW campus is located. There was a lot of opportunity to talk one-on-one with faculty and I appreciated that, but it was greatly overshadowed by my discontent with the city. Location and overall content with the city I'm in are very important factors to me because I feel like my general happiness has a great impact on my academic success.
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Thank you for your response! Definitely agree with you on the importance of location. I visited BU for admitted students day this past weekend. While I absolutely LOVE the professors, I went to BU for undergrad and stayed in the area after for 2+ years since. I am having a hard time justifying staying here for another 2 years. eek.

I'm going to admitted students day at Columbia on Friday and I am hoping I have a positive experience just like you did!
 
I go accepted into GW and did not get a merit award. Nevertheless I got a 20k scholarship to BU, but I still want to have GW as an option. They told me to send an appeal to the HPM program at GW with a copy of my BU offer to see if they could award me something, but I still haven't heard back from them. Has anyone had this same situation? Btw I'm an international student so Scholarships are very important to afford a US education. Thanks!
 
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