In at Yale for HPM!!
MPH Fall 2018: Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Rejected!
- Thread starter ConfusedAsUsual
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Yep, same here. I just filled out my FAFSA 2 days ago. The guy said they should probably receive it today or tomorrow. Not sure when aid will be sent out though
Okay so I clearly didn't get a first round scholarship at Michigan. But does anyone know if the second round scholarships will be significant? I'm not sure if they will be transferring scholarships from those who decline only or if there is still $$$ left.
Also what were first round decisions were based on? (I didn't submit my app til the end, and I'm hoping this is why I haven't gotten anything yet)
That was me - went through the 2016 thread last night and someone posted there that the admissions committee meets on Thursdays and usually releases decisions on Fridays
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They definitely released the first wave of decisions on a Thursday (02/16/17) last year though.
Yes, so fingers crossed for today!! In 2016, apparently applicants were told to expect decisions beginning in “late February” but I think 2017 and this year we’ve been told “mid February” so really hoping this is the week.
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I think first-round was for priority date applicants and second is for everyone. They said the second round is much more competitive. After not getting a first-round scholarship and with the high cost of attendance, I'm probably going to decline soon and hopefully open up a spot for someone else! ...but I'm also super indecisive soooo
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I've read every page on last year's thread-- most of them multiple times (once early in cycle and again closer to that date to get a feel for what to expect). It's basically a hobby at this point.
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So they said that more will be going out in March?? I thought it was all over by now!
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Kinda personal question here... I got into Michigan and UCLA, among others. Living in so cal, I’m getting a LOT of pressure from my dad to go to UCLA. He keeps bagging on how far away Michigan is, how expensive it will be, how UCLA is better, how nice living near UCLA is, etc. Also, he wants me to go to admitted student’s day at UCLA and not Michigan. Personally, my partner and I want to go to Michigan (we both got in) for several reasons. However, my dad will be paying for a lot of my MPH, so I feel like I kind of “need his permission” or something to go to Michigan. What do you suggest I do in regards to this pressure I keep getting? I know family pressure is a real issue that a lot of students deal with, but it’s getting on my nerves and it’s making me worried that a lot of pushback will occur if I say I want to go to Michigan. Any ideas?
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She said something along the lines of "The first round with the majority of scholarships has already been released for (Epi) students who submitted by the priority deadline. There will be another round in March, but it will be very competitive and considering all candidates."
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Oh wow ok. Thank you for the information. Well, since Michigan is my top choice now, i hope I get something! (Cuz I totally applied as a priority applicant and didn’t get a thing...)
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on the same boat. how I spend my Saturday nights now: scrolling through the 2015, 2016, 2017 applied, accepted, waitlisted, rejected! forums and stalking people on linkedin while eating a tub of halo top. who have i become.
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This is a really hard question since he's helping pay for your degree. Unfortunately, since you are planning on taking his money, he does have to have a say. I would have a very serious, honest conversation with him where you discuss expectations, goals, and financial contributions.
Otherwise, it's your life. As an adult, you need to make the decisions that are best for your future. Oftentimes, that bargain comes at the hard cost of financial independence. It's hard to be treated as an adult when you're still accepting money from your parents.
Ugh. Yeah. I'm going to try my luck with an assistantship, but those are pretty competitive too. Hate to call it over with UMich since they were my favorite going in, but I just don't want to sink 100K into an MPH degree
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Yeah, I totally get that. I was planning on having a serious conversation with him about what I want for my future. My mom is 100% on-board with me going to UMich because she understands that it’s where I want to go, that I want to leave SoCal, and that it’s a great program. My dad is a college prof, so hopefully he will understand that this is the best decision for me academically. I think that, deep down, he just doesn’t want to see his only daughter move across the country.
This is really tough. For the admitted student day I would tell him that you are going to attend both because you want to be absolutely sure you consider all your options so you can make the best decision for you given the amount of money it costs. Can you have a conversation with him outlining why you want to attend Michigan instead of UCLA? It may help if you write this down beforehand. At the end of the day if you cannot convince him you may have to choose between taking his money and choosing the school you want...
I can certainly sympathize with you. My mom wanted me to go to Duke for my MBA simply because it was closer to her. Ultimately I told her that Michigan gave me $100K more and unless she was giving me $100K there was no way I was turning that down which seemed to work.
I am getting soooo much pushback from my parents about everything regarding grad school - it's driving me slightly insane. My dad has also went above and beyond to try and get me to stay near them, which is very sweet. But, what I've come to realize is that they're being anxious/nervous parents and will probably not be fully at ease until I choose the "safest" route/the route that puts them the most at ease (which wouldn't even be public health). Although their intentions are good, they're missing the mark. My parents have A LOT to say about this entire process and which school I should choose, which direction I should go, and what career I should choose. My dad is an engineer and my mom is the director of a business - albeit smart, hardworking etc - they really don't have enough or any insight about public health or research (my intended long term goal) and their "advice" seems to be motivated by their anxiety. For that reason, I have decided to not base my dreams/plans exclusively off their interest. I have a friend whose parents offered to pay him to not go to grad school - because they were so worried - and now he's in his third year of his PhD.
I would have an honest conversation with my parents, telling them that I hear their concerns, but stressing that you're still autonomous and feel that x,y and z is the best choice and you'd love their support. Of course, this is from my perspective/experience and obviously I don't know your parents/entire situation. Hopefully it goes smoothly for you - whichever decision you do end up making! If you can't tell, my parent's input has been an enormous stressor during the app process and I've had this exact conversation with them roughly 1000 times
EDIT: didn’t read the responses above mine, just went into a full on rant about my parents so in short, I agree with all the above hahaha. I’m glad its not just me having this experience.
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I'm likely going to Emory, and I'm happy to share information. Emory is one of the big names in public health and it has a great reputation and excellent professional connections. Their program is not terribly expensive, but they also don't seem to offer much in the way of scholarships. They do, however, have a work study-ish program that places students with public health organizations in the area.
You can also check out the section on Emory in the compendium of health programs that we've been working on creating: Public Health Programs - Thoughts
May I know when you submitted your application?
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Re: everyone's thoughts on parents--
I went through kind of a similar thing last year, although I felt less pressured as I was already financially independent, had lived states away from them for years, and was not counting on their financial support when making decisions. I think they initially thought I was insane for turning down Harvard and planning to move out of Boston for Drexel, Brown, or Minnesota. However, after talking with my parents about my plans in a very "let me share these ideas with you" kind of way [versus a "I need your help with this decision" way], they both (child of divorce here) ended up helping with tuition pretty unexpectedly. One thing that helped was sitting down with them and showing them the school's websites-- the profiles of professors I wanted to work with, the research centers at each school, students' internships/theses, etc. and talking about my learning style in relation to the schools. We also talked a lot about the school's surrounding cities and what they had to offer. I think sometimes parents can only picture their kids living a life similar to them, but talking about very specific details of your potential future life might help them envision you as safe in happy in Ann Arbor/wherever.
I went through kind of a similar thing last year, although I felt less pressured as I was already financially independent, had lived states away from them for years, and was not counting on their financial support when making decisions. I think they initially thought I was insane for turning down Harvard and planning to move out of Boston for Drexel, Brown, or Minnesota. However, after talking with my parents about my plans in a very "let me share these ideas with you" kind of way [versus a "I need your help with this decision" way], they both (child of divorce here) ended up helping with tuition pretty unexpectedly. One thing that helped was sitting down with them and showing them the school's websites-- the profiles of professors I wanted to work with, the research centers at each school, students' internships/theses, etc. and talking about my learning style in relation to the schools. We also talked a lot about the school's surrounding cities and what they had to offer. I think sometimes parents can only picture their kids living a life similar to them, but talking about very specific details of your potential future life might help them envision you as safe in happy in Ann Arbor/wherever.
I'm actually really jealous of everyone that has a strong support system that is actually really happy for them and is doing their best to support you in your decision making processes. Every time I talk to my parents about where I want to go, they just lecture me on loans and how they refuse to help me at all. I've already expressed that I know I need to pay for the entire degree and the living expenses and such but that doesn't seem to keep them from talking down at me. Neither of them went to college so I got the same lecture when I was deciding where to go for undergrad. I'm honestly just considering turning down grad school and trying to work just to make them happy.
I submitted January 15th
Yaasss
But also, I guess it is hard to give input on these topics as everyone’s parents are different. I tried the above route, which is my opinion is the most rational/informative/inclusive of them, but it fell on deaf ears. The topic is certainly subjective but at least now you’ve got a ton of good options
This is basically how my parents have been responding. Sorry to hear that. I’m much happier after I kept them less in the loop
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Did anyone else have trouble with their FAFSA SSN not "agreeing" with the SSN on file with the school, or am I only having issues because I'm adopted?!?
I swear the number in SOPHAS and the number in my FAFSA is the same. I just got off of a frustrating call with Emory where they told me that I was a "legal alien", which would be fine (the terminology's not my fave), but I don't believe I am. I have a US birth certificate. GWU and Pittsburgh also needed me to confirm my SSN and citizenship separately, respectively. Is anyone else running into this or do I have to get on a phone call with social security?
I swear the number in SOPHAS and the number in my FAFSA is the same. I just got off of a frustrating call with Emory where they told me that I was a "legal alien", which would be fine (the terminology's not my fave), but I don't believe I am. I have a US birth certificate. GWU and Pittsburgh also needed me to confirm my SSN and citizenship separately, respectively. Is anyone else running into this or do I have to get on a phone call with social security?
I'm sorry you're going through this as well. I think I'll have to stop talking to them about it especially when they've already expressed that they don't think I can handle going to grad school. It's just disappointing since, in my opinion, parents are supposed to want their kids to succeed.
The same is happening to me!!! I was also adopted. It's a conspiracy.
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Ayyyyy! Adopted solidarity!
We'll figure this out. I'm on hold on a call with SSA right now. I'll PM you if I find anything out.
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Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I really appreciate it!I am getting soooo much pushback from my parents about everything regarding grad school - it's driving me slightly insane. My dad has also went above and beyond to try and get me to stay near them, which is very sweet. But, what I've come to realize is that they're being anxious/nervous parents and will probably not be fully at ease until I choose the "safest" route/the route that puts them the most at ease (which wouldn't even be public health). Although their intentions are good, they're missing the mark. My parents have A LOT to say about this entire process and which school I should choose, which direction I should go, and what career I should choose. My dad is an engineer and my mom is the director of a business - albeit smart, hardworking etc - they really don't have enough or any insight about public health or research (my intended long term goal) and their "advice" seems to be motivated by their anxiety. For that reason, I have decided to not base my dreams/plans exclusively off their interest. I have a friend whose parents offered to pay him to not go to grad school - because they were so worried - and now he's in his third year of his PhD.
I would have an honest conversation with my parents, telling them that I hear their concerns, but stressing that you're still autonomous and feel that x,y and z is the best choice and you'd love their support. Of course, this is from my perspective/experience and obviously I don't know your parents/entire situation. Hopefully it goes smoothly for you - whichever decision you do end up making! If you can't tell, my parent's input has been an enormous stressor during the app process and I've had this exact conversation with them roughly 1000 times
EDIT: didn’t read the responses above mine, just went into a full on rant about my parents so in short, I agree with all the above hahaha. I’m glad its not just me having this experience.
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Do not live your life trying to please your parents or anyone else. If you decide not to go grad school now based on your parents' opinions, then you probably regret it later on in life. Do what YOU want to do for YOUR life. Don't let others opinions dictate how you live your life.
My father questions why I'm not interested in staying in-state, but I don't care what he has to say. He isn't paying for my graduate education and I'm choosing a school that will make me happy in the long run.
Thanks so much for linking me to the google doc. Emory is definitely well known and the connection to the CDC is great. My only concerns were that there isn't much housing options that are walking distance, and I don't think I have the funds for a car at the moment. Do you know when they send out financial aid information if at all?
In theory, yes. I should do what makes me happy but my parents guilt me everyday saying how they gave up their retirements to raise me (I was adopted) and how they never planed on having a kid so they never saved money. It's just hard to make a big decision and move across the country when they refuse to support any decision or be happy for me at all. It's complicated and I wish I could just say F it and do what makes me happy.
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According to their website, they send out financial aid in March. As for the car thing, there are apartment complexes along the shuttle and bus routes, so it looks like it's doable without a car, though a car would probably be most convenient.
Would you say its high acceptance rate is correlated to the quality of program? For undergrad, high acceptance rate meant it was not a great school. I've heard a lot of good things about GW though...
GW has larger programs to begin with, and they have more programs than the average school as well. They offer many MS programs through the school of public health in addition to the MPH programs. I'm also sure they include their online program acceptances when they look at their acceptance rates. Overall, it's still a very good school.
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I understand how hard it is for people to stand up to their parents (I was a complete failure at this for my wedding...but that's a different story for another day...) but, trust me, you'll regret it in the long run (I did in that case!).
My family was adamant that I stay in MN until I got into an ivy, which they are now convinced that I would be a fool to turn down. Every time I talk about wanting to live in a big city out east, everyone in my family rolls their eyes and condemns the cost of living (or, political climate because, as my farm-country grandpa said to me "big cities are the liberal bastions of the earth"-- to which I replied "sounds like the perfect place for me!") My family is VERY controlling-- but without any financial leverage, they don't have a leg to stand on. I've had to stand strong and take ownership of my decisions, which is hard, but I'm convinced that it's the right thing to do and that it'll make them see me as more of an independent adult in the future.
My family was adamant that I stay in MN until I got into an ivy, which they are now convinced that I would be a fool to turn down. Every time I talk about wanting to live in a big city out east, everyone in my family rolls their eyes and condemns the cost of living (or, political climate because, as my farm-country grandpa said to me "big cities are the liberal bastions of the earth"-- to which I replied "sounds like the perfect place for me!"
) My family is VERY controlling-- but without any financial leverage, they don't have a leg to stand on. I've had to stand strong and take ownership of my decisions, which is hard, but I'm convinced that it's the right thing to do and that it'll make them see me as more of an independent adult in the future.
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I've had the same issue with Emory and GWU. I am going to call GWU tomorrow. I don't know why it's happening. I suspect the SSN on SOPHAS may be wrong. But I'm fairly positive that it isn't.
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I GOT INTO UNC!!!!! There was a little happy dancing happening at the bus stop.
It's a good school in a city with lots of opportunities. My only reservation is the lack of research opportunities available.
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No word from Harvard. Hoping for tomorrow!
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For me its the cost. The merit scholarship I was awarded is very underwhelming...so even though they are near the top of my list I don't think I can make it work
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Are you and your husband planning to do long distance? I have a long-term boyfriend who just proposed yesterday (!) but he's most likely going to be attending UC Denver medical school... as much as I rooted for Colorado SPH (which I applied for late December as soon as he got an interview), I would like to consider my options based on my opportunities at the school rather than my partner. As harsh as it sounds, the privilege of receiving education means a lot to me and I don't think anyone or anything could really surpass that. Anyone on the same boat??I understand how hard it is for people to stand up to their parents (I was a complete failure at this for my wedding...but that's a different story for another day...) but, trust me, you'll regret it in the long run (I did in that case!).
My family was adamant that I stay in MN until I got into an ivy, which they are now convinced that I would be a fool to turn down. Every time I talk about wanting to live in a big city out east, everyone in my family rolls their eyes and condemns the cost of living (or, political climate because, as my farm-country grandpa said to me "big cities are the liberal bastions of the earth"-- to which I replied "sounds like the perfect place for me!"
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Anyone else get an email from Umich offering $500 for traveling to the admitted students day?
YES. First of all, congrats on your engagement! I am in weird but somewhat similar position. My long-term boyfriend has been offered his dream job in Norway. He has an offer in Colorado as well. I applied to CSPH in December and am still waiting to hear back. But I'm originally from Connecticut and if I got into Yale I could work part-time for an amazing public health org that I'm already established with there. I also applied to a master's program in Norway, and there is NO tuition fee, but it's not public health (very few programs were still open to international applicants when he got the Norway offer). I haven't heard back from any of these programs and he has to accept/reject his Norway offer March 1, so needless to say I am dying and have no idea what's best for me/him/us in terms of trying to be in the same place, because it seems like someone will have to sacrifice. It would help to at least hear back from some schools so I know what my options are.
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Thank you! And thanks for your input, nice to know I'm not alone. My mentor told me long distance is inevitable if you're trying to pursue more schooling because opportunities are everywhere. It just comes down to compromising.... which is why I paid a lot of money to apply to more schools, even the schools that I'm not even interested in. I was so sure on going to the school that he ends up at because med school is way harder to get in than my program, but now that I'm starting to hear back I'm having second thoughts...! Some people tell me long distance never works, others tell me it's a good opportunity to focus on school during the day.
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Congrats!!! We are doing a lot of compromise. Originally, he was supposed to be applying to law school simultaneously, which is why I applied to so many schools (and primarily ones within an hour of top 20 law schools). Then his lsat score was a little lower than expected, so we decided it would probably be best for him to take another year to improve that and strengthen his app. So we will be going wherever I want to go this year, and for the next year he will be applying to schools nearby (if there's one he's interested in). This is a pro for Hopkins since Georgetown is his top pick and GW is also good. This would also be a pro for NYU since they're highly ranked in international law. However, if he decides to wait until my program is done-- either so that we always have one income or if he prefers to go to another area-- then we will move to wherever he gets in since it's his turn for a career move. Luckily all his top picks are in hubs of public health, which will hopefully make it more likely that I'll land a job! This is also a pro for me of going to a top program-- making myself more marketable in any location right out of school.
It's complex and subject to change, but we are doing the best we can to stay in the same place!
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I'm in a very serious long-term relationship (""life partners"" as my out-of-touch mother likes to say), and if I am being honest, the biggest reason I chose Brown over Drexel was because it meant not doing long distance. I don't regret it, and Brown ended up completely changing everything I thought I wanted out of an MPH (in a good way). There are several people in my program who have already ended serious relationships/engagements due to distance. I plan to apply to PhD programs, and my partner is in a position to move with me if necessary now. Out of all the possible permutations of break up/stay together, postpone school/go immediately, and long distance/not, my least preferred option would be staying together, enrolling immediately, and doing long distance. I'm not sure how old everyone is, but I feel like a ton of development happens during your 20s, and I don't think I'd be easily able to "grow with" someone while doing long distance. But this is obviously very personal and subjective; don't take it as advice.
