MPH Fall 2018: Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Rejected!

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Epi_lady_in_training said:
Nice! I'm in a similar situation- I actually attended UCI 's undergrad program so feel free to ask me specific questions. THeir MPH is fairly new-ish and less developed. However, UCI does have a good public health program. They have a lot of research going on and great faculty. I did 2 years of research in the program of public health. They are expanding & transitioning to a school vs a program soon so that'll help them. It really think it depends on what you want to pursue. Orange County has limited Epi work (my concentration) other than the health department I already work at. I am interested in field work in addition to research. So I am deciding between Emory, Berkeley, and SDSU- def not going to UCI! Where are you leaning towards?
Click to expand...


Ah, I meant to say that because their program** is newer, their name has lesser recognition than some others like Emory and GW. I forgot that they don't have their own school of public health but I'm glad to hear that they'll be transitioning soon! I'm really interested in health policy especially geared toward women's, lgbt, and minority health. I feel as though it might be a better idea to go to the East Coast since there are way more policy opportunities there. I'm deciding between Emory, BU, GWU, and Yale!
 
Anyone who heard back from Yale today, when did you apply? I submitted my SOPHAS application 1/14, got an email from Yale that it was received 1/22, and got another email that my application was complete on 2/7. I applied to the MPH Environmental Health Sciences program if that makes any difference.
 
phclarinetist said:
I'm not sure what department you are in, but Health Services is on Friday, March 30th. Still waiting to hear back from UW for financial aid in order to decide if I want to go.
Click to expand...

Did they send out an email with more information about the Health Services visit day yet?
 
njudjr said:
No email yet. But according to the history, I knew most the decisions will be released on the last Thursday of Feb. and the first Thursday of March, around 11am.
Click to expand...
Hmm, still haven't gotten anything from Harvard.
 
spacewitch said:
I graduated from my undergrad from Davis and it's a really well-respected school. Even with my B.S., I didn't struggle to find a full-time job in Sacramento because everyone in the area respects a Davis degree. Same with jobs in the Bay Area. It's also only a 15-20 min drive from Sacramento and the state capitol. If you are leaning towards working in health management, I would suggest the Davis program. Davis has a bit of a newer public health program (and it's only one year, the reason I didn't reply) but from my experience as a public health undergrad everyone was super helpful and dedicated to the field. There's plenty of community orgs you can get acquainted with as well! On the other hand, Berkeley is a great school and a two year program is great for research opportunities. I'm not sure if Davis makes you do a practicum? Just some stuff to consider. Feel free to PM me!
Click to expand...

Thanks so much I really appreciate it! Yes, the Davis MPH does have a practicum
 
PBH2018 said:
Anyone who heard back from Yale today, when did you apply? I submitted my SOPHAS application 1/14, got an email from Yale that it was received 1/22, and got another email that my application was complete on 2/7. I applied to the MPH Environmental Health Sciences program if that makes any difference.
Click to expand...
I applied on 1/11 and received an application complete email on 1/16. Strange thing is I applied for their SBS program and was admitted to their health policy....but it took me approx 6-7 weeks to hear back from them.
 
Sth1022 said:
I applied on 1/11 and received an application complete email on 1/16. Strange thing is I applied for their SBS program and was admitted to their health policy....but it took me approx 6-7 weeks to hear back from them.
Click to expand...
That is a bit strange! Congrats on your acceptance, even if it wasn't for SBS!!
 
cherry.wine said:
Did they send out an email with more information about the Health Services visit day yet?
Click to expand...
I have not. I've heard nothing from UW since my acceptance email. I did receive an email about a fellowship right before that I applied to but nothing else. That's the irony - UW is my top choice and they haven't sent any emails out, but Boston is lower on my list and they are hounding me with emails.
 
WhaleGirl123 said:
Just heard back from BU about financial aid-- got a lot more than I expected.. I was pretty set on Hopkins but this for sure puts BU back in the running
Click to expand...

Congrats!! Is this separate from any scholarships you received in your admissions packet?
 
Hi all, I am a first time poster, long time follower.

I am currently accepted to Epi programs at JHU (1-Year MPH), Columbia, Emory, BU, and Pitt and am just waiting to hear from Harvard. However, I am pretty set on attending JHU. I have seen others posting about choosing other lower-ranked programs (ie. Columbia, BU, Harvard), over JHU and am curious to hear what you reasoning is? I know that money, culture, etc. always plays a factor, but I am curious to hear everyone's thoughts on JHU vs. other schools, especially since it is a 1 year program? I am hoping this helps me make my decision!
 
lg2018 said:
Hi all, I am a first time poster, long time follower.

I am currently accepted to Epi programs at JHU (1-Year MPH), Columbia, Emory, BU, and Pitt and am just waiting to hear from Harvard. However, I am pretty set on attending JHU. I have seen others posting about choosing other lower-ranked programs (ie. Columbia, BU, Harvard), over JHU and am curious to hear what you reasoning is? I know that money, culture, etc. always plays a factor, but I am curious to hear everyone's thoughts on JHU vs. other schools, especially since it is a 1 year program? I am hoping this helps me make my decision!
Click to expand...
I think the reason differs from person to person! Like you said a lot of people focus on financial packages (and I do too). Also it depends on your research interests/area of interest and programs. For example a lot of people choose Emory because of its proximity to CDC, and I've seen people choosing BU/Harvard/Tufts because they want to work in Boston after graduating. I heard that it's hard to get a PH job in Boston unless you graduated from one of those three schools. I think it really depends on your preference and plans over the name/prestige of the school. JHU is a great school but make sure their program is what YOU need for your career!
 
WhaleGirl123 said:
Yes, I submitted the FAFSA and the BU specific form earlier this week and received a need based scholarship and Federal Loans
Click to expand...
Thanks for this. I was accepted into BU in January, and haven't gotten any financial aid package information. I got the APEX scholarship, but that was in my acceptance letter.
 
phclarinetist said:
I have not. I've heard nothing from UW since my acceptance email. I did receive an email about a fellowship right before that I applied to but nothing else. That's the irony - UW is my top choice and they haven't sent any emails out, but Boston is lower on my list and they are hounding me with emails.
Click to expand...

I'm glad it's not just me! I haven't heard anything from UW since I also got accepted for Health Services and was wondering if I had missed some emails somewhere. I did email the office last week and they said they would be sending out a formal invitation to the visit day for Health Services this week, but I have not heard from them since.
 
phclarinetist said:
I have not. I've heard nothing from UW since my acceptance email. I did receive an email about a fellowship right before that I applied to but nothing else. That's the irony - UW is my top choice and they haven't sent any emails out, but Boston is lower on my list and they are hounding me with emails.
Click to expand...

I haven't heard anything from UW in terms of financial aid, either, if that makes you feel better.
 
PBH2018 said:
Anyone who heard back from Yale today, when did you apply? I submitted my SOPHAS application 1/14, got an email from Yale that it was received 1/22, and got another email that my application was complete on 2/7. I applied to the MPH Environmental Health Sciences program if that makes any difference.
Click to expand...

I also applied to Yale's MPH Environmental Health Sciences program. I got the application received email 1/8 and completed email on 1/10. Haven't heard anything else from them...
 
WhaleGirl123 said:
Also losing my mind, what are you debating between? Would love to discuss this
Click to expand...
I'm debating between the MS in Epi at BU and MSPH in Global Epi & Disease Control at Hopkins, so our situations are a little different. I visited BU last weekend and was so impressed by the faculty! I'm visiting Hopkins next week so hopefully that will give me more clarity.

BU's program is more hardskillsy, which everyone has told me I should prioritize, but Hopkins has so many connections in Global Health I feel like that could give me a big leg up.

Feel free to PM me! I spend literally all day thinking about this, so I'd love someone to talk to.
 
I got into Ohio State for epi today!!!! 🙂🙂🙂

Now I'm deciding between Ohio State and UT HSC in Houston. Does anyone have any info or insight into which program might be better? Ohio is ranked slightly higher on USNews, but I know that those rankings don't matter too much. I really like some of the research being done at UT, but also in Ohio... I don't know how to decide! I didn't get money from either.
 
PBH2018 said:
Anyone who heard back from Yale today, when did you apply? I submitted my SOPHAS application 1/14, got an email from Yale that it was received 1/22, and got another email that my application was complete on 2/7. I applied to the MPH Environmental Health Sciences program if that makes any difference.
Click to expand...
I emailed Yale's admission and they said the majority decisions will be released by the early March, so I guess we will hear from them by the end of next week. My application was complete on 2/12, and haven't heard anything from them. Hope it helps!
 
For those debating between Harvard and JHU, keep in mind the ranking is from almost four years ago. You should really know what you want from the school. Ultimately, top five would provide comparable education. It’s like the ranking of Harvard’s and JHU’s medical school. When you are deciding among top 5, you should really pay attention to which program fits you the best.
 
Rejected from Harvard BUT that rounds out the last of my acceptances/rejections!! Now just to wait for financial aid.......when will it end???
 
lytt18 said:
I also applied to Yale's MPH Environmental Health Sciences program. I got the application received email 1/8 and completed email on 1/10. Haven't heard anything else from them...
Click to expand...
LOL well if you haven't heard back, I definitely don't expect to hear anything anytime soon! Good luck!! I hope you get in!
 
itsjustapandagirl said:
I emailed Yale's admission and they said the majority decisions will be released by the early March, so I guess we will hear from them by the end of next week. My application was complete on 2/12, and haven't heard anything from them. Hope it helps!
Click to expand...
Thank you!! Good luck to you!
 
PBH2018 said:
LOL well if you haven't heard back, I definitely don't expect to hear anything anytime soon! Good luck!! I hope you get in!
Click to expand...

Aww thanks!! I hope you hear back soon tho! Good luck to you as well 🙂
 
After my application for Columbia was verified I received an email that decisions would be provided only in February.... It is now March.... should I call? Or am I just being impatient?
 
dna0808 said:
After my application for Columbia was verified I received an email that decisions would be provided only in February.... It is now March.... should I call? Or am I just being impatient?
Click to expand...

I’m also waiting for Columbia. From previous threads, Columbia releases more decisions in mid to late March. Last year someone not on the waitlist heard back on April 6th (!).
 
dna0808 said:
After my application for Columbia was verified I received an email that decisions would be provided only in February.... It is now March.... should I call? Or am I just being impatient?
Click to expand...
Same. I applied early decision too. Soooooo frustrating. I'm thinking of calling them tomorrow.
 
dna0808 said:
After my application for Columbia was verified I received an email that decisions would be provided only in February.... It is now March.... should I call? Or am I just being impatient?
Click to expand...
I read that as only via email, as in no physical letter. Never hurts to call!
 
idepi said:
Has anyone been able to successfully appeal for more need-based funding from their schools? Just got Harvard’s financial aid offer and it is....... paltry, to say the least.
Click to expand...
Did you get this in an email?
 
gd0822 said:
Hi- long time observer first time poster...finally heard back from all of my options and currently trying to decide between a few programs and would appreciate any and all insight. I will be unable to attend admitted students days as I am currently in my last months of service in the Peace Corps, as such I would love any input from current students or other applicants. Amidst the acceptances and rejection I have narrowed down to choosing between Columbia (MPH in Environmental Health Sciences) and Brown (MPH). My interest really lies in environmental health, sustainability, and global health. Everything I've read has made me feel like I would be a fool to turn down the prestige of Columbia (every forum I've read indicates it as a top program, plus major networking opportunities) and I haven't been able to find much on Brown, yet I'm drawn to it for overall lifestyle reasons. Money aside, anyone out there have any insights as to how to compare these two programs or general pros and cons? Would appreciate any/all info here or via direct message!
Click to expand...

Both schools have their plusses and minuses, Brown is definitely a very strong school global health wise, and if this was my primary concern when faced with this decision that I might well go there. Columbia is a prestigious program, though Brown's reputation seems to improve every year, and if you are interested in the policy side of things, Columbia is a good program.
 
Last edited:
andrew_SH said:
For those debating between Harvard and JHU, keep in mind the ranking is from almost four years ago. You should really know what you want from the school. Ultimately, top five would provide comparable education. It’s like the ranking of Harvard’s and JHU’s medical school. When you are deciding among top 5, you should really pay attention to which program fits you the best.
Click to expand...

US News does the rankings by distributing surveys to faculty at the different schools, and Harvard would get more highly ranked than perhaps based the fundamentals of the school would warrant, due to the Harvard name in general and the fact that there are a lot of public health schools in Boston who probably would be more likely to fill-in comments about Harvard. In the past rankings period I think Harvard was ranked 3rd.
 
Last edited:
Just got my financial aid award letter from Yale just now (which was a very long email which included all of the ways you can pay for your education). The $68k/year price is discouraging me from pursuing the dream of studying there. Feels like such a punishment when all I want to do is work in the non-profit sector and help folks get better access to care. They said they would let "a small number" of scholarship recipients know later on whether they got funding. Not holding out hope I'm one of them, since they are not known for good financial aid packages (I've been working for the last couple of years and don't qualify for any need-based aid).

Sorry to be a downer, but what are people's thoughts on taking out this much money (six-figure debt) to work in the public sector? I don't want to give up just yet, but my instinct is to run from the debt (especially since I escaped undergrad debt-free).
 
megarita said:
I'm debating between the MS in Epi at BU and MSPH in Global Epi & Disease Control at Hopkins, so our situations are a little different. I visited BU last weekend and was so impressed by the faculty! I'm visiting Hopkins next week so hopefully that will give me more clarity.

BU's program is more hardskillsy, which everyone has told me I should prioritize, but Hopkins has so many connections in Global Health I feel like that could give me a big leg up.

Feel free to PM me! I spend literally all day thinking about this, so I'd love someone to talk to.
Click to expand...

BU is big into marketing their school, and asking their students to market their school, and one reason is that people sometimes view it as a safety school and I think it has the lowest # attending divided by # of acceptances offered for pretty much all public health schools for some reason. In the past people visiting the school have complained about the lack of interest in the students. BU is a big school, so it is easier to get lost in the crowd, and they recently overhauled the curriculum completely to try to be more like Columbia. One issue is that students might be in discussion classes taught by other students and they don't get to hear the opinions of the professors. Another is that BU has a marginally lower placement rate than Tufts, and you'll be competing with other students (from Harvard, UMass, Tufts) for internships/opportunities in Boston, and apparently there are new people in charge of this at the school, possibly due to past problems or difficulties with some students not being able to find an internship. JHU is definitely stronger in Global Health, and JHU is a much more established and prestigious school that probably has better connections in terms of helping students find opportunities to fit their interests.
 
Last edited:
Received financial aid package from Yale!

Total cost of attendance: $68,000

Need-based aid: $5,000, renewable.

Yikes. I don't feel comfortable going into 6 figure debt for an MPH.
 
Last edited:
Cassatrass said:
So this is a little strange, I was accepted to Harvard-- but to the MS-80 in Global Health rather than the MPH-65. Apparently admissions thought I was a better fit for that program. I'll have to look into it now! Haha
Click to expand...
That’s what happened to me too like a month ago. Congrats!!
 
autumnleaf said:
Did you get this in an email?
Click to expand...
Yes, got the following a few hours ago:
The Office of Financial Aid (OFA) is pleased to make available your funding for the 2018-2019 academic year at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Got excited for basically nothing except 4.5k of work study and like 32k of unsubsidized loans
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
MPH / MSPH 2024: Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Rejected, Attending
Replies
3
Views
7K
catch-22
catch-22
D
2024 Public Health Doctoral Programs ( PhD, DrPH, ScD): Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Attending, Rejected
Replies
0
Views
4K
drph2024
D
She-Hulk
MPH / MSPH 2023: Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Rejected, Attending
2 3
Replies
103
Views
29K
Nicole Brown
Nicole Brown
J
MHA 2024: Applied, Interviewed, Rejected, Attending
Replies
5
Views
4K
MHAApplicant2024
M
Z
MPH / MSPH 2022: Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Rejected, Attending
22 23 24 25 26
Replies
1K
Views
211K
Nicole Brown
Nicole Brown
Top