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

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So they do guarantee full funding, but they won't give you a breakdown yet? This situation is weird. I'd recommend asking for advice on the GradCafe public health forums too. It seems there are more PhD students and applicants there than here.
They say they can’t 100% guarantee it, but that it’s “basically” guaranteed because that’s how it’s worked out every other year. I think they may need to finalize budgets and stuff, which doesn’t occur until the summer. I’m confused and concerned about this. I will contact the program manager again in 2-3 weeks or so and try to pressure them again. I also just contacted a current student to get her insight. I’ll definitely check out the grad cafe! Thank you.
 
This is a really good question, actually. I'm curious as to what others have to say.

I'm at Brown, which I would say is definitely research focused. The 6 classes I have taken so far have all been research focused in that they have either taught (a) how to critically evaluate the quality of other's research by reading and analyzing scientific articles or (b) how to do specific research related skills like using statistical programming packages, designing studies, writing systematic reviews, etc. Of course, many of those research skills are transferable to other types of public health work, but academic research is the context in which they are taught. The program also requires a thesis that is essentially a publishable quality, original research paper with another component (a second paper, a lit review, a policy analysis, etc.). Non-research focused programs tends to be more flexible in their graduation requirements and use practical experiences like internships or products made for specific public health settings as capstone projects.

There are some more practical things I think I am not learning because I am at a research focused school, though I am picking up some through an internship at a health department. For the most part, these are things that don't interest me much anyway-- health economics, intricacies of health insurance systems, community organizing, program evaluation, policy development, etc. I feel like I *could* learn all of these things at Brown if I had different interests, but they're covered in elective courses that I probably won't choose to take.

There are research careers outside of academia. Think tanks, research foundations, and some government jobs (CDC, NIH) come to mind, and I'm sure there are more. I'm personally hoping to continue onto a PhD and stay in academia, but I do feel prepared for other research careers. But if you have a career in mind that isn't research focused, I wouldn't choose a school that bills itself that way unless they could explain very clearly how their program could help you meet your goals.

Thanks for the insight! I'd also like to hear what others think, too. I feel like a lot of job-related skills are best learned on the job so I wasn't sure if schools had classes that addressed these skills or what. From my past experience as an actuary, I had to learn a lot of information for exams that I'd never use during work but the exams were actually making you learn how to *think*. I would think a research focused school may be similar in that sense?

When I say I don't want research, I guess I just mean that I don't see myself staying in academia. So going to a school that focuses on research may be worthwhile.
 
Tbh, Michigan gave me a very generous scholarship that I could not turn down. However, I also really like Ann Arbor as it is a picturesque college town with great restaurants, bars, and plenty to do. At Michigan you can also take classes and pursue research in other departments fairly easily so, thats kind of how I made my decision.

I turned down Columbia because of their terrible financial aid package and cost of living in NYC. After some number crunching I realized that the enormous amount of debt I would be in wasn't going to be worth it for me. Also, Columbia is a huge program and I couldn't really see myself fitting in there.

I really wanted to like JHU, but their quarter system was intimidating. I wanted a more traditional two-year MPH program and was worried about how I could cope in their fast-paced MSPH program. I also was unsure of the entire second year being an internship and again I wasn't granted any scholarships to help with the cost.

As for Yale, I really liked the school and program. It will break my heart when I turn down the offer but, at the end of the day they didn't offer enough money to make it worth it.

With that said, I am excited to move to Ann Arbor and start studying at Michigan. If anybody else is committing to Michigan, specifically for HBHE, don't hesitate to PM me and maybe we can meet up in the fall! Go Blue!

Thanks for the reply... I guess I'll have to see where the chips fall money wise, but I'm nervous about JHU's quarter system as well. I guess I'll have to see when I visit...
 
Did anyone apply to Georgetown's MSHA? Or have any insight into the program? I've posted multiple times on the MHA thread but haven't gotten a response. I would greatly appreciate any info/advice about the program as I am seriously considering it as a career transition program into health administration from a complete research background. Sadly, I could not make the Visit Day as it was today, the same day as Berkeley.
 
I checked opus this evening and saw my financial aid package! 😀 Did you receive yours yet?

I was offered mainly loans and a 5k REAL award. I'll most likely be in a six figure debt by the time I graduate, and that worries me to my core. Lol :wideyed:
I got the same package. I figure if I'm going six figures into debt, I might as well go to Yale. I like the program better and now that Emory's "aid" is basically a glorified work-study, I have nothing to lose.
 
Hi~ Some questions about UMich Public Health in health management and policy. I read the school visit day experience from some of you and that was really helpful! Still something unclear about the class size and research chance there.

I saw the graduate student data on their website and there were about 40 students being enrolled to the HMP program each year, so is that a moderate size for students to build up their network and at the same time enough for most students to enjoy the academic resources there?

Moreover, I would like to find a research-focused job after graduation and at present no plan for getting a PHD. One of my senior who is now studying physics at UMich told me that it would be difficult for a graduate student to find a research assistant position there, most of these chances are provided for PHD students. I don't know if it's the same case in the school of public health or HMP department. Do you think it's possible if I volunteer to assist with the research with no pay, just in order to get some research experience?
 
Hi~ Some questions about UMich Public Health in health management and policy. I read the school visit day experience from some of you and that was really helpful! Still something unclear about the class size and research chance there.

I saw the graduate student data on their website and there were about 40 students being enrolled to the HMP program each year, so is that a moderate size for students to build up their network and at the same time enough for most students to enjoy the academic resources there?

Moreover, I would like to find a research-focused job after graduation and at present no plan for getting a PHD. One of my senior who is now studying physics at UMich told me that it would be difficult for a graduate student to find a research assistant position there, most of these chances are provided for PHD students. I don't know if it's the same case in the school of public health or HMP department. Do you think it's possible if I volunteer to assist with the research with no pay, just in order to get some research experience?
From my understanding, it's only hard to get a GSRA position - a graduate student Research Assistant position, which means they pay your tuition and give you a stipend. These are the positions that typically go to the PhD students. It sounded like you would have no problem joining a research lab, just not with tuition+stipend. I'm not in HMP so I can't answer specific questions about it but I think this answer should be true across the board. Hope this clears up it!
 
From my understanding, it's only hard to get a GSRA position - a graduate student Research Assistant position, which means they pay your tuition and give you a stipend. These are the positions that typically go to the PhD students. It sounded like you would have no problem joining a research lab, just not with tuition+stipend. I'm not in HMP so I can't answer specific questions about it but I think this answer should be true across the board. Hope this clears up it!

That's a really good explanation about the concept of "GSRA" and pretty happy to know that there's chance for me to participate in research projects. Thanks a lot!
 
Alright everyone, I need some advice and opinions. Now that I’ve visited a few campuses and met with program directors, I’ve narrowed down to two programs: Brown and Columbia.

I loved Brown’s program as far as the flexibility with coursework and with the fieldwork deliverable. The program is smaller which can mean more opportunities and the state itself is small which can mean you have the possibility to make a big impact during your fieldwork. But smaller can = smaller variety of Faculty research interests which could be a problem if I can’t find someone with the same intetests as my own. Also the size may be a culture shock for me considering I’m coming from one of the largest universities in the country (population wise) so I’m used to big classes/campuses, etc. Imporatantly, it is cheaper to live in RI and I’m in love with a beautiful apartment complex there.

I’m currently waiting on Fin Aid reconsideration from Columbia (the fin aid worker seemed optimistic) which could make the financial considerations less of an issue. Aside from that, Columbia is a more established, highly ranked PH program. I also kind of like the idea of having a more structured program (I know Brown is a very “if you want it, go find it” sort of environment) because I’m so tired from the “go go go” of my busy undergrad experiences. One of the big things for me though is that I’m really interested in gaining the life experience of living in NYC while I’m still young and sans family, etc. But that experience comes with sky high living expenses and the hassle of finding an apartment, going through a broker, and all that.

I know I’ll be getting a good education either way and I love both programs for different reasons... I’m really stuck here guys. HALP!
 
Wow...looks amazing. Do you know if this is an award given through the financial aid office or the program office?
 
This is a really good question, actually. I'm curious as to what others have to say.

I'm at Brown, which I would say is definitely research focused. The 6 classes I have taken so far have all been research focused in that they have either taught (a) how to critically evaluate the quality of other's research by reading and analyzing scientific articles or (b) how to do specific research related skills like using statistical programming packages, designing studies, writing systematic reviews, etc. Of course, many of those research skills are transferable to other types of public health work, but academic research is the context in which they are taught. The program also requires a thesis that is essentially a publishable quality, original research paper with another component (a second paper, a lit review, a policy analysis, etc.). Non-research focused programs tends to be more flexible in their graduation requirements and use practical experiences like internships or products made for specific public health settings as capstone projects.

There are some more practical things I think I am not learning because I am at a research focused school, though I am picking up some through an internship at a health department. For the most part, these are things that don't interest me much anyway-- health economics, intricacies of health insurance systems, community organizing, program evaluation, policy development, etc. I feel like I *could* learn all of these things at Brown if I had different interests, but they're covered in elective courses that I probably won't choose to take.

There are research careers outside of academia. Think tanks, research foundations, and some government jobs (CDC, NIH) come to mind, and I'm sure there are more. I'm personally hoping to continue onto a PhD and stay in academia, but I do feel prepared for other research careers. But if you have a career in mind that isn't research focused, I wouldn't choose a school that bills itself that way unless they could explain very clearly how their program could help you meet your goals.

This is a really good question, actually. I'm curious as to what others have to say.

I'm at Brown, which I would say is definitely research focused. The 6 classes I have taken so far have all been research focused in that they have either taught (a) how to critically evaluate the quality of other's research by reading and analyzing scientific articles or (b) how to do specific research related skills like using statistical programming packages, designing studies, writing systematic reviews, etc. Of course, many of those research skills are transferable to other types of public health work, but academic research is the context in which they are taught. The program also requires a thesis that is essentially a publishable quality, original research paper with another component (a second paper, a lit review, a policy analysis, etc.). Non-research focused programs tends to be more flexible in their graduation requirements and use practical experiences like internships or products made for specific public health settings as capstone projects.

There are some more practical things I think I am not learning because I am at a research focused school, though I am picking up some through an internship at a health department. For the most part, these are things that don't interest me much anyway-- health economics, intricacies of health insurance systems, community organizing, program evaluation, policy development, etc. I feel like I *could* learn all of these things at Brown if I had different interests, but they're covered in elective courses that I probably won't choose to take.

There are research careers outside of academia. Think tanks, research foundations, and some government jobs (CDC, NIH) come to mind, and I'm sure there are more. I'm personally hoping to continue onto a PhD and stay in academia, but I do feel prepared for other research careers. But if you have a career in mind that isn't research focused, I wouldn't choose a school that bills itself that way unless they could explain very clearly how their program could help you meet your goals.



Is
This is a really good question, actually. I'm curious as to what others have to say.

I'm at Brown, which I would say is definitely research focused. The 6 classes I have taken so far have all been research focused in that they have either taught (a) how to critically evaluate the quality of other's research by reading and analyzing scientific articles or (b) how to do specific research related skills like using statistical programming packages, designing studies, writing systematic reviews, etc. Of course, many of those research skills are transferable to other types of public health work, but academic research is the context in which they are taught. The program also requires a thesis that is essentially a publishable quality, original research paper with another component (a second paper, a lit review, a policy analysis, etc.). Non-research focused programs tends to be more flexible in their graduation requirements and use practical experiences like internships or products made for specific public health settings as capstone projects.

There are some more practical things I think I am not learning because I am at a research focused school, though I am picking up some through an internship at a health department. For the most part, these are things that don't interest me much anyway-- health economics, intricacies of health insurance systems, community organizing, program evaluation, policy development, etc. I feel like I *could* learn all of these things at Brown if I had different interests, but they're covered in elective courses that I probably won't choose to take.

There are research careers outside of academia. Think tanks, research foundations, and some government jobs (CDC, NIH) come to mind, and I'm sure there are more. I'm personally hoping to continue onto a PhD and stay in academia, but I do feel prepared for other research careers. But if you have a career in mind that isn't research focused, I wouldn't choose a school that bills itself that way unless they could explain very clearly how their program could help you meet your goals.
wwmmk Im interested in hearing your thoughts about life in providence/the availability of jobs at Brown/in the area. Are you a GRSA?
 
wwmmk Im interested in hearing your thoughts about life in providence/the availability of jobs at Brown/in the area. Are you a GRSA?

I love Providence. Compared to other east coast cities (NYC, Boston, DC), it's more affordable and laid back, and it has a lot of unique character. My favorite part is the food scene. It is a small city, though, which somewhat limits job opportunities. Most grad students I know work for either a professor, someone at the health department, or someone in the hospital system, but there are some local healthcare organizations that occasionally hire as well. Providence is quite close to Boston (a lot of people, including my partner, commute there on a daily basis), so that job market is open for after graduation but it's a bit of a logistical challenge to have a part time job/internship there as a student. Something unique about Providence/RI is there there is only a state health department-- no local or city departments. This means that an internship at the health department (which are widely available, and many pay well) means having a fairly large-scale impact. I am not sure about this, but I would guess that most grad students do not stay in Providence after graduation; I think most end up in bigger cities as the general Brown network is pretty dispersed.

I do have a research assistant position. At Brown, this does not come with much tuition support for master's students. I think of it more as a part time job that's also helping me build my CV and learn a ton about research/academia. I think there is some variation with this, though, and that there are some master's students who get offered an RA position with greater tuition support as part of admissions.
 
Alright everyone, I need some advice and opinions. Now that I’ve visited a few campuses and met with program directors, I’ve narrowed down to two programs: Brown and Columbia.

I loved Brown’s program as far as the flexibility with coursework and with the fieldwork deliverable. The program is smaller which can mean more opportunities and the state itself is small which can mean you have the possibility to make a big impact during your fieldwork. But smaller can = smaller variety of Faculty research interests which could be a problem if I can’t find someone with the same intetests as my own. Also the size may be a culture shock for me considering I’m coming from one of the largest universities in the country (population wise) so I’m used to big classes/campuses, etc. Imporatantly, it is cheaper to live in RI and I’m in love with a beautiful apartment complex there.

I’m currently waiting on Fin Aid reconsideration from Columbia (the fin aid worker seemed optimistic) which could make the financial considerations less of an issue. Aside from that, Columbia is a more established, highly ranked PH program. I also kind of like the idea of having a more structured program (I know Brown is a very “if you want it, go find it” sort of environment) because I’m so tired from the “go go go” of my busy undergrad experiences. One of the big things for me though is that I’m really interested in gaining the life experience of living in NYC while I’m still young and sans family, etc. But that experience comes with sky high living expenses and the hassle of finding an apartment, going through a broker, and all that.

I know I’ll be getting a good education either way and I love both programs for different reasons... I’m really stuck here guys. HALP!

Honestly, from what you've written, I think you should choose Columbia if it ends up being comparable financially. It sounds like the only thing holding you back from them is the potential hassle of moving to NYC, and that hassle will be done with (hopefully) before your program starts. If you think you'll benefit more from a structured environment and learn best at a larger school, Brown is not what you're looking for.

If you do decide on Brown, though, I'm happy to help talk through some of your concerns about it. I don't think any of them are major and you could totally have a great experience here (especially if you research faculty that share your interests-- have you looked at their online profiles yet?). It just sounds like Columbia is a better fit.
 
My decision came down to between the school-wide MPH at JHU and the MPH in Epidemiology at Berkeley( both are 1-year programs). I am seriously having a hard time making a decision and I appreciate any insights on these programs. I am an international medical graduate hoping to get into a PhD in Epidemiology.

Berkeley
Pros: Class is significantly smaller (10 vs 250) and the faculty seem more accessible. The program is focused on Epi and requires a master's paper, so it seems better for a PhD preparation.
Cons: Berkeley's name is much weaker and there is little information on this accelerated program though I know many of Epi/Bio MPH students go n to PhD programs.

JHU
Pros: JHU has a better name recognition and network in the field of public health, and class is more diverse (international student rate: 30% vs 5%)
Cons: On paper, this program seems practice-oriented rather than research, but I might be mistaken.

I am sure that the MPH at JHU is the best if I want to work for an international health organization, but is it good as a PhD springboard?
 
I've decided to attend Columbia in the fall, and I'm now going through the process of declining my other offers. Does anyone know how one can decline BU's offer? It is not as intuitive as it is for the other schools....

It's in the portal where you did your supp application. They should have sent you an email with the link.
 
So, it's looking like another Nor'easter is going to strike this week. Has anyone heard anything on how this might affect many of the admitted students days happening this Friday? In all likelihood, my flight to Boston for harvard's day is going to be cancelled. I'm a little disappointed because that is the only admitted students day they offer. And yes, I'm well aware I can visit whenever I want, I like the idea of a structured day and meeting other prospective students. Here's to hoping for the best though! :nailbiting:
 
They've projected the living expenses, tuition, and books/supplies in my provisional aid offer. As a heads up, they projected living expenses per year for me to be about ~$23k. They provided me with a federal direct unsubsidized loan and a direct grad student PLUS loan to cover all of the fees. I have money saved up, but barely enough to cover living for a year..

I'll likely have to take some of the loans out and really search hard for TA or grad student research positions to cover tuition/health insurance..
Okay that makes sense. Rent down there is about 1K/month and then you need ~$700 for other living expenses plus books. I'll probably be in the same boat as you with financial aid. I'm searching for TA positions but you don't get added to the TA portal until you commit.. I'm also hoping I can apply for scholarships in my first year that would offset second year tuition.
 
So, it's looking like another Nor'easter is going to strike this week. Has anyone heard anything on how this might affect many of the admitted students days happening this Friday? In all likelihood, my flight to Boston for harvard's day is going to be cancelled. I'm a little disappointed because that is the only admitted students day they offer. And yes, I'm well aware I can visit whenever I want, I like the idea of a structured day and meeting other prospective students. Here's to hoping for the best though! :nailbiting:
It should clear up by the weekend, right?
 
For anyone waiting on Columbia financial aid, I just called after not hearing anything from them and they said that they sent my financial aid award letter on Friday. I told them I didn't get their email, and they resent it just now. If you;re in doubt, give them a call. I got a really cheery student worker who was great!
 
So, it's looking like another Nor'easter is going to strike this week. Has anyone heard anything on how this might affect many of the admitted students days happening this Friday? In all likelihood, my flight to Boston for harvard's day is going to be cancelled. I'm a little disappointed because that is the only admitted students day they offer. And yes, I'm well aware I can visit whenever I want, I like the idea of a structured day and meeting other prospective students. Here's to hoping for the best though! :nailbiting:

When's your flight? If it's Thursday afternoon or later you should be okay!
 
I am deciding between JHU (MHS), Yale (MPH), and Columbia (MPH). Anyone else struggling between these options? Any thoughts would be much appreciated!!!
 
Halp halp halp...Has anyone applied to SDSU? I just recently received a letter in the mail that states I have been recommended by my department for admission, but that I have to send in a postcard for them to forward the recommendation to Graduate Admissions. Is this normal?? This is the strangest thing I have encountered so far... I haven't received much email correspondence from SDSU, and even the "acceptance letter" (if you can even call it that) they sent me wasn't very welcoming or enthusiastic. I'm confused why they are asking for such, and if the postcard is in anyway binding. It had the header "VERIFICATION TO INTENT."
So an update: Sent back the card—about a little over a week later I received formal admission from the graduate admission department via email. A few days later they’ve sent me info on the AidLink (financial aid) portal. No financial aid offer has been posted yet but they did say that I can postpone my intent to enroll desposit, which is cool.

Just updating for those interested in SDSU.
 
Okay that makes sense. Rent down there is about 1K/month and then you need ~$700 for other living expenses plus books. I'll probably be in the same boat as you with financial aid. I'm searching for TA positions but you don't get added to the TA portal until you commit.. I'm also hoping I can apply for scholarships in my first year that would offset second year tuition.

Yeah, that is what I was expecting for rent. Have you committed to any positions at the moment? Also, I am searching for scholarships as well, but haven't had as much luck unfortunately. I am really hoping to find some GSR positions with the CHS faculty. They all had pretty interesting research that I'd love to become involved with. Never actually been a TA, but open to anything that will help with the costs of attendance!
 
Accepted at Tulane!

Re-posting my stats for those lurking who also applied late...

Undergrad School:
Mid Sized State School
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.49 overall, 3.25 major
Major/Minor: Mathematics
GRE (including date taken) or Other Test (if applicable): 158 Q, 154 V, 3.5 W (taken 1/29)

Experience/Research (please, be brief):
- 2 actuarial exams passed
- 3.5 years working in an actuarial pricing department at a major health insurance carrier
- 2.5 years working at a major consulting firm in health insurance
- Regularly volunteer with a local non-profit that promotes health and wellness in community

Interested in: Epidemiology - interested in cardio-metabolic diseases
Applied(include the date of application): Emory, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, Tulane (all 2/27 verified)
Accepted: University of Michigan (3/16), Tulane (3/20)
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
 
Yeah, that is what I was expecting for rent. Have you committed to any positions at the moment? Also, I am searching for scholarships as well, but haven't had as much luck unfortunately. I am really hoping to find some GSR positions with the CHS faculty. They all had pretty interesting research that I'd love to become involved with. Never actually been a TA, but open to anything that will help with the costs of attendance!

I think it's really hard to get a research position before your first quarter so I'm expecting tuition to be the most in the fall and then hopefully will get a tuition reduction. I want to be a TA or work for one of the research centers (although I'm not sure how much those pay). I think that you have to apply to be a TA each quarter at UCLA?
I'm booking my flight for the Admit Day today! Hoping to get all my questions answered. I can update you on what I hear back!
 
Just got the MAsters Research fellowship with the professor I wanted at Wash u. Fellowship stipend is 10000 USD taking the total merit funding to 70000 USD. The offer is too mouth watering to ignore
 
Had to reschedule my flight from Boston to Atlanta for severe snow storm. Just a warning to do it early before everyone does it!
Flying from the west coast to east coast isn't going to be fun. I had a little vacation with my momma planned, but gotta see now what happens thanks to the storm 🙁
 
I think it's really hard to get a research position before your first quarter so I'm expecting tuition to be the most in the fall and then hopefully will get a tuition reduction. I want to be a TA or work for one of the research centers (although I'm not sure how much those pay). I think that you have to apply to be a TA each quarter at UCLA?
I'm booking my flight for the Admit Day today! Hoping to get all my questions answered. I can update you on what I hear back!
Yeah, I might start reaching out to professors or other current grad students to see what the possibilities are. You do have to apply each quarter for a TA-ship, I went to the admit day that was held earlier this month. I'll PM you if you want to discuss any details!
 
Alright everyone, I need some advice and opinions. Now that I’ve visited a few campuses and met with program directors, I’ve narrowed down to two programs: Brown and Columbia.

I loved Brown’s program as far as the flexibility with coursework and with the fieldwork deliverable. The program is smaller which can mean more opportunities and the state itself is small which can mean you have the possibility to make a big impact during your fieldwork. But smaller can = smaller variety of Faculty research interests which could be a problem if I can’t find someone with the same intetests as my own. Also the size may be a culture shock for me considering I’m coming from one of the largest universities in the country (population wise) so I’m used to big classes/campuses, etc. Imporatantly, it is cheaper to live in RI and I’m in love with a beautiful apartment complex there.

I’m currently waiting on Fin Aid reconsideration from Columbia (the fin aid worker seemed optimistic) which could make the financial considerations less of an issue. Aside from that, Columbia is a more established, highly ranked PH program. I also kind of like the idea of having a more structured program (I know Brown is a very “if you want it, go find it” sort of environment) because I’m so tired from the “go go go” of my busy undergrad experiences. One of the big things for me though is that I’m really interested in gaining the life experience of living in NYC while I’m still young and sans family, etc. But that experience comes with sky high living expenses and the hassle of finding an apartment, going through a broker, and all that.

I know I’ll be getting a good education either way and I love both programs for different reasons... I’m really stuck here guys. HALP!

How did you go about talking to columbia to reconsider their financial aid package? I have yet to receive mine, but would like to know in case it is... just loans.
 
For anyone waiting on U Washington’s financial aid, I just got an email asking me to login to the myUW portal to see my award. I should note that I declined my offer of admission weeks ago and did not receive information regarding a UW netid or password.
 
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