MPH / MSPH 2021: Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Rejected, Attending

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has anyone NOT heard back from schools (michigan, emory, jhu, gwu) regarding financial aid? ive been admitted to these schools and havent heard about aid or scholarships yet (besides michigan loans). starting to panic a bit!

the only school that i've received aid from is bu (35% off tuition) and am also wondering if bu has department scholarships on top of this?
haven't heard from michigan for scholarships/aid either....they're really expensive for out of state :/
 
holy crap guys....EMORY GAVE ME A 50% TUITION SCHOLARSHIP!!!!!! +2,500 REAL AND $2,000 APE

I totally forgive them for taking 8+ weeks to give me a decision now bc WOW I am in SHOCK. Last week I thought I was getting rejected for sure 😢 This decision just got even more difficult ahhhhh I'm so grateful!!!!
wow thats amazing! What major did you apply for?
 
Accepted to Columbia HPM, tonight! I am so excited! Now, it's a tough decision between Emory and Columbia. Does anyone have any insights into HPM at either school? I'm more interested in the management end of things. Thank you!
Congrats! Can I ask when you applied to Boston? I am still waiting to hear back and I applied in November 🙁
 
I haven't posted on here in awhile but I'm also in at NYU (2/10), BU (2/12), and UGA (2/17)!! Just waiting to hear from Columbia now but I'm starting to lose hope since I applied after the 12/1 deadline and I don't feel like my interview went very well. Oh well, I'm pretty content with Emory 🙂
Hi! Congrats on all of your acceptances that is such an accomplishment! Can I ask when you applied to BU? I am still waiting to hear from them and I got verified 11/25 🙁
 
Hi! Congrats on all of your acceptances that is such an accomplishment! Can I ask when you applied to BU? I am still waiting to hear from them and I got verified 11/25 🙁
I was verified for BU 11/23 and am still waiting! I wasn’t sent for review until 1/26 - our time will come 🙂
 
has anyone NOT heard back from schools (michigan, emory, jhu, gwu) regarding financial aid? ive been admitted to these schools and havent heard about aid or scholarships yet (besides michigan loans). starting to panic a bit!

the only school that i've received aid from is bu (35% off tuition) and am also wondering if bu has department scholarships on top of this?
I have not heard back from GWU or JHU either (mph). I did not apply to michigan and I did hear back from emory already
 
Hello. I am reaching out for advice. I am a very nervous undergrad deciding between MPH programs for the fall and I am finding it very difficult. I have been accepted to some really great programs I thought I would never get into (and waiting on 2 more decisions). I am grateful to have options but I am wondering how those who went to MPH programs made their final decision and how they weighed pros v cons of each program?
My thoughts on how to decide rn:
-how expensive the school is
-opportunities that school offers in and around the school during the program and after graduation
-scholarships I received
- location proximity to my hometown
-if it is someplace I can see myself living after graduation because I want to use the connections I will hopefully gain
- quality of their program and university
SO, to MPH students and grads what other factors did you consider and how did you make your final decision?
&
If anyone can tell me how long it took them to hear back from Emory Global EPi MPH & BU Global Health MPH that would be great!
-Sincerely a conflicted, stressed, and scared college senior

Accepted: GWU, WASHU ($), Drexel ($) , Jefferson ($), & Penn State (all verified 10/20)
Waiting to hear from: BU (verified 11/25), Emory (verified 1/29)
 
has anyone NOT heard back from schools (michigan, emory, jhu, gwu) regarding financial aid? ive been admitted to these schools and havent heard about aid or scholarships yet (besides michigan loans). starting to panic a bit!

the only school that i've received aid from is bu (35% off tuition) and am also wondering if bu has department scholarships on top of this?
Hi! I haven’t heard from umich financial aid either. Which concentration did you get into?
 
Hello. I am reaching out for advice. I am a very nervous undergrad deciding between MPH programs for the fall and I am finding it very difficult. I have been accepted to some really great programs I thought I would never get into (and waiting on 2 more decisions). I am grateful to have options but I am wondering how those who went to MPH programs made their final decision and how they weighed pros v cons of each program?
My thoughts on how to decide rn:
-how expensive the school is
-opportunities that school offers in and around the school during the program and after graduation
-scholarships I received
- location proximity to my hometown
-if it is someplace I can see myself living after graduation because I want to use the connections I will hopefully gain
- quality of their program and university
SO, to MPH students and grads what other factors did you consider and how did you make your final decision?
&
If anyone can tell me how long it took them to hear back from Emory Global EPi MPH & BU Global Health MPH that would be great!
-Sincerely a conflicted, stressed, and scared college senior

Accepted: GWU, WASHU ($), Drexel ($) , Jefferson ($), & Penn State (all verified 10/20)
Waiting to hear from: BU (verified 11/25), Emory (verified 1/29)
What is the first school you think of when you imagine MPH. I would heavily side with that school. No need to convince yourself otherwise.
 
Hi! I haven’t heard from umich financial aid either. Which concentration did you get into?
HPM. I got in 1/15/20. Starting to get nervous since it's been a while. i made sure to apply by the priority deadlines for all my schools.
 
Congrats! Can I ask when you applied to Boston? I am still waiting to hear back and I applied in November 🙁
Thanks! My app was received 1/8 (I don't remember the date I submitted it) and was sent for review 1/13 for Health Communication & Promotion
 
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Hi! Congrats on all of your acceptances that is such an accomplishment! Can I ask when you applied to BU? I am still waiting to hear from them and I got verified 11/25 🙁
Thank you so much!! I submitted my application on 1/15. That evening a received an email from them stating that they would email me in 7-10 business days informing me on if my application was complete and ready for review. I never got that email after that time frame so I emailed admissions asking about it. Within 20 minutes of that email my application was sent for review lol. From the previous posts I've seen I think BU has been all over the place this cycle. I'm sending good vibes your way and I hope you hear of an acceptance from them soon!!!
 
Out of curiosity, what did y’all put in your statement of purpose as the thing that made you want to pursue public health? Interested to hear people’s stories 🙂
Forever ago, I was a premed student and after college I went and got certified as a medical assistant so I could get clinical hours before I applied medical school. I’ve worked in several different environments as a MA but a common theme among them all was the healthcare quality disparities among racial and socioeconomic groups and the significant impact it had on health outcomes. When covid hit, it just threw into sharper relief all the issues with healthcare in the US and I was in the thick of it as a healthcare worker. I wrote about how I knew I wanted to make an impact on a broader scale as a PH worker as opposed to a clinician.

I also am descended from immigrants of a country with a lot of public health issues, much like @mph_applicant43796, particularly maternal/child health. My great grandmother was sold as a child bride and died young in childbirth due to lack of access to healthcare. I still have a lot of family in that country who suffer from inequalities that lead to inadequate healthcare and poor outcomes.

I struggled writing my PS because I felt like I had so much in my life that led up to me wanting to get my MPH, it was hard to condense it down to 1000 words or less 😂
 
What's another week after we've been waiting for 20 years? Feels like that long, anyway!

20 years of waiting? That is nothing compared to this....
 

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Looking at your username -- are you a dual degree applicant? If so, maybe HSPH only released decisions for dual degree?
@misterdonut Not entirely sure what you mean by dual degree. Im currently in med school (not at harvard). I'm going to get my mph between years 3 and 4 of med school. Hope that helps.
 
I am so sorry to post here again but it seems like this is the most active thread and I really need help ASAP. If anyone here is kind enough to answer any of the questions below I would be so thankful.

1. If I submitted my SOPHAS application without LORs by around end of Feb (LORs could take a few weeks to over a month) how long would it take for schools to get and evaluate my app?

2. Do top schools realistically admit people after their priority deadline has passed? How common is this? Some schools I’m currently looking at: Columbia, Emory, Michigan, BU, Berkeley, UCLA, GWU, Yale, Pitt, USF, Brown, UPenn

Also if there are any top schools that don’t have priority deadlines or where they particularly don’t matter as much please let me know! Also if any schools give out scholarships late, I know it’s a long shot but just thought I’d put it out there!


3. Is there a “top tier” for MPH programs? If so what schools are in that tier and is the quality of education and job placement significantly better for top tier compared to tier 2 and beyond? Sorry still learning


4. Is there a significant difference in quality of education and job placement between an in person and online MPH program? I’ve noticed a lot of top schools have online MPH programs also, and with multiple start dates. Is this still a legit MPH or is it a money making scheme? Is it worth applying to online programs?
4. Any tips on what schools typically look for in their personal statement/what should I highlight? I know public health experience is good, but any other tips??


5. Any big things I should avoid talking about in my app or avoid doing in general during this app process?? I was premed for college and only decided to switch to MPH recently.. should I avoid mentioning this and if so how do I craft my narrative?


Literally any other tips or advice would be appreciated as well! Thank you!!
 
Thank you so much!! I submitted my application on 1/15. That evening a received an email from them stating that they would email me in 7-10 business days informing me on if my application was complete and ready for review. I never got that email after that time frame so I emailed admissions asking about it. Within 20 minutes of that email my application was sent for review lol. From the previous posts I've seen I think BU has been all over the place this cycle. I'm sending good vibes your way and I hope you hear of an acceptance from them soon!!!
Thank you! Yes, it seems like acceptances are all over the place! Well good luck with making your decision!
 
What is the first school you think of when you imagine MPH. I would heavily side with that school. No need to convince yourself otherwise.
Definetly Emory. Emory was always the dream school for me. When I started applying I thought I never had a chance, but then in January I decided to apply anyway just to see. I am waiting to hear back now 🙂
 
Is anyone still waiting to hear back from JHU MSPH International Health (GDEC)?
I submitted my application on Jan 5th and heard back on Jan 29. I am SBI, but know people in GDEC who heard back on the 29th as well.
 
Sent GW my BU financial aid offer to appeal! I feel like they still won’t offer me anything but oh well .... are you guys willing to go to a school that doesn’t give you any scholarship?
Yes. If its a top tier school, the perfect fit academically, and I have a very defined plan of what ill get out of the degree/program at that particular institution. If I don't feel strongly about any one particular school/program, then I'd just go to the place that gives me the most $$$.
 
Do you guys think it would be possible to appeal Harvard's scholarship award and ask for more using Yale's award?
 
I am so sorry to post here again but it seems like this is the most active thread and I really need help ASAP. If anyone here is kind enough to answer any of the questions below I would be so thankful.

1. If I submitted my SOPHAS application without LORs by around end of Feb (LORs could take a few weeks to over a month) how long would it take for schools to get and evaluate my app?

2. Do top schools realistically admit people after their priority deadline has passed? How common is this? Some schools I’m currently looking at: Columbia, Emory, Michigan, BU, Berkeley, UCLA, GWU, Yale, Pitt, USF, Brown, UPenn

Also if there are any top schools that don’t have priority deadlines or where they particularly don’t matter as much please let me know! Also if any schools give out scholarships late, I know it’s a long shot but just thought I’d put it out there!


3. Is there a “top tier” for MPH programs? If so what schools are in that tier and is the quality of education and job placement significantly better for top tier compared to tier 2 and beyond? Sorry still learning


4. Is there a significant difference in quality of education and job placement between an in person and online MPH program? I’ve noticed a lot of top schools have online MPH programs also, and with multiple start dates. Is this still a legit MPH or is it a money making scheme? Is it worth applying to online programs?
4. Any tips on what schools typically look for in their personal statement/what should I highlight? I know public health experience is good, but any other tips??


5. Any big things I should avoid talking about in my app or avoid doing in general during this app process?? I was premed for college and only decided to switch to MPH recently.. should I avoid mentioning this and if so how do I craft my narrative?


Literally any other tips or advice would be appreciated as well! Thank you!!
I am not an expert by any means so please take all these responses with a grain of salt. Ill try to answer briefly.

1. My understanding is that schools won't look at your application until they have your LORs. Most schools wait till all the documents are there to review applications. I would focus on reaching out to your letter writers to get the LORs in ASAP.

2. Anecdotally, yes. Some mid tier to lower tier programs def admit people past the deadline. Lots of MPH programs out there and most of them don't fill up. More competitive programs obviously have plenty of applicants and admit less people after priority deadline.

3. Tiers are very subjective. And hotly debated. People don't attack me for this people. But I've generally heard harvard, hopkins, UNC, Emory are the top of the food chain. That being said, don't worry too much about rankings. Most top 25 schools are equally amazing.

4a. I dont know about the quality of online MPH programs. I'm sure they're good as long as the school/institution has a good reputation. Personally, id NEVER do an online MPH because half the point of grad school is networking and fieldwork...and idk how effective that would be over zoom.
4b. Differentiate yourself and show your passion. Don't tell them your passionate. Show them with examples of actions. And show how you're different/unique from the other 500 applicants theyll read through.

5. Definitely mention that you were premed. This is common. Tell them why you changed paths. What was your eureka moment that made you decide MPH is what you want over an MD.

Again, these are more opinions than facts from a sample size of 1. Hope this helps. Best of luck.
 
I am so sorry to post here again but it seems like this is the most active thread and I really need help ASAP. If anyone here is kind enough to answer any of the questions below I would be so thankful.

1. If I submitted my SOPHAS application without LORs by around end of Feb (LORs could take a few weeks to over a month) how long would it take for schools to get and evaluate my app?

2. Do top schools realistically admit people after their priority deadline has passed? How common is this? Some schools I’m currently looking at: Columbia, Emory, Michigan, BU, Berkeley, UCLA, GWU, Yale, Pitt, USF, Brown, UPenn

Also if there are any top schools that don’t have priority deadlines or where they particularly don’t matter as much please let me know! Also if any schools give out scholarships late, I know it’s a long shot but just thought I’d put it out there!


3. Is there a “top tier” for MPH programs? If so what schools are in that tier and is the quality of education and job placement significantly better for top tier compared to tier 2 and beyond? Sorry still learning


4. Is there a significant difference in quality of education and job placement between an in person and online MPH program? I’ve noticed a lot of top schools have online MPH programs also, and with multiple start dates. Is this still a legit MPH or is it a money making scheme? Is it worth applying to online programs?
4. Any tips on what schools typically look for in their personal statement/what should I highlight? I know public health experience is good, but any other tips??


5. Any big things I should avoid talking about in my app or avoid doing in general during this app process?? I was premed for college and only decided to switch to MPH recently.. should I avoid mentioning this and if so how do I craft my narrative?


Literally any other tips or advice would be appreciated as well! Thank you!!
1. SOPHAS will not verify your application until you have at least 2 LOR in the system. After you have those in, I don't know what the waiting period will be like, probably on the short end because less applications may be submitted. Once you're verified, your applications will automatically be sent to schools after payment. Some schools will wait until they have all app requirements to evaluate, some will start, but wait until they have everything before making a decision. I think Emory is the only one on your list that actually only requires 2.

2. There are many schools that will still accept students after the priority deadline. Unfortunately, some schools on your list, like Yale and Columbia, have hard deadlines that have already passed. You'll need to go through your list and see which schools are still rolling. As for scholarships, some schools have a priority deadline to be considered for $$. When asked, they usually either say applicants after that will not be considered or they will be considered, but the pot of money available is significantly smaller. For this, you should look at the last 20 pages or so of the 2020 MPH a/a/w/a thread on this forum. It will give you insight into others who applied late.

3.There are definitely top tiers. Check the school's alumni stats: percentage of placement within 6 months, job titles, maps of where students are, etc. A lot of advisors say it really depends on what your concentration is and where you want to end up. There was actually a post, i think on page 108, where someone shared notes from her talk with an admissions director.

4. I don't know much about online, but I wouldn't go unless I already had a full time job I wanted to keep during and post grad. One major benefit of grad school is networking. If you're going to do it, make sure it's accredited.

5. I think personal statements are all about introducing yourself, your experience and your future. Yes, this can include being pre-med. Why did you switch to PH? What sector of PH excites you? What do you want to do with an MPH (not just in PH, but how will this specific degree help you)? What will you bring to the classroom?

Hope this helps!
 
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