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

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Sharing since a lot of people have been asking about JHU funding outside the MTS. I emailed the financial aid department and they forwarded it to the Epi Department!!! 😱 In my email, I expressed how grateful I was to be admitted and offered the MTS and that Hopkins was my top choice. I explained that I had been offered generous funding from other programs (I attached offer letters) and asked what opportunities there were to make Hopkins a more financially competitive option. This is the email I received from the Epi Department:



I'm not going to lie, the response kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I wasn't optimistic that they would just give me extra funding, but the line "you might accept other offers if you are only considering finances" made me feel as though they were implying that I was being rude for even bringing the subject up. I'm aware that finances aren't the only factor in my decision, but it is certainly a significant one for myself and a lot of other people here. Am I reading too into this? I know they won't rescind my acceptance because of this, but I'm afraid I've spoiled my relationship with the department before I even accepted their admissions offer (which is very likely). Thoughts?
I think you're reading too much into this! Funding plays a huge role in deciding which school to go to, and schools know this as well. I am doubtful that asking for more money will put you into the bad graces of the department (the branch that handles money in the department is probably not going to impact your relations with profs/other people)
 
For NYU decisions, do you get an email telling you make a portal account when the decision comes out, or is there a way to make your portal before hand? I applied for the MPA/MPH dual degree program so I'm aware my situation may also be slightly different!
 
Sharing since a lot of people have been asking about JHU funding outside the MTS. I emailed the financial aid department and they forwarded it to the Epi Department!!! 😱 In my email, I expressed how grateful I was to be admitted and offered the MTS and that Hopkins was my top choice. I explained that I had been offered generous funding from other programs (I attached offer letters) and asked what opportunities there were to make Hopkins a more financially competitive option. This is the email I received from the Epi Department:



I'm not going to lie, the response kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I wasn't optimistic that they would just give me extra funding, but the line "you might accept other offers if you are only considering finances" made me feel as though they were implying that I was being rude for even bringing the subject up. I'm aware that finances aren't the only factor in my decision, but it is certainly a significant one for myself and a lot of other people here. Am I reading too into this? I know they won't rescind my acceptance because of this, but I'm afraid I've spoiled my relationship with the department before I even accepted their admissions offer (which is very likely). Thoughts?

@jvlewis97

I would not worry about it too much, but what I would probably do is send a "Thank you" note to the sender from Epi and state something like (in your own words)-

________________

1) Thank them for your understanding that funding is one of the components for many students in deciding the program.
2) You are glad that you have options to choose from when it comes to how you wanted funded through the MTS, and that it really helps manage your finances in a much savvy way.
3) You are so glad that there are multiple research positions where you will be able to learn so much and be able to offset some of the living expenses, while exploring additional support through endowments.
4) While funding is one of the pieces in your decision-making, it is secondary to the education and research opportunities you will get at JHU. Most importantly, the camaraderie, the life-long connections with not just your cohort but world-renowned faculty is on the top of your list, and you have no doubt that JHU will the best that gives you all that you are looking for an more.

__________________

I personally don't think you screwed up your relationship or anything, but a follow-up communication will give you the opportunity to clarify yourself and strengthen your position in terms of the relationship, especially when you meet them in person to thank again and seal it.
 
Last edited:
Congrats!!!! What program did you apply too? 😀 Also what was your turn around time for a decision?
thank you! I applied to urban and environmental and I got into urban. I can't remember exactly when I applied but it was around November so it took a while lol. but I know they didn't start reviewing applications until january
 
For NYU decisions, do you get an email telling you make a portal account when the decision comes out, or is there a way to make your portal before hand? I applied for the MPA/MPH dual degree program so I'm aware my situation may also be slightly different!
I got the link to activate my portal in the acceptance email, but I only applied to the MPH program.
 
For NYU decisions, do you get an email telling you make a portal account when the decision comes out, or is there a way to make your portal before hand? I applied for the MPA/MPH dual degree program so I'm aware my situation may also be slightly different!
The email they send you has a link to the admitted students portal; you have to have the student ID they send you to create your NYUHome account, so you won't be able to do it ahead of time.
 
@jvlewis97

I would not worry about it too much, but what I would probably do is send a "Thank you" note to the sender from Epi and state something like (in your own words)-

________________

1) Thank them for your understanding that funding is one of the components for many students in deciding the program.
2) You are glad that you have options to choose from when it comes to how you wanted funded through the MTS, and that it really helps manage your finances in a much savvy way.
3) You are so glad that there are multiple research positions where you will be able to learn so much and be able to offset some of the living expenses, while exploring additional support through endowments.
4) While funding is one of the pieces in your decision-making, it is secondary to the education and research opportunities you will get at JHU. Most importantly, the camaraderie, the life-long connections with not just your cohort but world-renowned faculty is on the top of your list, and you have no doubt that JHU will the best that gives you all that you are looking for an more.

__________________

I personally don't think you screwed up your relationship or anything, but a follow-up communication will give you the opportunity to clarify yourself and strengthen your position in terms of the relationship, especially when you meet them in person to thank again and seal it.
Thanks! After sitting on it, I think I may have been misinterpreting their response. I already sent a follow-up and hit all those points. I think I was just expecting a more direct answer (but was definitely not expecting a positive outcome or for them to just throw extra money at me lol), so was surprised that the email didn't really answer my initial questions.
 
Last edited:
Thanks! After sitting on it, I think I may have been misinterpreting their response. I already sent a follow-up and hit all those points. I think I was just expecting a more direct answer (and was definitely not expecting a positive outcome or for them to just throw extra money at me lol), so was surprised that the email didn't really answer my initial questions.

You are overthinking things. Dont worry too much. They said no gently so your feelings would not be hurt, as this could be a sensitive issue.
 
I know it's a little late but I think I'm going to apply to JU MSPH 😳 what was the turn around time for a decision for those of you who applied? 🙂
I don't know if anyone's answered this but I applied 1/30 and was accepted 2/11 (though this is for MHS, not MSPH so not sure how helpful this is 😅 )
 
Declined my acceptance to BU, UGA, and NYU. They are great schools but it would really be down to Emory and Columbia (if I get in) for me because of location/ what the programs offer. I hope this opens up a seat for someone interested in these schools 🙂
 
Sharing since a lot of people have been asking about JHU funding outside the MTS. I emailed the financial aid department and they forwarded it to the Epi Department!!! 😱 In my email, I expressed how grateful I was to be admitted and offered the MTS and that Hopkins was my top choice. I explained that I had been offered generous funding from other programs (I attached offer letters) and asked what opportunities there were to make Hopkins a more financially competitive option. This is the email I received from the Epi Department:



I'm not going to lie, the response kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I wasn't optimistic that they would just give me extra funding, but the line "you might accept other offers if you are only considering finances" made me feel as though they were implying that I was being rude for even bringing the subject up. I'm aware that finances aren't the only factor in my decision, but it is certainly a significant one for myself and a lot of other people here. Am I reading too into this? I know they won't rescind my acceptance because of this, but I'm afraid I've spoiled my relationship with the department before I even accepted their admissions offer (which is very likely). Thoughts?

Edit: After sitting on their response for some time, I realize I definitely overreacted lol. It was one of those moments when you read something in the wrong tone and misinterpret the entire message. Already thanked them for their response and let them know they're still my top choice!
I wouldn't read too much into this but that line also rubbed me a little bit the wrong way. tbh, i didn't apply to hopkins because although they are #1, i've heard from numerous other people in the past that their MPH program is very much just a money maker for the school and that they don't really care about their MPH students. i know someone who is in an MHA program there and she said they don't encourage working and have made some other unrealistic comments -- it just wasn't a good fit for me.
 
I haven't seen a lot of people apply to Vanderbilt, but if you were accepted, have you received your scholarship package/aid?
 
welp just had the realization that I definitely will be trying to change depts at columbia why do I do this to my self😭
 
Declined my acceptance to BU and will likely do the same for Hopkins since they are both more expensive than my top two choices even with the scholarships I was awarded. I also hope this opens up a spot for people who are on the waitlist or still waiting to hear back!

I'm waiting to see if I get any aid from Columbia, although I doubt it because they said they only give merit scholarships to students with GPA>3.75. So I may also be turning down my acceptance offer there.

I will probably end up deciding between Harvard and Yale. Harvard is more expensive than Yale (would be about 26k difference) for me considering the scholarships I received at both, but the research opportunities and coursework there are honestly a much greater match for me than Yale. I really like Yale's vibe, though, as well as New Haven's cheaper cost of living compared to Boston, YSPH's proximity to the other Yale schools, and the money thing is definitely an important factor. Never thought I'd get into any of these schools so I can't believe I have to make these choices!!
 
Someone posted that the funds offered in the initial BU acceptance letter is just the merit scholarship and does not include need-based aid. Does anyone have that link to the form again? Been combing through the pages and can't find the one previously posted D:

Thank you!
 
Hi guys, just found out that BU has a separate short application for need based aid: SPH – School of Public Health | Student Financial Services


Someone posted that the funds offered in the initial BU acceptance letter is just the merit scholarship and does not include need-based aid. Does anyone have that link to the form again? Been combing through the pages and can't find the one previously posted D:

Thank you!

There. I found it for you.
 
Is it wise to email one of the Harvard’s professors in the particular department I had applied to know about the decisions?
 
Is it wise to email one of the Harvard’s professors in the particular department I had applied to know about the decisions?
From what I’ve gathered, Harvard has just started releasing decisions for MPH programs so I would wait. If you wanted to reach out to get to know them and introduce yourself that is probably fine though!
 
welp just had the realization that I definitely will be trying to change depts at columbia why do I do this to my self😭
Have you heard if his process is relatively easy? They say that you have to be re-reviewed by the new department but I wonder how often it goes well
 
Top