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

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You are right. For example, they haven't released the HPM decisions yet, so I wouldn't stress too much if this is your concentration. They did start to release the epi and SMS decisions a while back tho...it seems like every department goes at their own pace :/
Oh man I didn't know they've already started releasing epi decisions that's the department I applied to on 12/1...
 
lowkey wondering if i should change my columbia from popfam to hpm but idk if they even allow that
 
i applied in october and im still waiting 😵

I've scoured forums of years past and have seen that most decisions come out mid-Feb, with the latest being the end of March for many schools.

kinda thought the end of january would be when most decisions come out. Hoping February will have good news for all of us! 🙌🤞
 
lowkey wondering if i should change my columbia from popfam to hpm but idk if they even allow that
On Columbia's student portal, the admissions tab says to contact admissions. Also, the academic calendar says there is a specific time period where you can switch programs.
 

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On Columbia's student portal, the admissions tab says to contact admissions. Also, the academic calendar says there is a specific time period where you can switch programs.
okay looks like i have to wait to see if im accepted. thanks!
 
I’m anxiously waiting on BU, did anyone apply to the CAPDIE and get accepted yet. My app was routed for review on 1/21 but they forgot to send me the email for a few weeks.
I heard back from the CAPDIE program at BU on Thursday 1/28. My app was received by them on 1/3 and then they finally sent me an email saying my app was routed for review on 1/19.
 
I know someone asked this, but has anyone who received an acceptance from GW in December heard back about financial aid?? When I emailed, they gave a very vague answer, saying they'd notify students in the coming weeks.
 
I know someone asked this, but has anyone who received an acceptance from GW in December heard back about financial aid?? When I emailed, they gave a very vague answer, saying they'd notify students in the coming weeks.
I got accepted early December and still haven’t heard about financial aid
 
Besides the financial considerations, how does everyone plan to make their final decisions without being able to physically visit the school? I have a friend in an MSW/MPH program who physically visited "admitted student days" for all the schools she was accepted to and it seems like that was really influential in how she made her final decision (e.g., being able to chat and meet with faculty more organically, assess how easy it may be to find on-campus employment opportunities for students, general vibe of the campus/schools/surrounding area, etc.).

I've somewhat casually ranked my schools based on best fit on paper but recognize that things could be very different once I arrive and am a little nervous about that decision. I know schools are still having virtual admitted students events, but it's still not the same...

The financial aspect will probably play the biggest role in my ultimate decision though, for obvious reasons! Just curious how others are approaching this.
 
Besides the financial considerations, how does everyone plan to make their final decisions without being able to physically visit the school? I have a friend in an MSW/MPH program who physically visited "admitted student days" for all the schools she was accepted to and it seems like that was really influential in how she made her final decision (e.g., being able to chat and meet with faculty more organically, assess how easy it may be to find on-campus employment opportunities for students, general vibe of the campus/schools/surrounding area, etc.).

I've somewhat casually ranked my schools based on best fit on paper but recognize that things could be very different once I arrive and am a little nervous about that decision. I know schools are still having virtual admitted students events, but it's still not the same...

The financial aspect will probably play the biggest role in my ultimate decision though, for obvious reasons! Just curious how others are approaching this.
When I started looking at schools to apply to in August, I scheduled Zoom or phone meetings with admissions representative, current students, and/or faculty members at all the schools I was interested in. I made questions and prompts before the meetings that were intended to demonstrate the culture and opportunities at each program or addressed my concerns with that specific program. As they would answer the questions, I typed what were basically my stream of consciousness thoughts below the question. It took a lot of time and energy, but it really moved around my rankings that were based just on research I had done. For example, my top choice school ended up falling to the lower middle of the pack, and 2 schools I was likely not applying to became my first and second choices.

I think finding the best fit for you culturally, knowing what environments you thrive in, is one of the most important factors. Doing an overall vibe check turned out to be way more important than I thought.
 
Besides the financial considerations, how does everyone plan to make their final decisions without being able to physically visit the school? I have a friend in an MSW/MPH program who physically visited "admitted student days" for all the schools she was accepted to and it seems like that was really influential in how she made her final decision (e.g., being able to chat and meet with faculty more organically, assess how easy it may be to find on-campus employment opportunities for students, general vibe of the campus/schools/surrounding area, etc.).

I've somewhat casually ranked my schools based on best fit on paper but recognize that things could be very different once I arrive and am a little nervous about that decision. I know schools are still having virtual admitted students events, but it's still not the same...

The financial aspect will probably play the biggest role in my ultimate decision though, for obvious reasons! Just curious how others are approaching this.
I agree with the vibe check comment above ^^! That's one of the most important factors because if I don't like the campus culture, I won't push myself to excel. I've found that falling into internet holes about your programs can reveal a lot of interesting and helpful information. For me, research is really important, so I've done a lot of digging on the types of centers they do and how involved MPH students are. I've scrolled through example practicums or thesis students have written recently. To get the vibes of the faculty and community, I've watched some recorded talks from professors in the department I was admitted to. I found a lot on either the department's website or the school's youtube page. I also am looking at alumni and current student testimonies or videos. I know Yale gives its admitted students a list of current student ambassadors, and they've so far been very insightful!
 
Besides the financial considerations, how does everyone plan to make their final decisions without being able to physically visit the school? I have a friend in an MSW/MPH program who physically visited "admitted student days" for all the schools she was accepted to and it seems like that was really influential in how she made her final decision (e.g., being able to chat and meet with faculty more organically, assess how easy it may be to find on-campus employment opportunities for students, general vibe of the campus/schools/surrounding area, etc.).

I've somewhat casually ranked my schools based on best fit on paper but recognize that things could be very different once I arrive and am a little nervous about that decision. I know schools are still having virtual admitted students events, but it's still not the same...

The financial aspect will probably play the biggest role in my ultimate decision though, for obvious reasons! Just curious how others are approaching this.
Youtube videos and discussion boards.
 
Besides the financial considerations, how does everyone plan to make their final decisions without being able to physically visit the school? I have a friend in an MSW/MPH program who physically visited "admitted student days" for all the schools she was accepted to and it seems like that was really influential in how she made her final decision (e.g., being able to chat and meet with faculty more organically, assess how easy it may be to find on-campus employment opportunities for students, general vibe of the campus/schools/surrounding area, etc.).

I've somewhat casually ranked my schools based on best fit on paper but recognize that things could be very different once I arrive and am a little nervous about that decision. I know schools are still having virtual admitted students events, but it's still not the same...

The financial aspect will probably play the biggest role in my ultimate decision though, for obvious reasons! Just curious how others are approaching this.
other than the obvious financial stuff places that have alot of opportunity - like the chance to either intern or RA through school is super important to me
 
No problem!! Glad to help and to know the pdf thing wasn't just a glitch in my application or something. I know financial aid replied to me already but when admissions gets back to you, im curious to know what they say, if of course you dont mind sharing 🙂
Columbia financial aid updates!! Just had a meeting with them about general financial aid questions. I asked them about the SSN issue, and they told me that if you put your SSN in SOPHAS, you should be completely fine. It was just an issue of one system not updating the Mailman system with our SSNs. That will be happening soon. The financial aid officer actually confirmed that they had my SSN during the meeting, so all should be well as long as your SSN is entered in SOPHAS! 🙂
 
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I'm more than likely committing to NYUs Epi MPH program this week! I have some veterans benefits left to cover for 1 term. A lot of planning after that because living in NYC is sooooo expensive. I'll probably save up a lot of money this summer so I can go into my MPH program without worrying about finances.
 
Has anyone applied to JHU for financial aid and heard back yet? I sent my documents in early January and haven't received any information.
 
I know someone asked this, but has anyone who received an acceptance from GW in December heard back about financial aid?? When I emailed, they gave a very vague answer, saying they'd notify students in the coming weeks.
I was accepted 12/17 and haven't heard anything either
 
Did you interview for HMP? If so, when? I applied to HMP too and I'm trying to get an idea of turnaround time between interviews and decisions... 🙂
I did not. I was actually rejected from HMP and it took about 2 months to hear the decision
 
Has anyone applied to JHU for financial aid and heard back yet? I sent my documents in early January and haven't received any information.
This is the answer I received back when I emailed about scholarship and to confirm my FAFSA was received...

"Thank you for your email. We will email you once we have open our 2021-2022 application cycle in the next week or so. We are in the final phase of setting up our system for the 2021-2022 academic year. The email will provide instructions on how to complete the application process to apply for federal loans and work-study funding and need base scholarships. The email will provide your assigned identification number so that you can access our online Public Health Student Aid Application in SIS, our student information system. Once you received the email I would encourage you to also visit our website for updates to aid programs and applications requirements. Once the system is opened up your FAFSA application will be loaded and you will be able to see any additional application documents. In the meantime, be sure to list our school code - E00234 so that we receive your application."
 
I haven't heard back either! just wondering, when did they send this e-mail? I haven't been contacted at all about my application/status 🙁
I got the email (1/13) and applied for the health policy track on (12/2) before the priority deadline. Don't know if you applied after the priority deadline might be different?
 
Just accepted to UIC MPH -Health Policy and Administration! They received all my materials on 12/2, accepted 02/01!
congrats! Did you receive an email? I applied to HPA too with a similar timeline, but my portal still says "Additional Review Required"...
 
anyone heard back from UNC or Emory about scholarships yet?
 
Hi! I have an interview coming up next week with Hopkins for the same program. I wasn't expecting an interview! Would you be willing to provide any advice/guidance on the questions/general vibe of the interview? Thank you and congrats on all of your acceptances!
Hi! So it was actually a super informal interview, It was more of a personal info session tbh. The person that I met with started with something along the lines of "we want you to lead the discussion with any questions you have" so I was the one that provided the questions really. The conversation went really smooth since I had a list of questions I wanted to ask but it did catch me off guard since I expected a more typical interview. Hope this helps!
 
Should I email Columbia and JHU for when I could expect decisions? or atleast JHU? I applied 10/30 ish and idk if they are rolling I feel like i should have gotten an update?
I emailed Columbia to ask about when I'd hear back from them, and I submitted my app on 11/27. I figured it was worth a shot! Worst comes to worst, they ignore your email :'D
 
This is the answer I received back when I emailed about scholarship and to confirm my FAFSA was received...

"Thank you for your email. We will email you once we have open our 2021-2022 application cycle in the next week or so. We are in the final phase of setting up our system for the 2021-2022 academic year. The email will provide instructions on how to complete the application process to apply for federal loans and work-study funding and need base scholarships. The email will provide your assigned identification number so that you can access our online Public Health Student Aid Application in SIS, our student information system. Once you received the email I would encourage you to also visit our website for updates to aid programs and applications requirements. Once the system is opened up your FAFSA application will be loaded and you will be able to see any additional application documents. In the meantime, be sure to list our school code - E00234 so that we receive your application."
Hmm, ok. I'm an international student so I submitted a CSS profile instead of FAFSA so maybe it's different. Hopefully we both hear back soon!
 
Should I email Columbia and JHU for when I could expect decisions? or atleast JHU? I applied 10/30 ish and idk if they are rolling I feel like i should have gotten an update?
I emailed JHU 5 days back, got a non committal/generic response. I applied 11/28
 
I emailed JHU 5 days back, got a non committal/generic response. I applied 11/28
i emailed columbia last week and they said "you can expect a decision as early as february" haha not very helpful but yeah
i checked and i was verified 11/11 for JHU... (10/30 for columbia) i feel like i'll just keep being patient~ *cries*
 
congrats! Did you receive an email? I applied to HPA too with a similar timeline, but my portal still says "Additional Review Required"...
I received an email on Friday asking for more of my academic records for an additional review, sent them my transcript this morning since it took a couple of days for my university to email it to me and received the email shortly after! I reached out about my application on Wednesday of last week since I hadn't heard anything. I don't know if that helped receive an answer or what, but maybe reach out! I emailed [email protected]!
 
I received an email on Friday asking for more of my academic records for an additional review, sent them my transcript this morning since it took a couple of days for my university to email it to me and received the email shortly after! I reached out about my application on Wednesday of last week since I hadn't heard anything. I don't know if that helped receive an answer or what, but maybe reach out! I emailed [email protected]!
okay, thanks so much!
 
Just got an interview invitation for Columbia’s HPM program!! I was starting to give up hope since it’s been so long since I’ve heard anything from Columbia, so I’m super excited.

Anyone who’s already had their HPM interview: do you have any tips on what to expect/how to prepare?
 
Just got an interview invitation for Columbia’s HPM program!! I was starting to give up hope since it’s been so long since I’ve heard anything from Columbia, so I’m super excited.

Anyone who’s already had their HPM interview: do you have any tips on what to expect/how to prepare?
The interview was pretty relaxed so my best advice would be to be yourself! The student asked me why I chose the HPM concentration, why I chose Columbia and any other questions I might have about their experience and such. The conversation flowed pretty well. Best of luck! 🤞
 
Just received an invite to interview for Columbia!!! Dumb question but, is the interview standard for everyone that applies? Or is it if they're actually considering you? I don't want to get my hopes up 😅
 
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