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

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Anyone else had their harvard app sent to another department?

Checked my SOPHAS today and saw two harvard apps (I only applied to one) but the other one said manual and I asked an admission officer and they said that applications are sent for review to other programs if the reviewers think it might be a better fit. Trying to confirm if it was for sure sent over but wanted to ask if this happened to anyone else.
 
I don't wanna ask this kind of question but did anyone get rejection from Columbia/Emory over the past two days?
I applied these schools and haven't heard anything yet. Did they send out rejection decision as well?
 
FlyingVet said:
I don't wanna ask this kind of question but did anyone get rejection from Columbia/Emory over the past two days?
I applied these schools and haven't heard anything yet. Did they sent out rejection decision as well?
Click to expand...

I wonder if they don't reject most of the "rejections" right away but rather compare it to those who applied after 12/1 to make a final decision ..?

Not sure. Just a possibility
 
igky99 said:
I wonder if they don't reject most of the "rejections" right away but rather compare it to those who applied after 12/1 to make a final decision ..?

Not sure. Just a possibility
Click to expand...
Makes sense. Ugh, I really hate this waiting game...
 
FlyingVet said:
I don't wanna ask this kind of question but did anyone get rejection from Columbia/Emory over the past two days?
I applied these schools and haven't heard anything yet. Did they send out rejection decision as well?
Click to expand...
igky99 said:
I wonder if they don't reject most of the "rejections" right away but rather compare it to those who applied after 12/1 to make a final decision ..?

Not sure. Just a possibility
Click to expand...
That would be the case, but I remember seeing someone post here that admissions told them in an email this week priority applicants would hear by the end of Jan/early Feb. It's very possible we'll hear by next week!
 
Sometimes it happens. Mine at JHSPH too.
jimin_ said:
Anyone else had their harvard app sent to another department?

Checked my SOPHAS today and saw two harvard apps (I only applied to one) but the other one said manual and I asked an admission officer and they said that applications are sent for review to other programs if the reviewers think it might be a better fit. Trying to confirm if it was for sure sent over but wanted to ask if this happened to anyone else.
Click to expand...
 
jimin_ said:
Anyone else had their harvard app sent to another department?

Checked my SOPHAS today and saw two harvard apps (I only applied to one) but the other one said manual and I asked an admission officer and they said that applications are sent for review to other programs if the reviewers think it might be a better fit. Trying to confirm if it was for sure sent over but wanted to ask if this happened to anyone else.
Click to expand...

No, my app on Sophas is still the same one I submitted.
 
solid_midnight said:
I'm thinking HPM admissions might come later than the other departments because as far as I know they are the only department that is conducting interviews. Maybe they will release decisions when they are done with the interview process?
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Do you/ anyone know why HPM conducts an interview? Is there something they are looking for in an applicant for that department that needs to be assessed by an interview?
 
Spartacous1 said:
should i email the department directly?
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What I did was as soon as I decided to apply, I emailed the admissions offices in august, told them who I was, what I was interested in doing, but that I was concerned about my credentials and asked to scheduled a time to (virtually) meet with someone from admissions to talk more through the program and how to improve my application.

Not all schools responded, but for those that I sat down with, I think it helped to get my name out there and know that I was serious. And I tried to submit my apps sooner rather than later.

And after submitting them, I emailed each schools admissions separately and asked if they would accept an additional formal letter of explanation regarding my GPA (2.96) and the factors that led to it (key is to frame it as an explanation and how I have grown from it, not an excuse, which my boss helped me write). I sent those off in December to every school and all said they would accept it and add it to my application.

I would say, until you hear a decision, keep advocating for your spot! You never know if that could prompt them to review your application again (if decisions aren’t out yet). But also, most schools are looking for passion and interest above all. They could overlook your GPA for other parts of your application. For schools who don’t release decisions for a few more weeks, I’d say you definitely have time to reach out! Hope this helps!

If you have any questions about any steps I took, feel to ask me anything! Good luck and fingers crossed for you!
 
KWMPH said:
What I did was as soon as I decided to apply, I emailed the admissions offices in august, told them who I was, what I was interested in doing, but that I was concerned about my credentials and asked to scheduled a time to (virtually) meet with someone from admissions to talk more through the program and how to improve my application.

Not all schools responded, but for those that I sat down with, I think it helped to get my name out there and know that I was serious. And I tried to submit my apps sooner rather than later.

And after submitting them, I emailed each schools admissions separately and asked if they would accept an additional formal letter of explanation regarding my GPA (2.96) and the factors that led to it (key is to frame it as an explanation and how I have grown from it, not an excuse, which my boss helped me write). I sent those off in December to every school and all said they would accept it and add it to my application.

I would say, until you hear a decision, keep advocating for your spot! You never know if that could prompt them to review your application again (if decisions aren’t out yet). But also, most schools are looking for passion and interest above all. They could overlook your GPA for other parts of your application. For schools who don’t release decisions for a few more weeks, I’d say you definitely have time to reach out! Hope this helps!

If you have any questions about any steps I took, feel to ask me anything! Good luck and fingers crossed for you!
Click to expand...
I also did not take the gre because my mental health capacity did not have enough room to contemplate that during quarantine. So I took a risk there but also I know schools are taking tests with a grain of salt this year.
 
KWMPH said:
What I did was as soon as I decided to apply, I emailed the admissions offices in august, told them who I was, what I was interested in doing, but that I was concerned about my credentials and asked to scheduled a time to (virtually) meet with someone from admissions to talk more through the program and how to improve my application.

Not all schools responded, but for those that I sat down with, I think it helped to get my name out there and know that I was serious. And I tried to submit my apps sooner rather than later.

And after submitting them, I emailed each schools admissions separately and asked if they would accept an additional formal letter of explanation regarding my GPA (2.96) and the factors that led to it (key is to frame it as an explanation and how I have grown from it, not an excuse, which my boss helped me write). I sent those off in December to every school and all said they would accept it and add it to my application.

I would say, until you hear a decision, keep advocating for your spot! You never know if that could prompt them to review your application again (if decisions aren’t out yet). But also, most schools are looking for passion and interest above all. They could overlook your GPA for other parts of your application. For schools who don’t release decisions for a few more weeks, I’d say you definitely have time to reach out! Hope this helps!

If you have any questions about any steps I took, feel to ask me anything! Good luck and fingers crossed for you!
Click to expand...
I would love to hear more about what you included in the email to ask if you could send in a supplemental letter + what you wrote in the letter itself if thats not too personal to ask!
 
I applied to Tulane on the 15th and did not receive an email from them confirming they received my application. Should I wait or email them?
 
nunuuuxoxo said:
I applied to Tulane on the 15th and did not receive an email from them confirming they received my application. Should I wait or email them?
Click to expand...
I also applied on 1/15. I received an email even before I submitted my material...I emailed them and turned out their system was having some issues. Anyways...maybe this is suggesting that their system has some flaws. I also haven't received "application complete" notification yet.
 
Has anyone applied to Yale/Columbia for MPH in biostats by their deadline (12/15 and 12/1 respectively I believe) heard back from them yet? Don't think I've seen any biostats applicant here...so correct me if I missed anything!!
 
caarr0t said:
I would love to hear more about what you included in the email to ask if you could send in a supplemental letter + what you wrote in the letter itself if thats not too personal to ask!
Click to expand...
Sorry this is long 🙃

Of course!! Here is the email I sent to Emory (I sent it directly to the admissions officer for my specific program- Theresa Nash for global health. Other schools, I just sent to the general admissions email)

The letter that I wrote is a little on the very personal side so I won’t share what I actually wrote but I can share the way that I wrote it.


Email:
My name is ____ and I just recently submitted my application to Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health through SOPHAS. I wanted to reach out to you to see if you would consider accepting a supporting letter of explanation about extenuating circumstances that led to my GPA being slightly lower than I would have liked. I had reached out to the general admissions and they pointed me towards reaching out to someone directly in the department that I am applying for.

I would love a chance to let your admissions office in on the factors that affected my undergraduate experience as I believe that my GPA upon graduation does not adequately reflect my academic and professional ability to succeed in a graduate program. If you do not accept supplemental materials, I completely understand, and I hope that the other components of my application will showcase my passion and dedication for pursuing an MPH at your institution. I have included the supplement in this email just in case.

If you have any questions or concerns I would be happy to answer them.

Warm Regards,

Letter:
  • Started out thanking them for the opportunity to be considered at their institution and my purpose for writing the letter (to offer an explanation of why my gpa is low)
  • Next paragraph, I simply wrote out the details of my undergrad experience. (Mine was related to medical issues). I was specific as possible, but also not trying to sounds biased or make it sound like I had excuses. I just laid out the facts.
  • Then I transitioned into how I grew from it, what I have done to move forward, what I learned about myself and how I am now prepared for the next level of education and that my gpa was only a fraction of my story and hoped that my dedication for my intended field (maternal health care and rights in sub Saharan Africa) would shine through other parts of my application. Then I thanked them again
 
tcj said:
I got into the University of Minnesota epi program yesterday, but was wondering if anyone else had already received financial aid information from them following an acceptance?
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I got accepted back in mid-Dec. and I haven't heard anything about financial aid yet.
 
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Reactions: tcj
Congratulations to everyone who received acceptances!

Does anyone know when Columbia releases decisions for applications submitted after the priority deadline? Thanks!
 
nunuuuxoxo said:
I applied to Tulane on the 15th and did not receive an email from them confirming they received my application. Should I wait or email them?
Click to expand...
I applied the 12th and still have not received anything either. I was planning to email next week
 
mackeral said:
I applied the 12th and still have not received anything either. I was planning to email next week
Click to expand...
For many schools I applied to, my application took two weeks to be processed after submission in SOPHAS. Some schools, like Emory, batch download applications every few weeks.
 
tcj said:
I got into the University of Minnesota epi program yesterday, but was wondering if anyone else had already received financial aid information from them following an acceptance?
Click to expand...
I'm not sure if this is the same across schools, but I emailed UMN yesterday (the school of public affairs though) and was told that they release financial aid in mid-March!
 
tennis366 said:
Congratulations to everyone who received acceptances!

Does anyone know when Columbia releases decisions for applications submitted after the priority deadline? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Also wondering this! I just emailed admissions asking because I haven't gotten an answer from anyone in the forum. I'll post once I hear back!!
 
publichealthnerd87 said:
Has anyone heard from Yale Environmental Health Sciences (EHS)? I'm waiting on them with anticipation. GPA 3.8. Industry background, one publication. No GRE submitted (hope this didn't hurt me).
Click to expand...

I have not heard back from Yale either. But I applied late in the cycle, so I will have to wait 🙂
 
Last edited:
tennis366 said:
Congratulations to everyone who received acceptances!

Does anyone know when Columbia releases decisions for applications submitted after the priority deadline? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Not sure yet – it seems many who applied for the priority deadline still haven't heard yet.
 
TaliP said:
Do you/ anyone know why HPM conducts an interview? Is there something they are looking for in an applicant for that department that needs to be assessed by an interview?
Click to expand...

HPM is health policy and management. One of the hard skills required for professionals of this concentration is leadership skill. This includes HR functions, meaning hiring the right people for the right job. Students in this program must learn to develop this skill. I assume this is why programs let their current students handle the interview.

As for the applicants, there is a lot of things interviewers can get from the interview, such as communication skill, interpersonal skill, etc

By having current students interview prospective students, programs aim to let their students practice some hard skills required for the concentration while they get to know more about their applicants.

My $0.02.
 
For anyone who has heard from Brown, about how long did it take to receive your decision? I just got the email telling me that it should be 8-12 weeks until I receive my decision, and I was just wondering if that is an accurate timeline.
 
tennis366 said:
Congratulations to everyone who received acceptances!

Does anyone know when Columbia releases decisions for applications submitted after the priority deadline? Thanks!
Click to expand...
i submitted after the priority deadline and received an acceptance, submitted 12/19
 
Has anyone received a decision from Dartmouth after they sent out their first batch on 12/18?
 
viviannneeee said:
For anyone who has heard from Brown, about how long did it take to receive your decision? I just got the email telling me that it should be 8-12 weeks until I receive my decision, and I was just wondering if that is an accurate timeline.
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Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm fairly certain no one has heard from Brown yet?
 
I've been lurking on the thread for months and am finally posting as I just got my first acceptance to UCLA a few days ago. I was really nervous applying bc I applied late and have a lower GPA (spent 2 years in engineering and didn't put alot of effort in school, my sophas math gpa was literally a 1.85) which I couldn't explain away as it was persistent across multiple courses for years. I did not do as well on my GRE quant as I would have liked but submitted it to schools anyways. However I had a big shift fresh/soph year to junior/senior year going from an engineering major to public health and my gpa to sub 3.0 to 3.8+. I think what helped was I was very focused on racial health equity in my sop so had a clear direction of what I wanted to do. I applied for MPH in HPM for most schools and equity oriented certificates/concentrations when offered. I was in Tulane's MHA program as I did an early admit program they have for current students, but decided it wasn't the right fit for me.

Undergraduate School/School type: Tulane
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA/SOPHAS GPA: 3.2/3.6/3.1
Major/minor: Public Health/Mandarin Chinese
Grad GPA (if applicable): N/A
Grad studies (if applicable): N/A
GRE(including date taken): 162v/154q

Experience/research:
- Year long independent study
- Two years of geriatric research at local hospital
- Just started job as RA in public health prison reform based research


Letters of Rec:
- Public Health professor who oversaw my independent study
- Physician at local hospital who I worked with closely for years
- Boss at undergrad office job

Interests:
- Most of my extracurricular were jobs since I've worked alot throughout college.
- Lots of volunteering, including teaching middle school girls sexual health

Applied: UCLA (12/28), Emory(1/06), BU(1/13), GW(1/15), Yale (1/20)
Accepted: UCLA (1/20)
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Attending:
 
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