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

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mph_applicant43796 said:
Anybody decided where they're 100% NOT going?
I think I'm gonna turn down Drexel and Boston.
Drexel's program just feels a bit too generalized/non-customizable to my interests and is still quite pricy even with the scholarship. Was kind of a safety.
Boston was also honestly a safety for me, and also still expensive with the 35% scholarship. Plus COL is way too high, and I've heard some mixed reviews about the program.
Both are great schools/programs, just not the best fit for me compared to my other options, which I'm grateful to have!
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BU - my relatives like an hour from there so want to avoid that plus if i have the goal to work through school opportunities there arent any for me and less global opportunities / research focus
 
Just got an email that I got a full tuition scholarship to Emory!! I have been going through this weird cycle for the last hour of crying, wrangling unbelievable imposter syndrome, feeling overwhelmingly grateful, and also trying to figure out what to do since my heart is already set on Yale. On one hand it's almost irresponsible to take out the extra loans for Yale. On the other, I think I would be happier there overall and want to end up in the area for the rest of my life. Either way, I need to decide within a week so someone else can get the aid offer I have from either Emory or Yale ASAP. If anyone has any advice or words of wisdom, I would really appreciate hearing them. Feel free to PM me or respond! ...Please help 😅
 
reformedpremed said:
Just got an email that I got a full tuition scholarship to Emory!! I have been going through this weird cycle for the last hour of crying, wrangling unbelievable imposter syndrome, feeling overwhelmingly grateful, and also trying to figure out what to do since my heart is already set on Yale. On one hand it's almost irresponsible to take out the extra loans for Yale. On the other, I think I would be happier there overall and want to end up in the area for the rest of my life. Either way, I need to decide within a week so someone else can get the aid offer I have from either Emory or Yale ASAP. If anyone has any advice or words of wisdom, I would really appreciate hearing them. Feel free to PM me or respond! ...Please help 😅
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Emory. A full tuition scholarship is something that most people DO NOT get. Emory is a top ranked school of Public Health right next to the CDC.

It would be best not to take out ANY loans if you can. Emory's gift allows you to do that. Congrats.
 
reformedpremed said:
Just got an email that I got a full tuition scholarship to Emory!! I have been going through this weird cycle for the last hour of crying, wrangling unbelievable imposter syndrome, feeling overwhelmingly grateful, and also trying to figure out what to do since my heart is already set on Yale. On one hand it's almost irresponsible to take out the extra loans for Yale. On the other, I think I would be happier there overall and want to end up in the area for the rest of my life. Either way, I need to decide within a week so someone else can get the aid offer I have from either Emory or Yale ASAP. If anyone has any advice or words of wisdom, I would really appreciate hearing them. Feel free to PM me or respond! ...Please help 😅
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Woooooooo congrats!!!!!!!!!! I'm jealous :')
 
Spartacous1 said:
Emory. A full tuition scholarship is something that most people DO NOT get. Emory is a top ranked school of Public Health right next to the CDC.

It would be best not to take out ANY loans if you can. Emory's gift allows you to do that. Congrats.
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Thank you! I really appreciate your response. I'm just struggling with the tradeoffs and needed someone to talk sense into me. I really don't want to sound ungrateful at all and recognize how fortunate this situation I'm in is. That's why I want to decide very very quickly-- so someone else can get the funds offered to me immediately.
 
reformedpremed said:
Just got an email that I got a full tuition scholarship to Emory!! I have been going through this weird cycle for the last hour of crying, wrangling unbelievable imposter syndrome, feeling overwhelmingly grateful, and also trying to figure out what to do since my heart is already set on Yale. On one hand it's almost irresponsible to take out the extra loans for Yale. On the other, I think I would be happier there overall and want to end up in the area for the rest of my life. Either way, I need to decide within a week so someone else can get the aid offer I have from either Emory or Yale ASAP. If anyone has any advice or words of wisdom, I would really appreciate hearing them. Feel free to PM me or respond! ...Please help 😅
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what are you interested> - no reason why u cant go to emory and try to do a practicum in the east so u can be set there instead
 
reformedpremed said:
Thank you! I really appreciate your response. I'm just struggling with the tradeoffs and needed someone to talk sense into me. I really don't want to sound ungrateful at all and recognize how fortunate this situation I'm in is. That's why I want to decide very very quickly-- so someone else can get the funds offered to me immediately.
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I would say go for EMORY!! Full tuition is very rare and it's an impressive accomplishment (that you flex in ur resume haha). Yale has an amazing program but I'm sure Emory has everything that Yale has, plus more 🙂
 
reformedpremed said:
Thank you! I really appreciate your response. I'm just struggling with the tradeoffs and needed someone to talk sense into me. I really don't want to sound ungrateful at all and recognize how fortunate this situation I'm in is. That's why I want to decide very very quickly-- so someone else can get the funds offered to me immediately.
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No problem! You really need to weigh that full tuition scholarship. MPH programs are expensive. You hear about people on here talking about how they are gonna pay for grad school. A lot are taking out loans, including me. You don't have that problem. If I was in your shoes that would instantly make me chose Emory. GL in your decision.
 
mphlife said:
I paid off my undergrad loans two years ago, so I'm not looking forward to losing my debt-free life.
I've been working full time so I thought I had a good amount of $$ saved but when I'm adding up the cost of everything, I'm realizing don't have much.
Currently, debating on keeping my job and just doing the minimum 9 credits each semester so i can survive just off federal loans and not private.
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I lived with my parents for about a year after I graduated and that was really the only time I had to save anything 😂 because my job pays like garbage and I barely make enough to make ends meet living on my own
 
reformedpremed said:
Thank you! I really appreciate your response. I'm just struggling with the tradeoffs and needed someone to talk sense into me. I really don't want to sound ungrateful at all and recognize how fortunate this situation I'm in is. That's why I want to decide very very quickly-- so someone else can get the funds offered to me immediately.
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@reformedpremed

Great position to be in!

If I were you in your place, I would reach out to Yale and let them know that Yale is your first choice since its aligned to your career goals, the only one you would want to go to, and all that. But, Emory has offered you a full-ride and you would like to humbly appeal the scholarship offered by Yale (if any) and see if they can match it. Also let them know that you are ready to commit if they match what Emory gave you.

Adcoms and financial aid know of such cases, and always anticipate them. The worst that can happen is that Yale may come back and say nada, and you can go with Emory, should you choose to. But what if there is a sliver of chance that they will match it, and then you are all set. However, once you are done negotiating and given your word, it is not good to change your mind.
 
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reformedpremed said:
Thank you! I really appreciate your response. I'm just struggling with the tradeoffs and needed someone to talk sense into me. I really don't want to sound ungrateful at all and recognize how fortunate this situation I'm in is. That's why I want to decide very very quickly-- so someone else can get the funds offered to me immediately.
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I live in GA and honestly can’t wait to leave the state and get a fresh start-but if I was offered a full tuition scholarship to Emory I would go in a heartbeat. It’s a great PH program and well respected school overall.

It’s expensive in the NE, and if you want to live there for the long term, it would be amazing not to have debt hanging over your head.
 
reformedpremed said:
Thank you! I really appreciate your response. I'm just struggling with the tradeoffs and needed someone to talk sense into me. I really don't want to sound ungrateful at all and recognize how fortunate this situation I'm in is. That's why I want to decide very very quickly-- so someone else can get the funds offered to me immediately.
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This is very considerate and positive thinking. This is one of the reasons why you get such blessings: The genuine caring for others. Keep up the good work.
 
reformedpremed said:
Just got an email that I got a full tuition scholarship to Emory!! I have been going through this weird cycle for the last hour of crying, wrangling unbelievable imposter syndrome, feeling overwhelmingly grateful, and also trying to figure out what to do since my heart is already set on Yale. On one hand it's almost irresponsible to take out the extra loans for Yale. On the other, I think I would be happier there overall and want to end up in the area for the rest of my life. Either way, I need to decide within a week so someone else can get the aid offer I have from either Emory or Yale ASAP. If anyone has any advice or words of wisdom, I would really appreciate hearing them. Feel free to PM me or respond! ...Please help 😅
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First of all, this is so kick ass! Congratulations!! Your stats are very impressive and you definitely deserve this amazing opportunity. The best advice I can give you (and a bit cliche I KNOWWW) would be to go with what your heart wants. I'm in a similar situation myself. I am torn between an instate guaranteed full ride and a couple of other "elite" programs. Debt is inevitable, whether it is over grad school, your dream house, a nice car or other investments. I am sure you will make a great decision and again, congratulations and be proud!! :luck::biglove:
 
I really can't say thank you enough times to everyone taking time to respond. As someone who normally is uncomfortable asking for any sort of help, this has been such a humbling experience. You all deserve the world and will do wonderful things. Thank you for taking time to give me advice. It is helping me put all my jumbled thoughts in order more than I can explain ❤️
 
reformedpremed said:
I really can't say thank you enough times to everyone taking time to respond. As someone who normally is uncomfortable asking for any sort of help, this has been such a humbling experience. You all deserve the world and will do wonderful things. Thank you for taking time to give me advice. It is helping me put all my jumbled thoughts in order more than I can explain ❤️
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@reformedpremed

This is what you said in your first post - "I'm really excited to see where I end up in this process!" Well, you are so much closer to knowing 😀
 
@ Reformedpremed:

What I learned in this app process is that there will be twists and turns throughout the process that will make your decision so much harder 😅

I began the process aiming for 1 program primarily. I got what I wanted then came the attractive offer that made everything so hard to decide. 😁
 
reformedpremed said:
Just got an email that I got a full tuition scholarship to Emory!! I have been going through this weird cycle for the last hour of crying, wrangling unbelievable imposter syndrome, feeling overwhelmingly grateful, and also trying to figure out what to do since my heart is already set on Yale. On one hand it's almost irresponsible to take out the extra loans for Yale. On the other, I think I would be happier there overall and want to end up in the area for the rest of my life. Either way, I need to decide within a week so someone else can get the aid offer I have from either Emory or Yale ASAP. If anyone has any advice or words of wisdom, I would really appreciate hearing them. Feel free to PM me or respond! ...Please help 😅
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WOW congrats!!! That's amazing! Dude, full scholarship anywhere would be a dream!!! And at a top school like Emory?! Like others, I would take that in a heartbeat. But this is about YOU and what YOU want! I would also take @zubear's advice - see if there is any way you can get any more $ out of Yale. But @coastadorable is also right - debt is inevitable, and if you love Yale enough to spend however much it would cost for you to attend there, then it may be worth it, esp with the scholarship you got! I would try reaching out to students in both programs currently and take in their input as well, if you can. They know better about the programs than any of us. Regardless, you're gonna be successful no matter where you go!! Good luck with your decision!
 
Can someone help me understand what it means to officially request an appeal for additional funding vs. just kindly sending an email reply asking for more? What are the drawbacks of appealing? I don't want to do anything to jeopardize my admittance (especially since it's my only offer right now) but you don't know unless you ask, right?

Thoughts?
 
snail2021 said:
Can someone help me understand what it means to officially request an appeal for additional funding vs. just kindly sending an email reply asking for more? What are the drawbacks of appealing? I don't want to do anything to jeopardize my admittance (especially since it's my only offer right now) but you don't know unless you ask, right?

Thoughts?
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@snail2021

Don't worry, they are one and the same. Appeal is just a more formal way of putting it. You will still send an email (in most cases, unless the financial aid office has some other process) and request for more aid, laying out circumstances of why you are asking. You are simply building your case for additional funds.

The financial aid office will then decide whether it warrants a look and give you additional funds, through scholarship, grants, work-study, or something else.

Z.
 
snail2021 said:
Can someone help me understand what it means to officially request an appeal for additional funding vs. just kindly sending an email reply asking for more? What are the drawbacks of appealing? I don't want to do anything to jeopardize my admittance (especially since it's my only offer right now) but you don't know unless you ask, right?

Thoughts?
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the only school that mentioned that to me was Boston University and they said they just have a committee that reconsiders applicants for additional funding. nothing the student can do during that process.
 
mph_applicant43796 said:
Anybody decided where they're 100% NOT going?
I think I'm gonna turn down Drexel and Boston.
Drexel's program just feels a bit too generalized/non-customizable to my interests and is still quite pricy even with the scholarship. Was kind of a safety.
Boston was also honestly a safety for me, and also still expensive with the 35% scholarship. Plus COL is way too high, and I've heard some mixed reviews about the program.
Both are great schools/programs, just not the best fit for me compared to my other options, which I'm grateful to have!
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Most likely turning down Tulane and Boston (unless I get this job I applied for) & maybe LSU.
 
nwabiafra said:
wondering the same thing... I'll email an admissions counselor who I've been in contact with since October and I'll let you know what she says!
Update: she's out of the office until the 15th. i'll post her response after lol
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nwabiafra said:
wondering the same thing... I'll email an admissions counselor who I've been in contact with since October and I'll let you know what she says!
Update: she's out of the office until the 15th. i'll post her response after lol
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thank you!! I'm going crazy - I just want to know!!! lol
 
reformedpremed said:
Just got an email that I got a full tuition scholarship to Emory!! I have been going through this weird cycle for the last hour of crying, wrangling unbelievable imposter syndrome, feeling overwhelmingly grateful, and also trying to figure out what to do since my heart is already set on Yale. On one hand it's almost irresponsible to take out the extra loans for Yale. On the other, I think I would be happier there overall and want to end up in the area for the rest of my life. Either way, I need to decide within a week so someone else can get the aid offer I have from either Emory or Yale ASAP. If anyone has any advice or words of wisdom, I would really appreciate hearing them. Feel free to PM me or respond! ...Please help 😅
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What everybody responded to this post has made me feel so touched. It's getting more and more like a community and we're really getting through this together.
I'd like to add that you might also want to consider what your plans are for your personal life.
Marriage? Kids? These will all become financial burdens. Travel again, when covid is done?
Do you want to buy yourself a gap year where you don't have to work for the whole year whenever you want it?
Do you feel like starting your retirement plans? Investments? Property? Maybe even helping with your parents' retirement?
A big loan will set you back in all those goals for at least a while. Even if the first job you have after graduation is paying you, say 120k, you'd still need about, say 2, 3 years, to pay off all the loans if you had to pay full tuition with loans. And you may have new life events happening and new challenges by then. Stuff like that...
 
reformedpremed said:
Just got an email that I got a full tuition scholarship to Emory!! I have been going through this weird cycle for the last hour of crying, wrangling unbelievable imposter syndrome, feeling overwhelmingly grateful, and also trying to figure out what to do since my heart is already set on Yale. On one hand it's almost irresponsible to take out the extra loans for Yale. On the other, I think I would be happier there overall and want to end up in the area for the rest of my life. Either way, I need to decide within a week so someone else can get the aid offer I have from either Emory or Yale ASAP. If anyone has any advice or words of wisdom, I would really appreciate hearing them. Feel free to PM me or respond! ...Please help 😅
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That's amazing! Congrats on the scholarship! To echo what a lot of people here have said, full tuition to Emory is INCREDIBLE, and it really could set you up for major success in the long run. I don't know what your personal goals are, nor do I know what you're looking for in a school, so I can't necessarily tell you which would be the better fit for you, but regardless of the choice, it sounds like you're going to do some amazing things!
 
Looking at the thread last year ... and it seems like Columbia could be releasing financial aid and some admission decisions next week (especially for us HPM peeps). FYI, applicants did not get an email update regarding their financial package. People just randomly checked their admitted student portal it seems like....The stresssssss this weekend is about to be unbelievable 😵👺
 
Anyone know whether taking the GRE or any standardized test is a requirement to obtain merit scholarships at Columbia? (just curious because I didn't take the GRE and hoping for the best)
 
tooicy said:
Anyone know whether taking the GRE or any standardized test is a requirement to obtain merit scholarships at Columbia? (just curious because I didn't take the GRE and hoping for the best)
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hi! i remember reading earlier on the thread that until this year standardized tests were considered when awarding merit scholarships, but because of covid, they won't be looking at gre scores, even if you submit them, to consider you for a scholarship this year, so don't worry 🙂
 
mchacha said:
hi! i remember reading earlier on the thread that until this year standardized tests were considered when awarding merit scholarships, but because of covid, they won't be looking at gre scores, even if you submit them, to consider you for a scholarship this year, so don't worry 🙂
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Phew! lol so I actually “may” have a chance. Thanks 🙂
 
reformedpremed said:
Thank you! I really appreciate your response. I'm just struggling with the tradeoffs and needed someone to talk sense into me. I really don't want to sound ungrateful at all and recognize how fortunate this situation I'm in is. That's why I want to decide very very quickly-- so someone else can get the funds offered to me immediately.
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I was offered a full ride to one medical school and turned it down for the higher ranked/location medical school. 10 years out I am still paying off loans, I'm no longer living in that location, and I think I would have done well and had excellent opportunities at the full ride school. I honestly would take the full ride to an excellent program. You can move to the CT area and work with or around Yale later.
 
valerieng11 said:
Bruh just got rejected from UW. Did anyone apply or receive acceptances there? Feels like I haven't been hearing too much buzz around them
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I'm sorry, I did (accepted) a few days ago, and I haven't seen a lot of people accepted either. What concentration?
 
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