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

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Hi! I’m having a really tough time deciding between JHU, Columbia, Yale, and Emory. Johns Hopkins is friggin JOHNS HOPKINS, Columbia feels like a great place to network and have great opportunities virtually anywhere, Yale feels very personal and open to interdisciplinary education, and Emory is really well connected with the CDC and cool opportunities that seem very Emory-specific, plus it’s a lot more affordable than any of the others (which is honestly huge considering how stressful the financial side of this has been). Anyone thinking about committing to any of these schools, why did you choose that one?
 
PriFromThePNW said:
Hi! I’m having a really tough time deciding between JHU, Columbia, Yale, and Emory. Johns Hopkins is friggin JOHNS HOPKINS, Columbia feels like a great place to network and have great opportunities virtually anywhere, Yale feels very personal and open to interdisciplinary education, and Emory is really well connected with the CDC and cool opportunities that seem very Emory-specific, plus it’s a lot more affordable than any of the others (which is honestly huge considering how stressful the financial side of this has been). Anyone thinking about committing to any of these schools, why did you choose that one?
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Also, those who are undecided on JHU and have scholarship: have you asked for an extension on accepting your offer?? I need to accept by 3/29 (4 DAYS away) if I want the scholarship.
 
PriFromThePNW said:
Hi! I’m having a really tough time deciding between JHU, Columbia, Yale, and Emory. Johns Hopkins is friggin JOHNS HOPKINS, Columbia feels like a great place to network and have great opportunities virtually anywhere, Yale feels very personal and open to interdisciplinary education, and Emory is really well connected with the CDC and cool opportunities that seem very Emory-specific, plus it’s a lot more affordable than any of the others (which is honestly huge considering how stressful the financial side of this has been). Anyone thinking about committing to any of these schools, why did you choose that one?
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I’m in a similar boat except I’ve pretty much narrowed down to Yale and Hopkins. But then I think it’s Hopkins, am I insane to say no??? But I really like the feel of Yale and all the interactions I’ve had. I worry about just being a number at Hopkins. I’m going to their virtual event Friday and try to learn more.

Also, I’m in the part time/online program for both schools (I work full time as an RN in NYC), and it feels like I would be more connected at Yale I feel like they are addressing some of the pitfalls of programs that are largely virtual. I worry about not being as connected or engaged with the Hopkins community. Anyone have any thoughts or going through a similar decision process?
 
RNlife said:
I’m in a similar boat except I’ve pretty much narrowed down to Yale and Hopkins. But then I think it’s Hopkins, am I insane to say no??? But I really like the feel of Yale and all the interactions I’ve had. I worry about just being a number at Hopkins. I’m going to their virtual event Friday and try to learn more.

Also, I’m in the part time/online program for both schools (I work full time as an RN in NYC), and it feels like I would be more connected at Yale I feel like they are addressing some of the pitfalls of programs that are largely virtual. I worry about not being as connected or engaged with the Hopkins community. Anyone have any thoughts or going through a similar decision process?
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I'm going through the same thing about Hopkins! While there are so many positive things about Hopkins (Flexibility, connections to DC/CDC/Other orgs and institutions, Research opportunities, etc.) the delayed communication has been a tough one for me. It might just be because of the pandemic. I do think it might be Hopkins for me, but I'm still planning to attend the admitted student sessions to decide.
 
YourFavMPHCandidate said:
Hey everyone! I've been lurking here for about a month now, and have finally completed my application cycle! You've all helped me so much here, so I've decided to share my stats.

Undergraduate School/School type: Howard University
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.3/3.5
Major/minor: Bio/Chem
Grad GPA (if applicable):
Grad studies (if applicable):
GRE(including date taken): None (COVID-19 and life was too hectic)

Experience/research: I have a few diff bench research lab opportunities and some consistent volunteering experience in a hospital. I was heavily involved on campus, with positions consistently in student government/advocacy organizations.
Letters of Rec: 3 (Honors advisor/professor, orgo lab professor, honors research mentor)

Interests:

Applied: UNC Chapel Hill (online MPH), Drexel, GWU, JHU, Howard (same school as undergrad), Baylor (online MPH)
Accepted: All
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Attending: ?

As you guys can see, I don't have the most PH experience as my experience is lab based (I was pre-med and an MPH is a newer passion). Undergrad was a very difficult time for me so I have a decent GPA at best, but I just really tried to show my passion in my personal statement and luckily I was rewarded. I hope that this inspires someone to be willing to take a chance on themselves 🙂

I've narrowed it down to GWU-Community Oriented Primary Care (27k but I appealed--they said I'd hear back from April 15th) and JHU-Global Disease Epi and Control (75% MTS 2nd yr). I like GWU because I do prefer the idea of learning the skills to be hands-on in communities because I do want to work with people. I do however live in DC so if I went to Hopkins I'd be commuting (it's not terrible but not ideal so hoping there is flexibility with course offerings). However, Hopkins is.. Hopkins. I never imagined myself doing Epi (I'm not the greatest at math but I can typically get concepts with some practice). I have some experience coding using MATLab and Python but not much. I do like the idea of learning how to make impacts on a larger scale (plus I'm sure the skills would be largely transferable to smaller communities anyways) and potentially being able to travel/work in different countries/communities. If anyone is involved in these programs and wants to share their experience or just what they know/just wants to share their opinion on where they think I should go, please let me know!
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In between these two schools as well and in between two different concentrations. One thing I was thinking to do if I go to hopkins is to get a certificate in my other area of interest. Not sure what they offer in terms of community-oriented primary care but if you end up at Hopkins it might be the best of both worlds! They might offer certificates at GW too but I haven't looked into it much. I have also heard that at Hopkins there is room to take classes (and I think you actually have to for electives) in other areas which could allow you to broaden your skills past epi. GW is also a great school though, and I think both are well known for international health so you can probably travel through both!
 
Wow guys, for anyone still waiting on Tufts funding, they really weren’t kidding about limited funding. Financial aid packages should still be out by the end of this month, but one of their assistant directors just informed me they were only able to offer scholarships to TWO students !

Edit: Like I know they said limited but I can’t be the only one that’s absolutely FLOORED by that number
 
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For those admitted to UCLA, are any of you still waiting on your "official" letter? I got the initial "Acceptance to Fielding School of Public Health" email on March 2nd, and I got a follow-up email from the department I was admitted into with an accepted students portal on March 4th, but never anything official. I also haven't received any info on scholarship/aid or my Provisional Aid Letter. Any info on timeline/what you've gotten would be extremely helpful!
 
Hey all, thanks so much for all your help throughout the year! The incoming decision day is really stressing me out and I was wondering if anyone had any advice at all for me: I'm struggling to choose between Columbia (no aid), UNC (no aid yet), Hopkins (no aid yet), and BU (30 percent off). I'm studying PopFam/Health Behavior/Social Behavior/CAPDIE.

Some things to note:
  • From working 2 years I have approximately 2 years worth of living expenses saved up (rent, food) but not much else so I would be taking out loans to cover 100% of tuition
  • My dream is Columbia but it's so $$
  • My partner lives in Boston so I would be able to split a 1 br apartment with him if i went there which would save a lot of $ as well as the 30% BU discount
  • UNC Health Behavior's program and Columbia's PopFam seem really exciting to me
  • I am not really considering Hopkins at this point, but is that stupid because of the prestige?
Honestly any feedback at all would be so helpful - I feel a bit lost.
 
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Does anyone know anything about Brown's program? I am between there and NYU at the moment which I know a lot more about. The career outcomes page seems pretty sparse on information compared to other schools but I know it's a relatively newer program.

Also is there a Brown groupme?
 
mphgal2021 said:
For those admitted to UCLA, are any of you still waiting on your "official" letter? I got the initial "Acceptance to Fielding School of Public Health" email on March 2nd, and I got a follow-up email from the department I was admitted into with an accepted students portal on March 4th, but never anything official. I also haven't received any info on scholarship/aid or my Provisional Aid Letter. Any info on timeline/what you've gotten would be extremely helpful!
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I received my "Acceptance to Fielding School of Public Health" email on 1/20 then the follow-up email from the dept. on 1/28 which included a link to the grad app portal. The portal had a link to my official letter of acceptance. My provisional aid letter was emailed on 3/5. I hope this helped!
 
dae09 said:
In between these two schools as well and in between two different concentrations. One thing I was thinking to do if I go to hopkins is to get a certificate in my other area of interest. Not sure what they offer in terms of community-oriented primary care but if you end up at Hopkins it might be the best of both worlds! They might offer certificates at GW too but I haven't looked into it much. I have also heard that at Hopkins there is room to take classes (and I think you actually have to for electives) in other areas which could allow you to broaden your skills past epi. GW is also a great school though, and I think both are well known for international health so you can probably travel through both!
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You're right, ending up at either school would be fine! I think the main thing preventing Hopkins from being a complete steal for me is the price tag (I received the MTS 75% 2nd Yr) but $59k for one year alone is still.. steep + still having to pay 25% for 2nd yr) vs. GW (I was awarded 27k and am already currently based in DC so not factoring in those additional costs: $38k). I also wonder about the environment at Hopkins-- I've read that it can feel like a "degree mill." I'm hoping for a friendly, supportive environment but I'm going to the Admitted Students Day tomorrow to get a feel. Thank you so much for your insight!
 
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F i n a l l y after thee most tumultuous past few months, I've committed to the MSPH at Johns Hopkins!!
I'll be based in the International Health department and I'm particularly looking forward to that small cohort feel within my concentration. I am beyond thrilled!!! Can't wait to meet some of you there!
 
crashfan said:
Finally, after more than 1 month, I heard from a staff member for UCLA about the program. They told me they have exhausted their scholarship funding and so if you [me] have not heard about funding from them then it means you have received no scholarship.
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Do you know if this includes the grad opportunity fellowship program too?
 
lunagranger14 said:
F i n a l l y after thee most tumultuous past few months, I've committed to the MSPH at Johns Hopkins!!
I'll be based in the International Health department and I'm particularly looking forward to that small cohort feel within my concentration. I am beyond thrilled!!! Can't wait to meet some of you there!
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Congrats! Could you share what specific program within International Health you applied to? And maybe why you chose JHU in the end? I'm really struggling to decide between the GDEC MSPH program at JHU and Columbia's Epidemiology MPH with a Global Health certificate. I was offered a large scholarship at Columbia so total cost of living/tuition/etc. will be the same in the two locations. Both are top schools and Columbia is in NYC which is my biggest dream, but I feel like I may have more research opportunities at Hopkins...?
 
2021mphstudent said:
Wow guys, for anyone still waiting on Tufts funding, they really weren’t kidding about limited funding. Financial aid packages should still be out by the end of this month, but one of their assistant directors just informed me they were only able to offer scholarships to TWO students !

Edit: Like I know they said limited but I can’t be the only one that’s absolutely FLOORED by that number
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That’s insane. I’m literally going to BU for cheaper than Tufts. Glad I rejected their offer and didn’t hold out.
 
valerieng11 said:
I received my "Acceptance to Fielding School of Public Health" email on 1/20 then the follow-up email from the dept. on 1/28 which included a link to the grad app portal. The portal had a link to my official letter of acceptance. My provisional aid letter was emailed on 3/5. I hope this helped!
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This is extremely helpful thank you!!!
 
manatees97 said:
Hey all, thanks so much for all your help throughout the year! The incoming decision day is really stressing me out and I was wondering if anyone had any advice at all for me: I'm struggling to choose between Columbia (no aid), UNC (no aid yet), Hopkins (no aid yet), and BU (30 percent off). I'm studying PopFam/Health Behavior/Social Behavior/CAPDIE.

Some things to note:
  • From working 2 years I have approximately 2 years worth of living expenses saved up (rent, food) but not much else so I would be taking out loans to cover 100% of tuition
  • My dream is Columbia but it's so $$
  • My partner lives in Boston so I would be able to split a 1 br apartment with him if i went there which would save a lot of $ as well as the 30% BU discount
  • UNC Health Behavior's program and Columbia's PopFam seem really exciting to me
  • I am not really considering Hopkins at this point, but is that stupid because of the prestige?
Honestly any feedback at all would be so helpful - I feel a bit lost.
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I would pick BU because of your partner and splitting the 1 bedroom, rent is expensive. You also would split a lot of life expenses and the scholarship is attractive too. That’s just my two cents I’m not you.
 
Hi! I've been a long-time SDN lurker and started posting near the end of the application cycle. I didn't post my stats in the beginning, because I was pretty insecure about my undergraduate GPA. Thus, I tried really hard to make up for it through post-bacc courses and experiences. However, now that the cycle is nearly over for me, and I've been pleasantly surprised by and grateful for my results, I wanted to share for anyone in the future who's applying and may be in the same boat as me. I also want to add that I was on academic probation three times and dismissed from a major for having a low GPA, so this cycle has been very validating for me. I simply had poor study habits and struggled to keep up with the material in college. Lots of people told me that I dug myself a hole that I wasn't going to get out of, but I didn't let a number define me and now I'm going to get my MPH! Congratulations to everyone on their acceptances and head up high for those who might be trying again next cycle!

Undergraduate School: UC Berkeley (Graduated in 2018)
Undergrad GPA: 2.32
Major GPA: 2.23
Post-Bacc GPA: 3.81 (47 Units)
Major/Minor: BA, Integrative Biology and Minor in Global Public Health
GRE: Took it, but didn't submit it.

Experiences:
  • 4 years in a community service student organization with several leadership positions
  • 3 years as clinical research assistant working on projects related to chronic disease self-management and prevention and social needs care in primary care
    • Oral/poster presentations at 7 different conferences (including APHA and SGIM)
    • 5 manuscripts in preparation (2 first author, 3 second author)
  • 2 years as a public health commissioner for my county; served on health policy and justice for youth committees
  • 2 years as a volunteer patient navigator at a FQHC serving teen patients
  • 1 year as a part-time AmeriCorps member serving underserved Latinx elementary school students to raise their functional grade level and held family literacy events focused on anti-bullying, compassion, and sociol-emotional skills
  • 1 year as a clinical research volunteer recruiting patients from the ED at a children's hospital to a validation study
  • 1 year as a tutor for youth who experienced/experiencing housing instability
  • 1 year shadowing a pediatrician at a clinic inside a juvenile detention center
  • 10.5 months as a full-time AmeriCorps member doing COVID case investigation/vaccine outreach and health coaching/outreach for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screening
  • 9 months as a marketing intern for a nonprofit focused on addressing unmet needs of young girls in Ethiopia
  • 6 months as a student assistant/graphic designer for UC Berkeley's Online MPH Program
  • 5 months as a lab assistant intern at a biotech startup focused on using technology to find the best cells for research/drug development efficiently
  • 5 months as an undergraduate TA for an organic chemistry lab section
  • 5 months as a biomedical research intern for a biotech startup focused on using AI to recognize emotions
  • 1 week abroad as a volunteer on a medical mission trip to the rural areas of Vietnam where I interpreted for clinicians
Letters of Recommendation:
  • PI who I've been doing research with for 3+ years
  • Biostatistics lecturer from post-bacc courses
  • AmeriCorps supervisor when I was serving elementary school kids
Interests: social epidemiology, urban health, rural health, multicultural health, global health, child and adolescent health, chronic disease, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), social needs, structural racism, human trafficking, juvenile justice

Applied: Columbia (Epidemiology | 11/29), UC Berkeley (Epidemiology/Biostatistics | 11/29), UCLA (Epidemiology | 11/29), USC (Epidemiology & Biostatistics | 11/29), Yale (Chronic Disease Epidemiology | 12/12), Emory (Epidemiology | 01/04)
Accepted: Columbia (01/20), Emory (02/15 | +$17k), Yale (02/17 | +$30k), USC (03/05)
Rejected: UC Berkeley (03/10), UCLA (04/15)
Attending: Columbia

Honestly, I really wanted to go back to UC Berkeley for my MPH, because I wanted to redeem myself, and I'm currently in the Bay Area, so it would be more convenient. However, I'm going to commit to Columbia. Everyone here has been amazing, and I appreciate having a community like this available! All the best to everyone!
 
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DeepInferno said:
Hi! I've been a long-time SDN lurker and started posting near the end of the application cycle. I didn't post my stats in the beginning, because I was pretty insecure about my undergraduate GPA. Thus, I tried really hard to make up for it through post-bacc courses and experiences. However, now that the cycle is nearly over for me, and I've been pleasantly surprised by and grateful for my results, I wanted to share for anyone in the future who's applying and may be in the same boat as me. I also want to add that I was on academic probation three times and dismissed from a major for having a low GPA, so this cycle has been very validating for me. I simply had poor study habits and struggled to keep up with the material in college. Lots of people told me that I dug myself a hole that I wasn't going to get out of, but I didn't let a number define me and now I'm going to get my MPH! Congratulations to everyone on their acceptances and head up high for those who might be trying again next cycle!

Undergraduate School: UC Berkeley (Graduated in 2018)
Undergrad GPA: 2.32
Major GPA: 2.23
Post-Bacc GPA: 3.81 (47 Units)
Major/Minor: BA, Integrative Biology and Minor in Global Public Health
GRE: Took it, but didn't submit it.

Experiences:
  • 4 years in a community service student organization with several leadership positions
  • 3 years as clinical research assistant working on projects related to chronic disease self-management and prevention and social needs care in primary care
    • Oral/poster presentations at 7 different conferences (including APHA and SGIM)
    • 5 manuscripts in preparation (2 first author, 3 second author)
  • 2 years as a public health commissioner for my county; served on health policy and justice for youth committees
  • 2 years as a volunteer patient navigator at a FQHC serving teen patients
  • 1 year as a part-time AmeriCorps member serving underserved Latinx elementary school students to raise their functional grade level and held family literacy events focused on anti-bullying, compassion, and sociol-emotional skills
  • 1 year as a clinical research volunteer recruiting patients from the ED at a children's hospital to a validation study
  • 1 year as a tutor for youth who experienced/experiencing housing instability
  • 1 year shadowing a pediatrician at a clinic inside a juvenile detention center
  • 10.5 months as a full-time AmeriCorps member doing COVID case investigation/vaccine outreach and health coaching/outreach for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screening
  • 9 months as a marketing intern for a nonprofit focused on addressing unmet needs of young girls in Ethiopia
  • 6 months as a student assistant/graphic designer for UC Berkeley's Online MPH Program
  • 5 months as a lab assistant intern at a biotech startup focused on using technology to find the best cells for research/drug development efficiently
  • 5 months as an undergraduate TA for an organic chemistry lab section
  • 5 months as a biomedical research intern for a biotech startup focused on using AI to recognize emotions
  • 1 week abroad as a volunteer on a medical mission trip to the rural areas of Vietnam where I interpreted for clinicians
Letters of Recommendation:
  • PI who I've been doing research with for 3+ years
  • Biostatistics lecturer from post-bacc courses
  • AmeriCorps supervisor when I was serving elementary school kids
Interests: social epidemiology, urban health, rural health, multicultural health, global health, child and adolescent health, chronic disease, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), social needs, structural racism, human trafficking, juvenile justice

Applied: Columbia (Epidemiology | 11/29), UC Berkeley (Epidemiology/Biostatistics | 11/29), UCLA (Epidemiology | 11/29), USC (Epidemiology & Biostatistics | 11/29), Yale (Chronic Disease Epidemiology | 12/12), Emory (Epidemiology | 01/04)
Accepted: Columbia (01/20), Emory (02/15 | +$17k), Yale (02/17 | +$30k), USC (03/05)
Rejected: UC Berkeley (03/10)

Honestly, I really wanted to go back to UC Berkeley for my MPH, because I wanted to redeem myself, and I'm currently in the Bay Area, so it would be more convenient. However, I'm still waiting on UCLA to get back to me, but I'm most likely going to commit to Columbia--just waiting on my financial aid package and hoping I get something need-based. Everyone here has been amazing, and I appreciate having a community like this available! All the best to everyone!
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Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your acceptances!

Berkeley is no joke (I'm amazed I made it through with my garbage studying habits). I have mixed feelings about Berkeley because I developed anxiety and depression due to the stress while I was there and had to withdraw at one point, but I personally view going back to Berkeley as a path towards healing and moving past my negative feelings regarding my undergrad experience.

I'm sorry that you didn't get accepted by Berkeley 🙁 It would've been great to meet you in person!

Anyway, I wish you the best, wherever you end up going!
 
DeepInferno said:
Hi! I've been a long-time SDN lurker and started posting near the end of the application cycle. I didn't post my stats in the beginning, because I was pretty insecure about my undergraduate GPA. Thus, I tried really hard to make up for it through post-bacc courses and experiences. However, now that the cycle is nearly over for me, and I've been pleasantly surprised by and grateful for my results, I wanted to share for anyone in the future who's applying and may be in the same boat as me. I also want to add that I was on academic probation three times and dismissed from a major for having a low GPA, so this cycle has been very validating for me. I simply had poor study habits and struggled to keep up with the material in college. Lots of people told me that I dug myself a hole that I wasn't going to get out of, but I didn't let a number define me and now I'm going to get my MPH! Congratulations to everyone on their acceptances and head up high for those who might be trying again next cycle!

Undergraduate School: UC Berkeley (Graduated in 2018)
Undergrad GPA: 2.32
Major GPA: 2.23
Post-Bacc GPA: 3.81 (47 Units)
Major/Minor: BA, Integrative Biology and Minor in Global Public Health
GRE: Took it, but didn't submit it.

Experiences:
  • 4 years in a community service student organization with several leadership positions
  • 3 years as clinical research assistant working on projects related to chronic disease self-management and prevention and social needs care in primary care
    • Oral/poster presentations at 7 different conferences (including APHA and SGIM)
    • 5 manuscripts in preparation (2 first author, 3 second author)
  • 2 years as a public health commissioner for my county; served on health policy and justice for youth committees
  • 2 years as a volunteer patient navigator at a FQHC serving teen patients
  • 1 year as a part-time AmeriCorps member serving underserved Latinx elementary school students to raise their functional grade level and held family literacy events focused on anti-bullying, compassion, and sociol-emotional skills
  • 1 year as a clinical research volunteer recruiting patients from the ED at a children's hospital to a validation study
  • 1 year as a tutor for youth who experienced/experiencing housing instability
  • 1 year shadowing a pediatrician at a clinic inside a juvenile detention center
  • 10.5 months as a full-time AmeriCorps member doing COVID case investigation/vaccine outreach and health coaching/outreach for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screening
  • 9 months as a marketing intern for a nonprofit focused on addressing unmet needs of young girls in Ethiopia
  • 6 months as a student assistant/graphic designer for UC Berkeley's Online MPH Program
  • 5 months as a lab assistant intern at a biotech startup focused on using technology to find the best cells for research/drug development efficiently
  • 5 months as an undergraduate TA for an organic chemistry lab section
  • 5 months as a biomedical research intern for a biotech startup focused on using AI to recognize emotions
  • 1 week abroad as a volunteer on a medical mission trip to the rural areas of Vietnam where I interpreted for clinicians
Letters of Recommendation:
  • PI who I've been doing research with for 3+ years
  • Biostatistics lecturer from post-bacc courses
  • AmeriCorps supervisor when I was serving elementary school kids
Interests: social epidemiology, urban health, rural health, multicultural health, global health, child and adolescent health, chronic disease, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), social needs, structural racism, human trafficking, juvenile justice

Applied: Columbia (Epidemiology | 11/29), UC Berkeley (Epidemiology/Biostatistics | 11/29), UCLA (Epidemiology | 11/29), USC (Epidemiology & Biostatistics | 11/29), Yale (Chronic Disease Epidemiology | 12/12), Emory (Epidemiology | 01/04)
Accepted: Columbia (01/20), Emory (02/15 | +$17k), Yale (02/17 | +$30k), USC (03/05)
Rejected: UC Berkeley (03/10)

Honestly, I really wanted to go back to UC Berkeley for my MPH, because I wanted to redeem myself, and I'm currently in the Bay Area, so it would be more convenient. However, I'm still waiting on UCLA to get back to me, but I'm most likely going to commit to Columbia--just waiting on my financial aid package and hoping I get something need-based. Everyone here has been amazing, and I appreciate having a community like this available! All the best to everyone!
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Congrats!!!!

You just proved everybody around you that schooling is different from education! Your have super impressive experiences from which you have learnt a lot and have so much to offer, that any school would want you in a heartbeat!!!
 
exkt2754 said:
Ugh guys I’m so conflicted rn, I really thought I had checked Columbia off my list because I had only been offered loans. Originally it was tied at the top of my list. But now that people are getting merit info I’m not sure what to think?! I had switched my focus already to BU and even started looking at apartments, (some of which I’d need to decide if I’m moving in veryyyy soon, like even before the 15th)plus I really love Boston’s medical facilities and think I would be able to get a part time research opportunity while I’m at school. I really don’t want to wait until the last day to pick a school, I don’t get why they are making us wait until then! I’m worried if I decide too soon, I’ll miss out if they do end up giving me a bigger scholarship than BU (BU gave me 35%). This is going to keep me up at night lol
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UPDATE: I emailed Columbia last night following up on financial aid, and then got an email from then just now with an updated letter... unfortunately only $5000 in need based aid along w the loans. I’m going to guess that’s all I should be expecting... so welp, guess that settles that!
 
McLao said:
Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your acceptances!

Berkeley is no joke (I'm amazed I made it through with my garbage studying habits). I have mixed feelings about Berkeley because I developed anxiety and depression due to the stress while I was there and had to withdraw at one point, but I personally view going back to Berkeley as a path towards healing and moving past my negative feelings regarding my undergrad experience.

I'm sorry that you didn't get accepted by Berkeley 🙁 It would've been great to meet you in person!

Anyway, I wish you the best, wherever you end up going!
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Thank you so much for your response, and congratulations to you too! I hope that you have a great time around this time at Berkeley. I took some public health courses while at Berkeley, and the faculty and staff at the School of Public Health is amazing (honestly, I found them more approachable compared to some other departments). All the best!
 
zubear said:
Congrats!!!!

You just proved everybody around you that schooling is different from education! Your have super impressive experiences from which you have learnt a lot and have so much to offer, that any school would want you in a heartbeat!!!
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Thank you so much! It's been a long road, but I'm super thrilled to move on to the next thing!
 
exkt2754 said:
UPDATE: I emailed Columbia last night following up on financial aid, and then got an email from then just now with an updated letter... unfortunately only $5000 in need based aid along w the loans. I’m going to guess that’s all I should be expecting... so welp, guess that settles that!
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How can they even consider $5000 needs based? Either way, I've found it rather weird how people are getting their financial aid packages soon after emailing them about it. Same thing happened with a few others and myself.

By the way, how are all of you scholarship recipients (grats btw) calculating the % it covers? Against the total program costs you owe or just the tuition?
 
OnePotatoTwoBobs said:
I put the link to our April 15 big party day in my signature so y'all will have to all be there. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
NO EXCUSE ALLOWED.
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Heyyy dear SDNers.
So I've had people reached out to me and asked if we could do it over the weekend instead of on April 15, a weekday.
I guess it is a better idea, just so more of you could come and we could really get to know each other. 🙂
Let's move our google hangout party to April 17, 2021, 11:00 am CST (9 am PST/12 pm EST)
See you all then!
 
Undergraduate School/School type: SDSU
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.9
Major/minor: Kinesiology
GRE(including date taken): Not Taken

Applied: University of South Florida, UAB, UT Health, TAMU, University of Arizona, East Tennessee State, Indiana University Bloomington, Temple University
Accepted: UAB, UT Health, TAMU, University of Arizona, East Tennessee State, Indiana University Bloomington, Temple University
Rejected: University of South Florida

Attending: Not Sure!

I only applied to programs that had epidemiology fully online. I am not sure which program to go with! UAB is ranked high for a mph program but has a high acceptance rate. UT Health seems like a good choice but the program does not seem as flexible, and Temple seems like a good program but I do not know much about the school. Any advise or info pls!?
 
PriFromThePNW said:
Hi! I’m having a really tough time deciding between JHU, Columbia, Yale, and Emory. Johns Hopkins is friggin JOHNS HOPKINS, Columbia feels like a great place to network and have great opportunities virtually anywhere, Yale feels very personal and open to interdisciplinary education, and Emory is really well connected with the CDC and cool opportunities that seem very Emory-specific, plus it’s a lot more affordable than any of the others (which is honestly huge considering how stressful the financial side of this has been). Anyone thinking about committing to any of these schools, why did you choose that one?
Click to expand...
I’m 98% sure I’m going to commit to Yale! Here are some of my reasons:
-All the current students and alumni I’ve spoken to has really great things to say about it
-I’ve really liked the vibe at all of the virtual events and seminars I’ve attended
-I like that it’s a smaller program. I really prefer small class sizes and the elective and departmental class sizes are 30 students on average. Makes it easy to connect with other students and professors!
-Along that same vein, the program has a tight-knit community feel which I love. For example, students in my department told me that one of the professors has the health policy students and faculty over to her house for dinner. Coming from a large undergrad institution, I’m excited to be more than just a number.
-Student employment is easy to come by, whether it be research, teaching assistantship, or other on-campus jobs
-The career center is super helpful at helping to find summer internships and post grad employment
-and it’s the cheapest option for me!

Talking to current students, alumni, and faculty has been the most helpful thing for me in deciding where to attend so I definitely recommend contacting some folks if you haven’t already!
 
w
PHStan23 said:
Is anyone else still waiting on JHU financial aid past their 2-4 week window? I've already emailed them once, but I don't want email again and seem like I'm begging (I mean basically I am, but still).
Click to expand...
I was accepted at the end of January to the MHS program and all my documents had been completed prior to applying and I have still not heard anything. I’m not expecting any scholarships but i am expecting loans offers. I reached out the other day and they said they had all my info and I’ll be alerted in an email when financial aid is ready.. sooo idk when we will hear but you aren’t alone!
 
westonsided said:
I’m 98% sure I’m going to commit to Yale! Here are some of my reasons:
-All the current students and alumni I’ve spoken to has really great things to say about it
-I’ve really liked the vibe at all of the virtual events and seminars I’ve attended
-I like that it’s a smaller program. I really prefer small class sizes and the elective and departmental class sizes are 30 students on average. Makes it easy to connect with other students and professors!
-Along that same vein, the program has a tight-knit community feel which I love. For example, students in my department told me that one of the professors has the health policy students and faculty over to her house for dinner. Coming from a large undergrad institution, I’m excited to be more than just a number.
-Student employment is easy to come by, whether it be research, teaching assistantship, or other on-campus jobs
-The career center is super helpful at helping to find summer internships and post grad employment
-and it’s the cheapest option for me!

Talking to current students, alumni, and faculty has been the most helpful thing for me in deciding where to attend so I definitely recommend contacting some folks if you haven’t already!
Click to expand...
I'm so happy that you are coming to Yale!
I can't wait to have an awesome peer like you!! 😀
 
westonsided said:
I’m 98% sure I’m going to commit to Yale! Here are some of my reasons:
-All the current students and alumni I’ve spoken to has really great things to say about it
-I’ve really liked the vibe at all of the virtual events and seminars I’ve attended
-I like that it’s a smaller program. I really prefer small class sizes and the elective and departmental class sizes are 30 students on average. Makes it easy to connect with other students and professors!
-Along that same vein, the program has a tight-knit community feel which I love. For example, students in my department told me that one of the professors has the health policy students and faculty over to her house for dinner. Coming from a large undergrad institution, I’m excited to be more than just a number.
-Student employment is easy to come by, whether it be research, teaching assistantship, or other on-campus jobs
-The career center is super helpful at helping to find summer internships and post grad employment
-and it’s the cheapest option for me!

Talking to current students, alumni, and faculty has been the most helpful thing for me in deciding where to attend so I definitely recommend contacting some folks if you haven’t already!
Click to expand...
I could not have said it better myself. Hopefully I'll see you there 🤞
 
nmtbf08 said:
w

I was accepted at the end of January to the MHS program and all my documents had been completed prior to applying and I have still not heard anything. I’m not expecting any scholarships but i am expecting loans offers. I reached out the other day and they said they had all my info and I’ll be alerted in an email when financial aid is ready.. sooo idk when we will hear but you aren’t alone!
Click to expand...
Thank you for letting me know I'm not alone! I feel like this cycle has been wild and a lot of schools have done horribly with communicating accurate timelines. Hopefully we hear something soon. April 15th is right around the corner!
 
Finally heard back from Emory financial aid and only loans no REAL 🙁 i’m so upset this was a huge draw for the program, i was praying i could get work study at least!

I definitely submitted early enough so i don’t know why i didn’t get it. i bet it’s because i’m not coming directly out of undergrad and actually have a job but that’s BS like just bc i have a job doesn’t mean i ain’t broke 😭
 
Anyone else kind of over the initial excitement of getting accepted when suddenly having to worry about how they're going to afford their education? It really sucks. Getting into a top school is great, but then it's like damn, how am I supposed to afford this... and is taking on a ridiculous amount of loans really worth it
 
natalieminaa said:
Finally heard back from Emory financial aid and only loans no REAL 🙁 i’m so upset this was a huge draw for the program, i was praying i could get work study at least!

I definitely submitted early enough so i don’t know why i didn’t get it. i bet it’s because i’m not coming directly out of undergrad and actually have a job but that’s BS like just bc i have a job doesn’t mean i ain’t broke 😭
Click to expand...
This is the exact same situation I'm in!! Honestly pretty bummed 😕
 
ariengo said:
Anyone else kind of over the initial excitement of getting accepted when suddenly having to worry about how they're going to afford their education? It really sucks. Getting into a top school is great, but then it's like damn, how am I supposed to afford this... and is taking on a ridiculous amount of loans really worth it
Click to expand...
i think i’m just realizing ima have to go into private sector health care when i graduate now
 
natalieminaa said:
Finally heard back from Emory financial aid and only loans no REAL 🙁 i’m so upset this was a huge draw for the program, i was praying i could get work study at least!

I definitely submitted early enough so i don’t know why i didn’t get it. i bet it’s because i’m not coming directly out of undergrad and actually have a job but that’s BS like just bc i have a job doesn’t mean i ain’t broke 😭
Click to expand...
I don't think that's the reason. I am also not coming straight out of undergrad but I still got it. When did you submit the FAFSA?
 
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