MPH / MSPH 2022: Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Rejected, Attending

[zubear]

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Hi 2022 Applicants,

I was an applicant last year, and SDN was extremely helpful during the admissions cycle. Given that there isn't a thread for 2022, I started one, just to help out the new applicants.

_________

Optional template:

Undergraduate School/School type:
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA:
Major/minor:
Grad GPA (if applicable):
Grad studies (if applicable):
GRE(including date taken):

Experience/research:

Letters of Rec:

Interests:

Applied:
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Attending:

__________

 

[Sheldon]

Undergraduate School/School type: University of Colorado-Boulder / 4 yr
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.3/3.7
Major/minor: Kinesiology/history
Grad GPA (if applicable): 1) 3.4 2) 3.83
Grad studies (if applicable): 1) DPT degree 2) DSc (disseration defense upcoming)
GRE(including date taken): Took it in 2005; not going to take again so I am applying to schools that do not require this.

Experience/research: 13 years of experience as a physical therapist. Completed post-graduate orthopaedic PT residency and post-graduate fellowship in manual/manipulative physical therapy. Defending DSc dissertation this Fall or Winter. Have worked as a staff PT, multi-site clinic director, and regional director. 3 published abstracts, 2 research papers currently in review, 3 poster presentations, 2 invited speaker presentations at State conferences, one upcoming National presentation.

Letters of Rec: Will be from my external chair, another supervisor/mentor with a PhD, and my current supervisor with an MD degree.

Interests: Orthopaedic/manual/manipulative PT, expert practice, SDOH and screening for SDOH/pop health in direct access PT (project lead on two current research projects regarding this)

Applied: UC-Berkeley (in process), BU (in process)
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Attending:

Any insight and/or advice is greatly appreciated. I am a full-time PT with a tech-enabled direct to employer healthcare company looking for an affordable on-line program with a great reputation and ability to network. I am spear-heading multiple projects within the Physical Medicine space with regards to SDOH and how to identify, screen, triage, and address the multitude of factors we see in our current work environment.

Thanks!

 

[Pwny]

Hello! I am sharing these documents that have been passed down from previous applicants. I take no credit for these documents and am simply sharing. Good luck, all!

2020 and 2021 Cycle Results
Contains stats, accepted dates, work experience, school lists, final school decisions, and more from the last two cycles. Special thanks to @livp for finding this previously-lost spreadsheet.

Student Experiences
Also contains stats, school lists, and other useful information of applicants from additional previous cycles.

Public Health Programs - Thoughts
A smorgasboard of school-specific notes from previous applicants.

 

[futureapppsy2]

Good luck this cycle, everyone!

 

[Reggaemylitis]

Welp, I am applying to JHU for June 2022 part-time MPH w/ hopes to be awarded the Bloomberg Fellowship.
This is the only school I will be applying to b/c it is my MPH dream school.

I'll add some more details later, but I'm excited about this next journey!

 

[fridaycatlady]

Undergraduate School/School type: International school (Top 1 in my country and Latin America)
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA:I still need to verify, but I think it's around 3.3
Major/minor: Sociology
Grad GPA (if applicable): N/A
Grad studies (if applicable): N/A
GRE(including date taken): Plan to take it but I'm not sure if I'll submit. Honestly, it depends on how I do.

Experience/research:
1.5 years working at a research center on public health on topics such as community health, environmental health and occupational health. I worked along with international agencies and the government.
2 years of working experience at an HIV prevention non-profit. There's tons I've done, but I've been overseeing work primarily regarding education and research on HIV. I've coordinated and led many training workshops and programs on HIV to health professionals in my country. I've worked with international organizations, including Y+ Global (the global network of young people living with HIV), Youth Against Aids, Youth Stop Aids and the Global Advisory Board for Sexual Health and Wellbeing.
1 year of workin experience as a collaborator for an organization working on sexual and reproductive health on a training workshop about LGBTQ health for health professionals.
3 month work as consultant for PAHO-WHO on a systematic review on COVID-19 and social determinants of health.
2 years as chair of a non-profit working on sexual and reproductive rights in my country (ad honorem).
1 year volunteer at another HIV prevention non-profit.
2 years as volunteer at my school's LGBTQ organization.

Other notable information:
Fulbrighter (Fulbright scholarship).
Pleasure Project Fellow (2021).
Diploma in Human Sexuality.
Study abroad at U Chicago (all A's) during undergrad.
Trilingual (English/French/Spanish).
Former research and teaching assistant during my undergrad (PH unrelated).
Speaker at local and international seminars and panels, including one on COVID-19 organized by AHF (US).
Lecturer for a class on HIV prevention at a local university in my country.
Lecturer for a class on sexual health and masculinities at another local university in my country.
Due to my background I have a great handling of both quantitative and qualitative softwares.

Letters of Rec:
1) Former boss who is working as Regional Lead on Social Determinants of Health at PAHO/WHO (who also used to work at WHO in Geneva).
2) Current boss at my HIV non profit job.
3) Former professor who I TA'd and is currently the head of the department of sociology.
4) Former Columbia and Harvard alumni with whom I've worked.

Interests: LGBTQ health, human sexuality, sexual and reproductive health, community health, health education, mental health, global health.

Applied: Haven't applied yet but intend to apply to Columbia PopFam, UC Berkeley, Harvard, BU and UCLA.
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Attending:

What do you think are my chances?

 

[rap15]

Hello, applicants 🙂 I'm a current GW MPH in Health Policy student happy to answer any questions! I started Fall 2020 and have yet to have an in-person class (thanks COVID) but will be on-campus this fall. I was in your shoes two years ago!

You can ask here or message me with any questions!

 

[OnePotatoTwoBobs]

Yay for a new year of application round~!
I'll be starting my MPH journey at Yale this fall. Happy to answer questions as well. 🙂

 

[Eyedontknowanymore]

I'll be starting at the University of Minnesota this fall for Epi feel free to reach out with any questions!! Good luck!

 

[luckycat]

Yay for a new year of application round~!
I'll be starting my MPH journey at Yale this fall. Happy to answer questions as well. 🙂

Hello! I'll be applying for 2022 and would love to go to Yale for epi, but I'm definitely put off by cost. I'd appreciate anything you have to say about cost/funding/scholarships/general experiences!

 

[med229]

Undergraduate School/School type: Georgia State University/ 4yr
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 2.02 😢
Major/minor: Biology
Grad GPA (if applicable):
Grad studies (if applicable):
MCAT: 482 Jan2021 😢 Retaking in 2022

Experience/research: 8000+ patient care (CNA) in hospitals, Northside Hospital, Emory University Hospital
2 yrs Hospital Admin/ Clerical

Letters of Rec: 1 MD, 1 Social Worker, 1 Nurse Educator

Interests: Bartending, Working out, Hiking, Travel, Brunch 🙂

Applied: PCOM Georgia MBS, WesternU MBS, Rutgers MBS, USF MBS, UCSF MSBI
Accepted: Loras Post Bacc, UMass Dartmouth Post Bacc, California Northstate PMPB, Benedictine MSIP, University of Mississippi Medical Center Grad Cert, Meharry MPH
Rejected: Tufts MBS, Icahn MSCR, BostonU MBS, Morehouse MPH & MMS, Charles Drew MBS & MPH, Drexel MBS, St. George's SOM, Temple Lewis Katz Post Bacc, Dartmouth MPH, Rosalind Franklin MBS, NYMC Post Bacc, Cedars Sinai MHDS, Tuoro COM, Hofstra Post Bacc, Baylor SOM MBS

 

[MWolfe24]

Undergraduate School/School type: Medium-size public university in Michigan
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.78 / 3.87
Major/minor: Psychology / Social Work
Grad GPA (if applicable): 3.97
Grad studies (if applicable): Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
GRE(including date taken): Q150, V162, W4.5 (August 2017)

Experience/research:

• Level IIb Fieldwork Student, Barnes-Jewish Hospital (12 weeks)
• Level IIa Fieldwork Student, Hackmann Early Childhood Center. (12 weeks)
• Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Fellow, KUMC Center for Child Health and Development. (1 academic year)
• Pediatric Personal Care Assistant (1.5 years)
• Supplemental Instructor in Human Physiology (1.5 years)
• Occupational Therapy Intern, Ekisa Ministries, Academy, and Children’s Home. (6 weeks)

Volunteer Experience:

• Washtenaw Child Advocacy Center (4 months)
• Camp Barnabas (4 summers)
• We Rock the Spectrum (6 months)
• Down Syndrome Association of Greater Saint Louis (intermittent for two years)
• I Can Do It, You Can Do It Advocate Partnership Program (4 months)

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING

• Newborn Care Specialist Certification (in progress)
• Down Syndrome Education Specialist via the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Saint Louis

Letters of Rec:

• 1 from the President of the American OT Association (she's on faculty at my school)
• 1 from a previous supervisor for a job working as a medical caregiver for a child with a rare neurodevelopmental disability
• 1 undecided - maybe a family friend who can speak to my character and graduated from both Harvard and Yale.

Interests:
Maternal and Child Health, Health Equity, Navigation of the Healthcare system for families whose young children have/acquire disabilities. Looking to enhance/supplement/reinforce my role as an OT hoping to work in children's hospitals and/or early intervention.

Applied:
Yale AP MPH SBS (9/21), Harvard MPH-45 HSB (9/21), Columbia Accelerated MPH (9/21).
Accepted: Yale (12/22), Columbia (1/27), Harvard (2/24)
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Attending: Hoping for Harvard pending financial aid information

 

[chocfullokat]

I'm excited for all of you MPH hopefuls starting on your application journey! I started on my applications pretty late last year (made a late decision to apply in December), so all of you already thinking about your applications are getting a head start (your anxiety will thank you). This community is amazing, so definitely use it! Good luck!!

 

[thepinkeri1]

I plan to apply this cycle and have a few questions.
1) do most MPH programs have interviews? I have seen some post of people saying they received interview invites, but I don’t see that as part of the application component in any of the program websites (looking at schools such as BU, UNC, Columbia)
2) is admissions on a rolling basis? I want to get my apps submitted soon after the cycle opens, but I’m not sure if it’s necessary if applications don’t go into review until it’s closer to the preferred deadline.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!

 

[Violagirl]

I'll be starting at the University of Minnesota this fall for Epi feel free to reach out with any questions!! Good luck!

Nice! Congrats on your acceptance!! I just submitted my application two weeks ago as for the University of Minnesota and am waiting to hear back. Best of luck to you in your first semester!!!

 

[chocfullokat]

I plan to apply this cycle and have a few questions.
1) do most MPH programs have interviews? I have seen some post of people saying they received interview invites, but I don’t see that as part of the application component in any of the program websites (looking at schools such as BU, UNC, Columbia)
2) is admissions on a rolling basis? I want to get my apps submitted soon after the cycle opens, but I’m not sure if it’s necessary if applications don’t go into review until it’s closer to the preferred deadline.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!

1. No, most schools did not require interviews last year, but yes, some do reach out to ask you to interview. None of my applications mentioned an interview, but UPenn reached out to schedule one. In the case of UPenn, the program is so small that they have to get more information to select their students. I can't remember which other schools in particular this was, but some students said they had to interview when most of the other students didn't. I applied to UNC and BU and didn't need to interview.
2. Generally, the earlier you apply, the sooner you "should" get your decision (but not always the case). If you submit early, your application would be in the first batch of applications reviewed, but it's possible that the committee delays your decision if they're not sure whether or not to admit you (I'd like to think there's a "maybe" pile and they keep you in consideration as they round out the class). Some students had to reach out to admissions to get an update last cycle too. Hopefully things are smoother this cycle with admissions folks working back in their offices.

 

[thepinkeri1]

1. No, most schools did not require interviews last year, but yes, some do reach out to ask you to interview. None of my applications mentioned an interview, but UPenn reached out to schedule one. In the case of UPenn, the program is so small that they have to get more information to select their students. I can't remember which other schools in particular this was, but some students said they had to interview when most of the other students didn't. I applied to UNC and BU and didn't need to interview.
2. Generally, the earlier you apply, the sooner you "should" get your decision (but not always the case). If you submit early, your application would be in the first batch of applications reviewed, but it's possible that the committee delays your decision if they're not sure whether or not to admit you (I'd like to think there's a "maybe" pile and they keep you in consideration as they round out the class). Some students had to reach out to admissions to get an update last cycle too. Hopefully things are smoother this cycle with admissions folks working back in their offices.

Thank you so much for responding! This was very helpful

 

[rosemary_]

Undergraduate School/School type: International school (Top 1 in my country and Latin America)
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA:I still need to verify, but I think it's around 3.3
Major/minor: Sociology
Grad GPA (if applicable): N/A
Grad studies (if applicable): N/A
GRE(including date taken): Plan to take it but I'm not sure if I'll submit. Honestly, it depends on how I do.

Experience/research:
1.5 years working at a research center on public health on topics such as community health, environmental health and occupational health. I worked along with international agencies and the government.
2 years of working experience at an HIV prevention non-profit. There's tons I've done, but I've been overseeing work primarily regarding education and research on HIV. I've coordinated and led many training workshops and programs on HIV to health professionals in my country. I've worked with international organizations, including Y+ Global (the global network of young people living with HIV), Youth Against Aids, Youth Stop Aids and the Global Advisory Board for Sexual Health and Wellbeing.
1 year of workin experience as a collaborator for an organization working on sexual and reproductive health on a training workshop about LGBTQ health for health professionals.
3 month work as consultant for PAHO-WHO on a systematic review on COVID-19 and social determinants of health.
2 years as chair of a non-profit working on sexual and reproductive rights in my country (ad honorem).
1 year volunteer at another HIV prevention non-profit.
2 years as volunteer at my school's LGBTQ organization.

Other notable information:
Fulbrighter (Fulbright scholarship).
Pleasure Project Fellow (2021).
Diploma in Human Sexuality.
Study abroad at U Chicago (all A's) during undergrad.
Trilingual (English/French/Spanish).
Former research and teaching assistant during my undergrad (PH unrelated).
Speaker at local and international seminars and panels, including one on COVID-19 organized by AHF (US).
Lecturer for a class on HIV prevention at a local university in my country.
Lecturer for a class on sexual health and masculinities at another local university in my country.
Due to my background I have a great handling of both quantitative and qualitative softwares.

Letters of Rec:
1) Former boss who is working as Regional Lead on Social Determinants of Health at PAHO/WHO (who also used to work at WHO in Geneva).
2) Current boss at my HIV non profit job.
3) Former professor who I TA'd and is currently the head of the department of sociology.
4) Former Columbia and Harvard alumni with whom I've worked.

Interests: LGBTQ health, human sexuality, sexual and reproductive health, community health, health education, mental health, global health.

Applied: Haven't applied yet but intend to apply to Columbia PopFam, UC Berkeley, Harvard, BU and UCLA.
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Attending:

What do you think are my chances?

I can't seem to DM you, but if you want to chat about Harvard, message me (this goes for anyone, but fridaycatlady and I have very similar interests)! I am in the PhD program now. If you aren't familiar with it, you should also check out the Harvard SOGIE collaborative, which is a great community of folks who study LGBTQ+ health.

 

[fridaycatlady]

I can't seem to DM you, but if you want to chat about Harvard, message me (this goes for anyone, but fridaycatlady and I have very similar interests)! I am in the PhD program now. If you aren't familiar with it, you should also check out the Harvard SOGIE collaborative, which is a great community of folks who study LGBTQ+ health.

Hi!! Thanks for trying to reach out to me! I actually know about Sogie!!! It's one of the reasons why I was so interested in Harvard (and BU, for that matter). I'll DM you, it would be amazing to talk!

 

[zzam123]

Currently in progress!!

Undergraduate School/School type: University of Washington School of Public Health
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.75-
Major/Minor: Public Health/Nutritional Science
GRE(including date taken): gre waived

Experience/research:

• CDC Prevention Synthesis Intern
• Vaccine Institute NGO 3 months
• Epidemiology and Health Economics Outcomes Intern 3 months
• Vice President of Outreach and Research 6 months
• Nutrition Intern 3 months
• Student Assistant Epidemiology 6 months
• Nutritional Research Assistant

Volunteer Experience:

• COVID-19 Food Assistance Research Project
• Hunger Research & Bill Outreach
• English Innovations Tutor
• Transfer Student Advisory
• Disability Student Mentor
• Public Health Student Advisory

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING

• John Hopkins Systematic Review and Meta Analysis Certificate

Letters of Rec:

• 1 from a professor who went to Emory and is in the epi department at UW
• 1 from a previous manager within the epi department at UW
• 1 from my manager from my internship in a midsized pharma company who has an MD/MPH from Harvard.

Other notable information:

Featured Student Profile Recognition for the University
Featured Transfer Student
Featured Intern at current job
Additional Grants/scholarships

Interests:
Health Behavior and Education, Dissemination and Implementation Science, Chronic Disease Management and Epidemiology, Public Health Health Communications

In progress
Applied: Emory BSHES, Harvard SBS track, UNC Chapel Hill Health Behavior concentration, GWU- EPI , University of Washington- EPI (applied all on 11/30)

Waiting to hear back: Harvard

Accepted: Emory BSHES (1/11) UNC Chapel Hill (1/19) GWU- EPI (1/24), UW- EPI (2/1)
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Attending: Emory BSHES

 

[umpteenth]

Hi All! Just curious if anyone knows or heard of anyone who has recieved merit-scholarship with a gpa less than 3.75at Columbia. I know in the past people with 3.6 gpa have able to get merit aids because of the GRE scores but since the past 2021 cycle and GRE being waived, does anyone with around 3.7 gpa have a chance with aid at Columbia?

 

[Andrew_112671]

Undergraduate School/School type: University of South Florida
Undergrad GPA: 3.63 (Honors Magna cum laude/ Dean's List)
Major/minor: General Studies (Concentration: Public Health)
Grad GPA (if applicable): 3.88 (SOPHAS Cumulative Verified GPA: 3.68)
Grad studies (if applicable): MS -Regulatory Affairs
GRE(including date taken): Not planning on taking since most universities have waived the requirement this year.

Experience/research:
- Capstone project (Undergraduate)
- Capstone project (Grad School)
- 5 years of professional work experience with clinical trials/pharma

Letters of Rec: 3 references (All references from work colleagues)

Interests: Pharmaceuticals, health policy, and regulatory affairs.

Applied:
- Harvard - Generalist MPH (9/10)
- Yale - Executive MPH (9/16 - under review 10/27)
- JHU - DrPH (9/17)
- Dartmouth - MPH (9/10 - under review 11/30)
- Brown PhD (9/18)
- USF DrPH (10/21)

Accepted: Yale (12/15)+10k (1/13), Dartmouth (1/7) +20k (1/7)
Interview: Dartmouth (1/4)
Rejected: USF DrPH (1/21)
Waitlisted:
Attending:

 

[han.scott13]

Undergraduate School/School type: University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.643/3.975
Major/minor: Public Health
Grad GPA (if applicable): N/A
Grad studies (if applicable): N/A
GRE(including date taken): N/A

Experience/research:
-Exercise Physiology Undergraduate Research Assistant
-Public Health Undergraduate Advisory Panelist
-College of Human Environmental Sciences Council for Engagement and Outreach Member
-University of Alabama Dance Marathon
-Students Supporting Healthcare Workers
-First Fellows
-University of Alabama Leading Women of Tomorrow
-Hands in Health
-University Stewards
-Society of Women in Medicine
-Physical Therapy Clinic Volunteer
-Day of Service Volunteer

Letters of Rec:
Professor for Community and Public Health course
Professor for Health Disparities course who also serves as a research mentor
Job Supervisor

Interests: Health Policy, Health Disparities, Mental Health, Maternal & Child Health

Applied: Boston University (9/1), Emory University (9/1), George Washington University (9/1), University of Maryland (9/1), University of Wisconsin-Madison (10/6), Yale University (10/5) and Georgetown M.S. HAPI (8/20)
Accepted: Georgetown HAPI (10/27)
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Attending:

 

[zubear]

Undergraduate School/School type: University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.643/3.975
Major/minor: Public Health
Grad GPA (if applicable): N/A
Grad studies (if applicable): N/A
GRE(including date taken): N/A

Experience/research:
-Exercise Physiology Undergraduate Research Assistant
-Public Health Undergraduate Advisory Panelist
-College of Human Environmental Sciences Council for Engagement and Outreach Member
-University of Alabama Dance Marathon
-Students Supporting Healthcare Workers
-First Fellows
-University of Alabama Leading Women of Tomorrow
-Hands in Health
-University Stewards
-Society of Women in Medicine
-Physical Therapy Clinic Volunteer
-Day of Service Volunteer

Letters of Rec:
Professor for Community and Public Health course
Professor for Health Disparities course who also serves as a research mentor
Job Supervisor

Interests: Health Policy, Health Disparities, Mental Health, Maternal & Child Health

Applied: Boston University (9/1), Emory University (9/1), George Washington University (9/1), University of Maryland (9/1), University of Wisconsin-Madison (Not open yet)
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Attending:

I can't tell for sure, but you have a very good profile to apply to Yale. I am currently in the AP-MPH program and I can tell you that focus on mental health is great. And YSPH just launched a new Maternal and Child Health Promotion (MCHP) track, if that is something of interest to you.

 

[zubear]

Hello! I'll be applying for 2022 and would love to go to Yale for epi, but I'm definitely put off by cost. I'd appreciate anything you have to say about cost/funding/scholarships/general experiences!

@luckycat I would say apply early. YSPH is usually generous with the scholarships. If you are looking for a research-driven program, YSPH is definitely the place. They simply think differently, and it not a biased opinion, although I am currently a student there. Tons of opportunities to get involved in student-run organizations and interests; one just need to show the interest.

 

[goblue77]

Undergraduate School/School type: University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.4-3.5ish
Major/minor: Movement Science with a supplemental study in public health. Minor in Gender, Race, and Nation.
GRE(including date taken): NA

Experience/research:

• 3 years working as a UGRA in a children's physical activity and development lab
• 1 publication (2 by the time I graduate)
• 2.5 years volunteering for a nonprofit
• 2 years working as Lead Rehab Tech in a PT clinic
• 2 years as a Volunteer Coordinator for a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit
• 1 year as a Director for the same 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit
• 1 year as a Workshop Facilitator for social justice dialogue on campus
• 1 year internship through Michigan Medicine implementing physical education programs in underrepresented communities
• 8 months working as a content creator on the POC column for the school newspaper
• 6 months volunteering for GOTR
• 3 months as a program instructor for a children's health and fitness summer camp
• Invited to present at a national research conference (TBD)

Letters of Rec: Lab director, volunteer mentor, clinic supervisor - want to confirm a couple more.

Interests: Health Behavior and Education, Community/Population Health, Health Policy. The goal is to get accepted into an MPH/MHA dual degree program, but I would be happy with just an MPH acceptance.

Main concerns: I am planning on submitting my apps after the priority deadlines for regular decision. So I will probably get everything submitted by mid to late January. I know this isn't ideal, but does anyone have any insight on how this might affect my acceptance?

Applied (all in progress): JHU, UMich, UNC, NYU, Harvard, Columbia
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Attending:

 

[FernandezUSA]

Hello friends, I wish you the best luck in getting your public health program of your dream. I posted here because I need your advice as a foreigner considering several options.

I'm a international student and was recently offered an admission into UNC, UCLA (Berkeley), UMICH. They differ slightly in their concentrations but I don't have any particular interest so far (I don't even remember what I picked haha), if anything I would prefer more broad/interdisciplinary education (e.g., UCLA offers that). Financial consideration is not a major concern since it will cost about the same more or less and I'm frugal 🙂

Personally, don't want Michigan. Location/community life - don't care much, East or West is fine.

I mostly can't decide between Berkeley and UNC. As judged by ranking, UNC MPH stands higher (actually very high, only JH is "better" pero I was not accepted there) but UCLA/Berkeley is the brand name that is hard to ignore (very prestigious school name on your resume). What are your thoughts? Any insider information about the quality of teaching in these two?

Would you choose Berkeley or UNC? Don't want Michigan.

THank you!

 

[Reggaemylitis]

An update: Accepted to JHU.

 

[livp]

Hi everyone! Seems like this thread is a little more quiet than last year's - maybe everyone's just a little less cooped up now 🙂

Undergraduate School/School type: Large public university in New England
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 3.66 (including some post-bacc courses)/3.87
Major/minor: Public Health Sciences, minor in Environmental Science
Grad GPA (if applicable): N/A
Grad studies (if applicable): N/A
GRE(including date taken): Not taking

Experience/research:
- 2 years as a full time research assistant on a well-known epidemiology study
- 1.5 years full time project coordinator in an office offering career development programs and resources for researchers
- 6 months as a Climate and Health intern at a non-profit
- 3 months as an undergraduate research assistant in the environmental health department
- 9 months as a peer advisor for the public health major at my school
- 2 publications

Letters of Rec: PI on the study I currently work on, supervisor (MD) from a previous full time job, undergrad professor I took two classes with

Interests: Environmental epidemiology, women's reproductive epidemiology, community engagement

Applied: Emory EH-EPI (11/18), UCLA Epi (11/18), UC Berkeley Epi/Bios (11/18), University of Washington Epi (11/28), University of Michigan Epi (11/18)
Accepted: UMich (12/22), Emory (1/10) + 25k and 12k REAL (2/17), UW (2/1), UC Berkeley (2/24) + 25k (3/18), UCLA (3/8)
Rejected: None
Waitlisted: None
Attending: UC Berkeley

 

[rap15]

Hello friends, I wish you the best luck in getting your public health program of your dream. I posted here because I need your advice as a foreigner considering several options.

I'm a international student and was recently offered an admission into UNC, UCLA (Berkeley), UMICH. They differ slightly in their concentrations but I don't have any particular interest so far (I don't even remember what I picked haha), if anything I would prefer more broad/interdisciplinary education (e.g., UCLA offers that). Financial consideration is not a major concern since it will cost about the same more or less and I'm frugal 🙂

Personally, don't want Michigan. Location/community life - don't care much, East or West is fine.

I mostly can't decide between Berkeley and UNC. As judged by ranking, UNC MPH stands higher (actually very high, only JH is "better" pero I was not accepted there) but UCLA/Berkeley is the brand name that is hard to ignore (very prestigious school name on your resume). What are your thoughts? Any insider information about the quality of teaching in these two?

Would you choose Berkeley or UNC? Don't want Michigan.

THank you!

They're both great schools, so I don't think you can go wrong. Chapel Hill area is going to be FAR more affordable to live than Los Angeles, and it will be easier to get around. I would choose UNC in a heartbeat over UCLA.

I am confused by what you mean with UCLA (Berkeley). UCLA is University of California, Los Angeles (southern California), but Berkeley is in Northern California. Do you mean UC Berkeley?

 

[rap15]

Main concerns: I am planning on submitting my apps after the priority deadlines for regular decision. So I will probably get everything submitted by mid to late January. I know this isn't ideal, but does anyone have any insight on how this might affect my acceptance?

I would be more concerned with how applying after the priority deadlines affects your chance for merit scholarships! Can you prioritize some applications to get them submitted by the priority deadlines?

 

[environmentalhopeful]

I'm having a lot of trouble figuring out what to put into my statement of purpose. Some schools, like Berkeley, also ask for a more personal statement, but I am wondering for other schools how much "personal" details we should put into our SOP? Like if we have experience from growing up that sort of made us have a personal connection to public health, should we include that? I have over 5 years of experience working in public health so I have plenty of material if I'm sticking strictly to educational/work experiences that made me want an MPH, but the overall why for I ever first entered the field at all is a bit more personal. I know for PhD programs and for other fields the SOP is supposed to be more strictly academic/work experience related but public health is just such a person-based field that I'm not sure if it's different. Any input from anyone?

 

[rap15]

I'm having a lot of trouble figuring out what to put into my statement of purpose. Some schools, like Berkeley, also ask for a more personal statement, but I am wondering for other schools how much "personal" details we should put into our SOP? Like if we have experience from growing up that sort of made us have a personal connection to public health, should we include that? I have over 5 years of experience working in public health so I have plenty of material if I'm sticking strictly to educational/work experiences that made me want an MPH, but the overall why for I ever first entered the field at all is a bit more personal. I know for PhD programs and for other fields the SOP is supposed to be more strictly academic/work experience related but public health is just such a person-based field that I'm not sure if it's different. Any input from anyone?

I think you should include it! My person statement focused on why I chose public health, and part of that was a really tough freshman year of college and discussing how once I found public health, I felt like I finally belonged at my school.

 

[seh2022]

Undergraduate School/School type: Large public R1 university in the west
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 4.0/4.0 had a previous undergraduate experience almost 15 years ago (didn't graduate... 3.02 GPA) SOPHAS averaged to 3.7 undergraduate with last 90 semester credits 4.0
Majors: 1. Global Health 2. Health Policy Minor: Sociology
Grad GPA (if applicable): N/A
Grad studies (if applicable): N/A
GRE(including date taken): N/A

Experience/research:
IVD infectious disease regulatory affairs- 4 months (current career)
Paramedic- 6 years- held leadership role
EMT- 5 years
Wilderness medical instructor- 2 years
Biology teaching assistant/tutor for university- 2 years
Mental health tech- 2 years

Volunteer:
Patient tech at free clinic- 1 year
Science Instructor K-5- 1 year
Event Coordinator for non-profit- 2 years
EMT for events (races, mountain rescue, concerts, etc)- 4 years

Letters of Rec:
1 professor, 1 manager at my current job, 1 previous supervisor/paramedic instructor

Interests:
Infectious disease, epidemiology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, IVD, regulatory affairs
I'm interested in continuing to work in the private sector in biotech and would like the epidemiological background to become more educated on analyzing product patient safety and efficacy data.

Applied (Date Verified): Harvard MPH-EPI (11/5), Emory EMPH- Applied EPI (11/5), Yale EMPH (11/12) under review 11/23, Dartmouth (11/20) under review 11/30, Columbia MS-EPI (11/23)
Accepted: Yale 1/5 (+$), Emory 1/10 (+$$), Dartmouth 1/14 (+$), Harvard 1/20 (+$$), Columbia
Rejected: None
Waitlisted: None
Attending: Harvard

I am unfortunately unable to relocate for school due to my career, husband's career, small children, and family support. I'm only applying to online or hybrid programs.

 

[Reggaemylitis]

Undergraduate School/School type: Large public R1 university in the west
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 4.0/4.0 had a previous undergraduate experience almost 15 years ago (didn't graduate... 3.02 GPA) averaged to 3.7 undergraduate with last 90 semester credits 4.0
Majors: 1. Global Health 2. Health Policy Minor: Sociology
Grad GPA (if applicable): N/A
Grad studies (if applicable): N/A
GRE(including date taken): N/A

Experience/research:
IVD infectious disease regulatory affairs- 4 months (current career)
Paramedic- 6 years- held leadership role
EMT- 3 years
Wilderness medical instructor- 2 years
Biology teaching assistant/tutor for university- 2 years
Mental health tech- 2 years

Volunteer:
Patient tech at free clinic- 1 year
Science Instructor K-5- 1 year
Event Coordinator for non-profit- 2 years
EMT for events (races, mountain rescue, concerts, etc)- 4 years

Letters of Rec:
1 professor
1 manager at my current job
1 previous supervisor/paramedic instructor

Interests:
Infectious disease, epidemiology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, IVD, disaster preparedness
I'm interested in continuing work in the private sector in biotech and would like the epidemiological background to become more educated on analyzing product patient safety and efficacy data.

Applied: Harvard- MPH-EPI (10/28), all other school apps in progress- sending 11/8: BU- EMPH, JHSPH- Part-Time MPH, Yale EMPH, Columbia MS-EPI, Emory- EMPH- Applied EPI, U of Michigan MPH, U of Colorado MPH
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Attending:

I am unfortunately unable to relocate for school due to my career, husband's career, small children, and family support. I'm only applying to online or hybrid programs besides my local program.

I am unsure if I should apply to more programs or stick to my current list. (I know that I lack confidence but I also know how competitive graduate programs can be, so I'm trying to figure out the balance of too many vs too few/too competitive programs.) I would need a fairly decent financial aid package to make school possible. Are there any other programs I should be looking at that I haven't seen yet?

I honestly think your choices of schools are fine! Don't doubt yourself, you very qualified individual for any of these programs!

 

[indybindyjones]

An update: Accepted to JHU.

Congratulations! Would you mind sharing when you applied? And if it was the full time or online/part-time program?

 

[irresistibilis22]

Hello everyone! 🙂 Could someone please advise me? I am not sure about my research experience 🤔 Do the research papers (like unpublished narrative reviews) I did while in graduate school count?

And did someone have a problem with choosing categories when entering transcripts in SOPHAS? For example, I had a class about cardiovascular diseases and the role of nutrition in their management. Also, I had a similar class about diseases/disorders of the gastrointestinal system. But SOPHAS doesn't seem to have any suitable categories.

 

[Reggaemylitis]

Congratulations! Would you mind sharing when you applied? And if it was the full time or online/part-time program?

Thank you! I applied at the mid of September and got accepted in 2nd week of October. I'm doing it part time. Hoping to get the Bloomberg Fellowship!

 

[FernandezUSA]

They're both great schools, so I don't think you can go wrong. Chapel Hill area is going to be FAR more affordable to live than Los Angeles, and it will be easier to get around. I would choose UNC in a heartbeat over UCLA.

I am confused by what you mean with UCLA (Berkeley). UCLA is University of California, Los Angeles (southern California), but Berkeley is in Northern California. Do you mean UC Berkeley?

Yes sir. I actually meant UC Berkeley. Sorry for this confusion. I didn't realize UC has many campuses. Doing some google research I'm now inclined toward Berkeley over Chapel Hill. What do you think??

 

[rap15]

Yes sir. I actually meant UC Berkeley. Sorry for this confusion. I didn't realize UC has many campuses. Doing some google research I'm now inclined toward Berkeley over Chapel Hill. What do you think??

Location wise and living expense wise, Chapel Hill is still way more affordable than Berkeley! But if you want to live in California, then go for Berkeley!

 

[hwagon]

Hello everyone! 🙂 Could someone please advise me? I am not sure about my research experience 🤔 Do the research papers (like unpublished narrative reviews) I did while in graduate school count?

And did someone have a problem with choosing categories when entering transcripts in SOPHAS? For example, I had a class about cardiovascular diseases and the role of nutrition in their management. Also, I had a similar class about diseases/disorders of the gastrointestinal system. But SOPHAS doesn't seem to have any suitable categories.

I can't speak to the research aspect, but as far as choosing the categories for SOPHAS, I wouldn't stress about it too much. I was also having trouble picking mine, but SOPHAS will make changes as they see fit when verifying your application. I just had mine verified, and noticed that a couple categories were changed during that process. I would just choose whatever you feel is the closest, especially if a key word in the course name or prefix may correspond with one of the categories available. So maybe Nutrition for your first class about cardiovascular disease? If you are really worried about it, you can always reach out to SOPHAS as well, I've found them to be pretty responsive. Hope that helps!

 

[livp]

Undergraduate School/School type: Large public R1 university in the west
Undergrad GPA/Major GPA: 4.0/4.0 had a previous undergraduate experience almost 15 years ago (didn't graduate... 3.02 GPA) averaged to 3.7 undergraduate with last 90 semester credits 4.0
Majors: 1. Global Health 2. Health Policy Minor: Sociology
Grad GPA (if applicable): N/A
Grad studies (if applicable): N/A
GRE(including date taken): N/A

Experience/research:
IVD infectious disease regulatory affairs- 4 months (current career)
Paramedic- 6 years- held leadership role
EMT- 3 years
Wilderness medical instructor- 2 years
Biology teaching assistant/tutor for university- 2 years
Mental health tech- 2 years

Volunteer:
Patient tech at free clinic- 1 year
Science Instructor K-5- 1 year
Event Coordinator for non-profit- 2 years
EMT for events (races, mountain rescue, concerts, etc)- 4 years

Letters of Rec:
1 professor
1 manager at my current job
1 previous supervisor/paramedic instructor

Interests:
Infectious disease, epidemiology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, IVD, disaster preparedness
I'm interested in continuing work in the private sector in biotech and would like the epidemiological background to become more educated on analyzing product patient safety and efficacy data.

Applied (Date Verified): Harvard- MPH-EPI (11/5), Emory- EMPH- Applied EPI (11/5), BU- EMPH (11/7), all other apps in progress: JHSPH- Part-Time MPH, Yale EMPH, Columbia MS-EPI, U of Michigan MPH, U of Colorado MPH
Accepted:
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Attending:

I am unfortunately unable to relocate for school due to my career, husband's career, small children, and family support. I'm only applying to online or hybrid programs besides my local program.

I am unsure if I should apply to more programs or stick to my current list. (I know that I lack confidence but I also know how competitive graduate programs can be, so I'm trying to figure out the balance of too many vs too few/too competitive programs.) I would need a fairly decent financial aid package to make school possible. Are there any other programs I should be looking at that I haven't seen yet?

You seem like a super strong applicant! I know GWU has an online Epi program, which could be considered more on the "safe side" for you if that's what you're looking to add to your list.

If you don't mind, how long did it take your applications to get verified? I just submitted my first app and in the confirmation email, they said we should submit application 4 weeks before our earliest deadline (which is pretty useless to say in the submission confirmation email...) so now I'm a little paranoid about my Dec 1 deadlines.

Good luck on the rest of your apps!

 

[han.scott13]

You seem like a super strong applicant! I know GWU has an online Epi program, which could be considered more on the "safe side" for you if that's what you're looking to add to your list.

If you don't mind, how long did it take your applications to get verified? I just submitted my first app and in the confirmation email, they said we should submit application 4 weeks before our earliest deadline (which is pretty useless to say in the submission confirmation email...) so now I'm a little paranoid about my Dec 1 deadlines.

Good luck on the rest of your apps!

I know this question wasn't directed at me, but mine were verified in about 24 hours or so (it might've been less honestly). Good luck with applications!

 

[irresistibilis22]

I can't speak to the research aspect, but as far as choosing the categories for SOPHAS, I wouldn't stress about it too much. I was also having trouble picking mine, but SOPHAS will make changes as they see fit when verifying your application. I just had mine verified, and noticed that a couple categories were changed during that process. I would just choose whatever you feel is the closest, especially if a key word in the course name or prefix may correspond with one of the categories available. So maybe Nutrition for your first class about cardiovascular disease? If you are really worried about it, you can always reach out to SOPHAS as well, I've found them to be pretty responsive. Hope that helps!

Thank you very much! 🙂

 

[Applicant-01]

How long did it take people to hear back from their MPH Unis?

 

[Applicant-01]

Yay for a new year of application round~!
I'll be starting my MPH journey at Yale this fall. Happy to answer questions as well. 🙂

That's amazing!! Did it only take 5 days for JHU to get back to you?!
I have applied there and have so much anxiety waiting. I was wondering what type of time frame I should be looking at for a response from JHU and Yale?

 

[Applicant-01]

An update: Accepted to JHU.

Congratulations!!
When did you apply and get accepted?

 

[ilovedogs322]

My application for the Univerity of Maryland MPH in Epidemiology was placed under review today. I was not sure if people knew how long it would be until I expected a response.

 

[rap15]

My application for the Univerity of Maryland MPH in Epidemiology was placed under review today. I was not sure if people knew how long it would be until I expected a response.

Granted, this was 2 years ago, but it took me exactly 3 months to hear back from Maryland (applied 11/20/19 and got accepted 2/20/20).

 

[han.scott13]

My application for the Univerity of Maryland MPH in Epidemiology was placed under review today. I was not sure if people knew how long it would be until I expected a response.

Mine for Health Policy has been under review since 9/15. I am pretty sure they said at an admissions event that they do not release decisions until after the priority deadline.