Need input on non-top 10 MPH programs

[christinet]

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I applied to a handful of MPH programs not in the top 10 MPH programs due to my low GPA. I was wondering if anyone had some input on the reputation/quality of these schools:

West Chester University, Touro University, CSU Fullerton, Mercer University, Armstrong Atlantic University, Meharry Medical College.

Thank you!

* So far, I've been accepted to Mercer and Armstrong Atlantic. Still waiting on the rest.

 

[MPHdestiny]

I applied to a handful of MPH programs not in the top 10 MPH programs due to my low GPA. I was wondering if anyone had some input on the reputation/quality of these schools:

West Chester University, Touro University, CSU Fullerton, Mercer University, Armstrong Atlantic University, Meharry Medical College.

Thank you!

* So far, I've been accepted to Mercer and Armstrong Atlantic. Still waiting on the rest.

Hey Christinet,

I am also pursuing a MPH/MSPH. currently in GA, but I applied to 7 programs. Meharry, Georgia State, UGA, USF, Morgan State, Morehouse School of Medicine, an Tuskegee University.
Still waiting on replies from all though. Morehouse School of Medicine has a really good program, and I imagine Meharry does as well. I have a few friends in the one in Mercer, only heard good things. Haven't heard to much about Armstrong.
Do you know any about the process at Meharry? I've been trying to research acceptance rates, etc, but its hard to find info other than the school website.

I wish you the best of luck, and sure you will make the best choice. 🙂

 

[MarcB]

A possible suggestion -- Do some research on the various schools, including programs, costs, location, etc.. I think the key is to find the "best school for you" rather than simply "the best school". I think what you do and how you do it is far more important these days than where you go. Building up connections, networking, and a thick rolodex may actually take you further than
a somewhat higher ranked school. The real world cares about the present and future rather than the
past. Best of luck.

 

[christinet]

Hey Christinet,

I am also pursuing a MPH/MSPH. currently in GA, but I applied to 7 programs. Meharry, Georgia State, UGA, USF, Morgan State, Morehouse School of Medicine, an Tuskegee University.
Still waiting on replies from all though. Morehouse School of Medicine has a really good program, and I imagine Meharry does as well. I have a few friends in the one in Mercer, only heard good things. Haven't heard to much about Armstrong.
Do you know any about the process at Meharry? I've been trying to research acceptance rates, etc, but its hard to find info other than the school website.

I wish you the best of luck, and sure you will make the best choice. 🙂

Oh ok great, thanks so much for your post! After the extensive research I've done on both programs' websites, I'm kind of leaning towards Mercer right now. In regards to Meharry, I'm not too sure about their acceptance rates. Good luck to you as well!

Also, what do you think/know of Macon, Georgia (Mercer campus)? I'm from California so I don't really know the area. I'll most likely visit soon but just wondering 🙂

 

[christinet]

A possible suggestion -- Do some research on the various schools, including programs, costs, location, etc.. I think the key is to find the "best school for you" rather than simply "the best school". I think what you do and how you do it is far more important these days than where you go. Building up connections, networking, and a thick rolodex may actually take you further than
a somewhat higher ranked school. The real world cares about the present and future rather than the
past. Best of luck.

Thanks your your insight, I greatly appreciate it. I'll definitely keep the points you brought up when making my decision!

 

[MPHDetermined]

Hello Christnet!
I am from California too, and I am current choosing MPH programs to apply to, I am applying to Mercer as well. I am concerned because of my low gpa too, so I was wondering if you knew of any other schools, I can apply to. Because I dont want to aim to high, if you could please give any advice that would be so helpful! thanks

 

[MsMPH12]

I'm not sure about those programs, but you still have time to apply to some MPH schools. My GPA was low, but I was accepted into every MPH school i applied to. So you might want to try UAB, UGA, and other schools with late deadlines. Just a friendly suggestion.

 

[MPHDetermined]

Thank you so much! This was truly helpful.
Also, If you do not mind me asking, which schools did you apply to? And Yes I am taking the GRE in three weeks, and then I will finish applying. I will definitely look into these schools you have listed as well. Also, I was wondering, should I address my gpa in my statement of purpose? I am not sure to go about addressing it within in my application
Thank you for your help

 

[MsMPH12]

I applied to a lot of schools: U of M, Emory, GWU, UMinn, UGA, UAB, UIC, UPitt, UTHouston, UVa, and got into all of them. You can PM me for more details if you like. But they look at your whole application, as well as compensating factors, so don't throw in the towel just yet.

 

[MPHDetermined]

Oh okay! wow wonderful schools, congratulations on your acceptances.
And yes, I will PM you for more details, and thank you for the words of encouragement.

 

[researchnerd]

I applied to a handful of MPH programs not in the top 10 MPH programs due to my low GPA. I was wondering if anyone had some input on the reputation/quality of these schools:

West Chester University, Touro University, CSU Fullerton, Mercer University, Armstrong Atlantic University, Meharry Medical College.

Thank you!

* So far, I've been accepted to Mercer and Armstrong Atlantic. Still waiting on the rest.

I would say don't choose lower ranking schools because you don't think you will get into the "better" or "well-known" schools. I had a low GPA as well (barely a 3.1) but I had pretty decent GRE scores, 4 years of academic clinical trial research btwn GWU and JHU, fantastic LORs from my research team faculty, and a really great SOP. Now I'm deciding between Drexel's and UAB's epi programs!

I really think schools are looking at the whole package these days and what you can bring to their department. Also, what connections you will bring to their department. I've learned public health and research is all about networking, who you know, and who you've worked with.

Some people eat and breathe the GRE and did nothing in undergrad but live in the library... that wasn't me. But that does not mean I wont be a great public health student. And you will be too!