Continuing the thread--
In addition to some MD/PhD, and MPH programs, I have also applied to straight PhD programs in public health related fields:
PhD-UMASS Amherst SPHHS, Environmental Health
PhD-Duke, Environmental Health / Toxicology
PhD-Cornell, Toxicology
Most of these programs, while varying anywhere between deadlines of Dec 15-Feb 1, when speaking to their administrative assistants, I found out that they don't really start forming adcoms and reviewing apps till mid Jan/ Feb. Most people hear within a month or so after they begin their reviews. This is generally the case for the three above schools and programs. Obviously, others will differ. On average these programs are quite competitive, with admission rates ranging from 20 ~5 %. Depending on the program. This is fairly typical for most PhD programs.
For most of these programs, while admission rates represent official admission by the graduate school, this does not necessarily correlate to matriculation. This is particularly the case, since finding professors that interest you, and professors who have funding and are accepting new students in to the labs is probably more important and more difficult than actually getting official acceptance by the graduate school. I mean, as an example, I have a friend who applied to Duke. He was accepted there. But, since he could not work out funding and find a professor with whom he could do his work, he didn't actually matriculate. So...keep these things at the forefront. My guess is that one should be proactive by contacting profs ahead of time, visiting the schools while adcoms are being formed, talking to various profs and students at various departments, and making some personal connections with people who will fight on your behalf when your app appears in front of the adcom.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Is anybody applying to any doctoral programs at YSPH/ JHSPH/ GW SPHHS ?
Good luck to everyone!!!
). 
