questions about the MPH application process

[milosavljevic]

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Hello,

I apologize if this topic has already been discussed.

I am a prospective applicant to MPH schools/programs for the Fall 2011. Although the deadlines vary between schools, I have a few questions regarding the December 1st, 2010 deadline that seems to be one of the earliest deadlines for MPH programs. I am going to use the example of UCLA because that is one school with the December 1st, 2010 deadline.

Under the FAQs section of the website, there is a question that states "I have submitted my application before the deadline, however I have not taken the GRE test yet. Does that mean that mean I have met the deadline?" The answer is that "Keep in mind, you might have met the deadline, however, we cannot submit incomplete applications for review."

I was planning on taking the GRE in the beginning or middle of November, however I am concerned that this might mean that I will not meet the December 1st deadline.

If I understand correctly, one of the requirements for some schools is to submit a Fall 2011 online application through SOPHAS. On the SOPHAS website, it says that once SOPHAS has received my completed application and credentials, it may take up to four weeks to verify and deliver my application to my choice of accredited schools.

On the SOPHAS website, it also says that most schools have their GRE scores forwarded to SOPHAS, but the GRE scores must originally be sent to the schools. Can anyone please clarify this?

Here are my concerns:

-If I take the GRE at the beginning or middle of November, do I have to wait for my GRE score to be sent to both the school and to SOPHAS? Does anyone know how long that could potentially take (both to get the score back and for the score to be sent to the school/SOPHAS)?
-I believe it is allowed to submit the SOPHAS application before taking the GRE, but I am not sure how that affects the timeline of approximately 4 weeks for SOPHAS to deliver the application to the school.
-Would I be able to meet the December 1st deadline due to taking the GRE exam in November? Or am I already really behind everyone else because I haven't taken my GRE?

I apologize if this is confusing. I have tried to ask my academic counseling office for advice, but they suggested that I look elsewhere for answers regarding graduate school admissions.

Thanks for any help in advance.

 

[Epi2013]

I'm not sure how much this is going to help you, but here is what I know based on what others have told me and what SOPHAS says: If the deadline is December 1st and it takes SOPHAS 4 weeks to process your stuff, you need to submit your application by November 1st; however, I don't think they will send your application until after they get your GRE score, which means that it will take who knows how long after that for them to actually send it out. That doesn't sound that bad, but your GRE score could take a while to get there. I didn't receive my score until about 3 weeks after I took it (official score that is). So I would suggest that you take the GRE in early to midOctober if possible. I know that greatly reduces your amount of study time. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask or send me a message. Someone who knows more than I do might give you a better answer on when to take the test though.

 

[JMM051]

Actually Epi, that's not entirely correct. While it does depend on the schools on what "exactly" constitutes on time submission most want it submitted to SOPHAS by that date (ie Dec 1st). As per the SOPHAS website "Yes, you should e-submit as soon as you have completed your application. Do not wait for letters of recommendation, official test scores or transcripts to arrive. E-submitting as early as you are able will expedite the processing of your application. However, once submitted no additional changes can be made (although you may add additional designations."

As I recall from last year GRE scores actually get to the schools a little faster then you receive them. Also, your app will be processed a lot faster with an early Nov. submission. Late Nov/Early Dec starts backing up. Once the schools get your GRE some do forward to SOPHAS (you'll want to watch SOPHAS as sometimes they don't post them to your acct. in a timely fashion). Also keep in mind some schools receive their apps from SOPHAS electronically while others send them via mail.


The moral of the story is this: If you have your app. ready in early November, submit it. Your GRE scores will match up to them in time, don't stress about it. You can always contact UCLA or others schools to verify their exact policies. Keep in mind while you may be submitting these early (especially compared to some other schools deadlines) The UC's tend to send out late acceptances (compared to some other schools so try not to worry about the long wait-its an annual thing. If you have any questions feel free to PM me!

 

[Epi2013]

JMM is right. Most schools will look at on time as being when you click submit on SOPHAS, but you might want to check to make sure that none of your schools are of the type that want it "in hand" by the deadline. 🙂 Good luck!

 

[milosavljevic]

It seems like the best option is to have my application ready and submitted in early November, and wait for my GRE scores to match up to the application in time. I will also try contacting schools to verify their exact policies.

Thank you so much for the information, I really appreciate it.

 

[swak]

UCLA looks at the date you e-submit, so as long as you e-submit to SOPHAS before December 1st, you're fine. last year I e-submitted my application to UCLA on thanksgiving weekend, but I dont think that is was sent from SOPHAS till around Christmas time. My application was still considered to be on time though.

UCLA looks at your official GRE score from ETS, so it really doesn't matter when SOPHAS gets it. I took the GRE on November 13th last year, and I was fine in terms of my UCLA and Berkeley applications. My advise to you is to take it as early as you can though so you don't have to worry about it. November was extremely stressful for me last year as I was finishing all my applications!

Hope that helps!

 

[milosavljevic]

I am scheduled to take the GRE on Saturday, November 13th, and am currently in the process of completing my SOPHAS application, collecting official transcripts, and requesting letters of recommendation. I am hoping to submit all my materials as soon as possible, as I know that it is best to have a buffer time before the actual deadline.

Thank you so much for your help!