suggestions for phd apps?

[mph2009]

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I know this is an MPH forum, but I'm a little desperate for information. I'm finishing up my JD and MPH degrees in 2009. After 2 years of law school, I realized that public health is where it's at for me. My "dream" school is University of Washington. I took the GRE in a hurry (summer before law school started) and got 560-V 700-Q. My GPA for both UG and Grad. are good. A lot of schools I've looked at post averages, but nothing specific for PhD programs. Does anyone know how important GRE scores are for PhD admissions? What should I focus on the most in terms of my application? I want to apply to the Health Services research program.

Thanks for any advice you have to offer.

 

[namazu]

I know this is an MPH forum, but I'm a little desperate for information. I'm finishing up my JD and MPH degrees in 2009. After 2 years of law school, I realized that public health is where it's at for me. My "dream" school is University of Washington. I took the GRE in a hurry (summer before law school started) and got 560-V 700-Q. My GPA for both UG and Grad. are good. A lot of schools I've looked at post averages, but nothing specific for PhD programs. Does anyone know how important GRE scores are for PhD admissions? What should I focus on the most in terms of my application? I want to apply to the Health Services research program.

Thanks for any advice you have to offer.

With a JD and an MPH already completed, GRE scores will matter less than they would for someone coming straight out of undergrad, and it sounds like yours are OK.

- Focus most of your attention on the personal statement - it's the thing over which you have the most control, and many admissions committees in public health see it as the most important part of the application. Use it to show the admissions committee what you plan to do with a PhD, how your background in law and your other experiences led to your interest in heath services research, and how your interests fit with UW's program.

- Choose your recommenders wisely - people who can comment on your strengths as a scholar and as a person, and not just say you got an "A" in their 350-person lectures.

Good luck!

 

[mph2009]

With a JD and an MPH already completed, GRE scores will matter less than they would for someone coming straight out of undergrad, and it sounds like yours are OK.

- Focus most of your attention on the personal statement - it's the thing over which you have the most control, and many admissions committees in public health see it as the most important part of the application. Use it to show the admissions committee what you plan to do with a PhD, how your background in law and your other experiences led to your interest in heath services research, and how your interests fit with UW's program.

- Choose your recommenders wisely - people who can comment on your strengths as a scholar and as a person, and not just say you got an "A" in their 350-person lectures.

Good luck!

Thanks for your advice. I do have a few profs who would write great recommendations. In your opinion, is it okay to get a recommendation from one prof. at the law school and from one at the grad school? I'm just not sure how they view these things. On one hand I want them to be relevant, but on the other, I don't want my app. to seem lopsided.