UC Berkeley MPH? Anyone?

[dancingdoctor13]

Anyone in this forum considering/pursuing/admitted to the MPH program at Cal? If so, can I have you suggestions/thoughts about how to make my application look stellar. I have a good GPA and GRE scores, i guess i'm more concerned about what i can change at this point (essay, extra-curricul, work experience,? etc) what do you like to see in applicants? Thank you!

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[misz DV]

Hi dancingdoctor13,

I got into Cal's MPH program in infectious diseases and I can't wait to start. While I was making my decision on where to go, I went to visit and spoke to the student advisor for the program with my cousins. What she told me is that they really look at whether everything you have done fits into the program. If I could pinpoint one thing it would be the personal statement - make sure to write how your past and future fits into the program you're applying to. You want to show them how you'll benefit from the program as well as how you'll contribute to it.

Good luck with applying! I'm sure you'll do wonderfully 🙂

 

[marcellabella21]

I am applying this coming fall to Berkeley. It’s my top choice not just because I already live in Berkeley but because I love the program. Considering I haven’t even been admitted yet (or taken the GRE for that matter). Take my comments for what they are worth:

First I should say: get to know professors! As a part of my internship’s academic seminar at San Francisco State University this semester I had to conduct professional interviews with people in my field of interest so I interviewed and talked to UC Berkeley professors. This was so helpful because not only did I get to have the professors know who I am but I got to learn more about the different programs and where I felt like I fit in best. What program are you considering?

Second, the thing I love about UC Berkeley is that separate from the personal statement essay is a personal history essay. More info here:

http://sph.berkeley.edu/students/admissions/5_essays.php

You really get a chance to highlight your specialness even more! UC Berkeley actually cares about people’s pasts and minorities and making sure they have a diverse student body. I really love that. I’m not saying that if you’re a white male Ivy League graduate that you aren’t worth anything (because obviously you are) but they care about persons of color or first in their family to graduate college. For information about their diversity statement click this link:

http://sph.berkeley.edu/students/diversity/index.php

Abby Rincon is the director for diversity. I obviously don’t know your past but if you are a part of some underrepresented minority group: CONTACT HER! She gives advising and serves as a sort of person who recruits students!

Third, assuming you have a decent GPA/GRE make sure you have SOME relevant experience related to the field of public health. You need to make sure you application doesn’t just highlight one thing. Like just your grades or just your experience but holistic view of everything in one nice package. Your statement of purpose/personal history essays are your opportunity to sell yourself, so do it!

With that being said, you’ll be fine. You already on this forum ;-). People reading applications see who has done their research about the program, what applicants have asked questions (like you’re doing now) and actually tried hard to get in. Know about UC Berkeley, about their resources, about public health in general! It is very obvious to see a student who is interested and who is not. So be interested and informed!

By the way, what are your stats??