UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health 2014

[mystal]

Thought I'd start a discussion forum for UNC! Who else has applied? I received an online acceptance. Pretty excited about UNC! 🙂

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[WantAnMPH]

I'm in the PhD Epi program. About 95% decided I'll attend and will make my final decision after talking with my assigned advisor next week.

Thought I'd start a discussion forum for UNC! Who else has applied? I received an online acceptance and am still waiting on a departmental email. Pretty excited about UNC! 🙂

 

[mystal]

I'm in the PhD Epi program. About 95% decided I'll attend and will make my final decision after talking with my assigned advisor next week.

Congrats! Did they assign you the adviser or did you choose? Have you visited? I'm thinking about visiting this weekend, but I'm not sure the school will be open during the weekend. Still would be nice to see Chapel Hill.

 

[Etude]

I applied to UNC's MCH department, and am scheduled for an interview with a faculty member. Are there any current or past MCHers out there (or Gillings students in general) who would be willing to share their experiences/opinions of the school? So far, I have heard only raves about UNC—are there any drawbacks?

 

[DrRayden]

Yeah, me too.
Is there anyone out there who has interviewed with UNC- MCH department?. Mine is coming up next week. So far, I've been able to look up the faculty member who will interview me and looked at recent updates in the departments page.
I don't know what else to do.

 

[WantAnMPH]

Edited

 

[PopMart]

Thought I'd start a discussion forum for UNC! Who else has applied? I received an online acceptance and am still waiting on a departmental email. Pretty excited about UNC! 🙂

What do you mean by "online acceptance"? Are you referring to the ApplyYourself site? If so, where do you see a decision?

My application was complete as of 12/13 and I am freaking out. I only applied to two schools and haven't heard back from either (yet)!!!

 

[WantAnMPH]

Edited

 

[plewis05]

Just to make sure, we only had to submit unofficial transcripts during the application process, correct? Back in December, I remember reading that official transcripts are only necessary once we are accepted to the program - HBHE in my case.

Could someone verify this? I'd hate to have my decision delayed because of a detail I previously overlooked.

Thanks!

 

[waystinthyme]

Just to make sure, we only had to submit unofficial transcripts during the application process, correct? Back in December, I remember reading that official transcripts are only necessary once we are accepted to the program - HBHE in my case.

Could someone verify this? I'd hate to have my decision delayed because of a detail I previously overlooked.

Thanks!

yes, this is correct.

i'm a current student in the HPM department...if anyone has questions about gillings, chapel hill or HPM feel free to ask here or PM me.

-waystinthyme

 

[zxcv0]

I'm pretty sure I'll be going to UNC for PhD in Epi 🙂
Accepted on 1/27, advisor has been assigned also.

I haven't seen many post about UNC here.. but heard good things only about the school too.
I wish to attend the visit day, but I'm coming from Asia so it's unlikely.. still, very excited!

 

[spring6723]

Hey fellow possible Tar Heels!

I had a phone interview with the MCH dept last week - afterwards, they told me that my admission has been recommended to the grad school! Hurray! I'm still feeling antsy about getting the official letter (they said it would follow soon, but that the school might be kinda slow about it) just because I want to be able to know 100%, but I'm still super super pumped about it. UNC is my top choice, so pending that formality of a letter, I'll be there in the fall!!

As for my interview, it was super low-key, just mainly "tell me about yourself", "why do you want to do public health?", "what are your main MCH interests?", etc. Nothing scary or tricky, just a little to get to know you.

Chapel Hill is a fantastic place to live - very friendly and chill. I have quite a few friends who went there for undergrad and they're all jealous that I'm going to get to spend some time there.

Added: I forgot to mention that I'm in the MPH program and my stats are in my first post on the site.

 

[PopMart]

Yeah it's on the ApplyYourself site. On the main page scroll down and there's a new link at the bottom to your letter. I got an email from the department congratulating me and giving me logistical info (including an advisor) about 24 hours before it posted on ApplyYourself.

Thanks, and congrats!

 

[CambioElMundo]

What do you mean by "online acceptance"? Are you referring to the ApplyYourself site? If so, where do you see a decision?

My application was complete as of 12/13 and I am freaking out. I only applied to two schools and haven't heard back from either (yet)!!!

Hi!

We are in the same situation! Where did you apply and what program?


All other accepted people CONGRATS!!! Have any of you heard about funding? That is a concern for me! Thank you

 

[mystal]

I applied in the end of November and just heard back a few days ago, and I have heard that UNC take a while to get back to people sometimes, so I wouldn't worry about it too much!

Good luck to you and everyone else who is waiting to hear back, and congrats to all who have been accepted! It's great to hear from so many possible Tar Heels!

 

[mikan]

Hey fellow possible Tar Heels!

I had a phone interview with the MCH dept last week - afterwards, they told me that my admission has been recommended to the grad school! Hurray! I'm still feeling antsy about getting the official letter (they said it would follow soon, but that the school might be kinda slow about it) just because I want to be able to know 100%, but I'm still super super pumped about it. UNC is my top choice, so pending that formality of a letter, I'll be there in the fall!!

As for my interview, it was super low-key, just mainly "tell me about yourself", "why do you want to do public health?", "what are your main MCH interests?", etc. Nothing scary or tricky, just a little to get to know you.

Chapel Hill is a fantastic place to live - very friendly and chill. I have quite a few friends who went there for undergrad and they're all jealous that I'm going to get to spend some time there.

Added: I forgot to mention that I'm in the MPH program and my stats are in my first post on the site.

spring6723: Thank you so much for your sharing! I am having my phone interview next week and am worrying myself to death!

DrRayden and Etude: Good luck to us! *sending positive vibes over*

mystal: Many congrats! And I'm glad that you started this thread because i don't see many people discussing about UNC in this forum.

zxcv0: Congrats! Which part of Asia are you coming from? I am also an international student. Pulling all my application materials together has been quite a process!

 

[PopMart]

Hi!

We are in the same situation! Where did you apply and what program?

I applied to UNC for Nutrition Epi (PhD) and USC (South Carolina) for HPEB (PhD).

 

[Etude]

As for my interview, it was super low-key, just mainly "tell me about yourself", "why do you want to do public health?", "what are your main MCH interests?", etc. Nothing scary or tricky, just a little to get to know you.

I had my interview this past week, and it was very much like spring6723 has described. It felt like an opportunity for my interviewer to get to know me and my interests a bit better, and for me to get in-depth answers to my questions about the MCH program. My interviewer was friendly and easy to talk to, and I felt very comfortable overall. The conversation lasted about half an hour.

For those of you who have interviewed in the past: How long was it until you received an official decision?

 

[mystal]

I visited on a Saturday. There was no one around, but my friend who goes to UNC let me into the public health building and I just meandered and got excited when I saw names on doors that I recognized. 😛 The school looks really nice--there's an atrium at the center that's like an indoor courtyard, and there are three buildings that are connected together. There's a library for health sciences across the street. Chapel Hill was pretty even though it was rainy--hilly and forested, and Franklin street seemed to have lots of great eateries. Frozen yogurt and Krispy Kreme! Yay!

 

[spring6723]

I had my interview this past week, and it was very much like spring6723 has described. It felt like an opportunity for my interviewer to get to know me and my interests a bit better, and for me to get in-depth answers to my questions about the MCH program. My interviewer was friendly and easy to talk to, and I felt very comfortable overall. The conversation lasted about half an hour.

For those of you who have interviewed in the past: How long was it until you received an official decision?

Did they tell you that you are "recommended for admission" at your interview? It's been about a week and a half since I heard that and no official letter yet. Soon I hope! 🙂

 

[mikan]

Did they tell you that you are "recommended for admission" at your interview? It's been about a week and a half since I heard that and no official letter yet. Soon I hope! 🙂

Hi spring6723, I just had my phone interview and was told that the official acceptance would be sent out within 2 weeks' time (after the phone interview). If not, you could check with the MCH Student Services Manager directly. Hope this helps!

 

[Etude]

Did they tell you that you are "recommended for admission" at your interview? It's been about a week and a half since I heard that and no official letter yet. Soon I hope! 🙂

spring6723, I wish they had, because I would be in a lot less suspense right now. What my interviewer did say was that I seemed to be a "good fit" for the school. I am hoping for the best!

 

[Etude]

Just wanted to let everyone know that my acceptance came a week and a half after the interview, so mikan's time frame seems to be accurate.

 

[spring6723]

Just wanted to let everyone know that my acceptance came a week and a half after the interview, so mikan's time frame seems to be accurate.

My acceptance from the MCH dept was about 3 weeks after the interview... a little long, but all is forgiven now that I'm in 🙂

 

[mikan]

My acceptance from the MCH dept was about 3 weeks after the interview... a little long, but all is forgiven now that I'm in 🙂

spring6723 and Etude, i am so happy for us!!!!!!

here's my timeline:
- submission of online application: 10 jan
- email invitation for phone interview: 26jan
- actual phone interview: 6feb
- official acceptance (email linking to online application system): 14feb

 

[mystal]

So who all's going to admitted students day on March 23rd?

I am! 😀

 

[snw730]

I am!!!!! 🙂

 

[Etude]

I so much wish that I could be there next month, but it is not possible. I hope that those of you who do attend will post your experiences and impressions on this thread.

 

[442797]

So I received an email today about an interview in March and I'm so excited! Is anyone else in this predicament? It kinda sucks that we have to travel and lodge at our own expense with no guarantee of an acceptance but I guess it's what we have to do to prove we want to attend there. haha Does anyone know if most people get accepted or not after the interview? If so, how long did it take to receive a letter?

If anyone else is going in March, feel free to pm me if you are looking for someone to share lodging and travel expenses.

If any current students are in this program, please share your experiences about the MHA program! Thanks a bunch!

 

[Etude]

Dystopia1984, I just sent you a message.

 

[mystal]

Good luck on your interview, Dystopia! I'm sure you could ask the program coordinator if they could set you up with a student who would be willing to host you!

 

[442797]

Good luck on your interview, Dystopia! I'm sure you could ask the program coordinator if they could set you up with a student who would be willing to host you!

Thanks mystal! I should get an email back today to confirm an interview day. Jeez I wish I would have taken your advice but I bought a groupon last night for $52 a night at a hotel. lol. Sorry I got nervous but thanks for the advice!

 

[waystinthyme]

I've received/answered questions from quite a few of you about UNC HPM. Have any of you decided to attend next year?

How about other departments? I know it's still early, but it's pretty exciting to hear about/from the incoming class...

-waystinthyme

 

[startofthedream]

Is anyone deciding between UNC and Hopkins? I was accepted to both but I'm having a tough time deciding. I feel like UNC would be a better personality fit for me, but the Hopkins name/reputation can't be beat. Anyone have any insight?

 

[Etude]

Is anyone deciding between UNC and Hopkins? I was accepted to both but I'm having a tough time deciding. I feel like UNC would be a better personality fit for me, but the Hopkins name/reputation can't be beat. Anyone have any insight?

I didn't apply to Hopkins (price, difficulty of putting together app from overseas), but I'm intrigued by your dilemma.

Hopkins is ranked #1, and UNC is #2, right? Do you all think JHU's reputation is really that much stronger than UNC's? If so, is it because Hopkins is so good, or because people aren't familiar enough with UNC?

 

[startofthedream]

I didn't apply to Hopkins (price, difficulty of putting together app from overseas), but I'm intrigued by your dilemma.

Hopkins is ranked #1, and UNC is #2, right? Do you all think JHU's reputation is really that much stronger than UNC's? If so, is it because Hopkins is so good, or because people aren't familiar enough with UNC?

Yeah those are the rankings. I'm not exactly sure if Hopkins is really that much stronger than UNC in the public health field. But I think when other people hear Hopkins it has this wow factor both in and out of the public health field. I guess I should mainly be concerned about job prospects IN the public health field, so I'm not exactly sure if Hopkins is really that amazing compared to other highly ranked schools. I hear that Hopkins is kind of cutthroat and competitive, so I feel like I would personally fare better at UNC...but who knows if any of the rumors are true.

Also, I think you got accepted to the MCH department at UNC as well? I believe UNC's MCH department is one of the best, but I'm not sure how Hopkins' Population, Family and Reproductive Health department is, especially compared to departments like International Health there that I can't stop hearing about. Are you considering any other places?

Sorry if any of my rambling doesn't make sense! Thanks.

 

[MPHandPsych]

...I hear that Hopkins is kind of cutthroat and competitive...

I would say that is a fair assessment...

 

[Etude]

Yeah those are the rankings. I'm not exactly sure if Hopkins is really that much stronger than UNC in the public health field. But I think when other people hear Hopkins it has this wow factor both in and out of the public health field. I guess I should mainly be concerned about job prospects IN the public health field, so I'm not exactly sure if Hopkins is really that amazing compared to other highly ranked schools. I hear that Hopkins is kind of cutthroat and competitive, so I feel like I would personally fare better at UNC...but who knows if any of the rumors are true.

Also, I think you got accepted to the MCH department at UNC as well? I believe UNC's MCH department is one of the best, but I'm not sure how Hopkins' Population, Family and Reproductive Health department is, especially compared to departments like International Health there that I can't stop hearing about. Are you considering any other places?

Sorry if any of my rambling doesn't make sense! Thanks.

I have also wondered about the "wow" factor, and how much it really matters in job-hunting situations. I remember reading somewhere on here, probably in the archives, that it does sometimes make a difference—although I'm not entirely sure why. Perhaps there are times when, in order to get to those public health jobs, you have to first get your résumé past people who aren't public health specialists themselves?

And I have heard the same things that you have about those two schools: that Hopkins is a competitive place, whereas UNC is known for having an uncommonly warm and supportive environment.

Personally, I am torn between UNC and Emory; I think I may end up starting a UNC vs. Emory thread in order to solicit some advice.

And, yes, I am specializing in MCH. It was interesting to hear you say that that UNC's MCH department is "one of the best", because I have heard that in other threads, as well, but I've never found any MCH rankings. How did you develop that impression?

 

[MPHandPsych]

And, yes, I am specializing in MCH. It was interesting to hear you say that that UNC's MCH department is "one of the best", because I have heard that in other threads, as well, but I've never found any MCH rankings. How did you develop that impression?

MCH is a pretty small field, and a lot of the accredited public health programs don't have this department...so it's pretty easy to feel out which schools are more highly regarded than the rest-UNC is one of those institutions

 

[spring6723]

I have also wondered about the "wow" factor, and how much it really matters in job-hunting situations. I remember reading somewhere on here, probably in the archives, that it does sometimes make a difference—although I'm not entirely sure why. Perhaps there are times when, in order to get to those public health jobs, you have to first get your résumé past people who aren't public health specialists themselves?

And I have heard the same things that you have about those two schools: that Hopkins is a competitive place, whereas UNC is known for having an uncommonly warm and supportive environment.

Personally, I am torn between UNC and Emory; I think I may end up starting a UNC vs. Emory thread in order to solicit some advice.

And, yes, I am specializing in MCH. It was interesting to hear you say that that UNC's MCH department is "one of the best", because I have heard that in other threads, as well, but I've never found any MCH rankings. How did you develop that impression?

I got into both Hopkins and UNC for MCH (well population/family at Hopkins). For me, UNC is a much better choice for the following reasons:

1) Attitude/Mindset - UNC does seem like a much more relaxed environment. My friends who are at Hopkins love it, but do say that the student body is a little more competitive/intense than they would like. Everything I've heard from UNC students sounds like a calmer, more supportive cohort.

2) Money - Without any scholarships, Hopkins in the 50s and UNC is in the low 40s. If you're doing the year long program at Hopkins, you really don't have much time to work at an outside job or as an RA, whereas the slower pace at UNC allows for more time to make money on the side, if need be. I also feel like most people are able to get RA positions in their second year at UNC, helping out more with the cost.

3) Environment - For me, I've lived in Baltimore and then DC for the last 5 years and I'm a little bit over the city. Don't get me wrong, I loved city living, but I'm looking for some more fresh air.

4) Time - Besides the money part, I like that UNC's program is longer because I feel like it allows more time to learn about different aspects of public health and spend more time figuring out about internships. At this point, I know want to do MCH, but I'm not sure which direction I want to go with it. Also, I would like to have a little bit of free time, if possible! 😉

5) Program - I know Hopkin's Population/Family Studies program is great and has lots of great opportunities for internships, but I do really like that at UNC I am getting my MPH in MCH specifically. It's probably just in name only, but I like the sound of it better!

6) UNC Basketball 😀 - j/k.... kind of. hahahah. Seriously though, I'm a huge college basketball fan and UNC is so much fun to watch and cheer for!

Again, those are all just my reasons - but I thought it might be helpful for someone to see what helped me make my decision. Good luck everyone with tough decisions!

 

[startofthedream]

Personally, I am torn between UNC and Emory; I think I may end up starting a UNC vs. Emory thread in order to solicit some advice.

And, yes, I am specializing in MCH. It was interesting to hear you say that that UNC's MCH department is "one of the best", because I have heard that in other threads, as well, but I've never found any MCH rankings. How did you develop that impression?

I got the impression that UNC was good for MCH not off of any statistics (I don't think any are available), but from two MCH researchers I've been working for. Since they're in the field, I figure their opinions count for a lot.

Good luck deciding!!

 

[startofthedream]

I got into both Hopkins and UNC for MCH (well population/family at Hopkins). For me, UNC is a much better choice for the following reasons:

1) Attitude/Mindset - UNC does seem like a much more relaxed environment. My friends who are at Hopkins love it, but do say that the student body is a little more competitive/intense than they would like. Everything I've heard from UNC students sounds like a calmer, more supportive cohort.

2) Money - Without any scholarships, Hopkins in the 50s and UNC is in the low 40s. If you're doing the year long program at Hopkins, you really don't have much time to work at an outside job or as an RA, whereas the slower pace at UNC allows for more time to make money on the side, if need be. I also feel like most people are able to get RA positions in their second year at UNC, helping out more with the cost.

3) Environment - For me, I've lived in Baltimore and then DC for the last 5 years and I'm a little bit over the city. Don't get me wrong, I loved city living, but I'm looking for some more fresh air.

4) Time - Besides the money part, I like that UNC's program is longer because I feel like it allows more time to learn about different aspects of public health and spend more time figuring out about internships. At this point, I know want to do MCH, but I'm not sure which direction I want to go with it. Also, I would like to have a little bit of free time, if possible! 😉

5) Program - I know Hopkin's Population/Family Studies program is great and has lots of great opportunities for internships, but I do really like that at UNC I am getting my MPH in MCH specifically. It's probably just in name only, but I like the sound of it better!

6) UNC Basketball 😀 - j/k.... kind of. hahahah. Seriously though, I'm a huge college basketball fan and UNC is so much fun to watch and cheer for!

Again, those are all just my reasons - but I thought it might be helpful for someone to see what helped me make my decision. Good luck everyone with tough decisions!

Thank you so much!! That was very thorough and will definitely help me decide. You've given me a lot to think about. 🙂

 

[mystal]

Thank you so much!! That was very thorough and will definitely help me decide. You've given me a lot to think about. 🙂

Ditto the thanks! 🙂 I'm glad we've started this topic. I have the same concerns with UNC vs. Hopkins. I think the best thing to do will be to visit both.

 

[startofthedream]

Does anyone know the deadline to commit to the maternal and child health MPH program? I'm freaking out because my friend who was accepted to the nutrition program says her deadline is tomorrow and I can't find anything online. 😕

 

[mikan]

Does anyone know the deadline to commit to the maternal and child health MPH program? I'm freaking out because my friend who was accepted to the nutrition program says her deadline is tomorrow and I can't find anything online. 😕

15 April 🙂

 

[startofthedream]

15 April 🙂

Phew! Thank you!!!

 

[mystal]

Does anyone know the deadline to commit to the maternal and child health MPH program? I'm freaking out because my friend who was accepted to the nutrition program says her deadline is tomorrow and I can't find anything online. 😕

What?!? I'm in the nutrition program! I thought it was April 15 for everyone??

 

[PopMart]

Does anyone know the deadline to commit to the maternal and child health MPH program? I'm freaking out because my friend who was accepted to the nutrition program says her deadline is tomorrow and I can't find anything online. 😕

Was your friend accepted to a Nutrition Master's or PhD program at UNC? I applied for the Nutrition Epi PhD program and still haven't heard back. I'm trying to find other UNC nutrition PhD applicants but so far haven't found any...😕

 

[startofthedream]

What?!? I'm in the nutrition program! I thought it was April 15 for everyone??

Was your friend accepted to a Nutrition Master's or PhD program at UNC? I applied for the Nutrition Epi PhD program and still haven't heard back. I'm trying to find other UNC nutrition PhD applicants but so far haven't found any...😕

I believe my friend was accepted to the MPH/RD program. She said she had to decide by tomorrow most likely because there is a waitlist. It could be a different program though, so don't kill me if I'm wrong!

 

[mystal]

I believe my friend was accepted to the MPH/RD program. She said she had to decide by tomorrow most likely because there is a waitlist. It could be a different program though, so don't kill me if I'm wrong!

Haha no worries, thanks for bringing it up