Unsure of where I stand - What are my chances?

[swaffles]

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Hi Everyone!

I have decided that pursuing an MPH or an MHS/MS (depending on the MPH requirements specific to each program) is the right path for me. However, this was a recent decision. I thought I wanted to follow a different career all through college but once the time came, I knew it wasn't the right fit for the goals i had in mind. And so, I am worried that I haven't done enough to show that I am possibly a strong candidate for an MPH program at a top university. I would really appreciate feedback from you guys, so that I can feel out is a practical expectation for myself. Also, I'd be great if there is more that I can do to increase my chances. Here's what I have so far:

• Just graduated college in May 2010, with a BS in Biology and a 3.6 GPA
• Was highly active on campus and had leadership roles in student councils and clubs
• did a few semesters of volunteering at MSF, the local hospital, soup kitchens, etc (stuff that was accessible near my campus)
• GRE scores: 690V 780Q (Waiting for Writing score)
• Semester of study abroad
• Currently interning at a governmental law firm, helping out with healthcare reform issues in NJ
• Procured an internship at a prolific NGO concerned with human rights, in NYC
• Did a summer of research concerning PTSD in the military
• Helping develop curriculum and teaching for a non-profit science-lab-on-wheels that goes around to different schools in NY
• interned/volunteered at the world science festival in NYC

I have only had one class regarding public health and ecology of disease in my senior year of college but I absolutely loved it. I'm taking this year before grad school to feel my way around which area of public health I'd like most. However, I'm pretty sure I would love to go to UC Berkeley or U of Washington for global health or health policy, if possible!

Thanks so much for your feedback in advance 😍

 

[djtiesto14]

I don't know what track/concentration you are. However, with what you posted above, I'd be shocked if you didn't get into the top schools, namely Harvard, UNC, UWash, etc.

 

[swaffles]

That is definitely good to hear!

I searched around and read that you're currently enrolled at UMichigan and I hear that school has amazing and competitive programs. Congrats on getting in! How did you decide on it?

Also, do you know if there's ample financial aid/scholarships for MPH students? I hear Harvard is pretty stingy with scholarships and other schools are not much better...

 

[djtiesto14]

Are you referring to me in reference to Michigan?

That is definitely good to hear!

I searched around and read that you're currently enrolled at UMichigan and I hear that school has amazing and competitive programs. Congrats on getting in! How did you decide on it?

Also, do you know if there's ample financial aid/scholarships for MPH students? I hear Harvard is pretty stingy with scholarships and other schools are not much better...

 

[swaffles]

Yeah - I hope I didn't misread...

 

[djtiesto14]

Hi Swaffles,

I got into both Michigan and Columbia. These were my top 2 choices. I was pretty certain on going to Michigan because I had a really good chance of getting a TA position which would cover my tuition. However, last minute I didn't get the position so I was pretty upset.

When I did a comparison, tuition alone at Michigan is 72K while Columbia is 56K.

In addition, I was going to get a place at Michigan for about $700 and there was a place on the medical campus at Columbia for $953 which includes everything but electricity, which is only about $20/month.

I would save about $300 a month on rent in Michigan, which comes out to $3600 a year or $7200 for two years. I would still be ahead about 10-15K. Hence, I chose Columbia. I'm very happy here and its an Ivy League school. The networking is amazing. This is my second week here and I already got a research position and a job on campus with really good pay.

You also get some cool hookups here if your a student, such as 18% off your phone bill if you have AT&T, and so on.

Yeah - I hope I didn't misread...

 

[swaffles]

Oh, i see. You did a ton of research! I keep forgetting to consider cost when I'm applying to these schools but I feel like maybe I should cross that bridge when i actually get into the programs I like first.

Also, just a note: i just calculated my grades according to SOPHAS designations and my overall GPA is a bit lower...I hope that doesn't reduce my chances drastically =\

 

[Deem23]

You are seriously fine.

Apply away and Good Luck! 🙂