What is the meaning of this?

[feizhoumayi]

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I received an email from MPH program in UFL. I wonder what is the best response to this email?

Do they really want to confirm my concentration area or do you recommend to change my concentration area?

Here it is:
We are currently reviewing your application for the Master of Public Health Program at University of Florida and wanted to confirm your concentration area selection. You have a strong background in biological sciences and we just wanted to be sure that your concentration area of choice is indeed Public Health Management and Policy (PHMP).

In your statement of purpose you also outline the desire to apply the skills you will learn in the PHMP concentration area to a successful career in China. Please do note that our Program is highly focused on domestic (US) health policy and management and while it is not impossible to apply the same concepts to public health management and policy in China, it is specifically US focused. The curriculum is based upon nationally recognized, entry-level competencies that address changing health behaviors, the delivery of services in culturally sensitive manner, service delivery with limited funding, and protecting the environment and ensuring the safety of homes, workplaces and food and water supplies. The concentration area focuses on identifying, resolving and preventing health problems that affect communities and populations and on the development, operation, financing, and evaluation of population-based programs designed to improve the health of populations within the community. You can review the concentration area and related curriculum on our website at: http://www.mph.ufl.edu/concentrations/managementpolicy.htm

Please kindly confirm your concentration area selection by ~~~, so we can continue processing your application. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let me know.

 

[Deem23]

I have to give major props to the school for sending the e-mail. It seems to me that this is their kinda passive, really nice way of saying "perhaps we aren't the best school for you" but in a way that shows they put some time into considering your app. The personalized e-mail is very nice in my opinion.

I might advise to take the hint unless you really disagree and think this is the program for you.

 

[feizhoumayi]

Thanks~

I have to give major props to the school for sending the e-mail. It seems to me that this is their kinda passiv really nice way of saying "perhaps we aren't the best school for you" but in a way that shows they put some time into considering your app. The personalized e-mail is very nice in my opinion.

I might advise to take the hint unless you really disagree and think this is the program for you.

 

[Deem23]

By the way, I believe this speaks to your qualifications as a candidate as well. I honestly believe that they sent you that e-mail because they probably like you as a candidate and wanted to get everything straight with your app and make sure everything made sense. They obviously could have just rejected you but I think it speaks volumes that they went through this effort to reach out and contact you.

Just wanted to make that clear as I don't think that came out in my last post.

 

[takins33613]

I think they liked you as a candidate and wanted to make sure you knew that you would not be able to easily use what you learn from the program in China due to the differences in the health policy between China and the US.
It's probably their way of telling you that you should probably change your concentration to something that you could use more directly in China (a concentration whose foundations are the same everywhere) such as Epidemiology or Biostatistics.

I would suggest calling the program (they are really nice) and asking to speak with the person who wrote the letter, so that you can thoroughly understand what he or she meant.

 

[feizhoumayi]

Sounds good. But I am not sure if they would like me to call or not. I have already sent an email asking at this point what is the best way to handle this situation, because I do have backup plans such as epidemiology for this MPH program. But until now, I have not received any information back.

I think I will wait until the end of Wednesday, if I can not get anything back at that time, I will call them directly to see what I can do.

BTW, do you apply to this program in UFL too?

I think they liked you as a candidate and wanted to make sure you knew that you would not be able to easily use what you learn from the program in China due to the differences in the health policy between China and the US.
It's probably their way of telling you that you should probably change your concentration to something that you could use more directly in China (a concentration whose foundations are the same everywhere) such as Epidemiology or Biostatistics.

I would suggest calling the program (they are really nice) and asking to speak with the person who wrote the letter, so that you can thoroughly understand what he or she meant.

 

[takins33613]

Sounds good. But I am not sure if they would like me to call or not. I have already sent an email asking at this point what is the best way to handle this situation, because I do have backup plans such as epidemiology for this MPH program. But until now, I have not received any information back.

I think I will wait until the end of Wednesday, if I can not get anything back at that time, I will call them directly to see what I can do.

BTW, do you apply to this program in UFL too?

Cool, definitely wait till wednesday, then call. I am a 2nd year Epi student in the program.
I had the advantage of attending FL for undergrad also. I literally walked my application packet to the admissions office to turn it in, lol!

 

[feizhoumayi]

Wow, that is really great.

If you do not mind, can I ask several questions about this program?

First, do you have any Chinese students in the program? I really do not want to be the single one.

Secondly, how do you like this program considering its practicum? I am very concerned about the practicum projects we are going to work either for our curriculum or our extra work outside the school.

Finally, how many students will the program enroll generally for Epi and health management?

Haha, I guess I ask too much~~~

Cool, definitely wait till wednesday, then call. I am a 2nd year Epi student in the program.
I had the advantage of attending FL for undergrad also. I literally walked my application packet to the admissions office to turn it in, lol!

 

[takins33613]

Wow, that is really great.

If you do not mind, can I ask several questions about this program? Sure

First, do you have any Chinese students in the program? I really do not want to be the single one. You will not be the only Chinese student in the program, the University of Florida has a very diverse student body. I currently have my regression class with several Chinese students, my teacher for that class is Chinese as well. Also, the Epi Methods 1, and Survival analysis teacher is Chinese.

Secondly, how do you like this program considering its practicum? I am very concerned about the practicum projects we are going to work either for our curriculum or our extra work outside the school.
I really like the program, I am an Epi student and I am not required to do a practicuum. However, I am required to intern, do Special project, and write a final paper, and present at the end of the program. We have an internship coordinator that helps you with that. Also, your supervisory chair will help you as well.

Finally, how many students will the program enroll generally for Epi and health management?

I have no clue how many students the program will generally enroll. At my Epi orientation in Spring 2009, there were about 10 students present, but that of course was missing students that were unable to make orientation. Starting this year, the program will only accept students for Fall enrollment so I am expecting that there will be waaaay more students accepted at once. I don't know about Health Policy and Management, but I know there are more Epi and SBS students than all the other concentrations.
Haha, I guess I ask too much~~~

Hope I helped a little bit 🙂

 

[feizhoumayi]

Definitely~

 

[feizhoumayi]

Do you think it will be good to talk with them on the phone. I get the email and they say if i still have any doubt, I can discuss with them to see which is the best way to do it. But need to schedule a time.

Hope I helped a little bit 🙂

 

[takins33613]

Do you think it will be good to talk with them on the phone. I get the email and they say if i still have any doubt, I can discuss with them to see which is the best way to do it. But need to schedule a time.

I think speaking to them will be harmless. Like I said, they are really nice and only want to help you. Who sent you the e-mail?

 

[feizhoumayi]

It is Catherine, associate director of MPH program.

I think speaking to them will be harmless. Like I said, they are really nice and only want to help you. Who sent you the e-mail?

 

[takins33613]

It is Catherine, associate director of MPH program.

Super-nice lady, most definitely give her a call and she'll break everything down for you.