Work experience question...

[sj esposito]

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I'm currently a senior biological anthropology undergrad planning on applying to MPH programs in epidemiology next year. I have 3.89 GPA, am taking the GREs soon, and will have two solid LORs when the time comes. I am concerned about the fact that I do not have any public health experience. Some schools list it as a requirement, some don't, but I get the sense that, as a professional degree, experience is very important in terms of gaining admission to MPH programs. What do you guys think? Is not having experience enough to disqualify an applicant. I'm planning on applying to CUNY Hunter, SUNY Downstate, and Stony Brook (can't afford any privates), if it makes a difference to anyone. Thanks in advance!

 

[Stories]

A lot of folks gain admission straight out of undergrad, so don't worry too much about it and just apply to programs that fit!

 

[roger0770]

try and you will see

 

[mystal]

I'm currently a senior biological anthropology undergrad planning on applying to MPH programs in epidemiology next year. I have 3.89 GPA, am taking the GREs soon, and will have two solid LORs when the time comes. I am concerned about the fact that I do not have any public health experience. Some schools list it as a requirement, some don't, but I get the sense that, as a professional degree, experience is very important in terms of gaining admission to MPH programs. What do you guys think? Is not having experience enough to disqualify an applicant. I'm planning on applying to CUNY Hunter, SUNY Downstate, and Stony Brook (can't afford any privates), if it makes a difference to anyone. Thanks in advance!

Experience doesn't necessarily have to be work experience, and you can try to make whatever experiences you've had sound like public health experience. I got into great schools straight out of undergrad, and one of my selling points was leading an international service trip that had nothing to do with public health.

 

[EpiWin]

Can't speak to the schools you mentioned specifically, but every school I've visited so far has had students coming straight from undergrad for Epi. Your stats seem pretty competitive to put you in the running for scholarships at private institutions, and some out-of-state public universities (e.g. Berkeley, UW) offer full tuition remission and other benefits from working as TA/RAs. No reason to limit yourself to NY.

 

[sj esposito]

Thanks, guys, for all the info and opinions!