Wanderlust2013

The lack of humanitarian focus (or really just the lack of course options) is exactly what I'm struggling with in deciding between SAIS and a few other programs. I like the quantitative/econ focus of SAIS because of my interest in program evaluation. SAIS has an excellent reputation and a huge array of classes in this area. However, I also have a very strong interest in forced migration, and it's the field I want to work in after graduating. Browsing through the course lists, SAIS is pretty weak in this area. It's not necessarily a deal breaker because field experience will trump coursework, but still it makes me question whether SAIS would be the best fit overall. Can I ask what program you're leaning toward or decided on instead? I'm weighing SIPA and Fletcher myself.

I'm a finalist! I definitely thought there was no hope after I was rejected outright for Rangel. The email says interviews are April 19th... That timeframe is kind of unfortunate given one of my top program choices (that I couldn't afford without significant outside funding) has a deadline for decline/acceptance of April 19th. I'm sure this has been discussed, but I can't understand why Pickering notifies so late when most students have to give their decision before that? I wonder if I should just request an extension from my top two programs - one I would choose if I receive a fellowship, and one I could better afford without a fellowship. Really sorry to those who didn't make it by the way. The whole admissions and selection process can be really baffling.

Accepted to the MPA! Some funding, but less than SAIS or Fletcher. Seems most people echo my thoughts. SIPA had been my top choice for the past year for a variety of reasons, but I have to admit seeing so many negative comments gets into your head. I don't mind the school being big and impersonal (the school is like the city - everything is there for you, but you can't be afraid to go after it - but the career services and job statistics are a concern). It's going to be a tough decision, but I think it will come down to cost. Unless I get a Pickering, I don't see SIPA being feasible.

For those admitted to the DC campus, I just received an email from the Financial Aid office with instructions to log in to a site to view my financial aid award (you'll have to wait for a separate email with your username and password, but the site is here: https://isis.jhu.edu/sswf/). The email also included information on applying for Grad PLUS loans to make up the difference. Received a $20,000 first year fellowship, so I'm very pleased! Still not sure SAIS will be the most viable for me financially, but it helps a lot. I'm pretty sure this financial aid information does not incorporate the Merrill or other fellowships that required an essay, but does anyone know for sure?

I'm in and into IDev!! Beyond thrilled, and now just need to wait for financial aid information to see if this is workable. The letter says candidates who submitted their financial aid applications and FAFSA by February 15th will be given online access to their financial aid awards within a week. Good luck to those still waiting!

For those who did not get an eligibility email one way or the other, you might email them and inquire about your status. I did not receive one, and did not have anything sitting in my spam either. When I emailed them, I was told I am eligible, and they copied the email that was sent in February (they asked for my photo and other info right in the eligibility email, not separately). It just never arrived in my inbox. Strange. But I'm very relieved to say the least! The email says they received more than 350 completed applications this year. Anyone know the number of applications in past years?

Thanks to both of you for the insight. I would definitely have more questions if accepted. At least we don't have *too* long to wait now.

Not that I'm holding my breath for an acceptance letter, but I do have a few questions if you don't mind! Can you comment on the time commitment that classes require for most students? I know WWS classes are known to be intense. Does that mean students typically do not intern or have some part-time work during school terms? In terms of course options, it seems like WWS has a more structured curriculum and fewer opportunities (or options) for "electives" compared to other schools. Natural given the smaller size of the program. Do you find this to be the case, or are there enough opportunities to explore niche subject interests within the context of the required classes? What about social and academic life outside of the classroom? Is WWS a cohesive group, and/or is it easy to meet people across Princeton grad school programs? Are there many academic panels and forums held at the school? Finally, what do you think of Princeton the town? Thanks so much for returning to these forums. So nice that you're willing to take the time for prospective students' questions.

I received a similar email from an Assistant Director last week, saying he was the person on the admissions staff who read my application, and he enjoyed reading about my work at [insert company name]. I was very happy and surprised to get a personalized email, but I wasn't sure how much to read into it. I would like to hope it's because I'm a competitive applicant, but I was thinking another factor could be when people submit their applications. I submitted mine in early December, so it could very well be that my application was just at the top of the pile. And in response to the original post, I received the fellowship email as well. It seemed to be a generic email, so I wondered if it was just sent to everyone who applied for financial aid? In any case, I'll be trying my luck with the Philip Merril Fellowship. Good luck to everyone applying!

Hello all, I've decided to bit the bullet and make my first post here. I'm interested in pursing a MPH in international health, but I'm rather new to this academically and professionally. I won't bore you with the details of my background, but I am coming from the international development field more broadly. In my current job I mostly work on issues related to economic development. I studied international relations, development (one course directly focused on health/health economics), and economics during undergrad. I have also interned with the Health Department of a multilateral organization overseas. I want to pursue work related to refugee health, disaster response and assessments, health systems strengthening, performance monitoring, etc. In terms of international health jobs, they are looking for people who have more experience in the health sector than I currently do. I thought about applying for a certificate program to start, but others have told me I shouldn't sell myself short and convinced me I should apply to a full degree program. For a variety of reasons, I am stuck on Johns Hopkins, so I am applying this round for a dual degree - a Master of Science in Public Health degree from JHSPH and a Master's from the School of Advanced International Studies. My stats are pretty good. I had a 3.89 GPA from a top 25 school. GRE scores are 165 (Verbal), 158 (Quant), and 5.0 (AW). I should have good recommendation letters (one from my health/economics professor), and I am working to craft a strong SOP. My question is, first and foremost, do you think I have a shot at the MSPH? Would I be better off volunteering to gain more exposure to public health issues? What certificate programs would you recommend (either online or in DC area) to begin health coursework if I am not admitted this time around? Does anyone know any other strong programs to study refugee health issues? Finally, I'd like to beg a favor. Would anyone be willing to look over my personal statement and critique it? I am on the 3rd draft or so, but could really use more pairs of eyes, particularly from people with experience in public health. Please feel free to message me privately. Of course I would be happy to review your statements as well!