carryon08

Hi All, Just to jump in. I applied to GWU's PhD program in Public Policy & Administration and was waitlisted this past Monday. I reached out to the graduate program director about what this meant, and in her response, she mentioned that the program accepted fewer students this year (compared to previous years). Not sure if this is reflective of funding issues or what. But I am guessing that means all decisions have been made (and perhaps it's just taking a while for the GAS to upload them) so if you're only waiting on GW, you may be able to get a decision over the phone or email. Good luck to everyone!

I applied to 6 schools total and reached out to faculty members at all 6. Some faculty were more responsive than others - some responded saying they don't talk with students until they are accecepted, while others were very helpful and encouraging. I had phone conversations with 1-2 faculty members at all but one school, and met with a couple of others if it was convenient. Unfortunately, many of the faculty whom I met with do not serve on the actual admissions committee, so it's hard to say how much it will help the admissions process - I just reached out to faculty with similar research interests. In retrospect, if I had more time, I would have visited more schools while applying to meet in person. I didn't apply to the school where I received my MPH, nor do I currently work at a university, so I don't feel like I have any strong connections to faculty members at my schools. Thus far, I've been waitlisted at Hopkins, had interviews with 2 others schools (have yet to hear back), didn't receive an interview at Harvard (assumed rejection), and the other two schools (NYU Wagner, GWU Trachtenberg) don't conduct interviews.

Congrats mpheels!! And strange that some grants are based on GRE percentile alone, because that's certainly the best indicator of graduate student potential. Exciting news though.

Sure - medical sociology. I also know someone who interviewed for the Econ track.

HSPH actually doesn't offer a PhD in Health Policy - they offer a Doctor of Science in Society, Human Development, and Health (now Social & Behavioral Sciences). They don't conduct interviews. However, the Harvard PhD program in Health Policy (which isn't housed in HSPH, but includes HSPH faculty) does offer interviews. I heard from the program coordinator last week and she confirmed that all interview invites have been sent out (I didn't get one, unfortunately, but wasn't too surprised). It's possible that the Decision Sciences track is different, though, but I'm not sure. Looks like decisions have been sent out in February the past years, so I guess we'll know for sure soon. I completely agree that it's distressing!

I believe Harvard SPH releases all decisions in early/mid March - according to the department and previous years' results. They also don't conduct interviews, which makes the waiting period feel like an eternity (does it really take 3-4 months to review applications?). But I'm interested to know as soon as someone hears back!

To the two folks who posted results from Brown Health Services Research today (if you happen to be lurking here ) -- did you attend the interview/recruitment day?

mpheels- I received the same exact email from the professor whom I interviewed with, and I agree with your interpretation. I'm really curious how many people are "very high" on the list, given that it is a "very short" list. I wonder if they're telling this to everyone on the wait list, in hopes that enough money will come through for most. Hopefully it's just the two of us But now I'm a little worried that the same email was sent to everyone.. aye.

Looks like a few Hopkins Health Services Research waitlist notifications have come up today - I just checked and have been waitlisted as well. I'm pretty bummed, as this was my first choice and I thought it was a perfect fit for my interests, so I am curious how the waitlist has played out for students in the past. I am eager to know more, but think that I will wait until Monday as well. Good luck to you!

I also applied (medical sociology) and have not heard anything, but I am under the impression that invites were already sent out. When I spoke to the admissions director in the fall, she mentioned they send invites to a short list of candidates by the end of January. I'm of course hoping this is not the case, but it's starting to get a bit late. Keep us posted if you hear anything, though!

Congratulations, elsewhy! How exciting! When did you interview with them (I interviewed for Health Services Research). May I ask which interviews you have next week?