Gael

Hi, I don't think you should be discouraged! You seem more than qualified. I think that sometimes the stars aren't aligned. I sent you a much longer note to your mailbox.

Hi, in short, I loved this program. I sent you a longer message to your account.

Thanks - this is a bit like a crap shoot.

MammaD: Sounds awesome I hope you're right JuliaJulia and Panache. I, unfortunately, just received official rejection. It was on the website and I logged it in the 'results' section. I hope others get better news today.

Two excellent questions which I didn't ask. I was really disappointed. I asked for feedback on my own application and whether there were specific weaknesses in it or whether it was lack of fit. She explained that she wasn't at all involved in the decision making process (wish I would have known that a couple of months ago) but that she could get her hands on my application, review the comments and get back in touch with me. In November, we had a number of conversations about my experience and whether I was a fit for the Department. She felt that I was an excellent fit.....but goes to show I should have reached out to additional faculty. Not that I know whether this would have made a difference. I spoke to her on Tuesday and haven't heard back. I'll certainly post when/if I get additional information. I have a feeling that they called/emailed everyone that was accepted and just haven't gotten around to updating the online application of those who were rejected. But again, that's just a feeling.

I have some good news and bad news. The good is that I spoke to the coordinator at Harvard's Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and she says that they provide tuition for all doctoral students (for the first two years) but that it's very, very rare for them to provide stipends. So, now I need to pull out my excel sheet and really give some hard thinking on whether we can afford to live on my husband's income (Boston rent, childcare, etc). Regardless, it's certainly better than the unsubsidized loans that were first offered to me. Anyone else in this chat considering this program? I'd love to connect. The bad news is that I spoke to a faculty member at Hopkins HBS and she 'didn't see my name on the acceptance list'. I'm really disappointed. Not only is it an excellent program but logistically we could have stayed in the DC area. I am still holding hope until I have it in black and white on the website or via email that my application was rejected. And finally - I'm rooting for everyone here, but MammaD I just want you to know that from momma to momma I'm sending all my very best wishes.

Panache! Congratulations!!!!!

Hi All, Acdelco: Thanks for sharing information about the various programs you contacted. Since I haven’t heard from Hopkins HBS, I guess I also wasn’t accepted. However, since no one has posted acceptances on the Results Page, I want to remain hopeful!! If someone was accepted who is reading these posts – please speak up! As far as funding expectations, I need tuition support and stipend to help pay for childcare for my two young children. I view my decision about doctoral programs as a two step process: 1) where will I get accepted; and 2) who will give me the most funding. I struggled with whether to apply only to programs that fully fund all of their students or instead prioritize programs that seemed to be the best fit for my interests. In the end, I focused primarily on the best fit and hoped the rest will follow. So, it’s rather bittersweet that at this point I have been accepted into the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department at Harvard but no word on any funding (except offering me unsubsidized loans!). So close yet so far……

Hi All, I have obsessively checked this forum for about a week as a 'guest', however today I finally received some news and thought I should become a member and share: I was accepted to Harvard's Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SD). I am thrilled and a little shocked. I am waiting to hear from University of Washington (PhD in Health Services). I interviewed with them a couple of weeks ago but no news. I also interviewed at BU (DrPH) but no news there either. And I'm waiting to hear from the Department of Health, Behavior and Society at Hopkins. Best to everyone.