Hi kma19,
I just got my acceptance letter from Gillings (also applied to UMD, Hopkins, Emory). Just wondering what drove you to get your MPH before your PhD. I'm surrounded by colleagues and friends who have tried to convince me to apply directly for a PhD program, but I didn't feel...ready. (I finished undergrad in 2010.) Are you glad you took the route you did? Would love any insight you have.