Theoryofabug

I recommend opting in for a backpack rather than an actual purse. You would be surprised how much heavier everything is when you need to carry your life with you for an entire day. I love my Thule 23L Accent backpack. It's sleek enough that it looks professional and compact without feeling like you have added dimensions. Its the right amount of storage without wasting space, you have space for both a laptop and tablet. There are a few quick access pockets which makes it ideal and when it is overly stuffed it doesn't look like it due to the construction and some crush pockets for items like eyeglasses. If you get a backpack, also get a small crossbody that you can tuck into the bag. It ensures that I'm not always transferring the essentials and nothing is forgotten. It also makes it easier if you have a professional meeting, lunch with an adviser or mentor to look more put together. Make it small and sleek for the essentials if you need to run errands or what you need for a normal weekend. I've lived out of this bag for an entire day (all meals, work & personal laptop, tablet, gym clothing, notebooks and quick change for dinner out), and comfortable enough due to the construction that when stuffed it doesnt feel like it is pulling back on you.

Look into the programs that offer enrollment into a certificate option that covers some of main courses in the curriculum of your choice. This can help offset the lower gpa while giving you a head start on an MPH. Some of these certificate programs if completed above a certain gpa also allow for a GRE waiver.