I found out yesterday that I am wait listed at Harvard. While I didn't have any expectations about even getting an interview at Harvard, it was really encouraging to make it to a second interview. Somewhat discouraging to be wait listed, but it's better than a rejection right? Anyhow, my lesson learned follows During my second interview the following questions were asked:
1. Have I identified any researchers within larger HSPH that I would be interested in working with? I said, well not really.... I thought the program was fairly prescribed and there wasn't much opportunity for flexibility and individual tailoring of the curriculum and practical work.
2. Have I spoken with the program director? No. I tried to connect with the program director but was pushed aside to staff to answer my questions. Also there was a change in leadership over the summer and I was trying to contact them during this period. Sigh.
3. Have I spoken with current/former students? Yes.
4. <Not asked, but I told him> I visited HSPH over the summer while I was in town to present at conference, I got a tour from connections I know at HSPH and met some faculty. No one in the DrPH program made themselves available when I was there.
This boils down to, that I'm 100% thinking that "convince the adcoms that this is something I'm serious about, and it isn't just a passing fancy." is exactly what i needed to demonstrate more of, and why I'm on the wait list and not accepted. Frustrating in that I feel like I did as much as I should, but they were looking for more.