epi3333

I reached out twice- the first time (end of Jan) was told they were looking for advisor fit and it could take some time. Then last week I reached out again and was told they had identified an advisor who wanted to work with me and were finalizing funding, and I should hopefully hear back with an offer in the next few weeks.
Nope...

Nope! I know my research doesn't align very well with what they do, so their silence isn't surprising to me. I don't expect to be fully admitted.

Does anyone have any idea about the taxes on stipends? I am an international student so don't know much about US tax. I've been accepted to U of M and am planning on accepting but would love to know how much of the $32,000 yearly stipend will be eaten up with tax??

Thanks @apex45 and @Epidemiology19 
I guess it probably sounds a bit silly of me to be embarassed, it' just that one of the professors is a really really big shot. I'm feeling a bit intimidated, I think I got symptoms of an early imposter syndrome since the moment I got the acceptance! haha  

Wow I love this! Thanks for sharing!

@apex45 @gloriaepi2019 @Epidemiology19 many thanks for the input guys. I had seen that US news ranking and was wondering if there was another one. I've had a few acceptances and I am trying to figure out how much weight I should give to each of the factors I have information on, school ranking being one of these factors. 
I am an international applicant and the whole process has been a bit overwhelming. Apart from the really big names it's difficult to judge which programs should be better or worse. It was difficult figuring out which ones to apply, not knowing anyone who had ever attended any of the schools. Of course faculty fit, in terms of research interests, is probably the most important factor, but it would be nice to hear from current or former students how they feel about the program. Most importantly (and what is stressing me out a bit now that I have a few acceptances), it would be nice to hear from people who were mentored by the professors I have been assingned to work with. 
 

I've got a whole spreadsheet of factors with weighted averages based on how important they are to me. I made it for MPH programs two years ago but updated the categories. I wish it were helping more... 3 schools are within a tenth of a point of each other. 
Anyway, here's the categories in it:
Research alignment with content interests alignment with methods interests PI's mentorship secondary sources of support (other faculty with interest overlap, basically) student/alumni opinions productivity (# of papers students graduate with) Program/School curriculum aligned with my interests ranking/prestige  time/completion rate student/alumni opinions cohort size likelihood I'll make real friends  Financial funding amount funding model cost of living perks (spousal insurance, moving stipend, etc.) Location ability to escape interesting stuff to do diversity/integration  political climate partner's opinion 

I definitely feel that way sometimes too! Just remember that there were probably hundreds of applicants and they chose you! 
Maybe it’s a matter of how to frame the email? For example- see if they can connect you with students so that they can share transition to a new city, current research projects, volunteer opportunities within the school, etc? And then of course mix in the hard-hitting questions once you get in touch with the students and feel them out  

No worries! If you're super nervous, email someone in admissions, the department admin, or the PhD program coordinator. Often staff know more students than professors do, so they might be able to connect you with a wider range of student perspectives.

Thanks @apex45 and @Epidemiology19 
I guess it probably sounds a bit silly of me to be embarassed, it' just that one of the professors is a really really big shot. I'm feeling a bit intimidated, I think I got symptoms of an early imposter syndrome since the moment I got the acceptance! haha  

You should definitely ask at the schools you've been admitted to! Since it's not feasible for you to visit, that's probably the best way to get information about programs that's not canned. Students are really the only ones who can tell you if living on the stipend is manageable, for example. And of course you'll want to ask details about their relationships with faculty, research opportunities, etc. 
Don't feel embarrassed. I volunteer to answer emails from applicants about the MPH program I'm working on finishing. I've probably gotten 1-2 emails a day from international students since decisions went out. 

I have a lot of respect for international applicants. It must be difficult, but hopefully worth it in the end!
Have you tried asking faculty to connect you with any of their current students? Faculty who I’ve asked have been really willing to share contact info of students so that they can talk about their experiences, and I’ve found their input to be insightful. I’ve actually crossed a school off my list because of the (extremely) honest feedback from a POI’s 2 current students. 
I find this to be an interesting topic. Aside from ranking & funding, what are some of the “softer” factors that others are considering? I’ve been keeping these types of things in mind: responsiveness of potential mentors, track record of their mentees, size of the cohort (and collaboration vs competition), encouragement for grant writing, location of the school, etc. 

@apex45 @gloriaepi2019 @Epidemiology19 many thanks for the input guys. I had seen that US news ranking and was wondering if there was another one. I've had a few acceptances and I am trying to figure out how much weight I should give to each of the factors I have information on, school ranking being one of these factors. 
I am an international applicant and the whole process has been a bit overwhelming. Apart from the really big names it's difficult to judge which programs should be better or worse. It was difficult figuring out which ones to apply, not knowing anyone who had ever attended any of the schools. Of course faculty fit, in terms of research interests, is probably the most important factor, but it would be nice to hear from current or former students how they feel about the program. Most importantly (and what is stressing me out a bit now that I have a few acceptances), it would be nice to hear from people who were mentored by the professors I have been assingned to work with. 
 

oh I wasn't told this at all! interesting.... I've already booked my tickets to Baltimore for March so March it is for me! Hopefully that will give me a better sense of the program and life in Balitmore sooner - so that I can make a decision sooner!

exactly, that drove me so anxious, but the Epi office said either late this afternoon or tomorrow. We will all know.

Hi folks,
Just called JHU Epi office. She said ALL of the doctoral admission decisions for Epi would come by this week!
Ugh...

Sure! Mine is CVD epi.