HSR_HPM2019

Yes, I have visited both schools, probably had like 10-15 conversations with POIs, current faculty, students and alums in total between the two of them, so I think I've probably done as much research as I can without going over the top. I think it probably will come down to a gut instinct, like you said--just need to figure out how to interpret my instincts! It's a good thing I'm not going into decisions sciences haha

Is anyone else having a difficult time making a final decision? I'm basically down to two schools, one of which has guaranteed funding for all five years (and a good stipend) and a couple professors I'd be interested in working with, while the other one I think is a better overall research fit but with two years guaranteed funding (although they say you'll get funding years 3 + 4, you just might have to TA/RA for it if you don't get a fellowship) and farther away from where my home base is (which could be good or bad...). It's a good problem to have, I know, I'm just terrible at making decisions, especially huge ones like these.

Wow, ~$7500 is not a lot at all. Other schools are at least the low twenties and Brown is mid-thirties. I could maybe make the mid-to-high teens work, but that is not especially encouraging. I am coming from Boston so maybe I'm just underestimating how much the overall cost of living will decrease

I'm also waiting for funding from UNC (HPM). I talked with my UNC buddy (don't know if other departments have this) and he said the stipend he received was doable, but not great, but I would love to know specifics, especially since I'm trying to decide between a couple other schools where I know funding info (and one of them I know for sure will be much better). I know North Carolina has a lower cost of living, but it's probably not THAT much lower, plus you have to have a car to get around from what I understand which is also more money.

Sure. 3.8 undergraduate GPA at Ivy league school, Sociology major (no masters), GRE 168 V, 166 Q, 5 AW. Two years research in undergraduate, two co-author papers from undergraduate research, one first author poster at AcademyHealth, one co-author poster, two years post-grad research experience in applied health services research. I've also done some political advocacy work in my free time around health care access and other related issues (don't know if it matters, but I mentioned it in my application and it came up in my interview). I think it also helped that they're familiar with the place where I work and the type of work that I've been involved in, but who knows.

Hi, I'm the one who posted about getting into the Brown HSR program (I hadn't posted on the forum until now). I got an email from Amal Trivedi saying I was in and that the official letter would follow. I just got the official notification today, a decision letter via the website. I don't know if they email everyone they accept before sending official decisions, but I'm assuming I wasn't special. So I'm guessing if you haven't heard then it's not a great sign...sorry about that. I hope you have some good options!