Late_Bloomer

Thanks. I’m sorry to hear that you did not get selected for admission. 

I agree, that is very interesting. I too have heard nothing one way or another. Best wishes to all!

Thanks! The waiting game continues!! ?

That's interesting and good to hear since I haven't received any notification yet. I'll keep waiting.  Good luck to you!

Just received an email from UIC. I have been waitlisted. I did not get an interview. I guess interviews are not required to be considered for admission after all. Good luck everyone!

I heard good news from UIC via email today! Good luck to everyone still waiting to hear ??

Thanks for the update!  Good luck!

Thank you so much for finding an answer for those of us left waiting. Best wishes to all!

Interview went well! Was 30 minutes on the phone with Dr. Lenihan. I was told that from the 30 or so people interviewed, 20 would move forward to the admissions committee and by mid-April, notification would be sent to those selected. 

I just called and spoke with Brandon at UIC who said that he got word that emails regarding acceptance will be sent on Monday. It also sounds like interviews are part of the selection process. I did not get an interview request so think it's time to start my weekend early! Good luck everyone! I hope Monday brings you all good news!

For those of us waiting on UIC, do you think they will keep their word and notify us before the week is over?  This wait is killing me?

I received an email yesterday and scheduled the interview at that time. Wondering if y’all are already in and I’m in the maybe stack with an interview as the deciding factor!

I’m waiting on them as well. I was told last week that decisions will be made by Friday and to check the program admission website for updates.

I'm still waiting to hear from them. How did they notify you?
Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

I was rejected last year from all my schools. Here is what I learned from seeking feedback from anyone that would offer. Top Tier Schools do not want a list of accomplishments, they want a game plan. Your statement of purpose should tell them how or why you got to where you are now...and where you want to go. The big part however, is telling them why you need the Doctorate program you seek to act as an incubator or catalyst....you are a change agent right? Show them your change work. My undergraduate grades were horrible, but I turned it around and graduated cum laude from my MBA program. Grades are just an outcome measure so I made sure to show I have a great work history of proof that I can implement, lead, influence, understand policy, use statistics and data to solve problems, and create positive change. I pivoted from being a Quality Improvement engineer to running operations for an accountable care organization. I specifically told JHSPH that I want to copy our ACO pediatric model for helping at-risk kids and transpose it and build an ACO focused on Veterans. I linked all the things I have done, the mentors and leaders that wrote me recommendations, and I attached several power points of my work and abstracts (as well as awards for patient quality and safety). I submitted a full package that supported my statement of purpose...through my actual work.
Also, I networked my butt off. I called JHSPH and asked for alunmni and students I can speak with. I looked up the faculty and read through their published work and connected things that I also was focused on. I did a lot of homework on the program and the culture. All that feedback helped me better craft my application package and really understand what the program could do for me, if I went all in and poured myself into the work. I also made sure that my leadership knew I would be integrating what I studied into my daily work. They were excited for that and I asked them to write that in the recommendation letter as well.

This is anecdotal on what's changed for me since last year, so I can't promise what specifically made the difference, but hopefully this is helpful for those waitlisted/future lurkers who are planning their applications...
I happened to have started a new job (this wasn't intentional) so I was able to easily expand my skill set in the new position. I revised my personal statement to reflect my new responsibilities, and tried to clarify what I wanted to get out of the degree, how it could affect my current work, and my ultimate career goals. I tried to emphasize how I can contribute to the school, i.e. what I bring to the table. I also connected with several professors at the school, to understand how they may be able to help support me in my prospective dissertation. I also reached out to current and past students to understand more about their experience and how the schools pitch themselves. I definitely encourage you to get at least one new recommendation letter, you can also try for a letter of support from those professors. I'd also make sure the language in your resume matches the language the program uses in how they describe desirable candidates. 

I understand the stress you are feeling, and thinking about Plan B is always a good idea! I would say to find potential mentors you want to work for and under. Your mentor relationship can make or break your program for you. Not only look at schools, but also start looking at professors who are researching subjects you are passionate about. Then reaching out to them to see if they are taking potential students, and interview them. Are they a good fit for you? Does your research interest align? Do they have the same passions as you? Can you REALLY learn something from them outside of the classroom. Then, you can mention them within your Personal Statement. This will give your PS an actual face to the paper, not just another application. Also, get as much experience as you can. Are there organizations or coalitions within your community you can sit on, go to conferences and learn as much as you can to hone your skills, etc. You've got this! 

I'm still waiting to hear from UIC but I'm thinking about plan B just in case.  I'm new at this so can anyone offer any advice for reapplying? Who to talk to, re-writing personal statement, etc.