[MPH 2020 Canada]

On 10/20/2019 at 6:23 PM, AliMPH2020 said:

Hi there, thank you so much for posting this, it's really helpful! I'm not personally applying to UofT's program, but I imagine most programs have a similar ranking system.

Did they by chance talk about the typical profile of a successful applicant, especially in regards to volunteer/work experience? For myself, I feel very strong everywhere but there. I have volunteered on a distress line, as a fundraising and education volunteer, as a research assistant, and at shelter for individuals impacted by homelessness, but these experiences are not directly related to public health ? 

Thanks again! 

Hi, U of T MPH (health promo) grad here. Those volunteer experiences are 100% related to public health, and similar to my background applying. I came from a psychology degree, did some volunteering at a homeless/underhoused men's club and a centre for families with HIV but I mostly worked in the clothing room handing stuff out. They don't expect you to have direct experience with public health teams since you often need a master's to do that kind of work anyway. Just highlight what you learned from those experiences and how they relate to the social determinants of health (which is a great buzzword to throw in for a health promo application btw) and you'll be totally fine. 

As for work experience, I'm not on the admissions committee but I'd consider anything related to health/healthcare, working for community centres, activism, research experience, education, social work, etc. relevant (and that is not an exhaustive list). For epi, definitely emphasize research in any form, or stats/data work, whether it's related to health or not (though health research is better).