epi_2021

Hi, all!

Thanks for starting this thread. I'm also hoping to be admitted into an Epidemiology PhD program for fall 2021. 
Some of my stats: undergrad GPA - 3.1, MS GPA - 3.8, 2 conference presentations, 2 first-author pubs, 2 middle author pubs. 3 years working on CDC epidemiology study. GRE- 169 Q, 167 V.
I'm certainly worried about my low undergrad GPA, but , fingers crossed!
Good luck to everyone! 

I was accepted to University of Pittsburgh last week and UT Health this week for PhD in Epi. 

I had an interview with U of Maryland last month, and I was accepted to UT Houston this week.

Hahah I'm just more irked that it's highly suspect that they are reviewing applications so holistically. I asked for some clarification from the department, and they claimed 2 faculty did review my application. Apparently, JHSPH Epi PhD received over 400+ applications this year. So best of luck to everyone else. Onto the next one

I also think that there has been general advice for applicants to apply to more programs this cycle. And, as mentioned, it is a bit easier and more cost effective since the GRE is largely optional. I agree that there are more applicants this year, but I'm also suspicious that the number of applications is additionally being inflated because people are applying to more programs this year than in past years. 

Just wishing everyone the best of luck now that most of us have submitted our applications!! It's in fates hands ?
Some last minute shuffling around, my final list of programs:
Harvard - PHS - ID Epi John Hopkins - ID Epi Univ. of Washington - ID Epi (though I may have accidentally selected general track by mistake. need to correct that... whoops) UCLA - Epi UNC - Epi

So I can't say for certain -- but what my mentor told me who is a professor at a major university that some of y'all have applied to and sits on the doctoral admissions committee ... the longer ago your undergrad (or even grad) was, the less weight it will have negatively. So if you graduated over 5+ years ago, the professors won't hold some bad grades against you, because they understand that was some time ago... etc... 

You have good grade progression - ie higher grades as time goes on. That’s exactly what they are looking for. If they ask about your 3.2 you can explain why it was lower and how you improved whatever you did to get higher marks. 3.95 is excellent for your MPH and it’s clear you’re a great student!

I really appreciate this. Thank you!!

Yes you definitely can submit before - (I wanted to make sure I was giving you correct info so I confirmed this info here too). I would recommend submitting as soon as you can, just in case there are any issues with your transcripts that could hold you up.   

Does anyone know if you can submit your SOPHAS application before all of your recommendations are in, or should you wait until they have all been received to officially submit? 
Thanks!

Don't stress about it. Years ago I applied to the same schools for masters and doctoral programs. I wanted to go straight into my PhD but understood it was a longshot. In my personal statement, I clearly communicated that I wanted get my PhD at the school and that the masters would prepare me for it. Admissions committees are familiar with this scenario.

Hi!

Does anyone have any insights regarding applying to both the PhD program and the MS program within the same department?  My long term goal is PhD. But, if not accepted anywhere, I would consider doing the MS with the hopes of continuing on to the PhD. 
 
Is it a bad idea to apply to both? Could it weaken your application? 

Thanks!! 

Hi, all!

Thanks for starting this thread. I'm also hoping to be admitted into an Epidemiology PhD program for fall 2021. 
Some of my stats: undergrad GPA - 3.1, MS GPA - 3.8, 2 conference presentations, 2 first-author pubs, 2 middle author pubs. 3 years working on CDC epidemiology study. GRE- 169 Q, 167 V.
I'm certainly worried about my low undergrad GPA, but , fingers crossed!
Good luck to everyone!