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MCH_Hopeful_2021

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Posts posted by MCH_Hopeful_2021

  1. I know that we're near the end and very close to being disbanded but ya'll I just have to say it: THANK YOU!

    You all have been a tremendous source of support and strength and I cannot say enough how meaningful it's been to connect with many of you offline, in real life (zoom), etc.

    I didn't think I'd find a community of people who in the face of a pandemic, national unrest, etc., were like "you know what? F*ck it, let's apply"--but I'm so very happy I did. 

    So cheers, you brilliant crazies! Now let's go leave our imprint on this field. ??

  2. 51 minutes ago, EJ_PhD said:

    Finally finally FINALLY received my first offer of admission to the University of Maryland Environmental Health PhD program!!! However, it's unfunded for my first year so I'll be carrying a small stipend from one of my prior mentors and likely commuting from home to save rental costs. It's a dream program due to mentorship, connections, and projects so I don't want to turn it down! For those still waiting, it ain't over til it's over

    Congrats! I know that must feel great. 
     

    Why is it not funded in year 1? Is no one funded in that first year? Glad you have a plan to make it work though! 

  3. 2 minutes ago, MCH_Hopeful_2021 said:

    Definitely true. But I think it’s because this thread is for applicants. When you’re already locked in, it’s not as relevant. And I think most hesitate to talk about their next steps (planning a move, quitting their shitty job, picking classes etc) when others are reeling from not hearing back. I’m a woman but I’m pretty willing to say that bragging about an admit while people are trying to pick up the pieces of a crazy cycle is a d*ck move. 
     

    But with that said, if anyone wants to start a new thread about the hereafter, I’m definitely down to contribute! 

    Also, I want to add that, although I found this forum super helpful, for others this place was damaging to their mental health. The admissions process is brutal and the collective anxiety here can be too much for many. So I don’t begrudge anyone from unplugging. 

  4. 1 hour ago, coffeeisforclosers said:

    This forum was active, supportive, and lively for many months. Once people get their offers, they kinda go their own way and stop communicating in here, huh? It still is a great resource for the early application season, but doesn't feel connected like a group once people get dealt their cards.

    Definitely true. But I think it’s because this thread is for applicants. When you’re already locked in, it’s not as relevant. And I think most hesitate to talk about their next steps (planning a move, quitting their shitty job, picking classes etc) when others are reeling from not hearing back. I’m a woman but I’m pretty willing to say that bragging about an admit while people are trying to pick up the pieces of a crazy cycle is a d*ck move. 
     

    But with that said, if anyone wants to start a new thread about the hereafter, I’m definitely down to contribute! 

  5. 1 hour ago, DrPH20xy said:

    Do we have a group for networking sharing ideas and learning from each other as we start our programs this summer/fall? I am thinking not within a specific school but for all us going to different schools and programs. 

    It would be nice to have a thread or something where we’re able to talk about our first semester. I’m sure the folks applying next year would be interested to see what the schools are like from the vantage of first years. 
     

    Good idea, @DrPH20xy! If you get whatever you’re thinking going, I’d be happy to contribute. 

  6. 43 minutes ago, Public_health_and_cats said:

    Hi all! As I am starting to think about applying again in the future (for a third round), I am dreading the thought of having to ask my recommenders to submit letters for a third time. I am especially worried about the two professors from my MPH, since it seems like a bigger ask the further out from it I get from completing the program. Any thoughts on this? Should I ask a whole new set of recommenders that are professional and not academic? Thanks!

    (also super bummed that the 5 years on my GRE are up so I'll have to do that again?)

    Honestly, I think the "fresher" the recommendations, the better. If you're in industry and those people can speak better to your skillset, are able to demonstrate the real-world implications of the work you engage in (lives saved, programs streamlined, children fed, etc.), and can honestly say the field is better with you in it, I say go for it. It's rare that a professor, especially one from years out, could give that much color to a letter. 

    Good luck to you!

    PS. Many schools will be doing away with or re-evaluating the role that the GRE should have in graduate studies. I, for one, am more of a fan of subject tests for entry vs. more generic skills. 

  7. 7 hours ago, havanna said:

    Could anyone help me choose between Tulane and Rutgers for Health Policy Ph.D.?  They both are giving same funding and have similar advisors.  Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

     

    I am not familiar with those schools (although I’m partial to Tulane because I went to school next door) but I’d look at current students’ CVs and see if the experiences, pubs (and their impact factors), and external funding match what you envision for your own CV. I’d also look to see what graduates do in the 1-2 years thereafter. If you’re seeing more on the tenure track than are postdocs, that’s a strong indicator of connections and preparedness than anything else. If you’re seeing more folks in industry, I’d assess whether you’d be interested in similar roles and if they’re in more senior/leadership positions or if they’re entry level. The former is a great sign and says to me that graduates are prepared for and trusted with high level work. 
     

    This is how I’d approach things if all things were equal. 

  8. 1 hour ago, PHPhDApplicant said:

    Absolutely right -- I'm currently in an evaluation role in a large non profit that is primarily an implementing organization. With a PhD I would like to transition to a leadership role in a non-profit that focuses more exclusively on research or conducts more rigorous research more regularly. Think the PopCouncil's of the world... Part of me is certainly scared to make the full time leap! 

    Wouldn’t hesitate to go part time if that were an option and I were in your shoes. 
     

    Edit: Funding needs to involve 0 debt or near that or I’d likely go full time. 

  9. 3 minutes ago, PHPhDApplicant said:

    Is anyone here weighing options between PhD programs that allow them to continue working vs more traditional / 'prestigious' ones in which this would not be possible? As a mid-ish career professional (I'm 32) I see benefits to both approaches. Attending a less traditional program and continuing to work would ground my research / academic pursuits with more applied connection, would allow me to continue to build momentum within my current network as opposed to losing it / completely starting afresh, and would be more financially beneficial at least during the short term of the program. On the other hand, a more traditional program would allow more time for scholarship and close mentorship from PhD advisor, and could open different doors for career advancement down the road. This is probably only a decision I can make based on my very specific circumstances but thought what the heck, let's see if any of the smart folks on this forum are grappling with similar questions. 

    What do you plan to do with the degree when you’re done? That would be the deciding factor for me. If I wanted an academic career or research career (at a university, medical school, think tank, etc), I’d do full time. If I wanted to climb the ranks of my current company, work in government (but not a strictly research capacity), a NGO, etc., Id go for the part time model 

  10. 44 minutes ago, srp10215 said:

    While we're on this topic, I'd love to get folks' thoughts on something. I'm pretty solidly between two programs right now (60/40 leaning one way) and I'm feeling the pressure with the decision deadline coming up. I'd like to visit one of the cities before making my decision but won't have a chance to until April 9th. I'm planning on making my decision immediately after, but will I be rubbing anyone the wrong way by waiting until the very last minute? I don't wanna sour my relationship with either advisor, as I'd like to collaborate with both throughout my career...

    Likely yes. But you’ve got to do what make sense to you. 

  11. Just now, CommunityHealth21 said:

    Thanks! And did you mean Chicago, with UIC? If yes, no, I have accepted USF already. With UIC I already told them I'm rejecting the offer, but they said I should wait the official letter, not really sure why. 

    Haha. I very much spaced! 

  12. 4 minutes ago, CommunityHealth21 said:

     

    I think it really varies by program. I got accepted at UIC MCH and I am not going to accept my offer, but they asked me to wait for my official admission letter before rejecting it. Also, I was just accepted to USF CFH, about a week ago, but I know their deadline for the first admitted group to decide was march 15th.  

    Congrats on USF! Are you still leaning towards Texas? 

  13. The deadline is in a little over 3 weeks. It feels a little surreal to me that University of Arizona (and similar schools) is moving this incredibly slow to make initial offers. If this is your only chance at an admit, please know that I'm crossing my fingers for you and hoping those folks in Tucson (and everywhere, really) put a little urgency in their damn step. 

  14. 1 hour ago, ♀HealthMatters said:

    Y'all, it finally happened. I got accepted. I'm going to get a PhD in epi! UMass may not be ranked t10, but it's a great school and in three years I'll have the degree. Anyone else going to accepted student day tomorrow? 

    Congrats, Dr. HealthMatters! 
     

    PS. Screw the rankings! If this program is going to help you achieve your career goals with 0 debt then that sounds like a steal to me! 

  15. For anyone seeing this cycle as a “fight to the finish,” where every applicant to “your” program is a threat, let me give you a real example of why you being an asshole is the wrong move. @CommunityHealth21and I applied to some of the same schools, got waitlisted at the same place and are now accepted into the same program. Instead of seeing each other as competition, we DM’d each other with insider info (eg “how is USF really??), debriefed on interviews; and they were even kind enough to offer to connect me to someone who got in the program, (despite being waitlisted and hoping for a spot to open up). Now we’re in the same cohort and I’m pumped to work with them! 

    Being a jerk or rooting for someone’s failure  can be tempting (especially when anxiety is high and decisions trickle) but don’t forget that these folks are also your colleagues. So let’s lift each other up! You never know if a person will become an ally, a cohort member, or a collaborator on a major project.

  16. I have a one year old and start my program this fall (albeit remotely at first), so I'll be able to report back then! My kiddo is very young and is very much a distraction (the sweetest, cutest kind), so I'm a bit nervous, to be honest. With that said, although I know that grad school can be grueling, I've spent many years in a very demanding career, working ungodly hours, and I still managed. I think (and hope!) that grad school will be easier than that. 

  17. 1 hour ago, FDawg said:

    Hey - congrats on Davis!!! I feel you though. I lived in Davis for a year and actually RAed for an infectious diseases PhD student there. I still keep in touch with her loosely and she's currently working at the CDC. From what I remember, she loved her program and her advisor was incredibly supportive. Sorry I don't have more info on the program, BUT I do have a lot of info on Davis.

    First of all, I have to say I ABSOLUTELY LOVE DAVIS. It is a gorgeous little town. So chilled out and beautiful. Summers are HOT but you'll just have to take refuge in Tahoe (1.5 hrs away) and Yosemite (3 hrs away). I've had some of the most positive experiences of my life in Davis, and I was only there for a year.

    My brother did his PhD at Davis in Econ. When he first applied, it wasn't his top choice either but 6 years later he is a fancy professor at a liberal arts college and has never looked back. The community he built at Davis are now some of his closest friends (and mine). Also, super fun events that happen during the year (picnic day, tour, farmer's markets). AND Davis is super duper safe. 

    Hope this helps a bit and let me know if you want more info! 

    Edit: how could I forget? Davis is the bike capital of the world. Super flat and loads of bike lanes. You should see the bike racks in UC Davis during the semester. Pretty crazy

    THIS is how you get someone excited about a school! It’s not even remotely a fit but I’m like “Damn! I should have made it work.” Haha. 

  18. For those that have applied to University of Arizona (like myself) and are still waiting to hear back, I wanted to just drop this link regarding the school pulling funding offers last year. I was told by a graduate student (not in public health) that, although they aren’t doing that this year, stipends are often reduced, as are all faculty and staff salaries. This is pretty disheartening, considering that this school doesn’t have a history of great funding to begin with. 
     

    https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/04/09/arizona-withdraws-funded-graduate-offers

    https://www.wildcat.arizona.edu/article/2020/04/n-covid-robbins-email

     

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