MCH_Hopeful_2021

I’ve only had one interview thus far and one upcoming, so I’m no pro. To add to what everyone is saying, one of the questions I got that I did not prep for (although I’ve thought about it personally) was something along the lines of: “tell me how the world would be a better place with you in this field?” So my advice would be to think globally about the broader impact of your work.
 
Some other things that I think helped me...
1. I practiced on video, since my interviews were all via video-conference, and I watched and rewatched it trying to gage everything from the quality of my responses to the lighting in my office and my eye contact with the camera (which makes people feel like you’re looking at them). 
2. It was a lot easier for me mentally to prepare when I thought of this as a standard job interview. I’m a bit older (early 30s) and it’s been forever since school BUT I’ve had a ton of job interviews in my life so framing it that way abated some of my fear of the unknown. 
3. I researched everyone that I knew I was going to interview with. I looked at their papers, their CV, etc. This gave me an idea of how best to frame my research interests. For example, if I’m interviewing with a demographer then I’m going to talk about the broader impact of my research from a population health standpoint vs a health systems view. 
4. My interview was very short. Think 30 or 40 minutes. Most of that time was spent asking me questions. I got about 5 minutes to ask my own. It’s helpful to have your most pressing 1-2 questions on-hand (ie the ones that will help you make a decision) vs the small talk approach of asking about everyone’s research interest. For me, I asked about funding and fit. 
 
5. Be authentic, bring your whole weirdo self to that interview (within reason) and see if there’s real fit. There’s nothing worse than making mistakes you can’t take back, so don’t be fake just to wind up in a program you hate. 
 

Yes! This is my first. Every day I’m learning so much and man, I love it. I love all the smiles and laughs, and how fast he’s flying through milestones. I especially love how happy he is, despite the world falling apart outside our front door. Being a parent is super hard but I’d be a lesser person without this little guy. 
 
okay. I’m going to go mist up someplace else. *sniff* anyone heard from any schools? *sniff* 

I’ve only had one interview thus far and one upcoming, so I’m no pro. To add to what everyone is saying, one of the questions I got that I did not prep for (although I’ve thought about it personally) was something along the lines of: “tell me how the world would be a better place with you in this field?” So my advice would be to think globally about the broader impact of your work.
 
Some other things that I think helped me...
1. I practiced on video, since my interviews were all via video-conference, and I watched and rewatched it trying to gage everything from the quality of my responses to the lighting in my office and my eye contact with the camera (which makes people feel like you’re looking at them). 
2. It was a lot easier for me mentally to prepare when I thought of this as a standard job interview. I’m a bit older (early 30s) and it’s been forever since school BUT I’ve had a ton of job interviews in my life so framing it that way abated some of my fear of the unknown. 
3. I researched everyone that I knew I was going to interview with. I looked at their papers, their CV, etc. This gave me an idea of how best to frame my research interests. For example, if I’m interviewing with a demographer then I’m going to talk about the broader impact of my research from a population health standpoint vs a health systems view. 
4. My interview was very short. Think 30 or 40 minutes. Most of that time was spent asking me questions. I got about 5 minutes to ask my own. It’s helpful to have your most pressing 1-2 questions on-hand (ie the ones that will help you make a decision) vs the small talk approach of asking about everyone’s research interest. For me, I asked about funding and fit. 
 
5. Be authentic, bring your whole weirdo self to that interview (within reason) and see if there’s real fit. There’s nothing worse than making mistakes you can’t take back, so don’t be fake just to wind up in a program you hate. 
 

Re: GWU Global Health Sciences PhD, I hadn't heard anything since submitting my application mid-March. I know there's been one acceptance on this discussion board (of 2 or 3 spots). I e-mailed admissions yesterday to get final word about my decision so I can move on and prep for next year, and to my surprise, they still seem to be reviewing applications. The response was that my application was in department review and that I would hear in a few weeks. Just wanted to keep everyone posted because I know there were a couple of us that applied mid-March.
My understanding of the (very new) program is that they were looking for someone with microbiology / infectious disease lens and perhaps another with community health and / or health systems lens. Perhaps these two tracks are on different timelines?

I got taken off the waitlist on JHU, the only school I applied in this cycle. Feel so blessed!! Thank you, Everyone, for your support and sharing in the tough waiting time. This is a great community. I would never be able to survive in the process without this forum. Wish those still on waitlists the best luck! For JHU folks, I would like to connect with you guys offline ~~

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. ??

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. 

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. ??

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. ??

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. ??

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. ??

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. ??

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. ??

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. ??

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. ??

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. ??

hi all. if anyone is wait-listed for UNC, I just declined their offer. i hope this helps whoever is waiting on the list! it was a tough decision. 

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! 

Ah. I see. Gotcha. But you have a solid plan though, so you’re in great shape. Congrats again! ? 

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

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. 

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! 

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. 

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.