cheesecakelover

Sharing the same concerns here. But from what I've heard from other grad students, they advised me to enjoy the summer since grad school is pretty busy and you might not have time for yourself (again depends on YOU as a person). So if you feel under prepared, just casually look up at course outlines, do some light reading to familiarize yourself, reach out to senior year students and maybe profs or advising committees. Anyhow, its pretty much like undergrad but one level higher in terms of difficulty. So no need to worry too much. If you made it through undergrad, you'll be fine if you keep up with your work and work smart. And yeah ALWAYS reach out to your supervisors/profs ASAP if you get stuck or feel overwhelmed, I suffered in undergrad because I was too hesitant in opening up about my struggles and my grades suffered. It was only after talking about my problems to counsellors and a close friend, was I able to lighten the mental burden and see a shift in my grades and overall wellbeing. So all the best and feel free to DM me if you need to talk at any point.

Thank you so so much for getting back to me!!!! I tried calling a few days back but couldn't reach either program via phone. I noticed that the Global Health System applications are still open and was debating if I should apply separately but it would be a waste of money if I get rejected by the MPH program but get offered the GHS. Maybe I'll contact GHS and see what their status is on available spots. 
I hope we hear back with some good news early June. The wait is definitely long, but hopefully worth it!

I applied separately actually!

I am!! 

More like silent day for every university lol

My assumptions are just as good as yours honestly. I applied to health policy and I've heard that the cohorts are pretty small, so I would think that all spots would be full by now? My application is also not very strong so I will not be surprised if I receive a rejection. Just wish they would inform me in a timely manner. 

I know someone who is finishing their MSc Epi after doing two undergraduate degrees (second attempt after a rough time during their first undergrad degree).  He just finished his thesis, is one of the smartest people that I work with and is going to U of T for med next year.  AND he's my go-to person for advice because he has been successful given unique circumstances.  Just because taking more time to complete something is not normalized within the academic community doesn't make it wrong! Time = experience = maturity  best of luck and don't lose faith!!!

^^^ my exact thoughts as well!

Just declined western and brock! hope that frees up at spot for someone!

Oh! There
s definitely nothing "wrong" with the culture. It really just depends on the kind of person you are. And, like I said, Grew up around it so my perception is going to be completely different than yours. 
That said, in MY PERSONAL experience, I'm a very outgoing person and a total extrovert. The parts of UofT culture that I have been exposed to give off kind of an elitist vibe. UofT is super competitive to get in (mostly for grad school) but all the undergrads (that I've been exposed to) seem to think that they are super special and better than everyone else for going to UofT. In Toronto itself, UofT students (that I know) look down on Ryerson and York students and suggest that they only picked those schools because they "couldn't get in" to UofT. I was SUPER judged by some peers at UofT for choosing McMaster (even though I also got into UofT and my program at Mac is just as good lol). The negative culture I've experienced revolves a lot around Undergrad Science students. So, I 100% realize that this is not the case for the whole school. 
Generally, I'd say UofT is known to have a cold atmosphere driven by elitism and competition. UofT's MPH programs are AMAZING from what I've heard. Again, this experience of the culture is based on my personal experience and likely does not reflect everyone else's experiences (though these opinions do tend to be those that are popular) 

got my official offer for waterloo!

So sorry to hear that! I hope you have another offer to accept (or will get one soon) ?

So...I just got into Waterloo. (thank the lord)

I can't tell if you're trying to be sarcastic or what. But not once did I say my job is "posh"? But ok. Not here "promoting" the degree, I am clearing up some extremely unwarranted and basically untrue blanket statements that you have made about the program. 
Like you said, everyone's journey in public health is different. It is ultimately up to each individual to make an informed decision. I came in to provide clarity based on some of your untrue comments, as I am a graduate of the program. Not once did I step in to say I am here to promote the program, but go off. 

For sure, it's your prerogative at the end of the day. I mean, the 1 year program made sense as the ROI paid off exceedingly well in my case (and a few others in my cohort as well). Yes, $36k price tag is steep, but paying that for the year wasn't bad as my job I got post grad was able to pay it off, and I was able to enter the workforce a year early in comparison to other MPHers who started the same year I did. That's fair you have doubts, but the program is CEPH accredited, so it meets the rigor and standards of all other accredited MPH programs in the USA/Canada. 
But again, you are correct, it is ultimately your decision, and you must know what is best in your circumstance. However saying there are doubts about the program, when this is a few of the CEPH accredited programs in Canada is a very lowbrow comment. Just my two cents. 

to add on... some individuals I spoke to also claimed that some of their practicum was paid. 

Sorry to hear about your friends experiences at Western's MPH. I am not dismissing your concerns or your opinions, but I will outright respectfully disagree with your blanketed statement. 
I will disclaim that my experience is biased as I am an alumni of the program, however my year had decent job placements post grad, with ~10 folks heading to medical school/dental school. Around 50% of our practicums were paid as well or received a stipend. So I am just providing an "insiders" perspective. 
For my personal experience, I chose this program because I wanted to do a 1 year program and enter the workforce as soon as possible. I was fortunate to find a very well paying job post MPH grad with no concerns. The networks I've made during my practicum and at the school has been quite helpful for me to date. But again, this is just an anecdotal story. 

This is gonna be the longest long weekend ever ? I need answers. Like NOW !!!!!!!

This is gonna be the longest long weekend ever ? I need answers. Like NOW !!!!!!!

This is gonna be the longest long weekend ever ? I need answers. Like NOW !!!!!!!

This is gonna be the longest long weekend ever ? I need answers. Like NOW !!!!!!!

a lot of people I been stalking via linkedin that graduated from MPH Western were able to get good jobs 

The price of rent largely depends on your location, whether you have roommates or not, the quality of the housing/apartment and whether you have your own bathroom or not. You can go cheap, like $500 but you'll probably have like 4-5 roommates sharing most of the space. 

This is gonna be the longest long weekend ever ? I need answers. Like NOW !!!!!!!

This is gonna be the longest long weekend ever ? I need answers. Like NOW !!!!!!!