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Littlefastpenguin

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    PhD/DrPH Applicants: Fall 2021

    in Public Health Forum

    Posted

    6 hours ago, publichealthPhD said:

    Just got my rejection from Brown's HSR program. This was expected as I wasn't interviewed. 3/4 rejections so far. The 4th will come soon, as I haven't been interviewed there. I'm going to need to regroup and re-strategize for next year's cycle.

    I've been working in maternal and child health space for 12 years, am a returned Peace Corps Volunteer, I graduated with my MPH from Johns Hopkins where I won an award for my capstone research project. I worked on monitoring and evaluation of global maternal and child health programs for a few years post-MPH, and for the last three years I've been working as a researcher at a Harvard SPH lab. I have first authored 2 papers, second-authored 3 papers, and am a middle author in some others. I did not submit my GREs unless required. I'm interested in the intersection of MCH quality of care and implementation science. My recommenders are well-known in the field.

    I'm writing all of this to contribute to the ongoing conversation on this forum to de-stigmatize rejection. I'm trying to view this as an opportunity rather than a failure. I only applied to schools that were geographically close this year due to covid, so next year I'll get to expand my search a bit more. Hopefully that will make it easier to find a better match.  I'm using this year to regroup, gain more experience, and to identify programs that might be a better fit. (And maybe try for a kid pre-PhD!).

    This has been a great forum! It's good to know that there are so many up-and-coming, qualified, passionate public health researchers. We need it! Good luck to you all!

    You are most definitely a great candidate considering your professional background and achievements! You should be proud. 

    Personally, this was my second time applying. For my first cycle, I only applied to 5 programs and got rejections from all of them. This time I applied to 13 programs all across the nation and have only received two acceptances so far. My advice to you and anyone else is never to doubt your experiences but, better yet, to apply broadly as it increases your possibilities of interviews/acceptances considering the enormous competition out there. 

    Best of luck in your future endeavors! I’m sure your next cycle will be much stronger. Keep the positive vibes ?

    PhD/DrPH Applicants: Fall 2021

    in Public Health Forum

    Posted

    26 minutes ago, chicago_epi said:

    Thank you so much! This was super helpful - I know it is such a personal decision, but it is really nice to hear what other people consider. Being near my partner is definitely important, considering how stressful grad school can be at times! Congrats on your acceptance and good luck with everything :)

    Glad I was able to help! Wishing you the best. I’m sure it’ll work out in your favor :) 

    PhD/DrPH Applicants: Fall 2021

    in Public Health Forum

    Posted

    48 minutes ago, chicago_epi said:

    Hi all! I wanted to ask if anyone is planning to move away from their spouse/partner for their PhD? I am getting married this summer, and my fiance has a great career. However, he can only move to a select few cities where his company has an established office. We have discussed doing distance if I get into one of my top choice programs and he is unable to move.

    For anyone moving - do you plan to stay in the location for the duration of your PhD, or would you try to relocate for the dissertation phase? To me, 2 years seems hard, but doable, during the coursework phase. But 4-5 years seems like a major stretch to me personally. I would love to hear other's thoughts on this!!

    Hi! I am in a similar situation. I live with my partner who is in Med school and he will be doing his clinical rotations in the fall, and could possibly try to get his rotations done at a city nearby me but, the chances of that are low. Luckily I was accepted to a PhD program that is only 2 hours away from us. Personally, I would consider being close to my partner just because I have gone away in the past (for internships) and it was pretty difficult not having him around especially during stressful times. But everyone is different! I guess it all depends on first laying out all of your choices, weighing out pros and cons, and ultimately  choosing what makes you happy. Hope I helped somewhat. Good luck :) 

    PhD/DrPH Applicants: Fall 2021

    in Public Health Forum

    Posted

    Just now, brightbluebirds said:

    Congrats!!!

    Was this for epidemiology? I was wondering if interviews are required since I thought they just sent decisions out late feb/early march. Thanks!

    Thank you :) yup! It was for epidemiology. A faculty member I am interested in working with actually reached out to meet via zoom. I’m not too sure if interviews are required for every applicant though. 

    PhD/DrPH Applicants: Fall 2021

    in Public Health Forum

    Posted

    3 minutes ago, EHEPI_PHD21 said:

    The interviews exceeded my expectations! I am definitely team Harvard right now ? .

    IMO, the best way to prepare is just to reflect on what brought you to this moment... your personal/academic/professional experiences and why this program, POI, career choice, etc. Practice articulating these responses, but don't over rehearse. Scripted answers prevent an interview from evolving into a conversation. It really comes down to just being yourself and seeing if this is a right match for both parties. 

    I will send you good vibes for the interview - you got this ?..

    Thank you so much for the positivity! Best of luck to you as well :)How many people did you interview with?

    PhD/DrPH Applicants: Fall 2021

    in Public Health Forum

    Posted

    19 hours ago, EHEPI_PHD21 said:

    Happy Friday everyone! I have 2 quick updates.

    I was interviewed for the PHS PhD program at Harvard last week. I had overwhelmingly positive interactions and needless to say, I am eagerly awaiting an update on the status of my application. 

    Also, Emory has interviews planned for the first week of February. 

     

    Love reading all the uplifting notes, too! Stay hopeful and best of luck ? 

    How was your interview for Harvard? Multiple faculty members? What kind of questions were you asked? I have an interview with Harvard next week! Any help would be appreciated :)

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