Going4DrPH

I was accepted to UNC's PhD in Epidemiology program! I can't believe it! DREAM SCHOOL!

I was accepted into UC Berkeley's Environmental Health Sciences EHS program last night. 
Still haven't heard anything from most of the other schools I applied to (all EHS programs), but it feels great to finally have confirmation that I will be a PhD student next Fall at a school with a great research fit. 

Yes! I second this. I withdrew my application for consideration at a school after interviewing because the cultural fit was non-existent. I did so respectfully and politely and they seemed to appreciate my saving them the time and freeing up a spot (they also asked for feedback, which was much appreciated!). If I had known it wasn’t a good fit, I would have declined moving forward in the process, for sure. 

It's totally fine to politely decline an interview request, and you're absolutely right that they'll appreciate you allowing them to direct their energy towards a candidate who might say yes. 
 

I have a question for the group - I am incredibly lucky and was recently accepted into one of my top choices. I was just today invited to interview at a school that I would be unlikely to go to over this top pick. Both schools would require a really, really big move/life change, but my top pick is a better academic fit for me and the location is better for my spouse's career.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have the interview opportunity and do not take that lightly at all! But I am leaning towards politely declining the interview out of respect for the interviewers' time/efforts (and to open up a spot to other candidates sooner). 
I'm not totally sure what the "right" action is here. I would really value the perspective of those going through this process - what would you do?

Waitlisted for Harvard's DrPH program?  Based on everything you said, that sounds like an AMAZING accomplishment, though I know an acceptance would feel much better.  Keep your head up.

I asked that question in a recent interview (BU DrPH) and phrased it quite similarly to how you did. My interviewers were both women who had kids (that came up naturally in the interview; one even popped his head into the Zoom!), and they were very receptive to it. I think it's 100% reasonable to ask! For DrPH I am sure it's a common question given that most programs require previous masters and some amount of work experience, so students tend to start in their late 20/early 30s.

Accepted into Penn State's DrPH program. Applied 1/5
 
 

@blakepancake Update: got good news from UC Berkeley DrPH last night!! Still want to hear back from other places before making final decisions, but it's a big relief!?

@blakepancake Update: got good news from UC Berkeley DrPH last night!! Still want to hear back from other places before making final decisions, but it's a big relief!?

@blakepancake Update: got good news from UC Berkeley DrPH last night!! Still want to hear back from other places before making final decisions, but it's a big relief!?

@blakepancake Update: got good news from UC Berkeley DrPH last night!! Still want to hear back from other places before making final decisions, but it's a big relief!?

Congratulations! Yes, I'm also feeling very relieved and realized I'm checking GradCafe a lot less often suddenly!
 

Hi Everyone,
I haven’t posted here and have been avoiding forums because it makes my anxiety worse about the waiting.  I wanted to share something I thought the other day and hope others find helpful during this waiting.   I realized no matter what, a rejection from a school won’t define me or undo any of the wonderful things/work I’ve done or any of us have done.   It’ll sting, it’ll be a disappointment, but it’ll be just fine in the end.  We’ll all continue to do good work, create change, and help people, especially those most in need.  
The important thing to remember during this waiting is, each of us applied to all these schools because we thought we are deserving, smart enough, and had a shot at admission.  An acceptance letter won’t re-affirm our worthiness and a rejection won’t diminish it.  Each and every one of us started off worthy.  I’m not suggesting admission into one of the “elite” (or any) schools wouldn’t be a privilege and incredible opportunity, but regardless of where we get in or whether we get into PhD/DrPH program at all, we’ll still be amazing public health advocates, researchers, and professionals, we’ll still make our mark in the world, and we’ll make the world a better place.  Because we are all passionate, smart, awesome people and that’s something an admission committee can’t decide for us…Just wanted to send some encouraging words of support to all! Stay strong and remember you’re already awesome! ?

@blakepancake Update: got good news from UC Berkeley DrPH last night!! Still want to hear back from other places before making final decisions, but it's a big relief!?

@blakepancake Update: got good news from UC Berkeley DrPH last night!! Still want to hear back from other places before making final decisions, but it's a big relief!?

Eeek. I haven't heard anything yet. Hopefully it's not all over yet. 
Congrats to you though!! Wonderful to hear the good news. 

All around a good experience. They asked thoughtful questions about my background, experience, and goals. All focused on getting to know you better and your aspirations. My interviewers had a friendly, positive energy. Hope that helps a bit!

All around a good experience. They asked thoughtful questions about my background, experience, and goals. All focused on getting to know you better and your aspirations. My interviewers had a friendly, positive energy. Hope that helps a bit!

You are not alone in the anxiety department! I feel your pain. ? Hang in there!

Same here for BU DrPH! Had an interview last week. 
@blakepancakeI applied to Berkeley am *pretty* sure they do not interview, but I'm not 100% sure. I believe we will hear from them in March. So I believe it's just the painful waiting game.

You are not alone in the anxiety department! I feel your pain. ? Hang in there!

You are not alone in the anxiety department! I feel your pain. ? Hang in there!

You are not alone in the anxiety department! I feel your pain. ? Hang in there!

Same here for BU DrPH! Had an interview last week. 
@blakepancakeI applied to Berkeley am *pretty* sure they do not interview, but I'm not 100% sure. I believe we will hear from them in March. So I believe it's just the painful waiting game.