When all is done for this cycle, we should all get together at some stage to come up with a singular document of "Things I wish I knew before applying for a public health PhD". There are so many pearls in this thread that deserve to be written nicely for future applicants. For example, knowing that Harvard has a very strong preference for internal masters' applicants is helpful. Knowing that Tulane likes its applicants to reach out early to faculty of interest is helpful. Knowing about funding is helpful. And the list goes on... Such a document will help prospective applicants and re-applicants manage their time and also strengthen their chances of being accepted.