Hi, I have the same question as well, so I got into a couple of good programs but not top tier epidemiology programs. I will also have 2-3 first-author pubs if I choose to gap another year and probably can work as a biostatistician in between (I am a part-time biostatistician in this project now). I guess my biggest concern is that I will not be able to have as many research/networking opportunities as I could in bigger schools and my goal is to stay in academia after grad program.
Thank you in advance for your help!!