BxEPI

After stalking this thread the whole application season, I thought I should finally join in with my own question--for those who have options, what is pushing you in a particular direction for your final decision? Is it an exceptional research fit + mentor match? Finances? Location? Course quality? Reputation of program?
Not being able to visit has definitely thrown me for a loop. I thought there would be one clear choice at the end of it all, but I keep going back and forth in my mind as every option has its pros, cons, and unique stressors and pulls.
Current status for reference (all PhDs):
Accepted:
BU Epi (4 years guaranteed funding) UW Epi (nothing guaranteed but have an RAship lined up for several years + some extra departmental money) NYU GPH Epi (5 years guaranteed funding, bit low for NYC CoL) UCSF Epi (1 year guaranteed funding) NYU Med's Vilceck Institute Epi or Pop. Health (5 years guaranteed, highest stipend I've seen from a program. Obviously balanced with living in one of the most expensive cities) Waitlisted:
Brown Behavioral and Social Science Feeling crazy lucky and privileged and trying to make my decisions ASAP to not hold up other people's options. I've been running around getting people's thoughts on their own academic journeys after making a chaotic spreadsheet which lists various pros/cons.

I looked up my interviewers and made sure I had some idea of their work, and could ask relevant questions if I had time to. Also, as someone said above, i prepared answers for “tell me about yourself/why phd/why our program” type typical questions... this was helpful because while I didn’t actually use any of these exact answers, it was good to think through. 
 
The two things I prepared that WERE super helpful was (1) practicing describing one or two of my current projects succinctly and knowledgeably to a non-co-investigator, and (2) describing a project that id be interesting in working on while in the program. 

I also did a practice round with my boyfriend, to get some experience in the interview setting over Zoom.

Good luck!!! 

Yes yes yes! I know how anxious we can get through this process. And yes, we might be 'competing' for the same spot. But it should never be about that. I am glad we had the opportunity to get to know each other better and are now going to be in the same program. 
To those who have not heard from the programs you're hoping yet, or are waitlisted. Don't lose hope just yet, I know it seems like the cycle is close to being over, but a lot can happen. Finish strong. And if it is the case that you don't get in this year, reach out to programs and ask for feedback. Also, don't be discouraged to apply again. We are all capable to great things and I am thankful to know that so many people are interested in continuing to work in Public Health. 

Hi everyone, just wanted to update that I applied to 3 DrPH programs and 1 PhD. So far 1 rejection at UNC, interviewed at Indiana University still waiting to hear, and just got accepted to USF after interviewing 2 weeks ago. The PhD program I applied to Maastricht Univ, Netherlands. Has a pretty good reputation and also a part-time program tailored for working professionals. I was also accepted there. I am incredibly lucky to have been accepted in at least 2 schools given that I cannot stop working full-time nor did I want to retake the GREs. With most schools dropping GRE requirement I felt this was my one chance! 
Though I'm still waiting for Indiana, I have already decided I will go with Maastricht because I work in Africa and it's easier and cheaper to fly to Europe for classes than the USA.
I wish everyone that is still waiting the best! I am a working mom with 2 small kids so my plate is already overflowing but I didn't give up and I hope you won't either. I also encourage everyone who did not gain acceptance to broaden their net when reapplying. 

Just got my last decision back (UCLA ID EPI)! 4/4 rejections. Time to start prepping for the next application cycle.. lol
As much as it stings, I'm allowing myself just 5 minutes to feel down. To those who are in the same boat, as much as we hate to hear it, it's a pretty random process. On paper, I would have a pretty competitive application (20 peer reviewed articles, several first author publications, 5+ years of professional experience, led some workgroups in collab. with CDC, great LORs, decent grades), but alas it all comes down to right time, right place. ?

I suppose people doing DrPH may already have a career and so they could stay on while studying. And I also feel it is for people seeking leadership roles. Are DrPH offered any funding? Curious to know too. I would choose PhD with the impression that it is more methodological intensive.