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Hello! I got accepted into Columbia and UNC's MS biostatistic programs and I need some help in making my decision! So, as of right now, I'm not really considering pursuing for a PhD after the master program. But I've heard that getting a PhD in biostatistics really gives you advantages in the job market that you kinda have to have a PhD to get a job that pays well (although this applies to all fields I guess), so if anyone knows about this, please help! My main concern is about the schools themselves. For Columbia, I've heard that the MS program is easy and that they give a lot of admissions for this program every year. Given this, I'm a little concerned whether the program is really that good and whether it worth the money to go there. Also, my friend told me that UNC is closer to the firms in the industry so that it actually gives more job opportunity than Columbia does. As for UNC, I know its got a better program and higher ranks academically speaking, but I think its location has less advantage. Also, I feel like UNC's program has less "freedom" than Columbia's in the sense that it's got such a rigorous program that if I go there, I probably should be determined in biostatistics. Not that I don't, but I feel like going to Columbia and NYC can give me more leeway if I want to explore something else. Please help if you have any suggestions! I appreciate any replies!

Hello! I got accepted into Columbia and UNC's MS biostatistic programs and I need some help in making my decision! So, as of right now, I'm not really considering pursuing for a PhD after the master program. But I've heard that getting a PhD in biostatistics really gives you advantages in the job market that you kinda have to have a PhD to get a job that pays well (although this applies to all fields I guess), so if anyone knows about this, please help! My main concern is about the schools themselves. For Columbia, I've heard that the MS program is easy and that they give a lot of admissions for this program every year. Given this, I'm a little concerned whether the program is really that good and whether it worth the money to go there. Also, my friend told me that UNC is closer to the firms in the industry so that it actually gives more job opportunity than Columbia does. As for UNC, I know its got a better program and higher ranks academically speaking, but I think its location has less advantage. Also, I feel like UNC's program has less "freedom" than Columbia's in the sense that it's got such a rigorous program that if I go there, I probably should be determined in biostatistics. Not that I don't, but I feel like going to Columbia and NYC can give me more leeway if I want to explore something else. Please help if you have any suggestions! I appreciate any replies!

Hi all, I'm a prospective international graduate student in the US; last year I was awarded a scholarship to do a Master's in Multimedia Communications (Interactive/Visual Documentary Production) for the upcoming fall. I've applied to several universities and I've been admitted to all of them. I'm having real trouble to choose between them, since I like all of the programs and they are very strong. Here I express my thoughts on each of them, in hopes someone who knows the schools or the campuses can offer me some insight. UC Berkeley I would have to ask for a loan at least for the first year, because the tuition exceeds by far the coverage of the grant and they haven't offered financial help since I am an international student. It's a really good school and really prestigious, but having other options where I would get full tuition coverage I don't think I'll consider asking for a loan. Also, the program is really journalism-focused and, although it has some of the best faculty in environmental journalism and new media, I'm not sure whether I'd feel creatively fulfilled. Do you think it's worthy to look into the possibility of getting a loan? UNC Chapel Hill - Visual Communication track at the MA in Journalism It used to be my first option, it's really prestigious as well. I'm also waiting for extra financial help because my current situation won't allow me to cover for the full tuition. There is really good faculty both in the journalism school and the communications school (more creative). I'd be able to specialize in environmental communication which is a plus, they have some professors which I really admire. They also have a graduate certificate that I would like to pursue. Climate wise and area wise (music, eating, going out), Chapel Hill seems a nice and tranquil place. The experimental film scene is really powerful, with the Full Frame Festival in Durham, and it's really close to Duke, where I could take workshops in documentary arts if I need something more 'experimental'. Syracuse - MA in Multimedia Photography and Design at Newhouse Here I would have full coverage for my tuition. Really top school, would look really good on my resumée. The program is free of 'journalistic pressure' and I will be able to explore creative outlets as well (although ti does seem more corporate communications-oriented). It's only one year Not really able to specialize in environmental communication, but they have many classes on cultural reporting, which is something I'd also like to explore. The problem here is that the program starts in late June, and with the current situation I wouldn't like to have to be nervous about being able to get a visa by June, or having to start my classes online, maybe even from Spain. Also, Syracuse doesn't seem a really exciting place. It seems good, though for connections in the New York area. Any thoughts on that? Indiana University Bloomington - MS in Media Production and Design at The Media School Here I would have full coverage for my tuition. In regards of prestige, I don't know how well known this school is. Anyway, I don't know if that matters much to me. Program-wise, I believe it is the one that fits my interests the most. It's a really new program so they will let me configure my own path, taking classes from interactive and web design, non narrative and experimental media, documentary, environmental affairs... being able to really explore what I want and work close to the faculty. This seems specially cool if I want to pursue a PhD afterwards, which is something that I'm starting to consider. However, the fact that it is all so new makes me kind of skeptic. There is some faculty I really I admire. Regarding Bloomington, I read that it's a very nice place, with a lot of stuff to do. There's a great music scene and film scene as well, but it's in the middle of nowhere (at least from my European point of view) and not having a car nor the intention of buying one, maybe I'll feel kind of isolated? The idea of it not being a well-known school for media production, or an isolated place are the main downsides here Please let me know anything you may know about the programs, the different areas and/or the schools in general. Anything you think can help me regarding the decision. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

Hi all, I have received fully funded (and relatively comparable in $$$) admission offers to the UNC Biostatistics PhD program, Colorado Biostatistics PhD program, and University of Michigan M.S. program. I'm having a tough time discerning differences between the programs and would appreciate comments on the strengths, weaknesses, and possible reasons to favor each program. I'm currently having a hard time deciding between the three, but I will choose to attend one of the listed programs. I don't necessarily have a particular research interest, but I think my end goal is to get an industry job focused more in data science. This might play into picking PhD vs. masters or vice versa, but I'm not sure. I'm definitely looking for a collaborative environment, a good place to live, and a school that has strong job placement outcomes (isn't that the goal of this anyway?). From what I know, UNC and Michigan are ranked 4 & 5 behind Harvard/Hopkins/Washington so they're definitely more well-regarded in the field. Colorado is most intriguing due to the location in the Denver area with mountains close-by and their laidback community. I've had a chance to visit both UNC and Colorado, but my campus visit to UM was cancelled due to the coronavirus. I appreciate any insight that can be given on the three programs to help me with my decision!

How many people have applied to UNC's full-time MSW program starting in Fall 2020? I applied by the priority deadline in December and haven't heard back yet, so just wondering what other people's timelines look like and if anyone has been accepted yet!

I know that internal fellowships tend not to matter much beyond the period of time in which you have them. I've been offered two rather different fellowships, however, and I'm trying to determine if the difference between them is substantive or not. The first is UNC's Royster Fellowship, which comes with about a $6,000 stipend increase. It seems rather prestigious and selective, with the fancy name, university-wide competition, and inclusion into the "Royster Society of Fellows," with lots of different networking and professional development opportunities. My guess is that all of this apparent prestige will only matter while I'm at that particular university, if at all. So, Question 1: Do people outside of UNC (in academia or industry) know about (or be impressed by) this so-called "Society of Fellows," or is it just fancy window dressing on a (more competitive) funding award? The above fellowship also includes two years without duties--one during my first year of intense coursework and the other in my fifth year during my dissertation work. (So from years 2-4 I would work as a TA/RA, but with a guarantee of the same level of funding as in years 1 and 5.) Question 2: As someone going into a STEM field, how much help is a fifth year fellowship? Everyone else in the program is already guaranteed TA/RA funding for 5 years. Would not having work duties be instrumental to finishing up my research in my fifth year, or just a convenience? (I'm sure that this will depend on the progress of my research and how early I start, but any input would still be appreciated.) Finally, my other big offer is a rather bland-sounding college-level "Dean's Fellowship" which comes with a larger funding increase--around $13,000 more than my initial offer from that department. Only the first year has no teaching duties, however--for years 2-5 I'll have to work as a TA/RA but for the same increased stipend level guaranteed. While both departments are undoubtedly trying to recruit me, my gut feeling based on the fellowships is that I would be more valued at UNC. It seems as though their STOR department has had only one other Royster fellow in the past five years, whereas I get the sense that the other department's fellowship is much more common and less of a "big deal". Question 3: Is this thinking completely illogical? Does the difference between the level of fellowships each department nominated me for give any signal as to how valued I would be by the faculty and department? Does getting a more competitive fellowship inherently mean I would be a "bigger fish" in that program, or should I just take things at face value? (Admittedly, trying to gauge how desirable I am as a candidate after I've been accepted might be a bit of a waste of time, but I'm self-aware enough to know that feeling valued by a given department is important for my productivity, self-esteem, and long-term academic success.) I would greatly appreciate anyone's thoughts on any of these questions. (Or people to tell me to quit being silly and obsessing over trivial differences, if it turns out that the answers don't really matter.)

Hi everyone! I have not seen many people post about the MSW 3 year Distance program at UNC Chapel Hill. Has anyone applied for it?

Hey! Has anyone heard anything yet about their admissions decision for Advanced Standing at UNC Chapel Hill? I'm getting more and more anxious everyday!

I’ll be starting an MLIS at UNC Chapel Hill in fall 2019 and I was wondering if anyone else is heading to UNC in the fall in any area of study?

I am considering my potential decision for these statistics&biostatistics PhD program. It is really a hard choice because I don't know these programs in detail, such as reputation, academic placement. I want to engage in statistical research and step into the academic fields in the future. I am more likely to go to UNC because of its higher reputation (actually, I am not very sure because their ranking shown in USnews is very close.) And they seem to have many professors engaging in machine learning, which is one of the popular topics these days. I am also attracted by its biostatistics department, which ranks Top 5 with many renowned professors in individualized treatment, deep learning and theoretical fields. But in recent years, the rank of statistics department in UNC is not higher than before maybe because of some distinguished professors went to other universities. I am also worried about the correlation between statistics and OR because actually there are two areas in their department. Actually, I am more interested in UNC because of its connection with its biostat department and stat department at Duke and NCSU and the gold triangle areas. The statistics departments at UMN and PSU are bigger than UNC. And the research fields are pretty more than UNC. Although they have many distinguished professors, the academic placements may be not better than UNC because I see that more distinguished professors in other Top departments graduated at UNC. The MCMC fields is pretty strong in UFL. And Upenn may be can find potential chance to choose a co-advisor in Wharton. Really look forward to your sugestions! Thanks!

Has anyone applied to UNC Greensboro's PhD in Public Health Education? Did you get an interview?? Has you status been updated?

Hello All ! I'm an international student who just finished a Master's degree in Biostatistics. I was admitted to the UNC Chapel Hill Biostats program and am waiting to hear about financial aiding. According to posts here from previous years, I have noticed that some students did not hear back about the funding even until late March. I was wondering if this is the case, and also if you know any previous students or accepted students who declined have been offered their funding at some point before accepting the offer. I am so glad and thankful to be admitted, but for a grad student, funding is such a crucial part, as I believe most of you already know and agree. I would love if any of you could share any information about this. Thanks!

Hi! I am a student at UNC Chapel Hill and only started taking SLP pre-reqs my junior year, and in the years before this I was a nursing/PA student with a low GPA. My GPA in pre-reqs is a 3.7/3.8, and my overall GPA is a 3.1. My GRE scores are alright... 159 V, 153 Q, 5.5 W. I have lots of experience working with my desired community (children) and am looking to participate in research this coming semester (I will be a senior in Fall 2018.) I am also going abroad this summer to Belize and volunteering at a clinic there. I guess what I'm wondering is.. do I have a chance anywhere? With that low of a GPA, but good LOR, experience, and what not, can I still get into my desired programs? Programs I know I'll be applying to are UNC, UNCG, ECU, App State, U of Tenn, U of Memphis, FSU, U of Florida. Programs I may be applying to are UCF, Jacksonville, Radford, NC Central, Western, GWU, etc. Thanks for any help, I am very worried lol

I'm looking for anyone else who accepted at UNC! Anyone know if there's a fb page? It would be nice to connect before meeting in August!

I am deciding between USF, UNC Chapel Hill, MGH and NYMC. USF is by far the cheapest (by a landslide), but all of their classes are 3 hour evening classes, and I don't know how I feel about this. I don't think you learn as well this way. I'm interested in the medical aspect, but every source has said that which school you go to doesn't matter. The cost is important to me because I'm relying on loans and outside scholarships for living expenses, travel expenses, etc. I work but I only make like $11/hour right now. What do you think about having all evening classes? Do you know how common this is among other programs? The purpose is so that you are free during the day for clinicals. USF has over 200 clinical placement sites! Does anyone have any first hand experience about the other programs? If there are any great advantages? Thanks so much for taking the time to read this post!!

Hey everyone! I am admitted to MS biostatistics programs at UNC and Michigan. Both schools have an internal process and a preference of admitting their own master’s students to their own PhD program, especially UNC. I was wondering would it be bad if if apply for an internal transfer as well as trying to apply for other TOP biostatistics programs like Harvard or JHU in the meantime? Would it be a bad impression for the faculties? Thank you!

Hello! I've been accepted into Columbia and UNC's Biostatistics MS programs and I'm having trouble deciding between the two! I'm leaning towards Columbia but it worries me that their Stats department is apparently not well regarded. Does this reputation extend to their Biostats department, even though their department is still in the top 10? I know that UNC is a better program overall and has more renowned professors, but if my end goal is to pursue a PhD, does it matter where I get my MS? Cost is not a strong factor because I consider living in NYC to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am also more interested in eventually working in industry if that helps. (I've heard that Columbia has more ties in industry and UNC is more theoretical with difficult quals) Thanks so much for any replies!

I am deciding between Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill for a Chemistry Ph.D. I know UNC has a stronger chem program overall but I am looking to do more chem bio with biomed applications, and Duke has one of the best med schools. In terms of research groups, they're pretty balanced with 2-3 groups at each school that I could work for. So in re: pros/cons, UNC and Duke are tied for me. My question is: are students happier/less stressed at Duke or at UNC? I get that UNC has a top program and that likely comes with additional stress, but is it so bad I should choose Duke instead? I know that the programs at Columbia, Stanford, etc. are pretty cutthroat and stress-inducing and I am wondering if that is the case at UNC.

Hello, all! I'm deciding on an MPA program, and I have it narrowed down to Brown and UNC Chapel Hill. I'm honestly totally split, and have no idea what to do. I'd really appreciate thoughts from others. The situation is that Brown is 1 year and UNC is 2, but UNC is still much, much cheaper. UNC is ranked a good bit higher, but Brown has the name and more of a global focus (which is my interest). I'm most likely interested in working in the nonprofit sector, and Brown's program would be better for that, but I'm having trouble reconciling that with the high cost of tuition. The problem is that I know i don't have a bad option and I have no clue where to go! Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Hi everyone! How many of you applied to UNC's MSW program? I just sent in my application for Advanced Standing. NOW WE WAIT!

Hi everyone, I'm considering applying to a Masters' program in public health in the future (probably the cycle after next). As I live in North Carolina, UNC seems like a good choice solely for financial reasons, not to mention it is ranked #2 in the US. However, I don't see too much about UNC mentioned on these threads (especially in comparison to other schools). Is there a reason why it's not as popular on here? I am interested in learning more about the pros and cons of the School and would greatly appreciate any insight you all may have! Right off the bat, I'm interested in global health and policy, and it seems that a DC-area school may be better suited to someone with policy interests, but I'm not sure if that's a valid concern. Thanks!

So this morning, I'm checking my email and I find an invitation to the UNC chemistry's visit weekends (Mar 9-10 and 23-24) with details about how to schedule meetings with PIs, arrange travel, etc... This would be great news, but I haven't actually received an acceptance letter from UNC yet... So I figure, maybe they've put it on the application portal and I've just missed it (I'm overseas and we have issues with our IP getting flagged so I haven't been able to log on to check for a while), but no change so I'm not sure what to make of it. As a bit of a brain teaser, the email's addressed to me, but the UNC PID that I'm supposed to log in to their travel website with doesn't work. I know the obvious answer is "email them back and ask about your application," but I was just wondering if this has happened before to anyone?

Hello, all! I just submitted my application to Chapel Hill MPA. I've looked everywhere but can't find any information about interviews/when they are/format/when we get invites. Does anyone know anything? Thanks a heap!

Hello, all! I just submitted my application to Chapel Hill MPA. I've looked everywhere but can't find any information about interviews/when they are/format/when we get invites. Does anyone know anything? Thanks a heap!

Hello everyone! Thank you to all of you for all of your help through out this process, you are seriously amazing people! I planned to apply to University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, but as I was completing their prereqs section on CSDCAS, I am a bit confused if I am eligible. Their website says you must complete all prereqs prior to beginning graduate coursework, does this mean you can complete these courses there, or they expect you to have completed them elsewhere?