Texas or bust?

[bluegrad]

Like many on these boards, I've had an agonizing year of applying to grad programs. For whatever reason, I decided to apply initially to only two grad schools for a ph.d. in public health, and they happen to be the top two. I was rejected by both. In a final Hail Mary pass, I also applied to University of Texas, because of their late deadline. Yesterday, I found out I was accepted.

So a couple things...I didn't apply to UT earlier mainly because I didn't know much about them or Texas. Turns out, they are ranked 12th, but seem to be on the rise, attached to some pretty impressive research centers. Cost of living in Houston seems to be pretty good, and I'm liking other things I'm finding out as well (shopping, weather, schools for kids, job market for husband).

Downsides, I got some feedback that makes me think I have a reasonable shot at getting into my top picks if I reapply for next year. Question is if I want to go through all this again to find out.

What to do? 1) Go for it -- get started on a multi-year degree now at a school with a good reputation that seems to be on the rise. 2) Wait it out one more year -- See if I can't persuade the hold outs that I would be a great addition to their cohort. I have to say there is something appealing about being at a school that wants you the first time...

Oh, option 3 might also be to apply to some of the schools between rankings 2 and 12 to see what other options I might actually have! Thoughts??

[aginath]

Cost of living in Houston seems to be pretty good, and I'm liking other things I'm finding out as well (shopping, weather, schools for kids, job market for husband).

Without reading anything else you posted, there's a huge red flag. Houston? Texas is in Austin. I believe PH has campuses in Dallas and San Antonio along with one or two out west/down in the valley.

[bluegrad]

Nope -- Main school of public health is in Houston. I like Austin a lot, but the school of public health is part of the Houston medical center, alongside Baylor, Rice, MD Anderson etc. It surprised me at first too. There are satellite programs in Austin, San Antonio, Brownsville and Dallas.

[areedhay]

Nope -- Main school of public health is in Houston. I like Austin a lot, but the school of public health is part of the Houston medical center, alongside Baylor, Rice, MD Anderson etc. It surprised me at first too. There are satellite programs in Austin, San Antonio, Brownsville and Dallas.

For what it's worth, I have a brother-in-law who went there for Dental/Ortho residency, I believe. While Houston isn't the most ideal place to live in the world, it has plenty to offer by way of conveniences and social life. As you said, cost of living is certainly as plus. Moreover, the School of PH is a fantastic looking campus and is well-known (again, this is mainly second-hand) in the health professions field for being top notch. Wouldn't be the worst place to to spend some time, especially if you're fresh out of options.

All the best.

[alt1922]

Hi bluegrad,

I'm curious to know if you ended up in Texas. I've been accepted and am considering the doctoral program (DrPH). I'm headed to Houston this week to check out both the area and the school.

Thanks!

Like many on these boards, I've had an agonizing year of applying to grad programs. For whatever reason, I decided to apply initially to only two grad schools for a ph.d. in public health, and they happen to be the top two. I was rejected by both. In a final Hail Mary pass, I also applied to University of Texas, because of their late deadline. Yesterday, I found out I was accepted.

So a couple things...I didn't apply to UT earlier mainly because I didn't know much about them or Texas. Turns out, they are ranked 12th, but seem to be on the rise, attached to some pretty impressive research centers. Cost of living in Houston seems to be pretty good, and I'm liking other things I'm finding out as well (shopping, weather, schools for kids, job market for husband).

Downsides, I got some feedback that makes me think I have a reasonable shot at getting into my top picks if I reapply for next year. Question is if I want to go through all this again to find out.

What to do? 1) Go for it -- get started on a multi-year degree now at a school with a good reputation that seems to be on the rise. 2) Wait it out one more year -- See if I can't persuade the hold outs that I would be a great addition to their cohort. I have to say there is something appealing about being at a school that wants you the first time...

Oh, option 3 might also be to apply to some of the schools between rankings 2 and 12 to see what other options I might actually have! Thoughts??