When did you apply and when are you hearing back?

[NeurosciMRI]

Damn. I know we all applied to different schools, but I'm so jealous that a lot of you have heard back from places! I guess, while we're waiting, anyone started looking into financial aid and FAFSA stuff yet?

Well I know for epidemiology at the University of Michigan and this might be the case for other schools of public health, I was told by admissions that an applicant will hear back quickly if they are an "automatic" admit. That is, someone who has great stats (3.3 - 3.5+) a well written SOP/PS, as well as someone with a lot of public health experience. UMich is my alma mater so I personally sat down with the chair of admissions in the department that I was applying to as well as other academic coordinators to make sure that my application was in early, fees paid for, SOP/PS advice, etc. I was told that UMich does two rounds of scholarships. This is the case with many schools that have two deadlines (priority and regular deadlines). So the earlier you apply the more consideration you get for their masters tuition scholarships. I submitted my SOPHAS on 9/11, was complete 9/13 and verified on 9/25. SOPHAS started mailings on 10/17. Each school might be different and have different opportunities for students. For example, I applied for residential staff (e.g RA position) to get free room and board. There are also graduate assistantships that students can apply for as well, which are teaching positions for graduate students. There are many options for funding at many schools and it is up to the student to find them. I am trying to take out as little loans as possible because I will attend medical school after I complete my MPH. In terms of the FAFSA, I think that it doesn't open up until January. There are GRAD Plus loans that you can take out if need be, but I believe the interest rate varies depending on credit history and other factors. I think minimizing the amount of loans for an MPH is something everyone should be thinking about because even if you attend a highly ranked school, salaries across the board are not too high for each respective public health department. Also, if anyone has questions about the University of Michigan feel free to ask. I am biased though. #GoBlue

Edited December 4, 2013 by NeurosciMRI

[NeurosciMRI]

Did you get an email about Mich or did you check your status page on the portal?

I received two emails. The first email was a recommendation for admission and the second email was the official decision. After I received the official decision, a view decision link popped up on my wolverine access account the following morning. That is where I submitted my enrollment deposit.

Edited December 4, 2013 by NeurosciMRI

[eal33064]

Im starting to get nervous that I didn't get an email from emory! Also, I got an email from Yale last night saying the have all of my materials.

[katethekitcat]

Damn. I know we all applied to different schools, but I'm so jealous that a lot of you have heard back from places!

 

I'm actually regreting that I applied early enough that I'm hearing back from schools. I'm adding one last-minute application, and in writing my personal statement, it's SO much stronger than anything else I submitted because, at this point, I've written so many. If I had slowed down and submitted some of my top-choice applications later in the cycle, I probably would have had a better application. It's so much easier to clearly define my research interests with even just a few more month's reading of the literature. I also got promoted at work after I'd already e-submitted (early in September), but it was too late to change it.

 

So, a warning to future applicants: as long as you're hitting the first-round deadlines, write your safety school applications first so the practice makes your top-choice statements all the stronger.

 

Or maybe everyone else had that figured out

[123hardasABC]

I'm actually regreting that I applied early enough that I'm hearing back from schools. I'm adding one last-minute application, and in writing my personal statement, it's SO much stronger than anything else I submitted because, at this point, I've written so many. If I had slowed down and submitted some of my top-choice applications later in the cycle, I probably would have had a better application. It's so much easier to clearly define my research interests with even just a few more month's reading of the literature. I also got promoted at work after I'd already e-submitted (early in September), but it was too late to change it.

 

So, a warning to future applicants: as long as you're hitting the first-round deadlines, write your safety school applications first so the practice makes your top-choice statements all the stronger.

 

Or maybe everyone else had that figured out

 

 

Haha...oooh god no. I submitted EVERRRYTHINGGG at the same time. All 8 schools.....in October...including the schools with obscenely late deadlines. Looking back my application process, I can't believe I was so stupid!

 

I would keep this in mind for next time, but I surely hope there won't have to be a next time....soo if any 2015 applicants are reading this, put out your early/priority deadlines and safety schools first, THEN take your time to focus on your target schools. This method is also a good way to hone in on your target schools so you don't end up overapplying and spending ~$500 in apps.....

 

I have so much regret, but at least it's over now.

[faithfullywaiting]

Well I know for epidemiology at the University of Michigan and this might be the case for other schools of public health, I was told by admissions that an applicant will hear back quickly if they are an "automatic" admit. That is, someone who has great stats (3.3 - 3.5+) a well written SOP/PS, as well as someone with a lot of public health experience. UMich is my alma mater so I personally sat down with the chair of admissions in the department that I was applying to as well as other academic coordinators to make sure that my application was in early, fees paid for, SOP/PS advice, etc. I was told that UMich does two rounds of scholarships. This is the case with many schools that have two deadlines (priority and regular deadlines). So the earlier you apply the more consideration you get for their masters tuition scholarships. I submitted my SOPHAS on 9/11, was complete 9/13 and verified on 9/25. SOPHAS started mailings on 10/17. Each school might be different and have different opportunities for students. For example, I applied for residential staff (e.g RA position) to get free room and board. There are also graduate assistantships that students can apply for as well, which are teaching positions for graduate students. There are many options for funding at many schools and it is up to the student to find them. I am trying to take out as little loans as possible because I will attend medical school after I complete my MPH. In terms of the FAFSA, I think that it doesn't open up until January. There are GRAD Plus loans that you can take out if need be, but I believe the interest rate varies depending on credit history and other factors. I think minimizing the amount of loans for an MPH is something everyone should be thinking about because even if you attend a highly ranked school, salaries across the board are not too high for each respective public health department. Also, if anyone has questions about the University of Michigan feel free to ask. I am biased though. #GoBlue

 

Do you know much about Michigan's Health Management & Policy program? Or do you know how flexible the programs are in terms of being able to focus on your interests? Thanks!

[katethekitcat]

Accepted to MPH Program at Boston University - notifcation by e-mail, but official notifcation sent in January (they didn't specify if by e-mail or mail).

[epikid2014]

Accepted to MPH Program in Epidemiology at University of Pittsburgh! Notified by email!

[eal33064]

Me too, congrats!!! I also got into WashU!

[worldpeace]

Accepted to MPH Program at Boston University - notifcation by e-mail, but official notifcation sent in January (they didn't specify if by e-mail or mail).

When did you apply to BU??? 

[katethekitcat]

When did you apply to BU??? 

 

My applicated was mailed by SOPHAS on 10/17...I got an e-mail from BU a few weeks later (unfortunately can't find it) confirming my application receipt. This was right around the time I was expecting to hear going by the admissions timeline they lay out on their website.

[eal33064]

I applied to bu on oct 16 for epi

Edited December 5, 2013 by eal33064

[worldpeace]

Ahh I see... I applied to BU on oct 30th. what program did you guys apply to?

[123hardasABC]

BU Epi here as well! Applied 10/22. Acceptance package expected in January. I did not expect to get in....

[worldpeace]

BU Epi here as well! Applied 10/22. Acceptance package expected in January. I did not expect to get in....

haha why is that?

[123hardasABC]

haha why is that?

 

My stats are not the most impressive....if you're feeling stalkerish, you can look at the Results Survey, and you might be able to find me.....

[worldpeace]

My stats are not the most impressive....if you're feeling stalkerish, you can look at the Results Survey, and you might be able to find me.....

hahahaha... well, you got in!!! And that's all it matters 

 

Congrats! 

[katethekitcat]

Accepted at University of Minnesota!!!!! and they tell you in a super cute way, so I won't spoil it

[NeurosciMRI]

Do you know much about Michigan's Health Management & Policy program? Or do you know how flexible the programs are in terms of being able to focus on your interests? Thanks!

I am not too knowledgeable about HMP, but at prospective students day they told us that the programs are very flexible. You have to take core courses however you can take courses that for your specific interests and career goals. There are different tracks within HMP in terms of having a certain focus such as health law, policy, finance, etc. The HMP department is very impressive and I am sure you can find a faculty mentor that shares your interests. Sorry I couldn't be of that much help. I completed my undergraduate studies at Michigan so I know more aabout the atmosphere, culture, big 10 sports, etc.

Edited December 5, 2013 by NeurosciMRI

[123hardasABC]

Accepted at University of Minnesota!!!!! and they tell you in a super cute way, so I won't spoil it

Congrats! I didn't apply to UMinn.....but I wanna know about the super cute way they tell you!

[faithfullywaiting]

I am not too knowledgeable about HMP, but at prospective students day they told us that the programs are very flexible. You have to take core courses however you can take courses that for your specific interests and career goals. There are different tracks within HMP in terms of having a certain focus such as health law, policy, finance, etc. The HMP department is very impressive and I am sure you can find a faculty mentor that shares your interests. Sorry I couldn't be of that much help. I completed my undergraduate studies at Michigan so I know more aabout the atmosphere, culture, big 10 sports, etc.

 

ok thanks--good to know!

[123hardasABC]

Woah. I just looked up tuition for the schools I've applied to. This stuff's expensive..    

[katethekitcat]

Woah. I just looked up tuition for the schools I've applied to. This stuff's expensive..    

 

Started a new topic to discuss this. I'm really curious to hear everyone's thoughts.

[menaru]

Hi Guys! Cong to everyone who has ads and pray for those who don't have one yet.

 

I recently got ads from Mount Sinai and UTexas. Both for Biostats.

I see someone has already posted ads from these unis. But still excited!! Got somewhere to go this fall!

 

BTW, to katethekitcat, I also applied to UMN but not positive to make it. Really curious about that cute way to inform!!!

[faithfullywaiting]

For those who have heard back ( I have not)--in the email/postal mail/etc do they just send you an acceptance letter or did you also get information about scholarships/funding from the school? Or does that all come later??