2014 App Q&A Forum

[♀HealthMatters]

If you're like me, you've been permanently logged into SOPHAS since the 19th. LORs have been requested, transcripts already requested, etc. But, man, there are just questions! I thought maybe, in the spirit of friendship and knowing one another's stress, we could use this thread to pose them to one another. So, if you're applying and have a question - let's crowd source it! 

 

Happy Application Season, and May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor! 

[♀HealthMatters]

So, obviously I'll go first because I've got a question - are you using a resume or CV? Any particular reason for your choice?

[RunnerGrad]

So, obviously I'll go first because I've got a question - are you using a resume or CV? Any particular reason for your choice?

 

I'm not familiar with SOPHAS, since I was only applying to Canadian schools, but doesn't the application itself specify what to submit?  Or do the universities not have that information available on their websites?

 

I had both a resume (2 pages), a short CV, and a longer CV.  I submitted whichever document the university and program in question asked for.

[themmases]

SOPHAS accepts either a resume or a CV and specifically instructs applicants not to tailor the document to one school, because it's a central application and everything but your SOP will be sent to everyone.

 

I used a CV. I already use one in my professional life and since my job is related to my program, it needed very little updating. I use that format because I have presentations and publications relevant to my work. Because I also use it for job searching and because it's at a length where it would take up very little of the third page, I currently keep it to exactly two pages.

 

My recommendation would be that if you don't have research experience/publications, a resume is probably enough. In that case your work/volunteer experience and maybe your major are your best qualifications and you can get all that across in a resume. A CV is more comprehensive, so use it if you have specific presentations/publications, licenses, awards, etc. to get across as well. This is a good overview of the difference that is specific to public health: http://sph.washington.edu/careers/resources/resumes_cvs.asp

[cb1214]

I am new to the whole process (feeling like I'm a little bit behind) - if it's a centralized application, how do we submit individual essays to each school? Most schools want the personal statement to include why you want their specific program, and I'm afraid I'm accidentally going to send the same one to every school.

[miles&smiles]

Just another question regarding CV/resume. Do you guys recommend filling out the additional info session even though your CV has already covered them all (research, community, work experience, etc.)?

[cb1214]

Just another question regarding CV/resume. Do you guys recommend filling out the additional info session even though your CV has already covered them all (research, community, work experience, etc.)?

Yes, I believe that we have to fill it out even though it is redundant. Just like we have to enter all of the courses we've taken even though our transcript is attached. It is so tedious!

 

Also, another question - I just thought about this and totally freaked out. If I am finished my application by the end of November, are schools with deadlines in December going to receive it in time? :/ I'm super worried now!

[IntriguedStudent]

Yes, I believe that we have to fill it out even though it is redundant. Just like we have to enter all of the courses we've taken even though our transcript is attached. It is so tedious!

 

Also, another question - I just thought about this and totally freaked out. If I am finished my application by the end of November, are schools with deadlines in December going to receive it in time? :/ I'm super worried now!

 

 

Almost every school I've looked at only cares that the application is submitted to SOPHAS before the deadline. It does not have to be verified before the deadline. 

[IntriguedStudent]

I am new to the whole process (feeling like I'm a little bit behind) - if it's a centralized application, how do we submit individual essays to each school? Most schools want the personal statement to include why you want their specific program, and I'm afraid I'm accidentally going to send the same one to every school.

 

You can upload multiple personal statements to SOPHAS. Once you place your designations, you choose which personal statement to attach to the specific school. 

[♀HealthMatters]

I called SOPHAS not too long ago about this. I don't know about you guys, but I'm working two jobs right now and taking some core science classes to help with admissions, so money isn't free falling from the ceilings. I'm only going to pay/apply to the early deadline and top choice schools right now. Later, I can add schools. If I do, I can't alter my application in any way, but with every additional designation, you can add a new statement of purpose. So, if you just need to apply to a few schools this month, but a few later, you can!