Request for profile evaluation for Epidemiology PhD

[chakra]

Dear All,

 

I am planning to apply to PhD programs in Epidemiology for Fall 2015 and would really appreciate if you can give any feedback on my profile. My background is in Economics and I have Masters in both Economics and AgEcon. I am primarily interested in Infectious Disease and Social Epidemiology since I was introduced to it while working on my masters dissertation in health and development economics. I am giving a brief bio below. Since the GPA in one of my masters is low and also because I have not come across anyone who has shifted from Economics to Epidemiology, I would really appreciate if anyone can give me feedback or advice on my application. 

 

MA Economics: GPA 3.36

relevant courses: Health Economics, Econometrics

 

MS AgEcon: GPA 3.886

relevant courses: Principles of Epidemiology, Econometrics (graduate and advanced), Environment.

 

GRE: 318 (161 Q, 157 V, 4.5 AWA)

 

Research Experience: In development, health and education. Have used SAS and STATA for my research work and have used linear, logistic and ordered probit regression models for my work. Currently working in a not for profit organization in the education/ development sector.

 

LOR: I will be receiving 1-2 LORs from my university and 1-2 LORs from my current place of work. 

 

So far, I have thought of applying to SUNY Albany, and U Arizona. I understand that I will have to apply to more schools. Therefore, if you have any suggestions please let me know.

 

Thank you all, in advance, for taking the time to evaluate my profile.

 

Sincerely,

Chakra

[AlphacentauriC]

First, I'm sorry that nobody bothered to respond to your post, almost three months down the line. I hope that didn't disspoint or discourage you.

 

1. I wouldn't be overly concerned with that 3.36. I think it is a descent gpa, for the field that your were doing. The adcoms understand that. Mostly importantly, the econ degree already covers some of the basics you would need while doing a PhD program, even one in epi. Knowledge of econ, required for the PhD. So, that 3.36 is a plus on your application file.

 

2. You have a descent GRE, so you should be in good shape getting in. The 161 is in a quant area, which the adcoms love, it shows that you can do that stats/etc that are required for your PhD. Again, you econ degree already covers that too...so you are in good shape.

 

I think that you shouldn't be afraid to some of the top schools, you stand a good chance of getting in with your advanced degrees plus work experience. Remember, some of your competition is kids straight out undergrad.

 

Good luck and happy new year.

[gem15]

Chakra,

have you heard anything from SUNY Albany?? I also applied to their Public Health PhD program and am anxiously awaiting to hear anything!