MPH - harvard vs. hopkins vs. columbia

[some-random-nickname]

Hi everyone,

I'm an international medical graduate. I have applied to MPH programs in the US, and was very fortunate to receive admittance offers by several great schools. 

I'm currently debating between Harvard, Hopkins and Columbia. Of note, I'll be re-locating with my partner. He has a great professional opportunity in Boston, can find reasonable options in NYC, and has few to no relevant options in Baltimore/D.C... which, of course, works in Harvard's favor for me. 

I would love to hear thoughts of any one currently applying/attending any of these schools, or any public health professionals/alumni. I do realize all three are great options, but my obsessive nature does not allow me to make any large decision before gathering as much information as I possibly can.. :-)

Thanks for your help, good luck on your decision-making process! :-)

[_kita]

I'm starting at John Hopkins in the fall. At the same time, I would be more on the side of Harvard/Columbia for you. Hopkins is ranked the #1 national Public Health Program, but Harvard is #2. Both have great national and international name recognition. They also will have fantastic connections for job placement and networking. Unless JHU has a specialty research program you want to get into, I would suggest Harvard next, and Columbia second. 

 My partner is also limited in job opportunities. Baltimore was considered "commutable" distance from Philadelphia, so I was able to apply. My program choice had to seriously consider him as well. I wanted to make sure that my goals didn't make his life more difficult. The stress of grad admission is stressful enough for me, but let alone for a guy who, while amazingly supportive, doesn't share the same passion to make the stress worth it! 

[Dreamliner]

if I were you, I will choose harvard.