ETS and SOPHAS

For the Fall 2013 on-campus application cycle, some of you may have noticed that there has been some issues with your GRE scores not showing up in SOPHAS. This is an issue between ETS and SOPHAS that is currently being resolved. For now ETS is sending SOPHAS scores in batches, which would explain why some of your other schools may have received your scores already but they are not showing up in SOPHAS. Please be patient and continue to monitor your application.

Transcripts for In-Progress Courses

This post is intended for those applying to the on-campus programs. 

If you have in-progress courses at the time of application and you would like to submit transcripts once grades have posted, how would you go about doing this?

While it is possible to send updated transcripts to SOPHAS after the deadline, keep in mind that many committees will have already reviewed your application and often these updated transcripts have minimal impact on your application. It is more often the case that a program will contact you requesting updated transcripts if the class you are taking will have an impact on their admissions decision.

When preparing to apply to the Online MPH program which math courses should I take?

When preparing to apply to the Online MPH program we ask that applicants have completed at least one college level mathematics or statistics course, however this is a little vague. What we'd really like to see is at least an Introductory Calculus or Statistics course. Math courses below the calculus level, but that were taken in college, will not be adequate preparation for the work you will be doing in this program.

GRE requirement for international applicants

This question pertains to both the on-line and on-campus programs.

Many international applicants have questions about the GRE requirement and it's true that all applicants are required to take GRE. The only exceptions would those holding a recognized doctoral level degree, however it should be noted that even in these instances where a international applicant does have a recognized doctoral level degree we often strongly encourage the applicant to take the GRE anyways. This is because it can be difficult for the admissions committee to interpret foreign transcripts and a the GRE can help them determine your potential in a US graduate program.

TOEFL Scores

This question pertains to both the on-campus and on-line programs.

I am often asked about the TOEFL requirement and options available if you do not want to take it. Unfortunately this is one of those requirements that we at the School of Public Health have no jurisdiction over. This is a UC Berkeley requirement and we must adhere to their rules. No substitutions are accepted. The only instance where a TOEFL requirement may be waived is if you have studied for at least one consecutive year, with a B+ average or better, at a US university. You must be able to provide transcripts to prove this.

When will I need to notify Berkeley of my decision?

If offered admissions, the School of Public Health asks that you let us know of your decision by April 15th. More details will be included with your admissions letter.

Admissions Decisions

When does the School of Public Health release their admission decisions?

This will vary by program but generally we will be sending admissions decisions beginning mid-February all the way through March.