Friday, November 9, 2012
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.
Friday, October 19, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, July 23, 2012
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.
Friday, April 20, 2012
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.
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.
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.
Friday, February 17, 2012
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.
Friday, February 10, 2012
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.
This will vary by program but generally we will be sending admissions decisions beginning mid-February all the way through March.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Late GRE Scores
What happens if my GRE scores come in after the deadline?
I've been asked a couple times what happens if GRE scores are not received until after the deadline. The answer to this will depend on a few details, such as how late they are received, but generally I would say that this is all determined by the program. How each program views late submission of items will differ but you want to keep in mind that the earlier they have a complete view of your application the better. If we are talking a matter of days, I would not be concerned with this but if you are concerned please contact your program coordinator.
I've been asked a couple times what happens if GRE scores are not received until after the deadline. The answer to this will depend on a few details, such as how late they are received, but generally I would say that this is all determined by the program. How each program views late submission of items will differ but you want to keep in mind that the earlier they have a complete view of your application the better. If we are talking a matter of days, I would not be concerned with this but if you are concerned please contact your program coordinator.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
GRE Scores on the Berkeley-specific application
I have been receiving many emails in regards to the fact that their official scores are not showing up as received. Just this year the graduate division implemented the new online application system you are currently using, and while it's a great system, there are still a lot of unknowns. As is turns out, your scores will never show officially received by Berkeley if you sent them to the 4227 GRE code...BUT DON'T WORRY! This is the correct code, and as long as your scores show received on the SOPHAS application, then you are just fine. The problem stems from the fact that we had to create a new GRE code to be sent to SOPHAS which the Berkeley online application system does not recognize. We apologize for any confusion but rest assured, if you sent your scores to 4227 and SOPHAS shows they are received, then you are fine.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Do I need to compensate for SOPHAS processing time and turn my application in early?
I've been receiving many emails asking about SOPHAS processing time and whether you need to turn your application in early to compensate for this time, and the answer is NO.
SOPHAS does mention this processing time so that's applicants have an understanding that there is not an immediate turn around when submitting the application, however this is also creating some confusion. The only deadline date you need to remember is December 2, 2011. We are aware of this time and have built it into our review process. Keep in mind that all materials need to be at SOPHAS by this date but there is no need to submit early to compensate for processing.
UPDATE: 9/28/12- Due to several issues last year we are now recommending turning in the SOPHAS application by early November, if possible. There is no penalty if you turn in your application on December 3rd (the 2012 deadline) however if SOPHAS does need to to fix something on your application, with the initial 3-4 week verification time and an additional 3-4 weeks after you fix the problem then it can too late for review by the time we receive your application. Please note turning it in early does not mean we will review your application before the December 3rd deadline, only that it will allow you time to make sure your application is received on time.
SOPHAS does mention this processing time so that's applicants have an understanding that there is not an immediate turn around when submitting the application, however this is also creating some confusion. The only deadline date you need to remember is December 2, 2011. We are aware of this time and have built it into our review process. Keep in mind that all materials need to be at SOPHAS by this date but there is no need to submit early to compensate for processing.
UPDATE: 9/28/12- Due to several issues last year we are now recommending turning in the SOPHAS application by early November, if possible. There is no penalty if you turn in your application on December 3rd (the 2012 deadline) however if SOPHAS does need to to fix something on your application, with the initial 3-4 week verification time and an additional 3-4 weeks after you fix the problem then it can too late for review by the time we receive your application. Please note turning it in early does not mean we will review your application before the December 3rd deadline, only that it will allow you time to make sure your application is received on time.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Word Limits
Here are some important word/character limits to remember.
- Statement of Purpose- 1,500 words. Keep in mind that some programs have their own limitations/requirements. Please see our Essays webpage for details.
- Personal History Statement- 4,000 characters.
- Letters of Recommendation- 700 words.
Admissions Cycles
UC Berkeley's School of Public Health only offers Fall admissions. You will want to apply one year before you plan to start graduate school. Those applying now will be accepted to start in Fall 2012.
Should I apply to graduate school straight from my undergraduate institution or should I take time to work for a year or two?
When weighing the decision to apply to graduate school straight from your undergraduate institution or gain work experience, it is a good idea to research the programs you are interested in applying to. Some programs will find work experience quite beneficial, some may require a minimum number of years of work experience, while still others may say that work experience is completely unnecessary. I highly recommend contacting the program coordinators for the program you are interested in as the are invaluable resources when it comes to knowing exactly what makes a competitive applicant.
When should I submit my application?
We are often asked if there is any advantage to submitting an application early and my answer is that the advantage is entirely to the applicant. Preparing to submit your application early will give you the time to check for completeness and give you a buffer should anything be delayed. There is no advantage in terms of how the admissions committee will view you. This is because SOPHAS will not release your application to us until after the application deadline. Once the deadline passes, SOPHAS will verify your information and then release your application to UC Berkeley's School of Public Health. So my advice is start preparing early, double check everything and submit by the deadline.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Merit-based funding support
I see that you have some merit-based support. How do I apply for those awards?
At UC Berkeley's School of Public Health we have a handful of merit-based scholarships available to those who have shown academic excellence. How do I get nominated for one of these scholarships you ask? Well, there is no specific nomination process or extra work needed to be nominated. When the admission committee is reviewing files, they are also looking for possible candidates for financial aid. They already know what pools of money they have available to them and will mark applications as being good for this scholarship, or good for that fellowship. So the quick answer is....submit the strongest application possible. This includes submitting a focused statement of purpose, strong letters of recommendation, good GRE scores and good grades.
At UC Berkeley's School of Public Health we have a handful of merit-based scholarships available to those who have shown academic excellence. How do I get nominated for one of these scholarships you ask? Well, there is no specific nomination process or extra work needed to be nominated. When the admission committee is reviewing files, they are also looking for possible candidates for financial aid. They already know what pools of money they have available to them and will mark applications as being good for this scholarship, or good for that fellowship. So the quick answer is....submit the strongest application possible. This includes submitting a focused statement of purpose, strong letters of recommendation, good GRE scores and good grades.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Letters of Recommendation
This week I received 3 questions for the blog all on Letters of Recommendation so this post will be a overview.
One of the most commonly asked questions is, what to do when you've been out of school for a while and don't have professors to write letters for you. In this case you're likely a working professional, or even volunteering so use what you have. Letters are not required to be written by professors. Often we see letters from supervisors, graduate TA's and other academics. What you want to keep in mind is what information the letters will provide. Typically, you want to try to have at least one letter from someone who has seen you in an academic setting and can write to your academic potential. This doesn't necessarily mean a professor. If you're working in the industry, have a supervisor write to your potential in the industry or your research potential. Catch the theme yet? It's all about potential. We want to know your potential and how you've done so far. Now if you're debating between a professor who you don't have a strong relationship with you, or a TA who you have worked closely with all semester, consider your other letter writers. If you already have two strong letters of recommendation from professors, one from a TA will likely be acceptable.
Now what about the actual number of letters. Most schools require at least three Letters of Recommendation, but some people wonder about submitting more. My recommendation is that 3-5 Letters of Recommendation are acceptable. Beyond that and there can be the potential that the admissions committee will question the need for so many. If you feel that your letters are not as strong as you'd like you don't want to add more to compensate. Work on the relationships themselves, don't add more. If you feel they are all strong this is great, but don't want to come off as bragging. And keep in mind the committees are reading hundreds of files and they always appreciate a well prepared, succinct application.
Lastly, this year SOPHAS is only accepting Letters of Recommendation electronically. If you send a hard copy to us or to them there is no way for us to add this to your application. Keep this in mind when asking your letter writers for a recommendation. Make sure they have someone who can upload the letter if they are not comfortable with email or computers. Additionally, SOPHAS will not release your application to us unless they have received at least two letters electronically. As always once you've submitted your application be sure to log back in periodically to check your items are being received. It is ultimately your responsibility for the completeness of your application.
One of the most commonly asked questions is, what to do when you've been out of school for a while and don't have professors to write letters for you. In this case you're likely a working professional, or even volunteering so use what you have. Letters are not required to be written by professors. Often we see letters from supervisors, graduate TA's and other academics. What you want to keep in mind is what information the letters will provide. Typically, you want to try to have at least one letter from someone who has seen you in an academic setting and can write to your academic potential. This doesn't necessarily mean a professor. If you're working in the industry, have a supervisor write to your potential in the industry or your research potential. Catch the theme yet? It's all about potential. We want to know your potential and how you've done so far. Now if you're debating between a professor who you don't have a strong relationship with you, or a TA who you have worked closely with all semester, consider your other letter writers. If you already have two strong letters of recommendation from professors, one from a TA will likely be acceptable.
Now what about the actual number of letters. Most schools require at least three Letters of Recommendation, but some people wonder about submitting more. My recommendation is that 3-5 Letters of Recommendation are acceptable. Beyond that and there can be the potential that the admissions committee will question the need for so many. If you feel that your letters are not as strong as you'd like you don't want to add more to compensate. Work on the relationships themselves, don't add more. If you feel they are all strong this is great, but don't want to come off as bragging. And keep in mind the committees are reading hundreds of files and they always appreciate a well prepared, succinct application.
Lastly, this year SOPHAS is only accepting Letters of Recommendation electronically. If you send a hard copy to us or to them there is no way for us to add this to your application. Keep this in mind when asking your letter writers for a recommendation. Make sure they have someone who can upload the letter if they are not comfortable with email or computers. Additionally, SOPHAS will not release your application to us unless they have received at least two letters electronically. As always once you've submitted your application be sure to log back in periodically to check your items are being received. It is ultimately your responsibility for the completeness of your application.
Friday, September 2, 2011
PhD Applicants: What to know before you apply.
Though each program is different, and I recommend talking to an individual program coordinator, there are some generalities when it comes to filling out the application.
- Research - Have an idea what you would like to do when you get here. It doesn't have to be a fully formed thesis, just know what direction you'd like to explore. Which leads nicely to...
- Faculty - It's a good idea to research the faculty and have a couple ideas of who you'd like to work with. Make sure they are doing research which falls in line with what you'd like to be doing. I like to say that you'll be using their research as a springboard for your own.
- Statement of Purpose - This is where you let us know about who'd you like to work with and what you'd like to do. This helps the admissions committee direct your application and shows you've done your homework.
Funding for PhD Students
How am I going to pay for this?
It's a question you're asking yourself as you research graduate schools. And if you're a PhD student this question becomes especially important since they time involvement is greater. Each PhD Program will have their own support model which may include campus fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, departmental funds, and other sources. Please contact the program coordinator of the program you are interested in for more detailed information on their specific support model.
It's a question you're asking yourself as you research graduate schools. And if you're a PhD student this question becomes especially important since they time involvement is greater. Each PhD Program will have their own support model which may include campus fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, departmental funds, and other sources. Please contact the program coordinator of the program you are interested in for more detailed information on their specific support model.
Friday, August 26, 2011
How do I make up for a shortcoming in my application?
A very common question asked is, "How do I makeup for low GPA/GRE/experience in my application? Is it even worth applying?" The answer is YES!
Just as in life, you need to focus on the good. If you have a low GPA, be sure to study hard for the GRE's, pick letter writers you know will write glowing recommendations, and shine a spotlight on any work/volunteer experience you might have. Often there is an explanation for the shortcoming and this can be touched on in the Personal Statement. But again, keep your explanation succinct and focus on how you overcame this obstacle. While there is no guarantee that this will gain you admissions it is a good tactic for focusing your application to give yourself the best chance possible.
Just as in life, you need to focus on the good. If you have a low GPA, be sure to study hard for the GRE's, pick letter writers you know will write glowing recommendations, and shine a spotlight on any work/volunteer experience you might have. Often there is an explanation for the shortcoming and this can be touched on in the Personal Statement. But again, keep your explanation succinct and focus on how you overcame this obstacle. While there is no guarantee that this will gain you admissions it is a good tactic for focusing your application to give yourself the best chance possible.
MPH Concentration vs. Specialty
As you look over our various programs you may notice that there are concentrations and specialties. What is the difference? The quick answer is to think of your concentration like a major and the specialty like a minor. Your studies in your concentration will allow you to develop expertise in this area, and the specialty will provide focus on a secondary field within your concentration.
You'll notice that there are a couple areas listed in both the concentration and the specialty sections. This is to allow you the option to choose your expertise level given your interest in these areas. Should you have an interest in Public Health Nutrition but not want to focus exclusively on this area, you can add it as a specialty.
You'll notice that there are a couple areas listed in both the concentration and the specialty sections. This is to allow you the option to choose your expertise level given your interest in these areas. Should you have an interest in Public Health Nutrition but not want to focus exclusively on this area, you can add it as a specialty.
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