MPH Personal Statements Online Advising

 

The Master's of Public Health personal statement can seem like the most daunting and difficult part of your application.

Silver lining, though: a well-written essay can:

1. Wake up a bored admissions committee (most essays they'll read are extremely similar)
2. Convey your real personality and make you come alive to your readers
3. Depict your experiences in movie-like clarity and detail
4. Show your best qualities and values
5. Help the reader see why you and their program are such a great fit

Simply put, the essay is not a to-do; it's a powerful tool to help you get accepted!

Lauren Hammond is our MPH application essay expert and has been helping people write their Master of Public Health personal statements for several years. Whether you just want some feedback on a draft, or you're staring at a blank Word doc and don't know where to begin, she is happy to help!

 

Contact Lauren directly at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or send us an email.

 

She works with people online via Zoom and via email / Google Docs. P.S. We also offer GRE prep!

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1. MPH personal statement tips

2. MPH personal statement examples

3. Learn more about Lauren, our MPH personal statement expert.

 

MPH Personal Statement Tips

Here are a few basic tips to help your write your statement.

 

1. Explain Your Interest in Public Health

• Share a specific experience or observation: Highlight a moment or situation that drew your attention to public health, such as working in a healthcare setting, observing health disparities, or learning about the broader social determinants of health.
• Focus on the bigger picture: Explain how your curiosity about improving community well-being or addressing systemic health challenges motivated you to pursue an MPH.
• Show your commitment to impact: Clearly articulate your desire to contribute to advancing health equity, improving outcomes, or implementing effective health policies.

Example:
"While volunteering at a community health clinic, I observed the barriers patients faced in accessing preventive care, from language differences to financial insecurity. This experience opened my eyes to the systemic challenges in healthcare delivery and motivated me to seek solutions that address these inequities at a population level."

2. Highlight Relevant Experiences and Skills

• Discuss academic and professional preparation: Share your background in fields like biology, sociology, or public health, as well as internships, research, or work experiences that have prepared you for graduate-level training.
• Demonstrate transferable skills: Highlight analytical, communication, leadership, or organizational skills you’ve developed through previous roles, and explain how they’ll contribute to your success in an MPH program.
• Show awareness of public health’s scope: Reflect on what you’ve learned from experiences working in or observing healthcare systems, research, or public health interventions.

Example:
"As a research assistant on a project studying the impact of environmental factors on childhood asthma rates, I developed skills in data analysis and community engagement. This role deepened my understanding of how environmental health intersects with social determinants, strengthening my interest in pursuing a career focused on public health policy."

3. Align Your Goals with the Program’s Strengths

• Research the program: Highlight specific features such as faculty expertise, areas of concentration (e.g., epidemiology, health policy, global health), or unique opportunities like internships or community partnerships.
• Connect your goals to the program: Explain how the program’s resources and curriculum will support your aspirations, whether in research, policy, program implementation, or global health.
• Demonstrate your long-term vision: Articulate your career goals and the role an MPH will play in helping you achieve them, such as improving healthcare access, designing interventions, or addressing global health crises.

Example:
"I am excited about [Program Name]’s focus on community-based interventions and its strong ties to local health departments. These resources align with my goal of designing and implementing health education programs that empower underserved populations to take charge of their health outcomes."

 

MPH Personal Statement Examples

Here's an example of a strong MPH personal statement. Below the statement, we'll explain what we liked about it.

 

When I was in high school, I volunteered at a local community health fair, translating for Spanish-speaking families as they navigated booths on nutrition, diabetes prevention, and mental health resources. I was struck by how much of a difference access to information and care could make in people’s lives. One mother told me she had never before been able to ask a doctor questions in her own language. That moment stayed with me and planted the seed for my interest in public health.

In college, I majored in public health with a concentration in health promotion and education. My coursework gave me a strong foundation in epidemiology, biostatistics, and program planning. One of my most formative experiences was a group project where we developed a hypothetical campaign to reduce childhood obesity in underserved communities. I learned the importance of tailoring interventions to cultural and socioeconomic contexts, as well as the value of community partnerships in promoting health equity.

After graduation, I worked as a health educator for a nonprofit focused on improving access to care in rural areas. My role involved designing and delivering workshops on topics like chronic disease management and maternal health. One of the most rewarding aspects of the job was working directly with community members to identify their unique needs and barriers. For instance, I collaborated with local leaders to create a series of workshops on hypertension that accounted for language preferences, work schedules, and transportation challenges. Seeing attendance grow and participants implement changes in their daily lives was incredibly fulfilling.

Volunteering with a harm reduction organization further deepened my understanding of public health. I worked on outreach initiatives for individuals experiencing homelessness, distributing supplies and connecting them to healthcare services. This experience reinforced my belief in meeting people where they are and addressing the social determinants of health that underpin so many disparities.

Pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) is the next step in my journey. I am particularly drawn to [University Name] because of its emphasis on community-based research and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program’s focus on health equity and policy development aligns perfectly with my goal of addressing systemic barriers to care.

In the future, I hope to work at the intersection of community health and policy, designing programs that improve access to care for marginalized populations. I’m especially interested in maternal and child health, as I’ve seen how crucial early interventions can be in shaping long-term outcomes. Eventually, I aspire to contribute to large-scale policy initiatives that promote health equity and ensure that no one is left behind.

Looking back, that first experience at the health fair was just the beginning of my passion for public health. Since then, every step—from academic studies to professional and volunteer experiences—has solidified my commitment to this field. I’m excited to bring my dedication, empathy, and problem-solving skills to your program and to continue growing as a public health professional dedicated to making a meaningful impact.

 

What we liked about this statement:

 

• Personal Connection: The opening anecdote about the health fair immediately connects the applicant's motivation to a real-life experience, making it relatable and engaging.

• Academic Preparation: The applicant highlights relevant coursework and a meaningful project, showcasing their understanding of core public health concepts and practical applications.

• Professional and Volunteer Experience: The essay demonstrates the applicant’s hands-on experience in health education and harm reduction, emphasizing their commitment to addressing health disparities.

• Focus on Program Fit: By linking their interests to the program's strengths (e.g., community-based research and health equity), the applicant shows they've done their homework and are a good match for the program.

• Clear Goals: The essay outlines specific career aspirations, such as improving access to care and working in maternal and child health, giving the admissions committee confidence in the applicant's focus.

• Cohesive Narrative: The closing ties back to the opening anecdote, creating a narrative arc that reinforces the applicant’s passion and commitment.