A Guide to Applying through SOPHAS

1. Web Application Fee: Submit application data and pay fee ($135)
2. Data Collection:SOPHAS receives all supporting documentation (transcripts, official test score reports, letters of recommendation and official TOEFL test score report). Be sure to request all your supporting documentation well in advance so that the materials arrive prior to the deadline. You can check whether SOPHAS has received your supporting documentation online once you create a SOPHAS account. Sending information directly to SOPHAS and using the SOPHAS ETS code (5688) will expedite the processing.
3. Authentication: SOPHAS authenticates documentation received.
4. Verification: SOPHAS verifies the data you entered against documentation received.
5. Bundle/Packaging: SOPHAS prepares the application for distribution to the Rutgers School of Public Health.
6. Distribution: Rutgers School of Public Health receives the final completed application packet.

**Please note that steps 2-6 generally take a few weeks**

Keep the application deadline in mind when applying and allow enough time for your documentation to be processed. The Admissions Committee will receive and review only completed application files.

Should you have any inquiries regarding your application status, please check online prior to contacting SOPHAS at: (617) 612-2090 or sophasinfo@sophas.org.

You must submit official transcripts for all registered coursework from each college or university attended. Request transcripts using the SOPHAS Official Transcript Request Form. This documentation must be sent from the registrar or designated school records official directly to SOPHAS.

 Photocopies of official transcripts, unofficial records, or transcripts received directly from applicants will not be accepted. 

Applicants Currently Enrolled in a Degree Program 

If you are currently enrolled in a degree program, you are required to submit a current official transcript of courses completed and work in progress. If you are accepted for admission, a final official transcript showing final course grades, the degree awarded and the date that degree was conferred must be submitted directly to Rutgers School of Public health prior to matriculation. Rutgers School of Public Health reserves the right to re-evaluate your application for admission upon receipt of the final official transcript.

International Student Applicants

All international applicants (students outside of the United States or Canada) must submit official English translations and equivalencies for all academic records and transcripts, unless you earned an advanced degree in the U.S. We recommended that international applicants use WES translation and course/degree evaluation.

**The GRE is currently optional for all of our programs.**

If you choose to submit GRE scores, the code for GRE reporting is 2567. In addition, you must report your GRE scores to SOPHAS as part of the application process.

Official GMAT test score reports must be sent by the reporting agency directly to the Rutgers School of Public Health. The code for GMAT reporting is 2567.

In the case of MCAT reporting, the applicant must request scores be reported to "SOPHAS."

Foreign nationals whose undergraduate, graduate, or professional degrees were obtained from a country where English is not the primary language of instruction must submit an official score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The code for SOPHAS is 5688

SOPHAS offers an electronic or paper process for recommenders to submit letters of recommendation. Recommenders should know you well and be able to evaluate your academic or professional work, your abilities to undertake graduate study and your potential as a public health professional.

Master’s Degree Applicants (MS, MPH)

Two letters of recommendation are required for master’s degree applicants (SOPHAS requires you to submit at least three names, but we consider an application complete with two letters). If you completed your undergraduate education in the past 5 years, at least one of these letters should be from a university/college faculty member.

Doctoral Degree Applicants (DrPH, PHD)

Three letters of recommendation are required for doctoral degree applicants.

The personal statement is an opportunity to showcase the qualities and experiences that make you a quality candidate outside of what is contained on your academic transcript or test scores. It also is a chance for you to demonstrate what sets you apart from other students in the applicant pool. Please see the topics below that should be covered in the personal statement for your selected degree.

Master’s Degree Applicants

• Interest in the degree with a focus on the concentration selected
• Preparedness for the program including academic, extracurricular, volunteer, and paid experiences
• Goals and aspirations

PhD Applicants

• Intended area of research.
• Career goals and aspirations, highlighting how the PhD in Public Health degree will help you reach them.
• Preparedness for the program, including breadth of experience and how it has contributed to your personal and professional growth.

DrPH Applicants

• Why the DrPH in Leadership, Practice, and Research degree is of interest to you at this stage in your career
• Key knowledge and skills you hope to gain from the program
• How the degree will help advance your leadership in the field of public health
• Your preparedness for the program – discuss the breadth of your experience and how it has contributed to your personal and professional growth.

Candidates mailing supporting application materials should direct them to: 

SOPHAS
P.O. Box 9111
Watertown, MA 02471

Overnight Delivery Only
SOPHAS
c/o Liaison International
311 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA 02472