<p>I applied to both the Public Health and Global Scholars program, and was admitted to the public health one. I thought this was strange given that I used practically the same essay for both (actually written for the IR one initially!), but it is what it is, and now I am looking into the public health program. All of my schools except for University of Rochester are tiny, undergrad-only LAC’s, and American would initially be a step outside of my comfort zone. However, I can certainly see myself adapting quickly and really enjoying city life- I live between Boston and NYC and truly enjoy visiting both fairly frequently, so although it would be a change it wouldn’t be “shocking”. My question is, what do current students/alums/other applicants know about this program? Yes, it’s a public health BA/BS in 3 years with study abroad, but what other opportunities does it provide? Obviously the DC location is a plus for internships, but does this program add anything one couldn’t get at SIS/COAS? Anyone else considering this program out there on CC?</p>
<p>I’m very curious too! I got into the global scholars one.</p>
<p>I also got into Global Scholars and was really excited at first. However, I’m starting to lean towards just taking the traditional 4-year route with just Honors instead. The opportunity to get a BA in only 3 years (and possible an MA in 4), special study abroad trips, and sticking with a close group of like-minded people throughout the whole thing sounded really awesome to me. From what I’ve read you also get some special mentoring from 2nd and 3rd year students and get to hear from special guest speakers at the group meetings. But I think SIS is full of opportunities like that anyways, so… Also I found out that you will have to pay 4 years worth of tuition within that 3-year time span, and with American’s price I just don’t think I’ll be able to handle it. Plus, I don’t want to miss out on a fourth year (2016-2017) because election season/inauguration is bound to be one of the most exciting times to be in DC and I don’t want to miss out on that! I might change my mind though, once we get more info.</p>
<p>sirbob- I am thinking the same thing. I was thinking of doing the 3-year, but with the shortened time for tuition it seems like it does not have enough added benefits. Also, there are very specific courses, most of which are actually just “regular”, whereas one has a lot more freedom in the honors program to take a lot more “honors” classes as opposed to just a couple cohort classes with the 3-year. Basically I think that if I enroll (still deciding!) I will do honors because there is more flexibility and it seems like there is also more opportunity to be in advanced honors-type classes. Plus, I think grad schools will much more readily understand honors than 3-year cohort. I don’t see a reason I need to finish in 3-years if the cost is the same, personally, so why rush? I think honors will give me more time to pursue other things during that four years than rushing to get it done in a rigorous and condensed schedule. Also, great point about the election, I would love to be in DC then!!</p>
<p>I also got accepted into the 3 year public health program, but I applied for it with no intention of getting, just seeing if I could even get into american. American is my dream school, but I’m not sure about the 3 years. I don’t want to miss out on college experiences, but this would be a cool opportunity. I just don’t understand why they even created the program. I mean, was there really a huge demand for undergraduates to be done in 3 years? I also am not sure if I would be ready to take on crazy honors courses in college with almost no breaks in-between. What do you guys think? But if I do the program, whats to lose? It would be exciting, fast-paced, new and I’d get extra attention. Also, I could stay possibly stay another year to work on minors.</p>
<p>I got into the 3 year public health program too! im excited if i go cause i can finish before and take a year off or go straight to masters being youger lol</p>
<p>Hi everyone, current AU student previously accepted to the public health program. Like leah, I applied just to see what would happen, I was actually hoping for global scholars originally. I know that the honors program is now a separate thing for you guys, but in my year (the last year of it) the 3-year programs are part of a larger 150 person honors program. Because I eventually realized that I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, I switched out of the specific program into generic honors. I would say that if you are pretty sure you want to do public health, then it might be a good program for you since you’ll be with other like-minded students making connections and taking special focused classes together. However, keep in mind that you won’t save money since you’ll be in summer classes. Actually, I decided that would hurt me financially since the amount of money I can earn over the summer is pretty valuable to me. Additionally, I came to AU 100% positive I wanted to do some form of international relations, very interested in the public health aspect of it. It took me (and many of my fellow “100% sure” peers) less than a semester to change majors. I know many people in the 3-year cohorts that are very happy, you do all live together on the same floor and have some pretty awesome study abroad programs, so if you are someone that can make a decision and really focus in on it to get the most out of it, then this is for you. But, if you’re someone who likes to explore and worry that you might end up looking around wondering what if, you probably will. Few incoming freshman who know their major think it will change, but it does for many. I’m so glad I didn’t get into global scholars because although you can switch out of it, it would’ve been annoying to and I may have forced myself to stay with it rather than exploring. That being said, I had the benefit of the honors program. If you don’t have that to fall back on, this may be a great way to get a really unique academic experience if you feel comfortable with the commitment. </p>
<p>Oh and one more interesting bit- they aim for about 30 students in each program I believe, but something went awry in my class’s year only 7 people ended up enrolling. Not sure what that indicates exactly, or what the school has done to attempt to correct it, but just thought it was interesting.</p>