kaybee8

Hello all-- I’m choosing between two counseling Master’s programs. One is accredited by CACREP (Boston University) and one is not (University of Miami). Both have offered generous funding, so now I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons of each. BU pros: CACREP accreditation makes it easier to transfer licensure between states later on CACREP accreditation makes it possible to work at the VA, something I’m potentially interested in doing The program is the only one of its kind within a medical school, so clinical opportunities and training are unique and appeal to my background in science. BU cons: Boston is a really expensive place to live Though I’m from the north, I really really hate winter. I’m a happier person in sun and warmth. Miami pros: I get along with the director of the program extremely well The program addresses multicultural aspects of counseling and there is an opportunity to do a certificate in Latino mental health (I am fluent in Spanish) The cultural aspects of Miami/Coral Gables are interesting to me The weather is nice and the campus is beautiful Miami cons: Lack of accreditation (I worry that I would have an awesome time there for 2 years and then regret not going to a CACREP accredited program) There is also a possibility to complete the certificate at UM separate from the Master’s degree program, ie: I could hypothetically attend BU and then complete the certificate in a summer. I’m afraid of making the wrong choice and regretting it later in my career. Any help or perspective would be appreciated!

Super helpful, thanks so much! Good luck with your decision!

I second the advice to get the Manhattan book and download the ETS software. The software has a couple of practice exams that you can do using actual testing conditions, and they're really helpful. Nothing else I did approximated test day conditions more closely. I also highly recommend Magoosh, if you haven't looked into it already. If you give yourself 3 months and use the Magoosh resources, you should be very, very prepared. Good luck!

Tudor, can I ask how you handled asking for the extension? How much more time did they grant you? I'm in a similar situation right now... I got into a program I really like, but need to hear from the others before I choose. Congrats on your acceptance!

Hello all: I have used Gradcafe as a resource throughout my entire application process, and finally made an account to ask this question. I found out today that I've been accepted to a wonderful, well regarded MA program in mental health counseling. The school has rolling admissions, and the offer specified that I would need to make my decision within four weeks (which is by February 25th). The problem is, I have applied to three other schools and will not expect to hear from them until late February/early March, per their admissions info. I do not have a "#1 choice" program at this time-- I could see myself at any of the programs, and all of them have distinguishing factors that appeal to me. I have only had a chance to visit the first school (I interviewed there prior to my acceptance) and would like to visit the others. I don't feel like I can be comfortable with accepting the offer without hearing from my other schools... I invested a lot of time (and money!) into applying to those programs, and want to make an informed decision. Does anyone have advice on this confusing situation? I don't know if it is reasonable to ask that the deadline be extended (for what it's worth, I'll be out of the country for two weeks at the end of February). I also don't know if it's advisable to accept the offer and then potentially have to renege on that choice in the future. Thank you!!!