Inspired10

Hi, I'm wondering if you all attended an info session before applying to your interested doctoral programs. I noticed not all the PhD Criminal Justice/Criminology have information sessions or campus visits. What was your decision to fly out of state to visit a program?

I want to thank both of you for settling my nerves! I'm definitely going to incorproate my practical experience as an unique lens in serving victims of CJ. I do have my research experiences to emphasize and if I'm lucky, I'll try to find a TA position of some sort.

I'm curious if anyone has applied to a PhD Criminal Justice/Criminology program without publications? I have diverse research experiences. I will be applying next application cycle (approx. 1 year) and I'm concern that my current program (MSW) will be a disadvantage because its more practical focused. Therefore, we don't have a written thesis like most masters program.

UCLA!

You may want to call and verify... I just received the Welcome Day (for all admitted students) email with more information. It's less than 2 weeks away.

I'm starting to think that I have to get a facebook. Lol! Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought there was a facebook link somewhere in this thread..?

Yes, I am! I'm very excited. If you're coming to LA next week then it sounds like you won't be attending the orientation? Either way, the quarter will resume next week so hopefully you'll be able to get a tour.

Same here. Congrats on the acceptance vmpancucci! Which school are you leaning towards?

I meant the fellowship. It was if you submitted before December 15 and responded to that question..? I forgot if they called it fellowship or merit based scholarship.

Yeah, I think you're right... The award letter were only loans. I think the merit scholarship would be in April if you're waiting for that.

It's ironic - it seems like its happening so fast! Lol.

For those who are planning on accepting UCLA, have you received an email from the graduate division... or do you accept the invitation through email with Lance?

Like briefinterviews mentioned, it will vary among programs. Generally, I have seen most programs begin accepting applications from October through January. Some Cal State schools take applicaitons til March. I would encourage sending in your application a little early, at least by December. Most students do not hear from the program until March or April. A LCSW is great! I'm happy you are exploring that option. I'm not sure what your experiences are, but I would take these next months building up your experience. Most MSW programs will have an option you can declare: Child and Family, Mental Health, Nonprofit Management, etc. Make sure you look at the available options. With background experience and a potential focus on the population you want to serve, this will strengthen your personal statement. Oh, and some programs might require the Revised GRE (in which case, you will need to study!)

All those California options are great. Regarding USC, I agree completely with your decision to wait on the funding. I believe there was a thread last year comparing UCLA and USC's MSW program. The results were mixed in terms of whether it was beneficial to choose a program that was so expensive for a graduate program, especially at a MSW level. But anyways, since I have not been to either program, I can't really comment much on this topic. I'm going to accept UCLA, since that is the only program I applied!

I heard two days ago. vmpancucci - I'm sure they are just backlogged with all the applicant reviews. You seem to have received acceptances from very GOOD schools. I don't doubt that you will get into a great program either way. What is your top choice if you don't mind me asking?