Inspired V

While I think there is something said for expanding your horizons and trying new places, I don't think you should underestimate the amount of stress and number of challenges graduate school is going to present, and for that reason being in a place you're comfortable with and not dealing with a million life changes might also be valuable. If fear of the unknown is the ONLY reason holding you back from UCLA, go for it. But if all things are equal and you feel really good about what UT would mean academically as well as for your personal life, it seems to me like it's a natural fit. Additionally, even with the educational fund your parents have saved up (which is totally awesome, by the way!), the difference in cost of living should still be a consideration, especially as it pertains to the lifestyle you hope to lead. Be sure to factor in how many trips back to Texas you hope to take during the year, what kind of living situation you're hoping for, and moving costs. I'm probably biased in that I applied to UT and not to UCLA, and I'm sure UCLA is a great school, but most of the posts I've read about it say it's a ton of money without many more advantages. I'm sure those posts are also biased. I hope you're able to sort out your thoughts and feelings and choose the program that will be best for you! The advice I've been getting as I try to make my own decision is not to overcomplicate things (I'd been making an insane spreadsheet with pros/cons in various areas) and to go with my gut. Unfortunately for me, my gut feeling is hidden beneath all of the stuff I've piled on to overcomplicate the decision... so I'm still a ways out. But... if you can find it... go with your gut Best of luck!!

Did everyone submit the scholarship application? Does anyone know when scholarship decisions can be expected?

The only person who can decide what's right for you (and your family) is you (and your family). Try to weigh the things that make you want to attend DU against what you might be able to find elsewhere (if you opened up your search and reapplied next year). I lived in Colorado for a year and almost passed up Peace Corps to continue my career there simply because I loved the lifestyle and the area so much... but when I thought about it, I knew Colorado would always be there and I could relocate there to continue my career later on in life if I still wanted to. I will say that there are some aspects to DU's program that are hard to find elsewhere -- the animal assisted certificate, for example. But I personally believe there are more generous private institutions that offer incredible educational opportunities as well. I received generous offers from both private schools I applied to which have actually made tuition cheaper than if I was to go to an out-of-state public school. It's difficult to really give much advice since you only applied to the one school. If that's what your heart is set on and your family has come to terms with the financial implications of accruing so much debt, than none of us should be reason to stop you from doing so. However, I do think you'd be able to find a better deal on a high quality MSW elsewhere if you were to start your research over and expand your choice of location. Good luck!

Thanks for the insight and great advice! Both of you make good points, some of which I've already considered, and some of which I'm still trying to wrap my head around. Citychild, the PhD element is part of why I'm torn. I've not yet decided whether or not I want to pursue a PhD later on, but it is a distinct possibility. I'm sure a lot of it will depend on what trajectory my career takes after completing my Master's, but I am considering a life in academia eventually. This is why the research component gives me pause... I know it would be essential to getting admitted to a good PhD program eventually. Yet I know in the short term I want to practice macro social work, so I know the curricular elements are also important. And unfortunately, my "gut" has good and bad things to say about all of my options! MSWGirl, you definitely bring up a good point about whether or not the professors and/or research opportunities are available to Master's students. The specific professors I've been in touch with have made it seem very feasible for there to be potential for working together (one encouraged me to contact her this summer for research assistantship possibilities) but nothing is given. Several of the programs I'm considering have invited me to apply for their research assistantships, but it doesn't mean the research area would necessarily be related to my interests. It's a tough decision and I know no two candidates are the same. Thanks for offering your perspective though, they're serving to enrich mine!

I applied to the 2 year program, and applied in early December.

Finally got my decision! I got in! Of course, who knows how long it will take for funding decisions to be made. Time is ticking for me to make my final decision. Good luck to those of you still waiting!

I got an email at 4:20 central time (finally)!

As we near the end of March, many of us are busy trying to make the "right" decision about where to attend next year. I might be alone in this, but I'm so concerned with making a decision I won't regret that I'm stressing myself sick about it on some days. I'm very pleased with my admissions results thus far (although I'm still waiting on a decision from one school, and financial offers from one or two) and am now trying to move forward to determine where I'll be next fall. I chose to apply only to schools that I thought fit my professional goals and interests quite well, which I think is why this decision seems so difficult. I'm going back over the schools with a fine tooth comb now, trying to find differentiating characteristics to help me make my decision. I thought it would all come down to money, but the financial offers I've received so far have the cost at about the same, so that's no help at all! One of the key differences I've found is between the curriculum of the schools. Some schools have much more flexible curriculum, allowing me to tailor my own concentration with classes of my choosing, and some provide more elective credits to work with, while some are more rigid with only a couple of elective courses possible. Since I know specifically what I'd like to pursue beyond my MSW, I'm wondering how much emphasis I should be giving on the opportunity to take courses that are more relevant to my interests On the flip side, the school with the most rigid curriculum has several professors who are doing research on my area of interest (with journal and manuscript publications on the subject), yet there don't seem to be any classes offered on the topic. At the schools that are offering classes related to my area of interest, I can't seem to find a faculty member who is publishing on the subject. At the Master's level I know that the professors' research might seem like less of an issue that if I were pursuing a PhD, but I do hope to gain research experience during my master's, preferably in the arena of my future career. So... any tips on whether to prioritize the curriculum/classes themselves or the research interests of professors? I'm driving myself crazy thinking in circles around the subject, so any insight is welcome and most appreciated!

I applied early decision, and there was no change on the online system until the decision was rendered (it just said Submitted). I received an email leading me to my updated status on the system. Good luck! The wait is the worst, I know.

Misery loves company, so I'm glad to hear I'm not alone. I applied for the priority deadline back in December and am getting very frustrated at not hearing anything. I've gotten in to the other schools I applied to and need to start making decisions!!

(Im)patiently awaiting my decision from UNC. Congratulations to those of you who have already received acceptances!! Hopefully mine is coming soon

I second Angua's suggestion of comparing the "fit" of each program to your interests and professional aspirations. Before applying for MSW programs this year, I spent a lot of time researching programs (including digging into professor's bios) to figure out which schools most closely aligned with my goals and passions. I'm re-evaluating those same issues now as I juggle my admissions offers and try to make a decision as well. If it was me, I'd choose U Chicago, because I feel like within the field it's one of the best. But, the "best" really depends on what you're going for and how well the program suits your needs. The funny part is, I'm sure you'd enjoy your academic experience at either place! That's what I keep reminding myself when I get stressed about the decisions, anyway. Best of luck!

I'll be making a big move! Not quite sure where to yet... some of the options are only a few states away, while others are significantly further. I tried to find something closer to ease the transition and reduce costs, but for my specific goals and interests, I felt the need to apply to certain schools. I'm so ready to hear from my last school, compare funding offers, and MAKE THE DECISION!! I want to start planning the move and getting excited about the next phase of my life

Recently was accepted to WUSTL! Very exciting. Was called the next day to set up a scholarship interview (which I have next week)! WUSTL has more than 300 practicum sites worldwide and a proven record of successful placement.

Congratulations!!!! I haven't heard back yet, but am eagerly awaiting news. I'm in love with many aspects of the program and keeping my fingers crossed. I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't mind sharing: when did you apply? how were you notified? was there any information about funding in your acceptance notification? Congrats again, totally awesome!