Goobah

I'm so sorry you are going through this. My parents passed away unexpectedly in 2006 (in un-related incidences) and I was pretty much useless for 9 months to a year. It has taken nearly 6 years for my life to settle into normal. My advice -- tell your profs. Find a new therapist. Find a therapist who has actually experienced death of someone close -- it makes world of difference. I will say that I was greatful for places that I could pretend to be normal. Greatful for places that I could escape to where I could be distracted and life was just normal. Wouldn't it be possible for your school to give you a semester or year off? A sabbatical so to speak. Some people deal with it better by working, some need to hide to themselves away. But I think it's best to tell to tell your professors. This isn't the kind of thing that anyone expects you to blow off, people who have any experience with it know that things will be changed for a long time.

I know, or every time I see someone say they are going for a masters in engineering, I think oompa-loompa. Which is sooooo wrong.

Congrats to everyone on their acceptances! Its nice to see that some responses are finally starting to roll in. To those who haven't gotten into their dream program yet, there is still time for us. Woot!

Oh Grumpy Cat! I think you should send that meme to your POI! If I were a POI, I'd kick someone else to let you in... hahahahaha.

ApplyYourself! That's the one I've heard referenced before. I'll have to go see how awkward it looks in comparison to ReviewRoom haha. Does applyyourself show the "deny or accept" button? Or is that one of the other colleges -- I saw last year that several denver people referenced that, but that could have been in the university system itself, rather than in the application software.

No, but here's another cog for the win -- truly, there are two sides to the coin. It's like picking a dance partner -- just because they didn't pick you, it doesn't mean you are not awesome, it means they prefer interpretive and you are a ballerina. It could be that they caught the difference, and figured it wouldn't be a good match. You just set it up as your dream match, because you might have been missing several bits of data. Personally, the above is my favorite schema of the day hahahaha. Also, it could be that they held the spot for the 3rd cousin of the prince of Aklabeckiztanianan and they just didn't have enough room for you after that. You could be missing out on the best experience of your life, but really, it is statistically way more likely that there are several opportunities for you to have your dream experience, and not just the one. It's not just that people have cognitions that lead them to believe their previous choice sucked, it's that quite often they look back and can see they had a great experience despite that things didn't go as they planned. You will do great in your future interviews! (See -- reinforcement, if I believe you will do better, you will ALSO believe you will do better ha)

I'm not really asking for any specific reason -- just curiosity. I wonder how many different types of "application" software there are. One university just used an HTML page (like an online form) to fill out on their departments website. Yet another University I applied at used a special company called "Review Room." I've seen other people mention a couple of other names -- but I can't remember exactly what they were (nor can I find the thread now). I wonder how much they pay for the service etc... Who would have known there was such a market!!! Did you find the software easy to use? Annoying? I liked review room -- it was super easy, I could see exactly what I uploaded and how it would look to everyone else. Too much time to think obviously...

I can't believe the price of some of these institutions!! I'm in shock! I would advise not to get into debt for a program, in an amount that will be larger than what you expect to make in a year. Even better, it should be way less than that. Again, I know most of us will have to go into some debt, but just make sure you don't get the degree from USC, and then live in say Arkansas where the medican income for an LCSW is $43,000. Ugh. I know some of you have bigger and more prestigious plans, "fancy" as socialworkphd calls them but please consider this when thinking about a program. I just... I think I need to go weep for the state of our education. That being said, the Saint Leo University program isn't that outrageously priced hehe. It's a little more than attending a state university campus in person, on campus in Florida, but not outrageously so.

You can do it Jmarti I thought I'd be super relieved to get one acceptance, now I'm getting anxious over my preferred choice. *virtual hug* Oh, and if that doesn't help -- alll the Easter candy is out! YAY! Starburst Jelly Beans and Cadbury Creme eggs!!! BTW Eager -- thanks for all the compliments. I'm trying to take them without making silly comments to blow them off -- I have got to learn how to take a compliment haha. BTW you have a fabulous happy dance. You have to keep us updated and let us know what they say in March.

In this case response does mean acceptance! I said it's a good sign because I'm still holding out for my first choice haha. And now that I know I'm worthy for at least ONE master's program, maybe, just maybe -- I'll be worthy of my preferred program! You know, those mental games we play with ourselves. It was a really no frills email. It was like, you have been accepted and this is how you enroll. Also, we need your immunization records. hahahaha. I'm going to write them Monday and ask about GA positions. They also said I need to take some prerequisites that I've already had... Soooo need to check on that too. Sorry for being nonspecific haha! In my mind a response = acceptance because I was getting tired of hearing nothing...

Hey my second choice responded I was so shocked! No interview or nuffin'. Just a local state school. It's a good sign woot! MA in Counseling Psychology -- they have a behavioral track I was impressed with. I'm feeling so much less stress right now.

I'll take a stab at this question, but my guess is that it is very school dependent. One school I applied to has NO GA research positions, only teaching. One school ONLY has GA research postions -- no GTA's for the social work program. It was dependent on what professor had what going on that year. The school with GA research positions seems to be hiring more than usual research positions because most of their current GAs are graduating.

going just a little bit coconuts waiting for an answer. I know I won't hear anything for at least another two weeks. But going coconuts nonetheless. Here shortly I'll be so busy with my thesis I won't have time to go through the boards incessantly looking for an answer I know won't be there. COCONUTS! No omens or signs. Other than in a Nostradamus-like moment I felt the need to "predict" I'd get accepted. Did I mention I'm going coconuts? I really should be doing dishes or laundry or homework. Anything but on this board posting about how I'm hating waiting. However, I decided that I'd post real quick, get it out of my system, and then go do some homework. Gonna save dishes and stuff until after the kiddo comes home so I don't sit at the computer all night. coooooooCOnut.

I'm not sure how this thread devolved to talk of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, but it was awesome nonetheless. To address OP's original question, yes, I think sometimes answers are sent out in waves at some schools. My school specifically stated that some people will receive answers back before others, but not to assume anything until after April 15. How nice of them. Also ThePope, your signature is freaking the best signature I've seen on this board. Freaking. Hilarious.

This is very similar to my story I'm just graduating this Spring with my bachelors -- I have 5 different universities on my transcript. I'll be 39 when I grad and I'm applying to MSW programs for this fall. Husband is in the Air Force, and I've been an off and on civilian DOD employee throughout the moves. My husband was going to retire this summer, when we got orders to the base where we originally met. All my family is there, and I would love for my son to experience what it is like to have grandparents close by. We had decided he was going to retire so that I could apply to any and all programs I had ever dreamed of. However, the idea of him getting his full pay for the two years while I was in grad school won over and we decided to go ahead and take the orders instead of retire. He had to move this November, so I stayed behind to graduate and let our son finish out the school year. Oh. And sell the house It has certainly been an adventure. Bless my husband's heart, he wants to career change so badly. Even with that, we're both glad we'll have full pay for 2 years haha. I knew I'd be reducing my chances when I would be geographically limiting myself, but it was a chance I decided to take. I am eager to hear back for all the reasons you listed. I'm patient, I just don't like being in limbo. I also can't hate the journey I've been on, as I didn't even truly know about the career field I'm going into until I'd experienced it It is great to hear all the stories of people moving on despite their hardships -- truly I think most people in the world are in this boat rather than the, "I know exactly what I'm doing from the age of 5" category. You guys rock and it makes me proud to be non-traditional and going back to school

This is my personal opinion This is why I sent everything 2 weeks ahead of deadline via registered mail in one envelope. I dare them to tell me they didn't get one of my transcripts lol... The paranoia is also responsible for my fears regarding the application process. What if I said something in my personal statement pissed them off (nevermind I had 4 people read and approve it)? What if the Admin Assistant who gave me the school tour tells the application committee, "She's really sweet but she wouldn't shut up." I guess my fears about how they pick their applicants aren't so unfounded. Really it's more about the fact that I know I'm awesome, I'm just not sure that my awesomeness will come across on paper hahaha *insane giggle*

Wow! You guys have great and fascinating experiences! Thanks for the encouragement MSW13. And after reading this thread I still kinda have no idea where I stand ha! I definitely have a non-traditional path, and when I was writing up my personal statement, I found it hard to summarize my experiences or "fit-in" all the things I needed to mention. I tried to touch on some important points, but man it was difficult. None of my volunteering was specific to social work, so I didn't bother to list every single agency I've volunteered for. I was just unsure what to do. I'm afraid I ended up being too "non-specific." I am just now graduating (May) with my BS in Psych, and I'm almost 40. I'm currently working on my Honors Undergrad Thesis and I'm an RA (1 year) and a TA (yes, trying to make up for lost time haha). So I do have some nice things under my belt, but I also don't have any recent work at all in the social services area. The local program I applied to specifically states that they give priority to people already working in the field -- and I'm pretty sure I'm not in that group. I did work for the US Family Support Center overseas while we were stationed there. In essence that is the military's social services program. I'm pretty sure all my experience is "on the fence," volunteering and work. My academic background is very solid leading up to this point, there are just huge gaps from moving etc. My major background is medical coding and I have a lot of A & P classes etc. My background is a major jumble of things that would really be good for a military or medical social worker -- I just hope I explained myself decently enough on the application. I also know someone who was admitted to a program with no background in the social services and only volunteered at her own church. I think that's the part that freaks me out the most -- the acceptance process is such an unknown! And she was denied the year before she got accepted. Good Luck everyone! May the Force be with you

Aww Eager -- I'm so sorry! Your journal entry was so poignant. I have a friend who got into the same program I'm applying to (many, many years ago). She was turned down the first time around, and then accepted the second year she applied. Her words to me over and over -- if you get turned down, don't get discouraged. I've seen and heard many stories where people had a very successful 2nd round of applications. Or, I've even run into people who were grateful they were turned down, because something happened shortly after that changed their lives. I'm glad you are formulating a plan I'm not trying to be super existential and say that "everything happens for a reason" because I don't believe every thing does (crap happens, it rains on the just and the unjust) but that I believe you can be just as happy (or perhaps more) on an alternate path. It is something that I think we all need to remember as we angst while waiting for answers. Heck Eager -- go write a book about the insanity of applying to grad school and the pressure we put ourselves under. I know that's cliche from the non-english major who hates writing, but I think you know what I mean. If it helps you feel any better, I finally stopped freaking out about waiting for an answer because I came up with a plan similar to your own. I'll just return to work with my newly earned bachelors and re-apply if I don't get in. And I probably won't hear from schools until April, so yeah. I had to do something to save my sanity. I'm glad I was able to lift some spirits. The interwebz can be so nasty and competitive sometimes. I'm not even as brave as most of you, I just applied to a local state university. There was only one university in the entire state that offers a MSW though, and I'm a little nervous about putting all my eggs into one basket. Much love, the goober.

Thankyouthankyouthankyou for taking the time to respond to this topic. For many reasons, I decided to apply to master's programs this round (not sure if I really ready for a PhD) but this area of research is my love. I kinda gave up on it when I first looked into because it is sooooo small, and does seem to not have a lot of direction. I went ahead and chose to do my undergrad thesis on religious bias and I think almost every author jacib has listed up there is one of my references. I even had people tell me that if I did research on this subject I would go nowhere (lurvely), but I decided to move forward with it anyway. My advisor has been very supportive, and we even decided to present the research as something that presented discrimination issues, so now it's got a wider base. I guess we sorta applied our own "social movements" slant to it. I am currently a psych undergrad, and I realized that I was in the wrong field during my thesis lit search! I have developed my own practical plan to continue on with research in this area, but you all have certainly given me food for thought. Thanks again *edit* Also Marcone -- if I took stats etc, and did well and passed it, I'm sure you can as well. I know that sounds glib, but I really mean it. hahaha. General Stats was the hardest, but then once we got to Stats of Psychology -- it became easier for me because I could relate the computations to a purpose. General stats has this too, I know, but it seemed to flow better in the directed stats. I'm sure you'll do well!

Eager -- I just wanted to encourage you as you have been doing for all of us selfish needy people You will find your way, even if the doors close. I'm not trying to say you won't get in to your dream school and get into your dream spot, but I do have to say the most magical paths I've been on had nothing to do with what I had actually planned!!! I'm in a completely different place and older with a family as well. I know how you feel because I've sunk all my dreams and plans into one place, and it really, really makes me nervous because I'm usually a plan A, B, C, D and backup E kinda person. So be encouraged! I just want you (as I want to also) enjoy the journey. Goob

@PanicMode -- It could be the difference in fields? I think the social sciences (psychology and all its branches, social work etc) probably have a different theoretical outlook. I'm just reporting what I know and see too. So I'll clarify, that what I said applies to the social sciences PhD's rather than to all PhD's, because that's what I am familiar with. Also, down in the social work forum there is a Social Work PhD professor who basically states that some Social Work programs prefer older students. I didn't mean to intrude on your area of expertise

ME! I have to wait until end of March. My first choice master's program had a huge application window (Nov - Feb 1), and they claim all decisions will be made by April 10! oh joy of joys. Then they have list line in the app packet that says, "Some students may be notified before the deadline." Really? Really?!?! I called and talked to my friend who graduated from this same program years ago, and she said don't expect anything soon, they are very slow..... bwahhhhhhhhhh gibber gibber, going crazy.

I'll be 39 when I undergraduate and hopefully get into grad school. For those who are older who think the PhD programs always want young minds to mold -- I don't think that's always true. I've heard through the grapevine that some professors prefer older students for several reasons. The door swings both ways -- though its probably true that those who want younger students are in the majority. I don't think one way or the other is better -- meh, some of us just live life backwards. Also, most adults go through some type of career change 3-4 times in their lifetime, so I think its kinda natural to reconsider your lifestyle in your 30's and 40's. I'm just so ridiculously grateful for the opportunity to go back -- it just makes me all bubbly inside. ha ha.

I feel like this is 12-step program for anxiety Hi, my name is Goober and I check my email 40 times a day! I just wanted to say that I have received no omens or hallucinations However, I'm really glad that I'm not the only one who is anxious. Like many of you here, I see the logic in "you'll get in somewhere" and I also the the logic of "here are my qualifications, this is what the program requires" and being able to honestly evaluate my chances. Yet, it matters not, I'm still checking my email and googling my school of choice to see if there are any updates. And going on the gradcafe for any kind of hint or tip that I might have missed. YUK. Maybe I'll go paint my nails in my chosen schools colors to create my own luck haha.