RubySohoPDX
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Posts posted by RubySohoPDX
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RubySohoPDX,
If you don't mind me asking, why have you decided to leave a PsyD program and apply for a MSW program? I'm looking at both options for grad school and any insight you could share would be great.
Thanks!
There are multiple reasons. I was second guessing my choice going into the program, then the more the semester has progressed I realized that it's not for me for many reasons. First, there's a large disconnect between theory and practice. I was warned of this beforehand, but didn't think much of it, but now I see it. It's hard to explain, but others in my program feel the same way. We're not being taught by clinicians which is a more common occurrence in master's programs and I'd rather be taught clinical skills by a clinician than an academic.
Another element of that is, the program has no focus on diversity (we get one class and that's it) or social justice, and with my undergrad background that's a very large piece for me that I wasn't expecting to miss but I do.
Also, it's a bit disheartening to think about the amount of debt, when one of my basic counseling texts (written by the dean of my program) states in black and white that LCSWs have the same privileges as PsyDs. Then my professor told me that there are currently LCSWs doing neuropsych assessments. I wanted to quit right when I heard that.
I did some serious math, and I would need to work 10 years to start seeing a small ROI from my PsyD program.
So those are some general thoughts, and some program specifics are that my program is too big. The professors have no time for the students, I've been turned down by 3 different professors when I asked them about research opportunities. And along those lines, the program is much more research heavy than I anticipated. So, it's really frustrating when the program is telling me to do research but those that share an interest with won't work with me. Every single professor has told our class to not expect responses to e-mailed because they're too busy. It may just be me, but I'm paying 30k a year, I expect an e-mail response and time from professors.
Those are the key things coming to mind right now. If you have any specific questions feel free to message me.
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Last year I applied to DU, UM, CWRU, and UPenn. Got into all of them.
Then I chose a PsyD program. That was a mistake.
This year I'm looking at Smith, Simmons, BU, BC, NYU, Fordham, UPenn, and Tulane. Maybe Rutgers and Temple. Even though I had good luck last year, I have absolutely no confidence in my competitiveness!!
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I'm not sure about averages, but I'll be turning down my offer of admission in the next week.
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I'm going to be signing in for the online open house on March 28. Not quite sure what to expect though.
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Emjay, since your location says Philadelphia, I'm assuming you did the in person right? That could make a difference in the process.
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From what I've gathered, the interview is standard procedure for almost everyone I believe (unless an application is missing something big). My interview went well and the director of admissions even said she was recommending me for admission but still had to send my application off to a faculty member to review and that sometimes the faculty surprise her with who they reject or accept.
Also, regarding the timing of notices, I think that's random as well. My interviewer noted it could be two days to three weeks until I find out depending on who gets my application. One person on the results forum said she got her rejection letter almost immediately after her interview. I think she said something like "it seems like thy mailed the letter right as I walked out of the office".
I know the wait can be so intense though!
Cagirlsoul, when was your interview? Mine was a week ago, so the clock is really starting to tick for me.
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Thanks for the update! I'm sorry about your rejection, I know Penn was high on your list. Good luck on the rest of your applications!
and, just as an update for me-I'm still playing the waiting game, losing a little more hope as each day goes by...
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gradschoolmom-I interviewed with the associate director of admissions, she was super nice...even when the internet failed on me. (Skype dropped the call in the first three minutes of the interview. Not my ideal start).
ddoodle-it's good to hear you had the same experience and got in! It gives me a bit more hope. Out of curiosity, were you applying for the two year program or advanced standing?
Earlier I wasn't super excited about it, I think I was too tired while simultaneously wired on coffee for the prospect to really hit me, but now I'm having to actively work to not get my hopes up. Hopefully I'll hear sooner rather than later!
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Well, I had my interview at an ungodly early hour on the west coast. It went well, I was told straight up the I was being recommended for admission and should have the official word within three weeks depending on which faculty member gets my file. She did say that faculty sometimes surprise her with decisions, but the fact that she's recommending me makes me feel very hopeful!
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Congrats ddoodle! That's awesome!
My interview is Wednesday and I couldn't sleep last night because I kept thinking it was this morning and I had already missed it. Needless to say, interview season is really starting to get to me.
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Hi everyone! I just wanted to pop in because I got my acceptance info today
I'm super excited, DU is one of my top choices. I'll be checking out the city and campus in a couple weeks since I'm interviewing for DU's PsyD program, it'll be nice to know that if I fall in love but the interview goes horribly DU is still an option. -
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Ruby--I grew up in Salem... it'd be so weird to return to Oregon after all these years. Though, admittedly, I do have a love affair with Portland.
Ha, I go to Willamette University
Cheers to the lil PacNW group!
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Citychild, I'm finishing my BSW at another school in Portland. You are right, PSU is the only MSW program in Oregon but that's probably changing within the next two or three years. I'm doing my practicum with a couple PSU-MSW students and they seem to enjoy the program, I've heard people say they wish there more electives offered but that's really been the only complaint.
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Paige-thanks for the encouragement! I appreciate it
Also, I'm gonna chime in regarding the PSU discussion really quick to maybe off up some insight. I was speaking with my SW seminar professor last night regarding grad schools making me chose offers weeks before I even interview for other programs and he said that that's what PSU's admission's committee kind of does. ( He's been on the admissions committee for the previous two years or so.) There end up being three stack-high priority get notified ASAP, definite no's get notified ASAP and the "maybes" get more drawn out so they can hear from their top choices or give the file some more thought. He didn't offer any specific timeline, but it just makes me think some people may hear way before April.
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I'm still waiting to hear from DU! Granted, my final letter of rec wasn't turned in until January 25th and my status changed to "under review" Feb 4th, but it's seriously killing me! I just had to vent.
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I've worked for 5 years in a residential treatment center for women that qualify for dual diagnosis services that are either pregnant or have children under 7 (their kiddos live with them in treatment). I am also finishing up my SW practicum placement at a residential alcohol and drug treatment center for adolescents in the criminal justice system (the kids are housed in the detention center and the county contracts out to an agency for services).
In regards to research, I've completed two intensive summer internships funded by NIDA at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Minnesota. At Penn I was on two separate projects; one was look at general risk factors subjects for the HIV vaccine participated in and another was the development of mindfulness project for opiate addicts that require pain management meds. I also did bio research that summer at Drexel looking at the effects of the combination of amphetamines and traumatic brain injuries on memory. At the University of Minnesota I was working on a project that was implementing a new parenting program for returning veterans to help them re-integrate and parent after experiencing war.
Regarding the advanced standing question-I'm graduating with my BA in psych and BSW so have been applying for the advanced standing option.
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I really wish that I was freaking out in preparation for an interview. Instead I'm freaking out because I don't have an interview!
When did you submit your application? It takes a few weeks to get the interview e-mail
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Gradschoolmom, thanks for posting your experience and interview tips! I really appreciate it! My interview isn't until next Wednesday but I'm starting to get nervous, I'm really not looking forward to having to be awake and interview ready by 7am pacific time! I did research at Penn a couple of summers back and it was culminated by presenting my project with a group of other interns then getting grilled by Penn psych staff, I suppose if I got through that I should be able to handle a Skype interview.
Good luck to all the other Penn applicants! With interviews happening we should have answers soon!
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Thanks for the insight! I guess I'll just keep waiting and hope for the best
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Have you seen this handy blog post? http://sp2admissionsblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/admission-interview-what-applicants.html
From what I've heard the interview is pretty low key, I'm sure you'll be fine, just try to take some time to relax. If you have a chance, come back and post how it went, I'd love to hear a first hand account, my interview is Feb. 20th via Skype.
Good luck!
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My application status for DU changed to "Complete/Ready for review" this week and I'm just obsessing over it. I'm flying out at the beginning of March to interview for their PsyD and have my heart set on Denver for either program so I really hope I know by that point! My friend recently got a rejection letter from DU so that's not helping with my waiting anxiety.
What MSW school(s) are you applying to?
in Social Workers Forum
Posted
I don't think so, but applicant pools change greatly from year to year, so what is competitive one year might not be the next year. Also, I think it's fair to assume a certain level of anxiety anytime an application is turned in because rejection is always a possibility.