gradschoolmom
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Posts posted by gradschoolmom
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i had the same experience. my interviewer told me she was recommending me, and also that the faculty does sometimes surprise her, but i got in!! so maybe it will be the same for you! i also heard two days after my interview, so you may hear sooner than you think.
Did you get an emailed acceptance or was it posted in your messages in the application portal? Congrats again on your acceptance! I know most folks hear pretty quickly so I don't expect a positive result, but I have some other great options and am really excited about Bryn Mawr & USC too! Great info for those who are interviewing!
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Fordham University also offers its well rated online MSW, but there are geographic restrictions. You must live at least 50 miles from a Fordham campus, AND within the states of NY, NJ, or CT. Tuition is $750 per CH plus fees. There is a synchronous component and (I believe) there are visits to campus that are required a few times during the program.
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University of New England has been at this a while. Their online MSW is about $55K. There are synchronous components and you also do (I think it's weekly) recorded check ins - basically you record a video with your webcam and upload it for other students to view. Field is on your OWN, they will try to help but you have to find it and get it approved.
http://mastersinsocialwork.une.edu/online-msw-degree-faqs/
The only schools I'm posting (or considering) are ones that are CSWE accredited, and UNE is.
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A little more tuition info for some online programs:
Virginia Commonwealth University is ~$71K out-of-state tuition and requires some on-campus visits. The program takes 4 years.
University of North Dakota is ~$30K (onliners get in-state tuition) and has some synchronous components and two 5-6 day campus visits. The program is 3 years.
University of North Dakota requires 2-3 days per WEEK of synchronous (class time) interaction. It is scheduled and it can be tough to fit in.
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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!
That's great news! Who did you interview with?
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USC's Virtual Academic Center tuition is (I think) $88,000 for the program. (I KNOW!) Their delivery method is cohort with synchronous (webcam based) interaction for a lively exchange of ideas. Attendance is required. They will help you find your field - basically arrange it for you.
BU is just around $40K and also has a weekly synchronous component (webcam, etc). I am frustrated by their deadlines, as my application can't be considered until the summer because I am receiving my bachelor's degree on May 11th and this somehow does not jibe with their deadline to have a conferred degree. apparently, they do not like to offer admission contingent upon degree conferral like most other programs.
Edinboro uses Desire to Learn as a learning platform and is the most affordable I've found. I don't know about a synchronous component, but I would assume they have one. I know they make students find their own field, but will assist.
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just giving an update, i was accepted into the program! beyond excited. good luck with your interview!
dddoodle, if you mind sharing, also, did you receive any scholarship consideration or funding for the MSW? I've seen average aid packages of between $10K-$15K for students; just wondered if that was in line.
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I'm applying to Virtual Campus for Fall Cohort. I am very light on experience but have a good GPA. I'm only in week 2 of my wait and was told to expect up to five more weeks to wait, since they have to review applications for the summer cohort first. USC is one of my top choices, so I'm crossing my fingers.
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just giving an update, i was accepted into the program! beyond excited. good luck with your interview!
That's really great news! Still waiting to hear, but expecting a rejection...but still waiting on USC & BU, so hope are high. @Ruby - GOOD LUCK! I know it's nerve wracking!
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I wish I had some great insight to offer you, but I don't. Just that I hear you. One of the programs I'm applying to apparently does not operate on a rolling admissions policy. I am receiving my undergraduate degree on May 11th and they "require" me to have it by May 1st. This is an online program requirement. It is not their in-seat requirement, because that makes no sense. I asked, "So is this how undergraduates at your institution are treated if they wish to pursue their graduate degree in your online program?" Of course, they won't answer that because they're the "online component" of their school. I spent weeks on an essay, bothering recommenders for their letters, and paying for transcripts to apply. I was complete in mid January, only to be told that I will not receive an admission decision until JULY because of when I will have a conferred bachelor's degree. What about an offer of admission contingent upon my successful completion of my degree? Not going to happen. I have heard from this school that it is because they are "so competitive". However, they have an even HIGHER competitive counterpart that doesn't operate this way. Thus, I may have wasted my $85 because I'll likely have my school selection completed by then. Had I known this, I might have applied to a different school and not raced to finish this stuff when I did.
Oh, and for the record, NOWHERE was this stated on their website or in any of the communications with my enrollment advisers until they received my undergraduate transcript. Then I was contacted to inform me that I will be hearing about this in July.
I swear, if admissions committees were businesses, they would be out of business by now...but I guess "we" need "them", so...we wait.
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I am the same way. I thought the race to get the applications in on time would be the hardest part but i stand corrected. waiting is a far more torturous fate and has only been made slightly more agreeable by the consumption of multiple bottles of wine.
OMG this is so me. I also applied to two "reach" schools feeling like since I had some backups (one I'm almost positive about) I wouldn't worry about the reach schools. And yet I'm obsessing about these schools! I just want to hear! Had I known this part would be so hard, I probably wouldn't have bothered to apply.
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I have convinced myself that checking my email on my phone is NOT the same as checking my email on my laptop. Because, you know, it could be possible that that special email just didn't get updated on my phone....so I should DEFINITELY CHECK! Right? NO?
I have at LEAST another week to wait probably. My interview was Tuesday (this week) and they said two weeks. I keep hearing stories of people who heard sooner. It's ridiculous, but I can't stop. I'm already pretty confident of a rejection but I just want to GET it so I can MOVE ON!
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Yeah, not nearly the kind of experience described here. No working or interning experience. I have done volunteer work for six months with a homeless outreach, an experience working with bereaved parents who have lost children in childbirth, wrote an article for their newsletter. Spent two weeks on a volunteer trip in Bulgaria. I've been a volunteer advocate (online) for parents with special needs children. Unfortunately, with the exception of the homeless outreach, all of these things are situations where I have personal experience and I know there was discussion in my interview about "professional boundaries". I definitely understand that and SW is not a profession where you just help people who have experienced things you have - that's what a support group coordinator is for. I definitely tried to stress this in my interview, and specifically asked (when talking about field placements) that I be placed in something very different from my background. I also have a high degree of passion and enthusiasm for the profession and I think my GPA reflects that. I graduate in May this year also.
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When did you submit your application? It takes a few weeks to get the interview e-mail
I got my interview request about 3 weeks after my file was complete (which took another 3 weeks for transcripts and recommendations)
dddoodle - glad your interview went terrific! Good luck in the wait, please update with results. I've already been googling "upenn rejection letters" cause I'm pretty sure my experience level is just not enough here. My grades are not the problem and I think I got good recommendations although I think, now having the interview, I would have chosen one different recommender, but either way, we'll see. I'm also waiting on USC, Bryn Mawr (last minute app) and BU.
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I have my interview with Penn tomorrow via skype. I am so nervous. This is the first interview i have ever done. I'm finishing up my last semester of undergrad, but am graduating a full year early, so i feel very unprepared going into the interview. I don't have much social work experience at all, so i'm worried i will be penalized for that. Who did you interview with?
The Associate Dean. It could be if you are doing skype that it will be someone "lower" (I would hope for alumni or other staff!) My biggest suggestions to you for skype are: MAKE SURE YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION IS WORKING AND SUFFICIENT! Technical problems have happened and it doesn't reflect well. I mean, things happen of course but try to minimize it. Second, log in to skype early. Dress well, even though it's skype. Log in early. And good luck! We can wait together
the wait is already killing me! -
Okay, here's my update. I'll try to be thorough since Penn is a popular program and others (like me) may want to compare and contrast experiences. I did find an older thread on this topic, but I found my experience to be different. It may depend on who you interview with.
For starters, I read descriptions that described the interview as "laid back', and a lot of talking - very comfortable. Do not assume this to be the case. It will depend on who is interviewing you (current staff, alumni, faculty, etc). My interview was generally pleasant, but it was certainly rigorous and professional. It was definitely not "laid back". It felt very much like a job interview. It was conversational, but not informal.
Questions to know: The usual stuff. I wasn't thrown any real curveballs here. Why Penn? Why social work? Be prepared to discuss weaknesses in your background and have satisfactory answers. Why is your GPA low? (Mine isn't, but you get the idea) One of my weaknesses was lack of experience. We spent a lot of time on this. They clearly want people who understand what social work is and what it isn't. This is tougher when you don't have any real experience, and this is why I'm concerned I won't be accepted. However, my background is what it is. I think I would make an excellent Penn student, but I don't get to decide
Other questions: Talk about strengths and weaknesses, both personally and academically (if appropriate). Talk knowledgeably about the program at SP2. Come in with questions to ask, but try not to ask questions about Penn itself. For example, I asked a question about a program at Penn, not specifically part of SP2, and she wasn't able to answer it. Instead, focus on SP2 questions, or about Penn in a more general sense. Talk about what you want to do with your degree.
I think some keys to focus on in terms of "why Penn" are the interdisciplinary approach, the unique urban campus, the civic mindedness of the student body, and social justice. I think my interviewer was pleased with my answers in this regard.
My interview was about 45 minutes. It wasn't a bad experience but I'm glad it's over.
I am in the early decision pool, so I should hear in 2 weeks or less. I know some folks have heard sooner. Anything is possible, I guess, but that's what I was told. My general sense is that I did well in the interview, but that some of my background is not what Penn desires. It is a highly competitive program and I didn't feel I was able to adequately focus on all of my strengths. However, it's probably impossible to do that. Either way, I have applied to several schools and I'm confident I will find a program that is anxious to admit me. I hope it's Penn, but...hey. We'll see!
Good luck to all Penn applicants
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Just to add, if you get your BSW and do well, you can investigate an MSW program that offers advanced standing and reduce the time (and cost) it takes to obtain your MSW.
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Just know, from EVERYTHING I have heard, that combined programs (MSW/JD, etc) are very tough to get into. Don't lose hope!
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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!
I definitely will post my experiences - and check out that link. Just nervous. Will feel better when it's just behind me and I can then start the agonizing wait for a decision. At least from what I have heard, decisions come within 3 weeks of interviews. not all of the time, but often.
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@Goobah, we'll be the same age when we graduate - good for you! I've also heard positive things about older students in Social Work (which is what I am planning to study). I guess it's because there are a lot of career changers in that field. I wish I was younger - mid twenties would be nice! - but I'm ready now and I believe there will be a program ready for me now too. Maybe I can't get top-tier awesome school and maybe it is because of my age (though I don't know that I buy that). Regardless, I'm pushing forward and I won't let age stop me from obtaining the credentials I need to have the career I want.
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I'm 40 and I have very little chance of getting in. The reason is that faculty are looking for kids they can mold and shape into what they think are good copies of themselves. Also when you're younger you're less competition and not much of a threat. I think you have an excellent chance.
Do you really think that? I see many "older" grad students. I am 39 and I definitely don't think I have "little" chance. I have a lot of life background and great grades. I also have an insatiable desire that sometimes isn't present at younger ages. Don't sell yourself short. If you have the credentials, you have a chance!
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Will be March for me too - I have my admissions interview for Top Choice tomorrow. From what I hear, I should get decision about 3 weeks after that.
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I spoke to my USC Admissions counselor today regarding my app for the May cohort. I don't know if it will make much of a difference but I applied to the Virtual Campus. The review board is about two weeks behind schedule we should hopefully know something by the end of the month/early March. Good luck!
That's great to hear - I applied for Fall Cohort and my application was submitted to faculty last Wednesday. I was told 2-6 weeks, but probably more on the 6 week side. So hoping I hear by mid March. Maybe?? I also applied to Virtual Campus.
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Questions to expect would be helpful. Have read a bit and I think I have an okay grasp. I wish I could relax, but that's just not in my DNA. I've reviewed my application essay, reviewed my "whys" for wanting Penn. Got a spanking new JNY suit for the occasion; dressing like it's a job interview. Trying to rehearse my "why do you want to be a social worker" answer because I'm certain that will be asked.
has anyone heard anything from columbia or nyu?
in Social Workers Forum
Posted
My ex-SIL (long story but we are still friends!) was already accepted at NYU I thought...not sure when she put in her application though.