gradschoolmom

I found Edinboro University (Pennsylvania) to be a really affordable online MSW that is CSWE accredited.  BU & USC also have strong programs.  You can use Income Based Repayment to reduce the cost for you when you repay your student loans (USC is just outrageous).  Fordham has geographic restrictions (I wish they didn't!) and some of the other programs do too.  You also have to look at how they conduct their field placements.  Some schools, like University of New England, require you to find your own field, whereas places like USC & BU will find it for you.  Depends on what you like.  Also, some schools like University of North Dakota have a big synchronous component.  I think it's 3 days a week, which can be tough for a working adult.
 
The online programs have really expanded and some of them are truly robust.  I've heard the acceptance rates can either mimic the in-seat or be tougher because of competition.  Sometimes people who aren't really qualified apply for online because they think it's easier.  Most are not accepted but admissions offices still have to process their applications.  Bottom line is that I think online is a truly viable option for learning, even in a people-heavy discipline like social work.  The synchronous portion is crucial, you do your field locally, and the academics are the same.  Good luck!  I'm applying to three online programs (of the five I applied to)  Haven't heard anything yet.

I am 38 and have no experience!  I was accepted into a wonderful program.  I'm a SAHM to three children under 5, so things get hectic, but where there's a Will there's a way!!  Good luck to you!

Got accepted for fall cohort at MSW@USC!  Not sure I will bite on the steep price tag, but real happy to have some options.

I'm considering Edinboro (online) and was accepted a few weeks ago.  It is a CSWE-accredited program.  The school is located in the same state I'm in and bears a modest reputation.  I would not call the admissions process terribly competitive.  If you have the basic stats (GPA, etc) you can get in.  
 
Online MSWs receive mixed reviews, though I find those reviews come from people who have rarely or never engaged in an online curriculum that is rigorous.  Edinboro uses Desire 2 Learn as their learning platform, which is a user-friendly platform (I used it for three years in my current program) but I don't find it to be terribly robust.  Thus, I would expect the online component of EU's MSW to lack some multimedia depth, in contrast to, say, USC, which certainly maximizes the custom platform.
 
If you are seeking an online degree because you feel it will be easier, you will be very disappointed.  I have worked harder in my undergraduate online program than many of my in-seat counterparts. Where it is possible to drive to a class and daydream for an hour or so, this is not the case in an online environment.  What you lack in face-to-face contact, you will make up for with more reading, more writing, more discussion, and more papers.  
 
CSWE has approved a limited number of online MSWs at present.  If you trust in their criteria, you must assume that these online programs adhere to the same standards as their bricks-and-mortar counterparts.  Social work is a people profession, and you will interact with people online as well.  All of the online programs require in person field placement.  At EU, you will be responsible for finding your own field placement and then working with the field office to have it approved, etc.  If you prefer to have your school locate a suitable placement, programs like Boston University Online and USC will do that.  Field will be in your geographic area - this is a big part of where you'll learn to work with people.  Additionally, most programs have synchronous components (meaning you have to be online at a certain time, using a webcam, etc).  I don't know for sure if EU does this, but most of the other online programs do.  You could be asked to create video diaries that are critiqued by students, you can and will be asked to work in groups, and so on.  
 
EU's program and school in general is pretty small, but it is an affordable CSWE-accredited program.  Online MSWs in general expand accessibility and allow people in rural environments to access an important education that might not otherwise be available.  
 
However, the decision to engage in a face-to-face program vs online is probably more a matter of preference.  Are you a good time manager?  Can you complete your work with less intervention from a professor?  Do you prefer the in-seat format?  Answering those questions might help you decide.  You have time to determine your educational goals because you are definitely young enough.  Do you need flexibility or an alternative format?  Then an online MSW might work for you.  
 
Fundamentally, the exchange of ideas, the course content, and the field requirements will be identical to an in-seat MSW.  The delivery method will be different.  Some folks seem to think that if it's online, it means "anyone" can get the degree.  Not so.  An online MSW that is accredited should be no more or less valued than a more traditional one.

I don't really see the value in programs like this - what you can do with a DSW, you can probably accomplish with an MSW and specialization/continuing ed. I wouldn't fork out the money for a DSW; rather, I think it makes much more sense, if you want a doctorate, to get a PhD. Unless you have an extra $100k lying around, anyway. A PhD program will be much more research-intensive, but respected and funded. 

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!

Lychee Sake and lots of cycling- not at the same time tho

CaliGirl, I'm sorry.  Rejections are tough.  I think I have some coming and it won't be easy.  But the unexpected ones are probably even tougher.  Just remember; you can reapply if you like and they didn't reject YOU.  They rejected the "you" they saw on paper.  Good luck with your remaining applications.

St. Ambrose seems to come closest - 
 
http://www.catholic-saints.info/patron-saints/list-of-patron-saints-patronage.htm
 
As for being a non-believer, the way it works is not so much by faith, but by entering into a business contract with the Saint. That is, you promise to donate money, study seriously for a year, not trouble your POI for a semester etc if your petition is accepted by the Saint.
 
If the Saint wants to enter into this kind of contract and do business with you, they'll process your petition, regardless of faith(-lessness). 

As a form of self-punishment, I log on to the results search everyday and see the acceptances roll in at my top programs while my mailbox remains empty. Reading the tea leaves, this is probably a bad sign. Then again, I haven't recieved a rejection from anywhere yet....
 
My question is 2 parts:
 
1. Is there a specific saint to pray to in instances such as these? Being a non-believer, would this prayer even work?
 
2. Do rejections come later in the application season? Do acceptances? Is there any good or bad way to read this situation?
 
Not that anything anyone would say in answer to this idiotic line of reasoning would at all clarify my situation. Nonetheless, typing this silly missive on a chat forum seems better than whatever anxiety ridden self-destructive behavior (chain smoking, compulsive gambling, discover card) I might take up to deflect my anxiety.
 
Thank you chat forum.
 
 
 

I agree with margarets. Just because this guy/girl is pissed off and verbally erratic here, on an internet forum, due to a seriously demoralizing rejection streak, doesn't mean we should make assumptions about his/her professional performance or character. If OP was rejected from 4 places back-to-back, having outstanding credentials and no clear-cut reason as to why (s)he was rejected, of course OP is going to feel confused, scorned, upset, humiliated. And of course his/her words will reflect that. This is a place to vent, for Christ's sake; if we aren't empathetic to each other here, then where?
 
ApexKnowledge-- I wish I had some magic words to make this all okay for you. Assuming you really do have the high GPA and research credentials you mentioned, it boggles my brain that you'd receive so many rejections. For what it's worth, I don't think you're displaying a sense of entitlement, as "entitlement" indicates you expect something you did not work for. But you worked for this. Hard. So I think your frustration and anger is warranted.
 
I know this will seem impossible, but try not to take it personally. These rejections, hard as it may seem, do not necessarily reflect on you. They may just reflect on the competitiveness of the programs you applied to. For instance, my uncle had his Master's degree, with a 3.9 GPA, stellar GRE scores, and 6 years of highly relevant research experience in his field. 2 of those years he spent working directly with the Head of MIT's department. Yes, MIT-- one of the best schools in the world. And he still got rejected from 4 out of the 5 PhD programs he applied to. He was overly qualified, in most peoples' opinions, but was dealt the same harsh blow as you. But it was only because the PhD programs he applied to were SUPER competitive. They accepted fewer than 15 students per year, and for every 1 open spot, received nearly 50 applications.
 
So he was a big fish in most ponds, so to speak, but a smaller-than-average fish in the ENORMOUS pond of PhD applicants. It's all relative. Similarly, you seem to have incredible credentials and I hope that you-- as well as your father-- are extremely proud of them. You've already come such a long way and have done a lot more than most people. Take pride in that, and never underestimate it. Just keep in mind that, when it comes to many PhD programs, you are up against the best in the world. That's a tall order, for anybody.
 
I agree with whoever posted previously that you should start thinking about Plan B, just for your own mental stability's sake. Maybe you'll get taken off that wait-list and all will be well. But having back-up plans in place is extremely important under any circumstances, not just grad school. Personally, while I wait for all my acceptances/rejections to come in, I am applying to as many jobs as I can and laying the groundwork for re-applying next year, if it comes to that. I'm writing up a personal financial plan for the coming 12 months, to make sure I have the money to retake the GRE and get higher scores; I'm sending thank-you cards to all those who wrote recommendations for me, and in those cards, asking them to keep their letters in case I apply again in the future. Basically, I am preparing myself and my life to sustain another 12 months until I can try again, just in case. You should definitely do the same. Come up with a 12 month plan for yourself.
 
And part of this plan should include things to look forward to. As you've experienced, this process can be extremely demoralizing. It takes so much out of us. So put something on your calendar that makes you smile, even if it's something relatively small. For example, I am planning a mini roadtrip with my friend. It won't be for another few months, and it will only last 4 days because we can't afford anything longer than that. But those 4 days will be bliss, and they'll allow us to escape for a while and recharge from all this grad school-related stress.
 
Do the same for yourself. You're worth that, and you'll probably need it. If you can't afford even 4 days away, plan for a friend to just come over for a whole weekend and have a movie marathon, or go see a concert, or play laser tag or do something childish and fun that you wouldn't normally do. It'll help you, really. And in the meantime, remember that you aren't alone in these experiences, that many, many others with great qualifications are being rejected too. Please don't beat yourself up too much.
 
Very best of luck, friend.

Um... I think the OP was just having an online vent.  We shouldn't assume this is how the OP presented themselves at interview, or that the vent is indicative of deep psychological problems.  Four rejections in one day is enough to upset anyone.

Rejected from two PhD programs post interview. Screw this whole process....
 
Now all I can interview is for masters programs? So what, I can be a LPC and work while I feel the failure of never getting a PhD program succumb me? I hate this process. 2 rejections post interview for PhD, 3 masters programs pending and a disgust that won't leave me. Oh yeah and a pitiful waitlist for # 6 (yay :sarcasm:).
 
So what do I do now? Beg to get off waitlist? Maybe if I fly over for their Masters program interview and speak to PhD program they might see I have dedication? Hell I don't know....
 
maybe I should give up, get a PhD in leadership (education) LOL..the program is only 2 years! then laugh at other people who took the "rigorous" 5+ yr route...har har har...someone fill up my vodka!!! Cause I am going into education...
 
or should I beg for NMSU (New Mexico) Phd program....I can't bear all these rejections. I flippin went to Julliard and Calarts, I'm talented...i should have stayed as a professional dancer/choreographer.
 
what to do....oh maybe get a refill on my drink so I can drown in my sorrows. Sounds good 

I haven't received my financial aid info yet, i should be getting within the week! i will let you know when i find out.

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.

good luck with that.

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!

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

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!