Lincolnia

I just saw your response as well, socialworkphd. Didn't you post something regarding admission tips and/or private "prestige" institutions vs. public ones a while back? I recognize your name and if I remember correctly, I found your posts to be greatly informative. You make a good point about UW. I didn't accept their offer as the financial aid was basically no-existent and I really don't have any interest living in Seattle. Portland is already bustling and costly enough for my taste. Also its prestige wasn't worth 60k in loans when I already have 16 from undergrad. The pragmatist in me can't justify such a heavy financial burden for a MSW. Most importantly, you are absolutely right that your education is what you make of it. My experience will largely be shaped by what I put into it and the connections I make in my program and field placements. Thanks for that reminder

Thanks for the informative response, briefinterviews. I think I am just having a case of pre-program jitters and you definitely helped calm them a bit. With finances such a huge consideration for me, it sounds like PSU is still my best bet.

So I applied to two MSW programs: Portland State and University of Washington,.as well as an MFT program: Lewis & Clark. I got into all three but chose PSU because of the better funding (i.e. in-state tuition, T.A. position with tuition remission and stipend, my related on-call job to supplement, and an ideal and super afforable living situation). I was surprised that I got in to all of these institutions, even though I had a really strong undergraduate gpa and years of experience. Needless to say, I am prone to underestimating myself and did not apply to even more competitive programs because I figured that I'd never get in. I did the same thing for undergrad... which is why graduated from Portland State with my B.A. However, lately I am wondering if I should have tried to make it at a higher-ranked institution, namely Berekely. And, as cost is a huge consideration for me (I am trying to graduate sans loans), I wonder if would even been feasible financially had I been accepted. Lately, I have been plagued by this "what if" mentality and even briefly considered forgoing my acceptance to reapply to "better" schools next year. Thoughts? Also, for those of you admitted to or attending Berkeley (or just super knowledgeable about the school) what is their average financial aid award like for an out-of-state student? Do many students make it through debt-free? My program is a good one and is located in the area I eventually want to work; I know I am very lucky and do not want to sound ungrateful. I just worry that I didn't push myself as far as I could of, and I may be giving up on a more high profile career (I would eventually like to head a non-profit centered around women's economic empowerment or work in international social work and public policy...) or potential PhD dreams in the future by sticking with my alma mater. Any and all thoughts/advice/information would be much appreciated.

I checked my application status a few hours ago and I got in! I am super excited as this is my first choice and I have already turned down my other offers. Anyone else headed to PSU in the fall?

The wait is killing me. I applied to UW's MSW program and Lewis & Clark's MFT program and got in, but declined the offers for PSU (I received my B.A. there and will have it almost completely funded if I get accepted). Hopefully it's good news at the end of the month. Are any of you guys likewise set on PSU or are you weighing other offers?

Anyone out there a PSU applicant? I received an email a few days ago informing me that my application has been received. Now it's just a waiting game until the end of April. This is my first choice school as I am from the area and would receive a tuition waiver/monthly stipend through a T.A. type position (I did this as an undergraduate there and was rehired... now I just have to get accepted into the grad program). Is this school also at the top of anyone else's list? Why did you choose Portland State? And, most importantly, how are you dealing with this incredibly long admissions decision wait?