bukowski

If it's not too much trouble, can someone please invite me to the google group?

Even with an expensive institution like Columbia, I don't think you have to resort to private loans. After you've used the maximum offered for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, there is the Federal Graduate Plus Loan. It has a higher percentage rate than Unsubsidized but you will still qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

thank you kindly for everyone's thoughtful advice. it's great to know so many can understand my concerns! i am trying to decide between columbia and michigan. it appears that michigan allows students to have more of a say in their curriculum and field placement whereas columbia is almost a mixed bag during the first year. however nyc offers a lot more opportunities for macro students at some of the biggest policy and administrative organizations. does anyone have any thoughts on which program would provide me with the best experience and opportunities in macro work?

stenderB thank you for the informative video; it was long but actually watched most of it! it i think what i gathered was: networking is extremely vital. that said, i'm concerned about networking and connecting with my classmates since the majority are in clinical practice. aside from the values of social work, i feel we have completely opposite career goals and experiences. any thoughts?

Great, thank you! Does anyone happen to know NYU Wagner's as well?

i applied to columbia, u-michigan, upenn, and nyu. i'm trying to decide between columbia and michigan!

the new jim crow by michelle alexander

hello all. a part of me is suddenly very fearful that i should have applied to masters of public administration programs instead; precisely for the reason being that i am only interested in macro social work or more specifically, policy/administrative work in international issues. how marketable is an msw when stacked up against degrees such as mpa, mph, etc.? a dual degree is not ideal; i'd prefer to do one or the other rather than financially invest in two doses of macro studies. i know the saying is "it's what you make out of what you got" but let's think pragmatically-mpa is much more administrative or managerial. would focusing on macro social work with an msw be sufficient for administering social and/or governmental services? thanks for your thoughts!

Does SIPA have one yet?

^Thank you! That's what I thought-I just didn't know if fellow Social Workers knew any financial alternatives. SO expensive

I am thinking about applying in the future. Since it's rather an expensive program, do you have any information on the funding Penn would provide?

Hello all. While both Columbia and Michigan are wonderful institutions, I am having a hard time deciding which program is right for me. My heart tugs for Columbia. Not only is the program ideal for its' curriculum flexibility and emphasis on macro social work and research, I've always been smitten by the university's history and culture. My practical side leans towards Michigan for its' #1 ranking, strong program, and ultimately, tuition and living is a LOT cheaper! If you can shed some insight on either of the programs, I'd very much appreciate it. Thanks for your time!

My interview was quite good-she assured me I did very well and she would give her highest recommendation. It was on a Friday and I received a phone call Monday morning 11AM. The interviewer seemed pretty direct; so you could sort of gauge what your chances are.

How heavily are GRE scores weighted in admission for ph.d programs?

I heard back Thursday evening via email/admissions portal. I'm sure you'll hear back soon. Let me know if you decide to go.

I went to UNC for undergrad and it holds a special place in my heart. If is any questions about the campus or NC, let me know.

^I'd like to know how the Columbia experience went, as well. Columbia is my first choice, but I'm starting to wonder if I should even go at all. The hefty price tag + the cost of living in NYC is deterring me because I could be looking at $700-14000/a month of loan repayments after the program is finished. This problem is relevant for NYU as well, so if anyone has any insight on their financial plans, please do share.

^Thanks for your response. Do you (or anyone) know if there will be interviews conducted for the scholarships?

Has anyone heard back from the scholarship committee (child welfare, international, etc.)?

How is everyone planning to finance these very expensive programs in the most expensive city? I'd love to attend Columbia but the amount of debt I'd incur is very paralyzing to think about.

^I submitted on the 3rd, but my application was incomplete until the 4th because I was missing a letter of rec. I'm sure you'll hear back soon!

I am moving from NC to NYC or Philly-a little bit petrified!

Accepted to Penn, Michigan, NYU and Columbia. Very exciting times! Congratulations to everyone

Accepted into NYU late last week and accepted to Columbia today! I applied to both schools early January