MJL34

Bird. Hand. Take the money and the offer.

As you suggested, it's debatable as to the importance of name recognition for an MSW degree (you can find endless discussion threads here devoted to the topic); however, from an academic and research perspective, UNC - Chapel Hill is considered the premier program in the state and one of the top ones in the country. I believe the School of Social Work is currently ranked #5 nationally and seems to attract grant money and strong faculty. Hope that helps answer part of your question.

The NASW Code of Ethics (which you will hear about a great deal in your MSW classes) specifically states that "Social workers should engage in social and political action that seeks to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources, employment, services, and opportunities they require to meet their basic human needs and to develop fully. Social workers should be aware of the impact of the political arena on practice and should advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve social conditions in order to meet basic human needs and promote social justice." If your arrest falls under that category, you shouldn't have too hard a time explaining (and even highlighting) the situation to an admissions committee or licensing board. It might be a little harder when you apply for jobs, but typically as long as the arrest does not involve violence or endangering children and/or the elderly, you should be fine.

Where are you thinking about eventually working? If your expectation is that you will return to North Carolina to practice, then not only is UNC a better option financially, but it will provide a huge leg up in terms of developing a network and securing employment. I agree that paying an extra 75-100k for grad school (and don't forget the extreme difference in cost of living as well) doesn't make much sense -- unless, and even this I suggest with caution, your ultimate plan is to continue to live and work in NYC. As you've likely read throughout this forum, MSW curriculums are actually quite similar due to the accreditation requirements. UNC is a top school (and you're familiar with the area already). If you want to experience NYC so much, then take $5,000 and just live there for a few months after school -- don't blow that money on tuition. Just a thought...

The opportunities for you to earn a more significant salary will increase greatly if you hold an MSW degree. In the social work profession, the MSW is considered the "terminal" degree, meaning that there is no higher credential to be earned (a PhD in social work is typically geared toward an academic career) -- so if you complete the studies, you will be at a competitive advantage and more likely to qualify for leadership roles (with higher salaries). Not sure what you mean by "medical school" (you want to be a doctor?) -- but based on your post, if you are able to earn the MSW, I believe it will allow you to compete for many more jobs than currently. The caveat, of course, is that you need to weigh the financial cost of the MSW compared with any increase in salary. Good luck in your pursuits.

You also might want to investigate the licensing regulations in your state. Even if the school/fieldwork requirements are satisfied, it would be unfortunate to complete two years of study only to discover you were unable to practice due to the arrest. However, I'm pretty sure you're not the first potential MSW student to pursue a degree following a DUI, so there should be a good deal of information (and guidance) on the topic. Good luck with your studies.

I'm still holding out hope for UW. When they said they would announce the first group by end or February, they waited until Feb 28. So, it wouldn't surprise me if the end-March admissions were really at the end of March. Other than KNik's post above, I haven't heard of any other acceptances or denials this month. Hang in there. Soon, all will be known!

I don't have insight on the specific schools, but with regard to your " I really want to go out of state" comment, you might consider that your field work (which is considerable in most programs) will create the foundation for many of your connections within the profession (not to mention your relationships with other cohort members in the area). I've read in many places that the MSW degree, more than most, should ideally be pursued in the location that you imagine yourself working. Obviously many people do otherwise, but it would require building a network from scratch when (if) you returned to Boston. Just a thought.

First, take a breath. Second, keep in mind that UC Berkeley is one of the most selective programs in the country and seems to have less flexibility than other programs with regard to what they want to see in an applicant (for example, number of years of prior SW experience). However, there's a very easy way to get an answer to your question. Ask them. If you contact the admissions department (maybe not right now as they're in their busiest season), they should be able to review your application with you and let you know where you were deficient. Based on their comments, you'll probably get a good idea as to whether those things can (or will) change in the next year .. or not. The bottom line is that depending on what part of the profession you want to enter, there are many very qualified programs. It looks like you still have another pending application -- and, if not, just expand your search next time. Good luck to you.

Congratulations, KYC12345. Mind sharing if you are in-state or out?

It seems like after that initial wave of acceptances last month, it's been very quiet from UNC. Anyone received any updates?

I realize those letters seem disheartening; however, they discussed them at one of the information sessions. Apparently, with the early applications, they broke into three piles: Yes, No .. and then those they felt required comparision versus the entire applicant pool (remember, these aren't rolling admissions, they just promised an early response to encourage people to apply earlier in the year). So, it's definitely not bad news -- it's not a no (or even a waitlist). Good luck to all. (I'm part of the later applicant pool anyway so wasn't getting too excited about today).

Nope. Still waiting. They've been extremely quiet so far.

Looks like someone posted an acceptance in the results search. Care to provide details? Anyone else hear back yet?

I'm much more familiar with UNC's program than NC State's -- but one observation that comes to mind when you have one "highly-ranked" program in the same geographical area as another (similar to how Berkeley dominates the Bay Area) is that they have greater access to the top fieldwork placements. I would suggest investigating which schools place students for internships in the practice areas that are of most interest to you. In your case, it sounds like a hospital setting is important -- so find out who gets placements where. Hope that helps.