kstubbs11

I'm not sure why they shorted you that much. You are legally entitled to the full amount the school charges for education, room ,books etc. You can't take out any more than that but you can take up to that amount.

I went to Rutgers for undergrad and it was excellent. I know the MSW program had a good reputation as well and my friends in the program speak highly of it. They also have a DSW if long term you want to go the PhD or DSW route. New Brunswick may not be as attractive as NYC but having a good field placement is one of the more important parts of an MSW program.

Working at a non-profit is not the only way PSLF will work. Any local, state or federal government job or hospital as well will get you into the 10 year forgiveness. Basically most jobs other than private sector jobs will qualify. The 20 year repayment is for any job. Plus if you're gonna do the LCSW you can get a job that qualifys through the NHCS and get 50k taken off for every 2 years of service in addition to your salary.

For me it was all about fit and where I see myself in 5/10/15 years.I got accepted to Penn, Syracuse, and Rutgers. Although I would have received instate tuition for attending Rutgers I will be attending Penn. I heard from Penn first and pretty much knew that would be my choice barring any outrageous full funding opportunities. I would suggest really thinking about what your short and long term career goals are. For me I know I want to work in a hospital setting and HUP (upenn hospital) is one of the best. Some people will tell you that degree names don't matter at the MSW level but that isn't entirely true. I know I'll have a much better chance landing a job at HUP post gradation over someone from another school simply because I went to Penn. The same could most likely be said for any institution that has a medical school. (Ucla , Michigan etc..) People need to remember that usually it's someone in HR that reviews your job application not a fellow MSW grad.When it comes to multiple candidates with the same experience and degree I find it hard to believe that an hr person would give an interview to a person who attended a small unknown school vs say a Rutgers, USC, Michigan etc.. Now this isn't always true but it's safe to say a name can give you a slight edge. That being said I WOULD NOT attend a school simply based on the name if I wasn't in love with what the program could offer me. Even Columbia is a great name and school I knew that it wasn't going to be the right school for me. Same for USC, Michigan, etc. If whatever school you decide is the School that you believe will put you in the best position post degree than I personally believe you should pursue that school regardless of tuition.

Here's a great read on how the "rankings" for msw programs. Like other posters have said choose a school based on the fit and not the rankings. I'll be attending Penn in the fall. If you have any questions about the school or Philly feel free to message me. http://sp2admissionsblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/beyond-rankings-assessing-msw-programs.html?m=1

Im not sure about the distance learning program but I went to Rutgers for my undegrad and it was a great experience. I also know that the School of Social Work is very reputable and everyone I know has great things to say about it. If it weren't for the fact I was accepted to Penn I would be going to Rutgers for my Msw.

I was accepted the next day although I had my interview in November when not many people had applied.

It's a nervous process but once you get accepted and ultimately choose your school you are overwhelmed with a great feeling. I can't wait to start my program this fall

Since there are only two Ivy League schools with MSW programs may I ask which program you are referring to? Penn or Columbia ?

The interview was very pleasant. Relaxed but certainly have a mindset going in knowing what you plan to do. Be prepare to talk about weaknesses in your background. Overall in my opinion it was informative and fun but I'm the type of person that looks forward to interviews. It will also depend with whom you interview with.

I agree with you. For the Philadelphia area it pretty much comes down to temple and Penn. The latter provides a better opportunity in my case. Any school choice for anyone should come down to the overall fit and direction you can see yourself going in over the next few years.

The biggest draw would be the oppertunities available for students such as placements and the city of Philadelphia. Yes the price tag is hefty but I believe the alumni network that yiu gain is invaluable especially with the hospital and chop right next door. I also like the 3 days of field placement instead of the normal 2 most schools do. I did my interview in person and would certainly recommend it. Another hugs draw was the overall vibe I get from the school. Like I said my gpa is nowhere near what most apply will be but I was still given the chance to pursue an ivy league education.

I applied in September, had my interview in November and got my acceptance the day after. The only reason it was so quick was probably because I applied on the first day you could. My gpa is at about a 3.0 and I have 3 years experience as an EMT in a mid size city.

Was recently accepted and already confirmed my attendance by submitting my deposit . Wondering if anyone else is applying to or planning on attending Penn.

As a current student at Rutgers Camden I can give you first hand advice. I would suggest looking in Philadelphia to live somewhere near the PATCO line. (8th and market) (12, 15th and Locust). The actual Rutgers area is nice and nothing of worry. Camden gets a bad rep and although it is warranted just like any city there are areas where you should stay out of. Luckily these aren't in close proximity to the campus. Also 3 police forces (Rutgers, Port Authority, and Camden ) should keep you at peace as a presence is ALWAYS visible. If you choose to live in NJ Cherry Hill and Haddonfield are fantastic choices however it depends how much you are willing to pay as these areas can get very expensive. For ease of commute I suggest Philly. But like I said the small little campus is actually pretty nice. Any other questions feel free to ask.

Congrats ! Also got accepted to the University of Pennsylvania which I have already accepted and sent in my deposit. If anyone else will be attending Penn let me know!

Just got accepted into Syracuse today ! I have an interview with Penn coming up soon as well.

Just received my first acceptance via phone for Syracuse University!!. I'm very excited and the call came as a surprise as I was told I wouldnt hear anything until after January. Its my second choice so im very happy to have the good news. Also takes a lot of stress off as I only applied to three schools. I have an interview with Penn coming up. Hope everyone else is having a good application season !

So far I've applied to Syracuse, WashU, and Penn. These are my top three and all have pluses and minuses in my individual case. I'm looking to probably apply to three more programs in total.