esimanon

Looks like you applied to the Title IV-E program, @mswhopeful2015. Is this your first time applying to the program? I am super nervous! I just applied to UC Berkeley's Title IV-E program this year....

How did turning in the ap go for everyone?

Any way I can still apply? I have my MSW application and Title IV-E application and all supporting documents ready to go. DANGIT!

congrats @zenkat, good luck!

Please sign into the google doc I made to list stats (I originally made these last year when I was applying to UCLA and UCB - but they show the stats of many people who were admitted.) Hope this helps guys! Links are below

Nope I feel that the rest of my application is strong - if my GRE turns the school off to me then I guess its just not a good fit.

ALSO - I've set up a stat sheet for Berkeley (Started it last year) but the link is still good if you guys want to enter your stats

I'm about to submit but I just can't - I'm worried that my SOP isn't perfect - but I know it won't ever be *perfect*. This is my second year applying so I'm just super anxious that my application will get denied again. Anyone else applying to Title IV-E?

I am struggling with my Statement of Purpose. Does anyone know where I can find samples? I think it would really help me to structure mine if I could read someone else's work. Thanks all!

What are some of the interview questions for Title IV-E?

I am writing my SOP and Personal History statements. It's hard because I'm revising my statements from last year - when I was rejected. Lots of good material but still need to re-vamp. Where is everyone else in the process?

@mswhopeful2015- I would just hate getting denied because of my below average GRE scores. Should I contact the program advisers?

Uh oh What scores would I want to aim for if I re-take?

My scores are 144 Q and 150 V :/

Sp my GRE scores are below average. How important are GRE scores really? I've got a 3.5 GPA. Looking to apply to UC Berkeley.

Wanted to start a discussion around this. Who's applying? Where are you applying? What are your stats? Why are you applying for this?

So, according to what you understand, is the difference between the Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement? Let's get a consensus here since is seems to be a point of confusion. THanks all!

I don't have a specific idea but I am sure that my entry essays were a factor as they are incredibly important. This year I will be re-writing everything.

Hello All! I am reapplying to Berkeley this year as I was denied last year. Womp womp. The good news is that I have some resources already .. I created a Google doc last year where some people who were accepted entered their 'stats'. I would love to start the conversation around UC Berkeley this year. What are you thoughts/concerns/hang ups? Feel free to enter your stats on the Google doc as well https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkjOvskLKG_XdGh2QUk5X1BwWlhoUWVncFByLXZMbGc&usp=drive_web#gid=0

Anyone else reapplying for next year?

Also, LittleDarlings - you voted your own comments "up"? Seems a little strange...

@ LIttleDarlins - I just want to add that I said what I said previously because I very much understand what it's like to work in an ACTUAL dangerous environment. I worked in a visitation center where parents visited with their children that were removed from their care by the state and placed into foster care. As the staff that worked the front door and managed the case files (which resulted in being the one instituting the rules/regulations) I was very much at danger. In the year that I worked at the location, I had several threats against me - both in person and over the phone. I had a two stalkers trying to enter the building and continuously call the office. One stalker came to the office and banged on the front door screaming, "Let me in, little pretty, I know you are in there!". We had a panic police button installed, an intercom system so I could alert other staff (whose office was in the back room) to assist me in a safety situation and for one week I wasn't allowed to leave the building unless I was escorted by another staff. In addition, I was subject to verbal abuse almost on a daily basis. I had one parent almost physically assault me. I also worked at a mental health hospital where a client threw a trash can at me and another tried to punch me (luckily another staff stopped them). Although I was faced with true danger, I was not afraid. Instead, I used these measures to see how much support the clients really needed. When you see how extreme people can get, it shows you the pain/suffering they are in. If you use this as a tool to see what clients need, you can assist them better. When a client had an outburst towards me, I would say, "I can see that you're really struggling right now." 9 times out of 10, this would lead to a conversation where I would be able to give them space to talk about their stress and provide support. Also, when clients could feel that I was afraid, they often tested me more. By showing them that I was not afraid of them, we were able to connect on a deeper and more natural level. Almost every client will have a way of testing you as many of them have had many service providers. They want to see what you're made of - so trying to navigate through the field of social work in fear will not serve you or your future clients. If I seemed harsh before, I am sorry. I just want you to feel secure in your work and be the best at what you do. It took me a while to learn about fear in the work - I believe you will be great if you get past the fear element. You will grow in ways you could never have imagined in social work

1. The term self-righteous is a little derogatory. 2. Little Darling states that she feels unsafe merely because she would be in close-quarters with people who have mental illness. I don't believe that I was being self-righteous by pointing out a larger feeling (based off of stereotypes and biases that Little Darling seems to be holding) in American culture that results in/perpetuates a society that shuns people with mental illness. 3. I agree that Little Darling should get more direct care experience to demystify her fears and become an ally to her clientele.

I think you've missed my main point. I encourage you to examine your fear and whether is serves your clients (and you).

I strongly believe that one of the most important aspects of being a social worker is the ability to have compassion for your clients that overshadows your own fear or insecurities. The goal should be providing services to those who are suffering versus holding fear around their disorder. Having worked in a mental health hospital - I too struggled with fear of the unknown and for my safety. Yet, I soon realized that having fear for your client perpetuates the very issues that you are trying to alleviate them from - a society that doesn't understand them and (therefore) alienates them. You need to overcome this fear to be truly effective in your work and to ensure that your emotional well-being is not compromised by your work.