zizek!85

No problem. A key factor for me was getting to work with patients. The MSW gets me my union card so to speak and also provides a way to finance the long, expensive process that is certification. In 36 months I can earn an LCSW and begin building a practice billing insurance. Without a master's in hand I did not qualify for training at an analytic institute and so found one with a terminal masters program - New York Graduate School of Psychoanalysis and Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies. This institute is modern Freudian and focuses on treating severe narcissistic disorders (including schizophrenia) using a drive theory model. As for double dipping, the plan now is to find part-time work at an agency to continue to build my resume. Hope it all works out. Feel free to send me a PM if I can be of more help.

To be honest, my top choice was NYU given it's psychodynamic focus. However, the cost of attendance was just too much to bear. I have begun working toward certification in psychoanalysis rendering the difference in clinical focus, in a sense, moot. After I came to realize that Hunter provided reasonable training and that it was primarily my desire as a public school lifer to train at a prestigious school that was driving me toward NYU/Columbia, I was then able to make the more realistic and appropriate choice. Really, it is not difficult to get into SW school (although more difficult to get into Hunter) and employers know that. A few electives does not a future make. Hope this helps.

Hi MAH7802, just found out today that I was accepted to Columbia. Will be attending Hunter in the Spring. Congrats everyone.

Just got into NYU. Would I be stupid to pass up Hunter?

You will be asked to say why you want to study social work at Hunter. Talking about their focus and how it relates to your experience/interests would be a good idea. The moderator seems to monitor the group dynamic. My advice to you is to be assertive while fashioning your responses to what others are saying in the group. Another question I was asked was when did you ever feel like an "Other"? This question relates to the focus on oppression and working with at-risk populations shared by much of the faculty (and also encompassed by the writing sample at the end which differs for each interviewee). The group was also given a clinical example of working with an elderly client who one day decides to cook you dinner - what do you do? Some in the group talked about the ethical dilemma; however, I focused on the behavior - what does this mean (for this is a significant change). I have a masters in psychoanalysis, have been doing therapy with psychotic patients, and work as a caregiver for an elderly population so this question was perfect for me. Past students have told me that they often ask which population you would not be comfortable working with (but this was not asked at my interview). Hope this helps.

@newyorkla: Yes, I interviewed on Tuesday the previous week and received word of my acceptance the following Tuesday. @melmoose: Yes, definitely. Hunter was by far the best option for me; see you soon. For other applicants, still no word from NYU but received an email from Columbia apologizing for not having rendered a decision before Thanksgiving, that applications were still being reviewed.

Found out today that I got into Hunter!

Just had my Hunter application updated to "pending interview." Still no word from NYU or Columbia.

Application status for Hunter changed to "pending program decision." With no interview, I guess this means I'm out of the running. Can anyone confirm?

I submitted all of my apps the day before they were due. My NYU status was updated to "sent for review" soon after submitting but have heard nothing since. I received an email from Columbia a few days ago that my application was complete and ready for review. My Hunter application still says submitted (although I have nothing outstanding).

Could anyone tell me when you submitted your applications? I applied to Hunter, NYU, and Columbia for the accelerated program. I see that some people have already had their admissions interview at Hunter whereas my status has not changed. Does this mean anything? Thanks.