MrsBanks421

Yes, you can find positions locally right there in LA.

Hi MsKnight86 - AmeriCorps is a great opportunity to get some social work experience. Many organizations hire AmeriCorps members to work as case managers and community outreach workers. I am completing my third year with an AmeriCorps program in Boston and have been working as a behavioral health case manager. I think my service with AmeriCorps really strengthened my MSW application. The best part is AmeriCorps is a paid position with benefits and you receive a $5,500 education award which can be used toward student loans or to pay tuition costs. There are MANY programs available in the Los Angeles area. Most are accepting applications now and have start dates in July and September. You serve 1700 hours over a 10 to 12 month period. You can search for positions by interest area (i.e. health, housing, homelessness, etc.) Here is the link: http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/im-ready-serve

Washington University in St. Louis

Hi dlr129 - They do an interview with selected applicants. It is very informal and laid back. My interview lasted about 20 minutes. 1.) What made you decide upon social work? 2.) Related volunteer/work experiences 3.) Challenges you have faced and how you overcame them 4.) What do you see yourself doing in 5 years? 10 years? That is most of what I remember from mine. The point of the interview is for them to decide if you qualify for any of their special scholarships. It's always a good idea to talk about wanting to work with underserved populations (I did and I really believe it influenced their decision to award me one of their larger scholarships). Hope that helps and good luck! Don't worry too much.

I applied to WUSTL for early decision (application submitted 11/26). I was notified by the dean that I had been accepted on 1/15 and then had my scholarship interview about a week later. I was awarded the Thurgood Marshall scholarship which covers over half of the tuition price! The program is pretty expenisve, so that was a relief. I am going to pursure the direct practice (clinical) track with a concentration in mental health. I am originally from California (Central Valley) and have been living in Boston for the last six years. Although St. Louis living will be "slower" I am impressed witht the city nonetheless. St. Louis has a lot to offer. There are a number of free museums, entertainment, etc. Like eveyone else has said, cost of living is super cheap. My husband and I are looking to secure a loft near the baseball stadium. These are extremely nice lofts priced at half of what we pay for our apartment in Boston. I think a lot of people shy away from this program due to its location. However, the school is top notch. My cousin also attended and now has a very successful career. I am very excited to be going!

Hi all - Hope everyone is surviving the MSW application process! I was recently accepted to Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL). I applied for early decision (submitted on Dec.15th) and was admitted on Jan. 16th. I have my scholarship interview this Thursday. I'm really interested to see what type of funding they offer me!