kgoodw2

It's actually an "AM" degree. In the state of Illinois, it is absolutely recognized as an "MSW." My supervisor has her AM from UChicago and is an LCSW currently. I have other friends who have done the same, and they are recognized as "MSWs." On top of that, UChicago is the best program in Chicago, so worry not.....

Yes, my work supervisor has done this and has had almost 100 grand forgiven through various extensions! She is still in her early 30s, so it's not like it will take years and years; it's what I'm planning to do. However, the various agencies and placements for this are much more restrictive than just regular PSLF - for example, I work for a mental health agency in an area of Chicago where this is "demonstrated need," i.e. a rural or urban setting that is generally lower-income, lower socio-economic factors, etc. So make sure when you begin to apply for jobs that you specifically look for jobs that fulfill and are listed NHSC settings (and remember, since many are non-profits, most start at a lower pay scale - for example, Masters' level clinicians at my agency start at $33,000 - and this in Chicago!). https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/sites/index.html

I am planning on going the clinical route because I love working with clients on an individual level, but eventually I do want to get into macro policy work. I have heard that going clinical is probably the best option if you like both macro and micro, because you need the clinical skills as a base skill set regardless. However, please feel free to disagree with me!

I was accepted, but I sort of told them that I needed a decision soon as I have other schools to reply to (which was semi-true, but I just didn't want to play the waiting game. They told me 8 more weeks at the end of March!). Admissions at UIC is so sloppy, disorganized, and technologically prehistoric. I had a semi-tiff with the admissions director after they lost my transcript (they also had issues with a letters of rec that my supervisor had sent - she had to resend it twice due to their error and she was on maternity leave and I felt so awful having to get her to keep resending it). I went to UIC for undergrad (The English dept, there was freaking awesome, so UIC on the whole is not bad), so I don't feel awful for completely demonizing Jane Addams' admissions process. All this said, I have many friends who have went/are currently going to Jane Addams, and they seem to like it, so I don;t necessarily want the horrible admissions process at UIC to reflect the program as a whole. However, it sure puts an awful face on the program, and really solidified my choice to not go with Jane Addams, I am choosing University of Chicago.

Did you find out yet???

I understand your apprehension; however, I am located and work in Chicago and am unable to relocate (and don't want to ). U of C is my dream school of many, many years and I follishlydon't care how much debt I accrue. I also have faith in the IBLR and loan forgiveness. My agency also qualifies for the National Health Service Corps so I plan to follow up on that. I think more people should look into the NHSC.

I just heard back! I got in, with a $12,000 scholarship!

No! I even called and they said I was supposed to get a decision. Maybe today, who knows....

I applied January 4th! I'm going for the extended evening program...

I don't know if they work through the weekend or what (maybe because it's their busy season), but I asked the head of admissions if it's possible that I could hear over the weekend, and she said yes. I've seen people that have received replies at 3 AM! The admissions people are very nice; however, they are giving me misleading information as well, so take it all with a grain of salt!

Called again. They said I'm on the second reader and should definitely know by Monday. I can't take much more of this!

If I don't hear back tomorrow, I will probably cry and eat copious amounts of chocolate. I have been so on edge for the last two weeks. Even if I get rejected, at least then I will know...

I am still waiting!

Awesome! That's amazing - what an insane scholarship! Curiously, when did you apply? And did your online application change from "submitted" to "accepted"? sorry that I'm asking so many questions! It's my dream school, and I check my email and the online app like 5x a day, haha!

Anybody heard anything yet?