CCD2016

I applied in the fall. I was a political science major during undergraduate. I have not heard back from them yet, actually. Been a little worried about it.

This is remarkably similar to the situation I am in. $0 undergrad debt, wanting to keep grad debt ~$40k, but I am realizing this is increasingly unlikely. Even with a fairly substantial scholarship offered at admission. There will be more to develop, but I am incredibly anxious about debt, living expenses, etc. I have a lot to think about over the next few months, for sure.

They told me financial aid packages would become available around mid-February for accepted, incoming graduate students.

Anybody else hear back from DU's GSSW? I was super excited to hear back. I will definitely be attending in the fall!

I know the early action deadline has long passed, but their priority deadline is not until March 1st. If I was hoping to be considered for scholarships/other forms of aid, would it be too late to apply? Like, would it even be worth considering? I recently got into WUSTL and it kind of shifted my goal posts a tiny bit and was wondering if it was even worth the time investment to apply to the University of Michigan.

I turned my application maybe 2 hours before the early action deadline (12.15.16) and received my admission decision dated 1.11.17 on Friday 11.13.17

Anyone else get their acceptance on the online portal? I saw mine today! Scholarship was lower tan I would have liked, but still excited! Anyone else here back?!

Hello all, I am currently serving a year in AmeriCorps VISTA and am starting the graduation app. season strong. While I just finished up my first app, I guess in the preliminary periods of researching programs I didn't consider the full gravity of tuition rates. I am not applying to many programs that provide a lot of assistantships, etc. and none in my home state (my home state is quite expensive, anyway). I have zero undergrad debt and will get a $5.3k education award from AmeriCorps when I finish. How much debt for an MSW aspiring to work in hospital/health social work seems justifiable? I have heard of the "not more than a year salary" rule, but that seems like it would really limit options for MSW students.... because initial salaries can start low and it's not like the high end is particularly high to begin with. If I was hovering around 40k, how quickly should I say no, etc. Thanks, y'all.

I have been selecting the programs I will be applying to this application season and one program I have came across is balancing location with program quality/concentration/specialization. It lead me to wonder, is there a reason to put an emphasis on the concentration/specialization? Is a more generalist program bad? Would you lose a competitive edge by going to a program that doesn't have a specific faculty member interested in the form of social work that most interests you? Is this something that could be resolved by practicum placement? Thanks

Still configuring an exact list, but: University of Pittsburgh, University of Iowa, University of Wisconsin, WUSTL, Denver University, and University of Utah.

Hello there! I actually ended up accepting a VISTA position with a social service agency. I really didn't feel super comfortable with the options I had for the fall, so I decided to get some experience in a more social work setting bc that was certainly the field I was less familiar with. My path-- I am likely going to just apply for an MSW program. I have more interest in a more case management type position that I thought after some exposure, so I will be applying to programs that provide some sort of balance (or opportunity there of) so I can (hypothetically) find some balance and have access to either career path. Idk much about your work history, etc. But volunteering/working/doing AmeriCorps VISTA are all great at helping decide. Front line experience in the social policy/social work arena is incredibly important. But it can be more helpful depending on what you are more interested in, tbh. I have enjoyed the experience so I wanted to make sure I tossed that out there In terms of the advice I have received, the information can be pretty generally grouped. 1. Bigger programs with a macro focus can lend to a lot of the same educational opportunities MPP programs might have. The obvious difference being your education for an MSW is more social service centric (ie, core social work classes), but you can take classes about policy and some have analysis classes (UMich, DU, etc. etc.). Some programs only require 1-2 gen. courses before you go the policy route. 2. Your practicums/internships are important. You should spend a decent amount of time thinking about practicums for your MSW. If the schools has a good relationship with agencies that do policy work, etc. you could potentially make some ins, network, etc. 3. General background can help guide the decision. IE, having a more quant centered background can help you fill in the gaps an MSW may provide to you. 4. Depends on what you are truly interested in. MSW will be more social service centered, while MPP/MPA will be more quant/gov/admin centered. They can each lend from each other, but ultimately it depends on what you are more interested in. If you want to talk more, dm me!

I am really interested to see the response with this. Not too hijack the discussion, but I have had a hard time placing what schools "will be reasonable to apply to" based off of my experience as well. Wondering what macro level considerations exist for top level graduate MSW programs?

Hello, I have been considering applying for an MSW at a school with a macro/policy focus instead of getting my MPP. Hell, maybe even applying to both. Any advice? Is there any meaningful difference between getting your MSW at a school that has a policy concentration/macro focus and getting your MPP and specializing in social policy? I understand the difference to be that MPP/MPA will largely be more quant focused, but I was wondering if there are any others? Any disadvantage to the MSW that the MPP/MPA can resolve? Any career impact, etc? Thank, yall.

Hello, I have been considering applying for an MSW at a school with a macro/policy focus instead of getting my MPP. Hell, maybe even applying to both. Any advice? Is there any meaningful difference between getting your MSW at a school that has a policy concentration/macro focus and getting your MPP and specializing in social policy? I understand the difference to be that MPP/MPA will largely be more quant focused, but I was wondering if there are any others? Any disadvantage to the MSW that the MPP/MPA can resolve? Any career impact, etc? Thank, yall.

Where would everyone draw a comfortable line for debt? I was accepted into a top 30 program in my region/city of choice. I will, at most, will have to take ~25k out in debt to get my Master's there. I do not have any loans from undergrad or any other kind of debt. How much debt is too much debt, given this context?