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SocialWaiter

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  1. Upvote
    SocialWaiter got a reaction from zym in MSW SOP review - a desperate plea   
    I'm not "in the profession," but if you're open to suggestions, consider:
     
    1.  Reading this - http://www.uni.edu/~gotera/gradapp/stmtpurpose.htm
     
    2.  If you have time, try this book - http://www.amazon.com/Graduate-Admissions-Essays-School-Choice/dp/1580088724
     
    I bought a used version for a penny.  Or, there's a new version - http://www.amazon.com/Graduate-Admissions-Essays-Fourth-Edition/dp/1607743213
     
    3.  Some social workers on Reddit seem helpful....maybe try contacting the people who responded in the following:
     
    http://www.reddit.com/r/socialwork/comments/2pf90i/msw_statement_of_purpose
     
    http://www.reddit.com/r/socialwork/comments/2keheu/anyone_willing_to_look_over_my_personal_statement
     
    http://www.reddit.com/r/socialwork/comments/1lsbax/applying_for_an_msw_program_can_someone
     
    http://www.reddit.com/r/socialwork/comments/2pwbq0/personal_statement
  2. Upvote
    SocialWaiter got a reaction from calico in (Grad) GPA below 3.0   
    Going by the limited info on your situation, if I was in your position, I would lean toward University X.  I understand your reasoning behind starting fresh at a new school, but you yourself said it would be convenient to take classes at University X rather than move across country just for summer classes.  Plus, you said there's less time to study at the new school, so it seems you're more likely to do better (i.e. get A's) at University X.  If you do well, you can make a stronger case that your low GPA was an anomaly. When they look at your transcripts, instead of your most recent grades being poor, at least you can have those summer classes that show you recovered and finished stronger.  If you show improvement, maybe that will indicate to schools that you're not a quitter and you turned things around.
     
    Regarding applications, based on the few I've encountered, some do (and some don't) ask for academic probation/dismissal/standing and an explanation either in the application or in the SOP / PS.  Once again, it depends on the school/program. I've seen applications ask for overall total GPA and some also ask for GPA per institution.
     
    Whatever you decide, good luck with summer classes and applications.
  3. Upvote
    SocialWaiter got a reaction from firewisp11 in MSW Hopeful seeking advice and reassurance   
    Yes, congratulations on being the first in your family to graduate college.  You should be very proud of yourself.
     
    As previously mentioned, some people will recommend the loan forgiveness program.  However, it's not a guarantee for everyone. https://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/charts/public-service
     
    You're smart & prudent for being careful with how much you want to borrow. I recently read other people's experiences online, and it's sad and heart-breaking - http://studentdebtcrisis.org/read-student-debt-stories
     
    Try not to be too disappointed or discouraged. From what I've read, it seems scholarships are pretty limited.  You are not alone.  Thousands of other MSW applicants/students wish there was more "free" financial aid available. But fortunately, it seems this will not deter you from pursuing your goals & dreams.
     
    In addition to what you already mentioned about UConn and Pittsburgh, another possibility is if there are other schools you're really interested in...like the ones you listed in Texas.  Another person said s/he was going to move to Texas and work for a year to gain residency.  So if you're not in a rush to start a MSW program, maybe you could find a state (such as Texas or another warm-weather state) and work for a year.  Working will help you pay off your undergrad loans while gaining valuable experience for your application.  And after a year, you will have residency and qualify for in-state tuition, saving you more money.  From what I've seen, out-of-state tuition is pretty expensive for many schools.
     
    Regarding getting a job out-of-state.  Based on what I've read...it's not impossible, but it's challenging. 
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