hyronomus4

I like to play a game called "how long can I wait before checking my email". So far the record to beat is two hours.... This is the worst.

For me, I did an advanced standing MSW and the program length of the programs varried. The fastest I could get my degree in-state was 18 months. Even though in-state was cheaper per year I went to a program out of state that I could finish in one school year and saved money. At my school they didn't offer much in terms of scholarships and most of the deadlines were before you actually found out if you were accepted so for a one year thing they were pretty useless. When I got my MSW I applied to 1 school and thankfully I got in. At the time I wasn't concerned because I was working at a job I loved so if I didn't get in I would have just just waited a year and applied to more the next year. Most of my friends applied to 3 but I'm sure it just depends how competitive the programs you're applying to are.

I agree, I think you would be a strong candidate at pretty much any program you applied to. With that being said, I still think there are some advantages to waiting a few years. I had the same situation and I took three years off (because I was tired of school and almost all of my BSW profs encouraged a break) and it was a great choice for me. 1. Most MSW programs have concentrations and some experience working in the field can help you determine which one is the best fit and help you get more out of your classes. I ended up switcing gears after getting some work experience. 2. I got my MSW at the same time as a lot of people that went straight away after their BSW. I'm generalizing a lot here but they were more burnt out of school at that point and many said they wished they would have waited so they had more energy and enthusiasum for their studies. I found that giving me some time away made me appreciate it even more and I feel like I sought out additional opportunities that I would have avoided if I was feeling burnt out. 3. A LOT of your work for your MSW asks you to draw on experiences that you've had and talk about it for papers or class discussions. A few years of work will help you have more to talk about and make your papers stronger. 4. There are also some financial gains to working off some of your undergrad loans befor going MSW... but honestly that had nothing to do with my decision.

"You're applying for a PhD? I was thinking about doing that when my kids go to school and I have some free time again. I'll be needing some new hobbies at that point" When she found out getting a PhD in two years, part time wouldn't be an option she decided she wasn't actually interested after all. "Well, just because they accepted you doesn't mean you have to go. It's not too late to stay at your job and get married instead." My mother's reaction after hearing about my first acceptance. I've given trying to get people to understand the extreme highs and lows that come with applying for a PhD.