anothercoffeeplease

Hi! I am also a career changer and applied for an MSW while working full time during the two busiest quarters of the year. My husband is in a demanding program, so I was running a lot of the household stuff, too. All that to say I was able to prepare for the GRE and do well enough to get into a "top" program, though I will echo that I've been advised many times over that school names don't really matter for most applicants. DO NOT FEAR THE GRE. My uGPA was 3.21 (so, not impressive), and I actually dropped out of a different grad program years ago after realizing it wasn't the right fit. So two strikes, right? My GRE math score was around 45th percentile (what is factoring?), and my verbal was somewhere over 90th and writing was a 5, I think (yay words!). I'd really recommend brushing up on some of your vocabulary and math skills using Magoosh and Khan Academy, and then take the practice tests offered through ETS. You have plenty of time to prepare since applications aren't due for several months. I bet you'd be surprised with how well you do after a little practice! Also, I'm not sure what SLP programs are like but the only grad experience I'd had was law school. It was so competitive and toxic (school and the field in general), and it's taken a lot of effort to (constantly) remind myself SW is not law and an MSW program is not law school. Could some of this competitiveness be coming from your experience as an undergrad or SLP student? I'm not trying to say you should not take your education seriously, but I am trying to say that it's a different environment and the strengths needed may be different than those you believe are necessary. Good communication, strong writing skills, compassion, ethics, etc.? Definitely. 99th percentile GRE scores? Nah.

Is the professor perhaps expecting that responses tie in the assigned reading?

Congratulations, @juliarhm! I hope everyone else hears good news soon. Who is planning on attending the Welcome Weekend?

That's the impression I got also--not a ton of aid. However, they do have some grants available for people in the PrimeCare program: http://ssw.unc.edu/contact2/2014/11/10-msw-students-begin-uncs-first-integrated-healthcare-internships/ The SSW also just relieved a $1M gift, part of which is intended to fund scholarships. http://uncnews.unc.edu/2015/11/18/unc-school-of-social-work-receives-1-million-gift-to-support-students-faculty-and-innovation-2/ But like @ljo377 said, they were clear at the info session that they don't have a ton of money to throw around. My residency status is currently "undetermined" so I need to start an appeal. I went to undergrad out-of-state but have lived here for almost 5 years and meet their additional residency requirements, so I hope the process is easy and I can get the in-state tuition rate.

I got into UNC Chapel Hill yesterday! Email to check my portal came in around 11:00 am. I'd been checking that thing like 20 times a day anyway. After I received an email there was a "decision link" option that took me to more info. Stats: applied 12/15; 3.21 GPA; 90+% verbal, 45% quant, 5.0 writing; 10 years work experience in the legal field; 2 years guardian ad litem; RMH hospital family room volunteer; medical social worker experience with family.

Thank you!! I believe scholarship info/financial aid is a separate process. Letter is from the grad admissions office and says it is handled through the SSW. I'll double check when I can access it again and get back to you. I hope you hear soon!

I got in!! Got the email around 11:00 am on 2/16. I am stunned. Stats: 3.21 undergraduate GPA, GRE 90+% verbal, 45% quant, 5.0 writing, Out of school for 10 years, work experience, guardian ad litem experience for 2 years, Ronald McDonald House hospital room, medical social work experience with family. I really can't believe it. So excited!!

I think Yale's is an MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Would that fit what you're after? If you do have an MPH interest, but don't want to pay the Ivy price tag, many state schools have MSW/MPH dual degrees. Just a thought. Good luck with your journey!

I reviewed prior UNC threads and it looks like there was more action starting in mid-February. Just FYI for those of us waiting. Have a great weekend, y'all. Go Panthers!!

Congrats, @caitmcguire! @TeaTime23, I'm also trying not to be too anxious. I remember from the info session that they said to not read into it too much even if you haven't heard by the end of February. Easier said than done, I know. Grad Cafe seems to be our blessing and our curse! Let's see if we get some good news today.

I am still waiting to hear back, but really, really hope I get in. I don't know anything about UT, but do love living in a coastal state. NC will give you the beach and mountains, and RDU is close for travel. I'm originally from Southern California but have really come to enjoy living here. I'll keep my fingers crossed for being classmates. Oh! I will say that people generally start looking for housing around this time, so if you can look at a few places or check out some neighborhoods while you're hear that may be good. Craigslist is kind of overwhelming, but chapelhillrent.com is a bit more user-friendly. Millsrentals.com has some good stuff, too!

Hi kayaker! Their site has a wealth of knowledge (I'm sure you've devoured it already), so I don't have much to add. I was so impressed at the info session last November, though. More than anything, I felt like the program presents students with many different opportunities (micro v. macro and numerous certifications), versus boxing people in on particular tracks. Chapel Hill is a great place to live, too. The neighborhood around the SSW is very beautiful (lots of grad student housing, too) and a very short walk to Franklin Street and Carrboro. Hope you enjoy your tour.

Congrats! Do you have a #1 in mind?

Finally submitted my last application this weekend! Hope to get some good news soon.

Mazel tov!!!! So exciting!!