BrendonSW

Thanks. I'm trying to be positive and look into other resources and options.

I didn't get the GSSA position. Not sure what I'm going to do. I'm reluctant to take out loans, so I don't know. Michigan would put me in the most debt as of now, unfortunately. Who knows. Time will tell.

I'm in the same position. I called about the appeal on Friday and they said the appeals haven't been sent out yet, that we could expect them this week. Byron, the guy who's over it, said he's hoping to get them out early this week.

@ljo377 Congrats on deciding! I am still in the undecided boat. NYU has offered the most $$, I'm still waiting on Michigan's decision regarding the GSSA, and U of Denver is just there. I think it's between NYU and Michigan, I just can't decide. I truthfully can't justify taking out so much $$ in loans. Personally, it's overwhelming.

@missgord Yes, that's correct. The GSSA position covers your full tuition and gives you a monthly stipend, though, making it very much worth it. I actually still haven't heard back regarding the position. I'm assuming no news is bad news, but you never know.

I interviewed for the GSSA position on February 25th. The one I interviewed for was the Career Services position, which was different than the one Erin had (hers was student support). I just feel like it's been so long since my interview. They said offers/decisions would be made the middle of March. And they specifically asked me not to contact them that I would receive notification either way. I'm just very curious and hopeful, although I feel like I would've already heard back if I was chosen.

@SW2016 Hey there! I was accepted into the advanced standing program and was offered $12,000 for the year. I appealed and they said I would hear back tomorrow, actually, so I'll update then if they offer me more. My undergrad GPA was a 3.5 and I'm fresh out of undergrad. I'm 22 and have very little experience yet a lot of experience for my age. I've presented my own work at a few national research conferences, taught English to refugees, completed a one year internship with an LGBTQ advocacy organization, and currently work with a foster care agency. I don't have much experience overall, but I think I have quite a bit for my age. I would say they look at your GPA and the overall strength of your application. I don't see why GPA would = more money. I think each part of the application holds weight.

Thanks for sharing! The university seems to be fairly inclusive. Luckily, the SSW is much more inclusive. There seems to be good resources in the area.

@ljo377 Thanks for the reply! I really wish I could visit beforehand, but it's not possible right now. I extended my date to enroll/commit, so we'll see. I'm very hopeful that the area is diverse and friendly because I'm a trans man. I live in Tennessee right now and face a high level of oppression for it, especially from lawmakers.

Has anyone heard back that's interviewed for a GSSA position? Signed, The Curious & Anxious

@ljo377 Thanks for the response! I'm concerned about the faculty at each of my schools because that's one of the most important pieces for me to decide. I won't get to meet any of them before committing because of my job and finances, but I feel that I'm getting a decent idea of what they're like and how they're perceived by other candidates. From what I've read, Michigan seems to be very resource-heavy and extremely inclusive. There appears to be tons of opportunities for minorities in the field, which is very different from my undergrad experience.

Awesome! What are your overall thoughts regarding the SW faculty?

@umichMSW I actually haven't met anyone from the SSW office. I've only e-mailed. I haven't spoke with Tim, but based on the threads from last year, he seems very kind and willing to work with you. I would definitely build a portfolio highlighting some of your best work and set up an interview with Tim. When a person reviews your application and reads your personal statement, sometimes they don't have a clear idea of who you are and your goals. I think building a portfolio and meeting Tim in person could seriously highlight who you are personally and professionally.

First of all, congrats on both acceptances and scholarships! Both schools are wonderful and it seems that they're both wanting to invest in you, which speaks volumes in the grad school world. Here's my take on this... I applied to four schools that are all very far away from me; I live in Tennessee. I've been wanting to live in a new place and experience more cultures so badly that I didn't even apply to a school in my state. I think this is a time in our lives to explore and be adventurous, to take risks. I would sit down and write a list of reasons you want to go to each school but leave the financial part out of it since you've been offered pretty good packages at each school. Then I would re-research each program and really assess which one is the best fit for you. If you think Chicago has the better program for your goals and you have more reasons to attend, then I would think that's your answer. For me, I would choose the best program that fits what I want/need. I also recommend reaching out to faculty at each school and maybe even touring to get a feel of where your comfort lies. I know money is a huge factor, but you've been offered a good amount from each school and I, personally, think you need to follow your heart on this one.

I was reading on the threads from last year and it seems that doing an interview really helped the people who were waitlisted. I read that one person requested an interview in person with Tim and she brought a portfolio outlining her work and was contacted three weeks later with an acceptance letter. You can do the interview on the phone or in-person, I think. If you really want to go to U of M, I highly recommend requesting the interview. I think our deadline to commit is March 15, so I would contact Tim after that because more spots will open up.

I've been accepted but can't commit until I hear back regarding the GSSA position. I wish you the best @umichMSW. Keep the hope alive!

I totally understand. I'm not able to visit any of my schools before making a decision, so I'm basically lurking around reading "reviews" such as yours. My biggest concern is the faculty. I want to make sure I'm learning under professors who are not only dedicated to the profession but genuine and humble. I'm a southerner, so we value that. I have about a week before I need to officially make a commitment. It's just so difficult without actually visiting. I've been to Greenwich Village before, but never to NYU.

I have been told to get in contact with the SW department (preferably someone over financial aid and scholarships) and see if they can match what Chicago offered you or at least something close. I'm not applying/attending UCLA, but this is what I did for NYU.

What did you think of the visit? How was the staff/faculty?

Yes! They are both advanced standing full-time applicants. Best of luck to you!

I had another friend hear back today from the Nashville campus. She was waitlisted. She applied mid-November.

I'll message you right now with some tips and advice for your interview.

I'll message you @KatieJaiYen with some tips and advice for your interview.

I'm definitely leaning toward Michigan right now. I should hear back regarding the GSSA position within 2 weeks, so then I'll know for sure.

The April 15 resolution is required for financial aid, but not admission. It's very interesting.