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BackNSchool83

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  1. Like
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from chimi_the_changa31 in Questions for MSW students/grads...   
    @Bodhicaryavatara In social work school are grades based mostly on final exams, or on final research papers? Or is it a mix? Also, are there usually assignments periodically throughout the semester or are the grades 100% based on one thing?
    I've talked with students going to MSW programs in the Los Angeles region at the big schools in the area. It seems pretty similar across schools, but there are likely differences so I don't know that any of us can say what it will be like for sure. I'm at UCLA, I have friends at USC, CSULB, CSUF, CSULA, APU, and CSUDH, all are MSW all are CSWE accredited and all are accredited by the BBS which is California's regulatory board for licensing LCSWs which is important. Anyways, I was in 4 academic classes and 1 field study "class" which met periodically, while I went to practicum aka internship 16 hours a week as a 1st year MSW student. I had to do 3 powerpoint presentations, 3 group papers (10-20 pages) 3 individual papers (10-15 pages) and pass 2 exams which were in vignette form where you apply direct practice skills to a story about a pretend client, and make a case formulation and what not. These big papers and exams were typically due around midterms and finals time, there were a few presentations and papers due earlier though but the bulk seems to be due in the middle and the end. I also had to do weekly 1 page reading reflections for one of the classes which might not sound hard, but it was because it was a theory class and it wasn't easy to cram everything into one page, to be really succinct and break down 2-3 20 page articles.
    We also had weekly "process recordings" which are done at your field site and they are a rather lengthy analysis of your own engagement with a client, like an individual session, breaking down every little detail and explaining every single thing you did, at least that's the ideal. Then you review that once a week with your field supervisor who is your boss basically at the internship site who is supposed to train you and help you apply your academic skills as well. Keep in mind you will have to document everything you do with your clients as well just as though you worked at whatever agency you are placed at, and so that takes a lot of time each day. Beyond the above assignments, what's really maddening is all the reading, endless articles, some just make your eyes want to bleed for one reason or another. I'm pretty sure, well I know, most people didn't read more than like 75% of the readings, there simply isn't time. You then feel bad the whole time like you're a bad student and not doing your part, but in reality, there is just so much time in a day/week and you only have so much energy. As for how the grading goes, I don't think these schools are out to fail people, I think they are pretty forgiving with grading overall, but if you don't do your part and put in an effort I'd be worried about what could result. I mean if you aren't doing your work, or just bombing everything, I don't know but I'd wonder if they might excuse someone from the program or encourage them to re apply some time in the future. I know we are all required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, which I think is a CSWE requirement as well.
    What is the typical length of papers that you have to write?
    Kind of answered above but for us, this quarter, most papers were 10-15 or so pages. Now the thing is there are larger projects that will result in larger papers, one of our papers was like 18 pages but it was a group paper. There is also your 2nd year where you have to write either a Thesis, a giant individual research paper, or often a group type thesis, and for us it's called a cap stone project. These take a year to put together, it's basically a full blown full throttle all out effort research project/paper but since it's divided up as a group project usually, or that's at least an option in most programs, at least you can have your own areas of focus to some extent, for some parts of the paper, and it has to be sponsored by a faculty member.
    Are social work programs typically graded on a forced curve?
    I don't think so, I know ours isn't. Most students earn As and Bs. Keep in mind too, these are competitive programs, when people get here they know how to do college, they are all good students already, so the quality of their work even if they aren't giving it 100% is still going to be good.
    Outside of fieldwork/classes, how many hours do you spend a week on coursework?
    Ok so most of it is reading, and there is enough to read that you could probably just keep going till the next week lol I mean if you are like me and not the fastest reader. It depends if there are big projects going on that you need to work on or not. I'll put it this way, you can probably carve out one day on the weekend to take off, Saturday or Sunday, the rest of the week you will have things to work on in your free time. Here's the thing though, I was like the schedule master back in undergrad and didn't have to commute so I was able to plan all these hours to focus on my work. In grad school I'm commuting super early because driving across LA is awful and takes a long time, and I'm needing to go to bed extra early. That right there takes up time. On top of that it's the fact that I've had blocks of time set up to work on X project, but when I get to that time slot, I'm totally out of energy and ready to fall asleep, and there were times where that's exactly what I did. There is only so much you can do, especially as a new student. I can see how in time I'll get faster and better, but it's a rough first semester or quarter for everyone, no one is skipping through it like it's no big deal, it's hard work and it's hard on your body and mind.
    Not to mention you are doing practicum at an agency that probably has you face to face with people going through all sorts of unimaginable problems that you are supposed to help them solve, sometimes it gets very serious and you have to make mandated reports which utterly blows up your rapport with the client most the time, once they figure out you did it. Then there are things like suicide assessments and not really knowing what to do in the face of all sorts of really serious and for you, new situations. What's amazing though, for example, and I'll end with this, when you really need something your memory may just surprise you. I had never done a suicide assessment, but when my teenage client was seriously going down that path, I remembered everything and even applied those questions in a calm way that was authentic and in a language the client would understand, and was able to support the client. I'm a cis guy who generally does not get too emotional about stuff, but once I was alone in my car, I cried on the way home that day, it was rough, not cause I was thinking my client would die, but just the intensity of that whole situation, of that session. It's like walking away from bad car accident unhurt, or going through a really scary natural disaster, where once it's over, you are just fine, and then the weight of that whole thing hits square on your shoulders, that's what true responsibility feels like for me. There is a sense of responsibility that arises that is unlike anything I've ever felt before, and it's not like it's "cool" or "I feel important" "I'm an authority in mental health" No, no, it's OMG I need to shape the hell up, suit up, show up, and do the best I can and learn how to help because this is serious now, it's not a game.
  2. Like
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from chimi_the_changa31 in Interested in working in "mental health" MSW MFT MCP PhD PsyD This Post is all about Accreditation!!!   
    Hey everyone, wanted to do a post here about choosing grad schools for licensure very carefully. If you are thinking about going for a PhD or masters in the mental health field please give this a read! I use California examples but this information translates to other states as well. All states have their own licensing boards for masters level and doctoral level practice. Accreditation organizations for professionals like COAMFTE for MFTs or CSWE for MSWs and the APA for Psychologists are the same across all states, so that said, lets begin.
    Many people seem to sign up for PhD and masters programs without doing enough research into them, and it costs them a fortune and wastes their time because they can't practice with the degree they got. For example, I know someone who got a masters in clinical psychology who thought that could lead to a career in therapy. There are also many online programs that offer degrees like this which are not actually accredited programs. Don't just jump into a grad program, be careful, do your research!
    Another common mistake is thinking a masters degree one earns while working on a PhD could lead to licensure, this is also often wrong. For example, I'm in an MSW program at UCLA, we have a PhD in social work as well. The PhD is a totally different curriculum than the MSW, and it's not accredited. So if I got a "masters" as part of that PhD it would not be something I could get a license with because it's not CSWE accredited and it's not the same as an "MSW." In fact, the MSW is actually called a "professional degree" it's not a "masters" in reality, it just uses the term "master of" in the title, similar to how a law degree is known as a "Juris Doctor" JD - they aren't doctors, it's a 3 year professional degree.
    So don't make the mistake of thinking there are 2 birds with one stone deals, or loopholes, where you get a PhD in something and pick up your masters along the way and get a masters level clinical license, do your research. Another mistake is getting into a masters degree program like masters of clinical psychology and thinking, I'll just do this now and it will save me time later when I "finish" the PhD in clinical psychology at some other school or another time. This isn't like transferring from community college, many classes may not count, and you join into a cohort usually, it's not often the case that you get a masters and then merge into a PhD program for the last few years of the PhD, that's not how it works. You either go for the PhD in full or you go for the masters in full.
    If you want to be a "therapist," you need a license to practice therapy or any other interventions with people, you will need to first go on the state's website for licensure. In California that is the BBS board of behavioral sciences website https://www.bbs.ca.gov/ for masters level degrees like the MFT master of marriage and family therapy, MCP master of counseling psychology, and MSW master of social work and a few others. The MFT leads to the LMFT license, the MCP leads to the LPCC license, and the MSW leads to the LCSW license.
    When you go on the BBS website or the licensing board of whatever state you are interested in working in, they explain what the educational requirements are and part of that is that the university you earn the degree from must be "regionally accredited" in most universities in the Western U.S. that's WASC, or Western Association of Schools and Colleges https://www.acswasc.org/. Furthermore, the program "masters program or doctoral program" itself must be accredited by an "accrediting organization."
    For MFT programs that's COAMFTE https://www.coamfte.org/ for MCP programs thats CACREP https://www.cacrep.org/ and for MSW programs thats CSWE https://www.cswe.org/.
    To sum it all up, for example: I go to UCLA's MSW program. UCLA is a university that is regionally accredited by WASC. The MSW program itself is accredited by the CSWE. UCLA's MSW program is on the list of approved schools by the California BBS which issues licenses. Because everything is accredited, I can earn the LCSW in California to practice in private practice or advance my career, and all these accreditations also mean I can get licensed in other states outside of California if I decide to move.
    For those interested in a PhD or PsyD or who wish to become "licensed psychologists" California and other states have licensing boards for this as well. In California that would be the California Board of Psychology https://www.psychology.ca.gov/. They explain the requirements in this state. Like the masters degrees, the title of the doctorate is important. They say the degree name must fall under this description which you can access here https://www.psychology.ca.gov/applicants/license.shtml"Section 2914 of the Business and Professions Code (Code) provides that individuals who possess an earned doctorate degree in psychology, educational psychology, education with a field of specialization in counseling psychology or education with a field of specialization in educational psychology from an approved or accredited educational institution meet the educational requirements for licensure."
    Here is what the California Board of Psychology says about accreditation https://www.psychology.ca.gov/applicants/schools.shtml"Applicants for licensure that apply after on or January 1, 2020, must possess an earned doctorate degree in psychology, educational psychology, or education with the field of specialization in counseling psychology or educational psychology from a college or institution of higher education that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education."
    Doctoral programs that lead to licensure in the U.S. are generally PhD in psychology or clinical psychology or a PsyD degree, and it must be from a regionally accredited university and an "APA" accredited university program. https://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/programs/
    Beware of online programs, many are not properly accredited here is an article about that https://www.geteducated.com/careers/534-apa-accredited-online-psychology-programs Any programs you research, always look into their accreditation status, make sure they are regionally accredited and that the program itself is approved for licensure in your state AND that it is accredited by the accrediting organization for the profession that degree is associated with. If you don't make sure your program is legit, or if it's not properly accredited and approved by your state, you get a very very expensive degree you can't do anything with. This happens ALL THE TIME. Don't let it happen to you, do your research!!!
  3. Like
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from starting early in California Schools of Social Work MSW Applicant Support Facebook Group   
    Hey there! Everyone who is applying to MSW programs in California at private universities or the CSU and UC system, come on down and join this facebook group of current applicants, newly admitted students, and alumni for help in the application process. It's summer time so it's really time to work on your stuff so you can get your apps in at the start of the season and gain the advantage in rolling admission MSW programs and others that care about timeliness. I'm an MSW student at UCLA currently, starting my second year in this full time program and love it. I know the process of getting into grad school is intimidating and confusing, and thank god for Grad Cafe. There's no place like it, but for some additional support, please consider joining our group of over 500 members and posting your stats! Thanks and good luck!!!
  4. Like
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from doctormelody in Interested in working in "mental health" MSW MFT MCP PhD PsyD This Post is all about Accreditation!!!   
    Hey everyone, wanted to do a post here about choosing grad schools for licensure very carefully. If you are thinking about going for a PhD or masters in the mental health field please give this a read! I use California examples but this information translates to other states as well. All states have their own licensing boards for masters level and doctoral level practice. Accreditation organizations for professionals like COAMFTE for MFTs or CSWE for MSWs and the APA for Psychologists are the same across all states, so that said, lets begin.
    Many people seem to sign up for PhD and masters programs without doing enough research into them, and it costs them a fortune and wastes their time because they can't practice with the degree they got. For example, I know someone who got a masters in clinical psychology who thought that could lead to a career in therapy. There are also many online programs that offer degrees like this which are not actually accredited programs. Don't just jump into a grad program, be careful, do your research!
    Another common mistake is thinking a masters degree one earns while working on a PhD could lead to licensure, this is also often wrong. For example, I'm in an MSW program at UCLA, we have a PhD in social work as well. The PhD is a totally different curriculum than the MSW, and it's not accredited. So if I got a "masters" as part of that PhD it would not be something I could get a license with because it's not CSWE accredited and it's not the same as an "MSW." In fact, the MSW is actually called a "professional degree" it's not a "masters" in reality, it just uses the term "master of" in the title, similar to how a law degree is known as a "Juris Doctor" JD - they aren't doctors, it's a 3 year professional degree.
    So don't make the mistake of thinking there are 2 birds with one stone deals, or loopholes, where you get a PhD in something and pick up your masters along the way and get a masters level clinical license, do your research. Another mistake is getting into a masters degree program like masters of clinical psychology and thinking, I'll just do this now and it will save me time later when I "finish" the PhD in clinical psychology at some other school or another time. This isn't like transferring from community college, many classes may not count, and you join into a cohort usually, it's not often the case that you get a masters and then merge into a PhD program for the last few years of the PhD, that's not how it works. You either go for the PhD in full or you go for the masters in full.
    If you want to be a "therapist," you need a license to practice therapy or any other interventions with people, you will need to first go on the state's website for licensure. In California that is the BBS board of behavioral sciences website https://www.bbs.ca.gov/ for masters level degrees like the MFT master of marriage and family therapy, MCP master of counseling psychology, and MSW master of social work and a few others. The MFT leads to the LMFT license, the MCP leads to the LPCC license, and the MSW leads to the LCSW license.
    When you go on the BBS website or the licensing board of whatever state you are interested in working in, they explain what the educational requirements are and part of that is that the university you earn the degree from must be "regionally accredited" in most universities in the Western U.S. that's WASC, or Western Association of Schools and Colleges https://www.acswasc.org/. Furthermore, the program "masters program or doctoral program" itself must be accredited by an "accrediting organization."
    For MFT programs that's COAMFTE https://www.coamfte.org/ for MCP programs thats CACREP https://www.cacrep.org/ and for MSW programs thats CSWE https://www.cswe.org/.
    To sum it all up, for example: I go to UCLA's MSW program. UCLA is a university that is regionally accredited by WASC. The MSW program itself is accredited by the CSWE. UCLA's MSW program is on the list of approved schools by the California BBS which issues licenses. Because everything is accredited, I can earn the LCSW in California to practice in private practice or advance my career, and all these accreditations also mean I can get licensed in other states outside of California if I decide to move.
    For those interested in a PhD or PsyD or who wish to become "licensed psychologists" California and other states have licensing boards for this as well. In California that would be the California Board of Psychology https://www.psychology.ca.gov/. They explain the requirements in this state. Like the masters degrees, the title of the doctorate is important. They say the degree name must fall under this description which you can access here https://www.psychology.ca.gov/applicants/license.shtml"Section 2914 of the Business and Professions Code (Code) provides that individuals who possess an earned doctorate degree in psychology, educational psychology, education with a field of specialization in counseling psychology or education with a field of specialization in educational psychology from an approved or accredited educational institution meet the educational requirements for licensure."
    Here is what the California Board of Psychology says about accreditation https://www.psychology.ca.gov/applicants/schools.shtml"Applicants for licensure that apply after on or January 1, 2020, must possess an earned doctorate degree in psychology, educational psychology, or education with the field of specialization in counseling psychology or educational psychology from a college or institution of higher education that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education."
    Doctoral programs that lead to licensure in the U.S. are generally PhD in psychology or clinical psychology or a PsyD degree, and it must be from a regionally accredited university and an "APA" accredited university program. https://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/programs/
    Beware of online programs, many are not properly accredited here is an article about that https://www.geteducated.com/careers/534-apa-accredited-online-psychology-programs Any programs you research, always look into their accreditation status, make sure they are regionally accredited and that the program itself is approved for licensure in your state AND that it is accredited by the accrediting organization for the profession that degree is associated with. If you don't make sure your program is legit, or if it's not properly accredited and approved by your state, you get a very very expensive degree you can't do anything with. This happens ALL THE TIME. Don't let it happen to you, do your research!!!
     
  5. Upvote
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from Le Chat in Interested in working in "mental health" MSW MFT MCP PhD PsyD This Post is all about Accreditation!!!   
    Hey everyone, wanted to do a post here about choosing grad schools for licensure very carefully. If you are thinking about going for a PhD or masters in the mental health field please give this a read! I use California examples but this information translates to other states as well. All states have their own licensing boards for masters level and doctoral level practice. Accreditation organizations for professionals like COAMFTE for MFTs or CSWE for MSWs and the APA for Psychologists are the same across all states, so that said, lets begin.
    Many people seem to sign up for PhD and masters programs without doing enough research into them, and it costs them a fortune and wastes their time because they can't practice with the degree they got. For example, I know someone who got a masters in clinical psychology who thought that could lead to a career in therapy. There are also many online programs that offer degrees like this which are not actually accredited programs. Don't just jump into a grad program, be careful, do your research!
    Another common mistake is thinking a masters degree one earns while working on a PhD could lead to licensure, this is also often wrong. For example, I'm in an MSW program at UCLA, we have a PhD in social work as well. The PhD is a totally different curriculum than the MSW, and it's not accredited. So if I got a "masters" as part of that PhD it would not be something I could get a license with because it's not CSWE accredited and it's not the same as an "MSW." In fact, the MSW is actually called a "professional degree" it's not a "masters" in reality, it just uses the term "master of" in the title, similar to how a law degree is known as a "Juris Doctor" JD - they aren't doctors, it's a 3 year professional degree.
    So don't make the mistake of thinking there are 2 birds with one stone deals, or loopholes, where you get a PhD in something and pick up your masters along the way and get a masters level clinical license, do your research. Another mistake is getting into a masters degree program like masters of clinical psychology and thinking, I'll just do this now and it will save me time later when I "finish" the PhD in clinical psychology at some other school or another time. This isn't like transferring from community college, many classes may not count, and you join into a cohort usually, it's not often the case that you get a masters and then merge into a PhD program for the last few years of the PhD, that's not how it works. You either go for the PhD in full or you go for the masters in full.
    If you want to be a "therapist," you need a license to practice therapy or any other interventions with people, you will need to first go on the state's website for licensure. In California that is the BBS board of behavioral sciences website https://www.bbs.ca.gov/ for masters level degrees like the MFT master of marriage and family therapy, MCP master of counseling psychology, and MSW master of social work and a few others. The MFT leads to the LMFT license, the MCP leads to the LPCC license, and the MSW leads to the LCSW license.
    When you go on the BBS website or the licensing board of whatever state you are interested in working in, they explain what the educational requirements are and part of that is that the university you earn the degree from must be "regionally accredited" in most universities in the Western U.S. that's WASC, or Western Association of Schools and Colleges https://www.acswasc.org/. Furthermore, the program "masters program or doctoral program" itself must be accredited by an "accrediting organization."
    For MFT programs that's COAMFTE https://www.coamfte.org/ for MCP programs thats CACREP https://www.cacrep.org/ and for MSW programs thats CSWE https://www.cswe.org/.
    To sum it all up, for example: I go to UCLA's MSW program. UCLA is a university that is regionally accredited by WASC. The MSW program itself is accredited by the CSWE. UCLA's MSW program is on the list of approved schools by the California BBS which issues licenses. Because everything is accredited, I can earn the LCSW in California to practice in private practice or advance my career, and all these accreditations also mean I can get licensed in other states outside of California if I decide to move.
    For those interested in a PhD or PsyD or who wish to become "licensed psychologists" California and other states have licensing boards for this as well. In California that would be the California Board of Psychology https://www.psychology.ca.gov/. They explain the requirements in this state. Like the masters degrees, the title of the doctorate is important. They say the degree name must fall under this description which you can access here https://www.psychology.ca.gov/applicants/license.shtml"Section 2914 of the Business and Professions Code (Code) provides that individuals who possess an earned doctorate degree in psychology, educational psychology, education with a field of specialization in counseling psychology or education with a field of specialization in educational psychology from an approved or accredited educational institution meet the educational requirements for licensure."
    Here is what the California Board of Psychology says about accreditation https://www.psychology.ca.gov/applicants/schools.shtml"Applicants for licensure that apply after on or January 1, 2020, must possess an earned doctorate degree in psychology, educational psychology, or education with the field of specialization in counseling psychology or educational psychology from a college or institution of higher education that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education."
    Doctoral programs that lead to licensure in the U.S. are generally PhD in psychology or clinical psychology or a PsyD degree, and it must be from a regionally accredited university and an "APA" accredited university program. https://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/programs/
    Beware of online programs, many are not properly accredited here is an article about that https://www.geteducated.com/careers/534-apa-accredited-online-psychology-programs Any programs you research, always look into their accreditation status, make sure they are regionally accredited and that the program itself is approved for licensure in your state AND that it is accredited by the accrediting organization for the profession that degree is associated with. If you don't make sure your program is legit, or if it's not properly accredited and approved by your state, you get a very very expensive degree you can't do anything with. This happens ALL THE TIME. Don't let it happen to you, do your research!!!
  6. Upvote
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from UrbanMidwest in MSW vs. MFT   
    MSW is job ready without a license and would remain that way, so even if you somehow lost your license, you would still have your MSW and you could still work, not so with an MFT, the MFT degree is worthless in all reality without licensure. With a license, MSW (LCSW) can do anything an LMFT can do, and much more because the scope of practice is much larger. Just cause one CAN do anything doesn't mean they SHOULD though, and everyone should operate within their scope of competence.
    Most people say that whether you were LMFT LCSW LPCC you will all be about the same by 5 years post licensure in terms of capability and competence, you could spend the rest of your career studying and earning marriage and family therapy CEUs or training or psychodynamic or whatever, you can even have an LMFT supervisor for a lot of your clinical hours, so you can become the kind of therapist you want to be no matter your degree. MSW is good anywhere in the US. If you get burned out on therapy, as an MSW you can do many other jobs, anything an MFT can do and more. I also hear MFTs really struggling with finding supervision post grad, and having to pay a lot for it, and this isn't something I hear about with MSWs very often. Many jobs you would get post degree would include supervision and honestly none of us should take a job that doesn't if you want a license.
    Now, the catch is, you have to be smart about where you get your MSW make sure it has faculty and a concentration that suits your interests, and you have to be smart about where you do your 2nd year practicum and where you work post grad, and that includes where in the country you work. You are going to make just as much as any other therapist in your area once licensed, it's usually around $125-200 per session. The coastal states pay the most in terms of agency jobs. Lastly, the MFTs I worked with, prior to settling on the MSW, all said to get the MSW over the MFT. Now that's of course not what everyone will say but that's what I've heard.
    The only thing is, yes it's not as psychologyish as your undergrad. I was a psych undergrad too, but it's still a part of direct practice social work. It's person IN environment, with social work, and clinical social work is really focused on person and family or group. You will still be using psychology stuff, but you will gain in a greater understanding of culture, how people's social identities impact their lives, and will also end up being strong in your ability to connect clients to resources and case management light if need be. In the end, if you ask me, a well experienced LCSW is probably most capable.
    As for GPA it depends on the school, but generally speaking if you have around a 3.0 or greater GPA and about a years worth of social workish field experience you will get into some MSW school in your region, so long as you can write a good SOP and show you are ready. For more competitive schools it's probably closer to 3.5GPA and 1-2 years experience. Still though, they really aren't like clinical psych programs where GPA and your involvement in Psi Chi is important, and honestly research experience isn't as important either. Now that said some schools get a ton of applicants and the competition can be even higher. Like where I live in Los Angeles, it's CSU Long Beach, UCLA, and USC that have the most applied to programs. USC has a massive program, hundreds of students so they have plenty of room if you got the $$$ and good grades. CSULB gets thousands of applicants for a small 300 cohort group of students between their part time and FT program. UCLA I don't know how many applicants but probably close to CSULB, and it's an 80 person cohort, so the competition is intense. If you lived out here though, I could tell you 6 other MSW programs in the LA area you could probably get into if you did your part as an applicent and had a GPA around a 3.0-3.5 and a bit of field experience 1 year ish and could write up a good SOP, resume, and good letters of rec.
     
     
  7. Like
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from norvos90004 in Fall 2019 Applications   
    Those applying to UCLA looking for program reveals or who have questions, let me know ❤️ Go Bruins
  8. Upvote
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from MSWblessing in CSULB MSW fall 2018   
    I applied in mid October and was one of the first applicants, I heard back early December.
    Beckie, I got that notification on 11/2/17, which is after they found a problem in my application that I had to correct, so if you got that email it probably means everything is in order and you are good to go, as it says. In my experience the way I found out was by checking the application status online on 12/9/17. Usually when you check it, it asks if you want an email to be sent updating you of the status, but the day I got in when I checked it, it simply said "Congratulations!" and said I was accepted into the MSW program. I thought it was a mistake so I called the SW department and they said it was legit, and then I got 2 emails the next day 12/11 with a formal acceptance letter from CSULB and from the SW department. They ask you to complete an applicant checklist within 10 days and part of that is saying you will attend CSULB, however there is no financial down payment that must be made to save your seat, which is nice.
    My best to everyone here who is waiting, I hope you get in!
  9. Like
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from MettaSutta in Questions for MSW students/grads...   
    @Bodhicaryavatara In social work school are grades based mostly on final exams, or on final research papers? Or is it a mix? Also, are there usually assignments periodically throughout the semester or are the grades 100% based on one thing?
    I've talked with students going to MSW programs in the Los Angeles region at the big schools in the area. It seems pretty similar across schools, but there are likely differences so I don't know that any of us can say what it will be like for sure. I'm at UCLA, I have friends at USC, CSULB, CSUF, CSULA, APU, and CSUDH, all are MSW all are CSWE accredited and all are accredited by the BBS which is California's regulatory board for licensing LCSWs which is important. Anyways, I was in 4 academic classes and 1 field study "class" which met periodically, while I went to practicum aka internship 16 hours a week as a 1st year MSW student. I had to do 3 powerpoint presentations, 3 group papers (10-20 pages) 3 individual papers (10-15 pages) and pass 2 exams which were in vignette form where you apply direct practice skills to a story about a pretend client, and make a case formulation and what not. These big papers and exams were typically due around midterms and finals time, there were a few presentations and papers due earlier though but the bulk seems to be due in the middle and the end. I also had to do weekly 1 page reading reflections for one of the classes which might not sound hard, but it was because it was a theory class and it wasn't easy to cram everything into one page, to be really succinct and break down 2-3 20 page articles.
    We also had weekly "process recordings" which are done at your field site and they are a rather lengthy analysis of your own engagement with a client, like an individual session, breaking down every little detail and explaining every single thing you did, at least that's the ideal. Then you review that once a week with your field supervisor who is your boss basically at the internship site who is supposed to train you and help you apply your academic skills as well. Keep in mind you will have to document everything you do with your clients as well just as though you worked at whatever agency you are placed at, and so that takes a lot of time each day. Beyond the above assignments, what's really maddening is all the reading, endless articles, some just make your eyes want to bleed for one reason or another. I'm pretty sure, well I know, most people didn't read more than like 75% of the readings, there simply isn't time. You then feel bad the whole time like you're a bad student and not doing your part, but in reality, there is just so much time in a day/week and you only have so much energy. As for how the grading goes, I don't think these schools are out to fail people, I think they are pretty forgiving with grading overall, but if you don't do your part and put in an effort I'd be worried about what could result. I mean if you aren't doing your work, or just bombing everything, I don't know but I'd wonder if they might excuse someone from the program or encourage them to re apply some time in the future. I know we are all required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, which I think is a CSWE requirement as well.
    What is the typical length of papers that you have to write?
    Kind of answered above but for us, this quarter, most papers were 10-15 or so pages. Now the thing is there are larger projects that will result in larger papers, one of our papers was like 18 pages but it was a group paper. There is also your 2nd year where you have to write either a Thesis, a giant individual research paper, or often a group type thesis, and for us it's called a cap stone project. These take a year to put together, it's basically a full blown full throttle all out effort research project/paper but since it's divided up as a group project usually, or that's at least an option in most programs, at least you can have your own areas of focus to some extent, for some parts of the paper, and it has to be sponsored by a faculty member.
    Are social work programs typically graded on a forced curve?
    I don't think so, I know ours isn't. Most students earn As and Bs. Keep in mind too, these are competitive programs, when people get here they know how to do college, they are all good students already, so the quality of their work even if they aren't giving it 100% is still going to be good.
    Outside of fieldwork/classes, how many hours do you spend a week on coursework?
    Ok so most of it is reading, and there is enough to read that you could probably just keep going till the next week lol I mean if you are like me and not the fastest reader. It depends if there are big projects going on that you need to work on or not. I'll put it this way, you can probably carve out one day on the weekend to take off, Saturday or Sunday, the rest of the week you will have things to work on in your free time. Here's the thing though, I was like the schedule master back in undergrad and didn't have to commute so I was able to plan all these hours to focus on my work. In grad school I'm commuting super early because driving across LA is awful and takes a long time, and I'm needing to go to bed extra early. That right there takes up time. On top of that it's the fact that I've had blocks of time set up to work on X project, but when I get to that time slot, I'm totally out of energy and ready to fall asleep, and there were times where that's exactly what I did. There is only so much you can do, especially as a new student. I can see how in time I'll get faster and better, but it's a rough first semester or quarter for everyone, no one is skipping through it like it's no big deal, it's hard work and it's hard on your body and mind.
    Not to mention you are doing practicum at an agency that probably has you face to face with people going through all sorts of unimaginable problems that you are supposed to help them solve, sometimes it gets very serious and you have to make mandated reports which utterly blows up your rapport with the client most the time, once they figure out you did it. Then there are things like suicide assessments and not really knowing what to do in the face of all sorts of really serious and for you, new situations. What's amazing though, for example, and I'll end with this, when you really need something your memory may just surprise you. I had never done a suicide assessment, but when my teenage client was seriously going down that path, I remembered everything and even applied those questions in a calm way that was authentic and in a language the client would understand, and was able to support the client. I'm a cis guy who generally does not get too emotional about stuff, but once I was alone in my car, I cried on the way home that day, it was rough, not cause I was thinking my client would die, but just the intensity of that whole situation, of that session. It's like walking away from bad car accident unhurt, or going through a really scary natural disaster, where once it's over, you are just fine, and then the weight of that whole thing hits square on your shoulders, that's what true responsibility feels like for me. There is a sense of responsibility that arises that is unlike anything I've ever felt before, and it's not like it's "cool" or "I feel important" "I'm an authority in mental health" No, no, it's OMG I need to shape the hell up, suit up, show up, and do the best I can and learn how to help because this is serious now, it's not a game.
  10. Like
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from Muddypuddy in Questions for MSW students/grads...   
    @Bodhicaryavatara In social work school are grades based mostly on final exams, or on final research papers? Or is it a mix? Also, are there usually assignments periodically throughout the semester or are the grades 100% based on one thing?
    I've talked with students going to MSW programs in the Los Angeles region at the big schools in the area. It seems pretty similar across schools, but there are likely differences so I don't know that any of us can say what it will be like for sure. I'm at UCLA, I have friends at USC, CSULB, CSUF, CSULA, APU, and CSUDH, all are MSW all are CSWE accredited and all are accredited by the BBS which is California's regulatory board for licensing LCSWs which is important. Anyways, I was in 4 academic classes and 1 field study "class" which met periodically, while I went to practicum aka internship 16 hours a week as a 1st year MSW student. I had to do 3 powerpoint presentations, 3 group papers (10-20 pages) 3 individual papers (10-15 pages) and pass 2 exams which were in vignette form where you apply direct practice skills to a story about a pretend client, and make a case formulation and what not. These big papers and exams were typically due around midterms and finals time, there were a few presentations and papers due earlier though but the bulk seems to be due in the middle and the end. I also had to do weekly 1 page reading reflections for one of the classes which might not sound hard, but it was because it was a theory class and it wasn't easy to cram everything into one page, to be really succinct and break down 2-3 20 page articles.
    We also had weekly "process recordings" which are done at your field site and they are a rather lengthy analysis of your own engagement with a client, like an individual session, breaking down every little detail and explaining every single thing you did, at least that's the ideal. Then you review that once a week with your field supervisor who is your boss basically at the internship site who is supposed to train you and help you apply your academic skills as well. Keep in mind you will have to document everything you do with your clients as well just as though you worked at whatever agency you are placed at, and so that takes a lot of time each day. Beyond the above assignments, what's really maddening is all the reading, endless articles, some just make your eyes want to bleed for one reason or another. I'm pretty sure, well I know, most people didn't read more than like 75% of the readings, there simply isn't time. You then feel bad the whole time like you're a bad student and not doing your part, but in reality, there is just so much time in a day/week and you only have so much energy. As for how the grading goes, I don't think these schools are out to fail people, I think they are pretty forgiving with grading overall, but if you don't do your part and put in an effort I'd be worried about what could result. I mean if you aren't doing your work, or just bombing everything, I don't know but I'd wonder if they might excuse someone from the program or encourage them to re apply some time in the future. I know we are all required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, which I think is a CSWE requirement as well.
    What is the typical length of papers that you have to write?
    Kind of answered above but for us, this quarter, most papers were 10-15 or so pages. Now the thing is there are larger projects that will result in larger papers, one of our papers was like 18 pages but it was a group paper. There is also your 2nd year where you have to write either a Thesis, a giant individual research paper, or often a group type thesis, and for us it's called a cap stone project. These take a year to put together, it's basically a full blown full throttle all out effort research project/paper but since it's divided up as a group project usually, or that's at least an option in most programs, at least you can have your own areas of focus to some extent, for some parts of the paper, and it has to be sponsored by a faculty member.
    Are social work programs typically graded on a forced curve?
    I don't think so, I know ours isn't. Most students earn As and Bs. Keep in mind too, these are competitive programs, when people get here they know how to do college, they are all good students already, so the quality of their work even if they aren't giving it 100% is still going to be good.
    Outside of fieldwork/classes, how many hours do you spend a week on coursework?
    Ok so most of it is reading, and there is enough to read that you could probably just keep going till the next week lol I mean if you are like me and not the fastest reader. It depends if there are big projects going on that you need to work on or not. I'll put it this way, you can probably carve out one day on the weekend to take off, Saturday or Sunday, the rest of the week you will have things to work on in your free time. Here's the thing though, I was like the schedule master back in undergrad and didn't have to commute so I was able to plan all these hours to focus on my work. In grad school I'm commuting super early because driving across LA is awful and takes a long time, and I'm needing to go to bed extra early. That right there takes up time. On top of that it's the fact that I've had blocks of time set up to work on X project, but when I get to that time slot, I'm totally out of energy and ready to fall asleep, and there were times where that's exactly what I did. There is only so much you can do, especially as a new student. I can see how in time I'll get faster and better, but it's a rough first semester or quarter for everyone, no one is skipping through it like it's no big deal, it's hard work and it's hard on your body and mind.
    Not to mention you are doing practicum at an agency that probably has you face to face with people going through all sorts of unimaginable problems that you are supposed to help them solve, sometimes it gets very serious and you have to make mandated reports which utterly blows up your rapport with the client most the time, once they figure out you did it. Then there are things like suicide assessments and not really knowing what to do in the face of all sorts of really serious and for you, new situations. What's amazing though, for example, and I'll end with this, when you really need something your memory may just surprise you. I had never done a suicide assessment, but when my teenage client was seriously going down that path, I remembered everything and even applied those questions in a calm way that was authentic and in a language the client would understand, and was able to support the client. I'm a cis guy who generally does not get too emotional about stuff, but once I was alone in my car, I cried on the way home that day, it was rough, not cause I was thinking my client would die, but just the intensity of that whole situation, of that session. It's like walking away from bad car accident unhurt, or going through a really scary natural disaster, where once it's over, you are just fine, and then the weight of that whole thing hits square on your shoulders, that's what true responsibility feels like for me. There is a sense of responsibility that arises that is unlike anything I've ever felt before, and it's not like it's "cool" or "I feel important" "I'm an authority in mental health" No, no, it's OMG I need to shape the hell up, suit up, show up, and do the best I can and learn how to help because this is serious now, it's not a game.
  11. Upvote
    BackNSchool83 reacted to ac10 in Fall 2019 Applications   
    Applying for UCLA's joint program in Asian American Studies/SW and CSULB's MSW program, both emphasizing child and family wellbeing. I can't wait to be done! So far, with some anxiety involved, hoping to have things by Thanksgiving or so... 
    @Worldring199 agreed! I'm from the SF Bay Area and want to stay in-state, but SoCal's looking like a good option.
  12. Upvote
    BackNSchool83 reacted to findtheriver in Comparing Schools for Clinical MSW: Austin, UW, UNC, Michigan, UMD, Chicago, Berkeley, UCLA   
    Hello! Can anyone please share their impressions of the MSW for clinical/ micro/ direct practice concentration at these schools? In particular: 
    - Do you feel that classes, fieldwork, and supervision adequately prepare you to use a variety of modalities and interventions ? 
    - Does the fieldwork placement give you lots of opportunities for hands-on work with clients from the beginning? 
    - Did you feel supported by  field education admin? 
    - Did your learning focus only on the immediate location the school is in, or is easily generalisable to other regions? 
    I"d love to hear from anyone who attended, or is attending the following schools-- or are very familiar with the program, or are applying and have been able to visit, etc): 
     UT Austin, UMichigan Ann Arbor, UC Berkeley, UWashington Seattle,  UMaryland Baltimore, UNC Chapel Hill, UCLA, University of Chicago. 
    (and If you're not from one of these schools but want to share about great clinical  training at your school,  please do)
    Thank you!!
    (PS. I know that it's best to attend in the locality you have residency in & want to practice in, but that's not a major consideration right now so I'd just love to hear about clinical training) 
     
  13. Upvote
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from TigerMem in Torn Between MSW or Psychology Program   
    Hey I can relate to not being sure about if MSW was a good fit, I'll tell you though my alternative would be MFT or PhD in clin psy, not LPC. I think you have a sort of stereotypical view of the MSW orientation. MSW is a CBT, strengths based, and systems based approach. When I say systems I mean some of that stuff you mention, like taking into account a persons community or neighborhood as being part of the puzzle. It is about identifying barriers that are preventing progress and helping them overcome them. None of that means you have to be anti government, anti police, anti white, or that you must vote a certain way. You are supposed to advocate for your clients and help them by supporting causes that would provide them some social justice. That doesn't nevcessarily mean you go rally for open borders or vote for minority candidates because they are minorities, it means you assess how the population you choose to work with is under served or discriminated against or stigmatized and you do all you can within reason to help. Now that said, you will encounter people who are anti police, anti military, anti immigration, anti white, anti male, who are in these programs, and you will be in school with a mostly democrat or socialist  group, but that's ok even if it's outside your comfort zone. You gotta work with clients from all walks of life, with colleagues. I don't even know if this stuff applies to you, but for what it's worth, I say keep an open mind, you can do the MSW and follow the code of ethics while still being about empowerment and positive psych. I mean strengths based is like that too. I for one love that I had a good psych undergrad to support my MSW that I'm doing now. And the MSW is the best degree you can get, big scope of practice.
  14. Like
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from bkaigler in How competitive are the private and public MSW schools in California?   
    Hey if you are looking at CSUs join our FB page "UC and CSU MSW applicant support group" in addition to talking to people on here. What is your bachelors in, if it's a BSW that would be an advantage. The lower GPA because of addiction recovery is understandable, I'm in recovery too so right on. I think if you have an interest in policy that your background will help you. I have no idea how competitive CSUSB is though or how policy applicants establish a strong application, I was more of a micro applicant. Again I say join our FB group, and consider just calling CSUSB and the other schools MSW programs that you are interested in and see if they will talk with you or meet with you, attend their information sessions, and join their facebook pages and stuff and see what info you can gather. Generally speaking, to be a competitive applicant for MSW programs I'd say 3.0+ GPA is preferred, some programs may require you to take the GRE if your GPA is below a certain amount. Like some it's pretty high, those with a GPA under a 3.3 are required to take it, but not all MSW CSUs are like that. Sounds like if you are looking at APU or Loma Linda you did your homework on which programs are CSWE and BBS approved so that's good, I have no idea on applicants for those private schools. I'd aim for programs that have a strong policy side. I think CSUDH and CSULA do. UCLA has a strong policy side as well, so would be good to reach out to them if interested. In terms of waiting for next season I say give it a shot now, but try and get your apps in early on, because earlier applications are sometimes given preference, especially if it's a rolling admissions type admissions process.
  15. Upvote
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from xChrisx in Torn Between MSW or Psychology Program   
    Hey I can relate to not being sure about if MSW was a good fit, I'll tell you though my alternative would be MFT or PhD in clin psy, not LPC. I think you have a sort of stereotypical view of the MSW orientation. MSW is a CBT, strengths based, and systems based approach. When I say systems I mean some of that stuff you mention, like taking into account a persons community or neighborhood as being part of the puzzle. It is about identifying barriers that are preventing progress and helping them overcome them. None of that means you have to be anti government, anti police, anti white, or that you must vote a certain way. You are supposed to advocate for your clients and help them by supporting causes that would provide them some social justice. That doesn't nevcessarily mean you go rally for open borders or vote for minority candidates because they are minorities, it means you assess how the population you choose to work with is under served or discriminated against or stigmatized and you do all you can within reason to help. Now that said, you will encounter people who are anti police, anti military, anti immigration, anti white, anti male, who are in these programs, and you will be in school with a mostly democrat or socialist  group, but that's ok even if it's outside your comfort zone. You gotta work with clients from all walks of life, with colleagues. I don't even know if this stuff applies to you, but for what it's worth, I say keep an open mind, you can do the MSW and follow the code of ethics while still being about empowerment and positive psych. I mean strengths based is like that too. I for one love that I had a good psych undergrad to support my MSW that I'm doing now. And the MSW is the best degree you can get, big scope of practice.
  16. Upvote
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from msa2786 in Torn Between MSW or Psychology Program   
    Hey I can relate to not being sure about if MSW was a good fit, I'll tell you though my alternative would be MFT or PhD in clin psy, not LPC. I think you have a sort of stereotypical view of the MSW orientation. MSW is a CBT, strengths based, and systems based approach. When I say systems I mean some of that stuff you mention, like taking into account a persons community or neighborhood as being part of the puzzle. It is about identifying barriers that are preventing progress and helping them overcome them. None of that means you have to be anti government, anti police, anti white, or that you must vote a certain way. You are supposed to advocate for your clients and help them by supporting causes that would provide them some social justice. That doesn't nevcessarily mean you go rally for open borders or vote for minority candidates because they are minorities, it means you assess how the population you choose to work with is under served or discriminated against or stigmatized and you do all you can within reason to help. Now that said, you will encounter people who are anti police, anti military, anti immigration, anti white, anti male, who are in these programs, and you will be in school with a mostly democrat or socialist  group, but that's ok even if it's outside your comfort zone. You gotta work with clients from all walks of life, with colleagues. I don't even know if this stuff applies to you, but for what it's worth, I say keep an open mind, you can do the MSW and follow the code of ethics while still being about empowerment and positive psych. I mean strengths based is like that too. I for one love that I had a good psych undergrad to support my MSW that I'm doing now. And the MSW is the best degree you can get, big scope of practice.
  17. Like
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from laekkauai in Best Option for Grad Loan in my Situation   
    So I'm debt free right now and have very good credit.
    I have enough money saved to pay for my cost of living for 1 year, and tuition for 1 year.
    I have accepted admission to UCLA's MSW program, a professional degree program for a masters in social work.
    I plan to work in mental health, likely government work for the first few years out of school then eventually once licensed as an LCSW private practice as a therapist in California, or a mix of gov work and private practice on the side.
    Tuition and cost of living remaining will be about 30 thousand dollars for my second year.
    I was provisionally offered both the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan for $20k and the Direct Graduate Plus Loan for $27k
    Considering this, what do you think is the best option, considering the above loans and any others out there for a loan to pay for that 30k, considering my good credit?
    I would prefer to keep the cost as minimal as possible because out of school my income will be low, probably around 50-55k a year to start.
    Thanks!!!
  18. Like
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from CHVH in UCLA MSW Fall 2018 Applicant Cohort   
    Well you can research their respective rankings, US News says they tie for 12th place nationally. These are vastly different in terms of size and cost. UCLA has a cohort of around 120 whereas I read USC has the biggest MSW program in the country, though many of those students may be online, an option not available at UCLA. Cost, USC about 55k per year, UCLA about 23k per year. Do you care about location? I mean there are lots of factors to consider. Personally I'm all for UCLA obviously, I think it's a good program, the school has a lot of credibility and is tough to get into so it's respectable on a resume and you can't buy your way in, and it's affiliated with the larger UC system of which I'm already a part.
  19. Like
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from CHVH in UCLA MSW Fall 2018 Applicant Cohort   
    UCB I think is number 1 in the state for MSW, would be a tough call. For me I like the vibe of UCLA, it's a well respected institution academically, yet rather than an elite feel it seems more cool, just a different energy to it... that's just how I see it though, I hope you get into both so you can pick what feels like the best fit for your future. congrats !!!
  20. Upvote
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from ChicanaMSW2018 in Cal State Universities MSW Applicants Thread   
    CSUF sent me an invitation to do an interview today.
  21. Upvote
    BackNSchool83 reacted to CHVH in UCLA MSW Fall 2018 Applicant Cohort   
    Thank you, @BackNSchool83! Congrats to you too, btw!! I'm definitely leaning heavily towards UCLA, but am still waiting to hear back from Berkeley. I plan to work in LA after grad school, though, so I think UCLA makes more sense than going up north.
  22. Upvote
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from Angiebangie344 in UCLA MSW Fall 2018 Applicant Cohort   
    @Angiebangie344 It's still very early on, acceptances are only just now being sent out, so hang on tight
  23. Like
    BackNSchool83 got a reaction from CHVH in UCLA MSW Fall 2018 Applicant Cohort   
    Congratulations @CHVH !!! Do you plan to attend? If so we have a facebook group for this cohort called UCLA MSW 2020 please join, and also consider joining the facebook group for applicants of all CSU and UC MSW programs called UC and CSU MSW Applicant Resource and Support Group. Congrats again, Go Bruins !!!
  24. Upvote
    BackNSchool83 reacted to CHVH in UCLA MSW Fall 2018 Applicant Cohort   
    I am pleased to announce that I just received an email this morning that I've been admitted to UCLA for their MSW program in September 2018! 
  25. Upvote
    BackNSchool83 reacted to Elliemsw in UCLA MSW Fall 2018 Applicant Cohort   
    Congratulationssssss!
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