doctormelody

Well, you really have to think about what is of most importance to you. Do you care more about the connections you currently have in Houston or do you prefer to expand into a new city? How financially feasible would it be for you to move to Austin?  Do you feel prepared to live on your own in a new city? 
You can always build new connections in Austin. Several individuals applying to the MSW program are not from Austin either so they too will be eager to network and make new professional connections. Yes, you will have to network again. But, you will be able to build your network in Austin on top of the network you already hold in Houston. The one point that is the most difficult is finding affordable housing. You need to think about your current financial situation and see if it is possible to live in Austin. You may need to apply for financial aid, grants, and so on. You could find a place farther in north campus (typically cheaper) or live with roommates that are within your program or you know personally. 
 
I would see this as a possible pitfall as well. It is up to you if you feel that this will stunt your growth. We cannot decide this for you. If you feel that you may live within the Houston area for the rest of your life, it may benefit you to continue to build your connections in Houston. 
It seems that you want to go for something new but you are comfortable in Houston. That is perfectly fine. They are both great schools with phenomenal programs. Should you choose to go to Austin, you need figure out if you will be able to handle the change mentally and financially (and if you are up for the challenge). To add to this you need to think about what you want to be able to do past your MSW program. 

Wow, you really killed it this season! Congratulations!!

Received my accepted to the extended program - Friday 3/15 around 5pm. 

Nothing in there yet. Miracles happen, I just won my battle with the VA to get 100%. I can wait. ?

Thank you!  I feel very fortunate. 

I got $25k/year.  Over the moon!  I do hear that they are open to negotiation if you feel like you didn't get what you deserved/needed.  

I’m so confused... I think you intended this for @future_LCSW?

Gotcha! I think 18k per year is pretty good for them tbh. I’ve never seen anything higher than that on here. It’s definitely still a lot of money though. Good luck with all your future plans!

It is a year, I think I worded it wrong. They give scholarships by the semester, so it's $9K for the fall and spring semester each and then $18K for the school year. I meant to say I wish it was per semester haha

Yeah, I didn’t get into BU last year but I got into Columbia. MSW admissions are weird.

Also, if either of you have questions about Pittsburgh, I live here already so I'll do my best to answer them! Either here or by PM would be fine.

I am also definitely nervous about moving to another state, especially by myself (and my cat). Where are you coming from and what other schools are you considering? I’m from NYC and it’s between Hunter and Pitt. Michigan would’ve been amazing but it’s too damn expensive!
I didn’t really visit the school honestly. I was more in town to check out the city, and I did enjoy my time there, in terms of things to do and places to eat. I’m Asian so I was also seeing things from a minority perspective. The city isn’t as diverse as I’d like, but nowhere will really be like NYC! I had a brief meeting with Philip Mack and the meeting was ok. I didn’t really learn much. I would’ve wanted to sit in on a class or speak with a student, but I didn’t have time. I was planning to attend the Welcome weekend in 2 weeks but I couldn’t take time off from work ?.
I didn’t realize their rankings dropped! I’d also like to know why... I’m interested in integrated healthcare and I think Pittsburgg in general is a good place for healthcare.
Hope your visit goes well—I’d love to hear what you think afterwards!

@ML878 I have been accepted into Pitt and am definitely considering going. I am going to visit the school in a few weeks just to make sure that I like it there. I am a little nervous about moving to another state that I've never lived in, but I've heard positive things about the program and I've heard its an awesome city. I am interested in working in gerontology and I know they have a strong program and fellowship for that. On paper it seems like a great match, just need to go and visit to make sure! How did your visit go? I recently noticed it dropped from #11 to #17 or #19 (can't remember exactly which) on the rankings of the best MSW programs, and I am a little curious about why... Anyways, good luck with deciding-- I know it is stressful. 

Don't call attention to it. I wouldn't do anything 

My decision was just posted online!!! I got in!!!!!!!

Just wanted to revive this thread—anyone else accepted into Pitts and considering going? Or anyone who’s put down their deposit? I had a chance to visit Pittsburgh recently and now it’s back on the table (decision making is incredibly stresssful and hard!!) and it’d be great to hear from others who are considering accepting Pitts and why.

Your comment made me check the rankings and wow, that's quite a tie for #3! Also, Pitt fell quite a bit, which kinda sucks. I know I shouldn't care, but I do wonder why...

Congratulations!! 

I was accepted to the University of Denver and today I found out Columbia University said yes!! I am soooooo excited! 

Your school's financial aid department staff should be able to answer these questions for you and if not you can contact the Department of Education directly.  These are all valid questions that will assist you in planning so the sooner you have accurate information the better.

I just got my official email acceptance, and everyone here is asleep, so I'm silent screaming from excitement!!

Congratulations!!!

The choice is ultimately up to you but paying $90,000 in loans plus interest on a social workers salary isn’t ideal. I would go to the school that gives you the most aid 

Glad it was helpful, and congratulations on your admission and decision to attend!

Well, I think that is fantastic. I'm sure it will all work out - don't doubt yourself and don't lose hope!