harpert1

That's so exciting -- congratulations on choosing a great program!

After a few conversations with my mentors and friends who are PhD students, the biggest theme that I heard was "faculty match" as the most important aspect when choosing where to go. This mentoring relationship will last even once you enter the job market and as you are becoming more established in the field and come up for promotions, etc. Also just having to spend so much time working on data collection and analysis, writing papers, attending conferences, etc. that you should be somewhere where the faculty interest closely aligns with yours and there are good vibes. The next biggest thing I heard was funding. Although stipends range from school and region, it is important to make sure that the funding is secured and that you feel you will not have to worry about finances too much. Although I really wanted to apply to UC Berkeley's program, I chose not to because I didn't want to try to live in the Bay Area making $30-something thousand a year (not that it's impossible but it jus wasn't my preference). Also, some schools provide "guaranteed funding" for four years while other schools provide it for five years, so that is also a consideration about whether someone would feel rushed trying to finish everything before funding runs out. Finally, I would consider looking at the program's strength and records. For instance: Where have recent graduates landed positions? Are these similar positions that you're interested in (i.e. mainly post-doc for TT professor or maybe most graduates are staying local to one state but you are trying to move across the country); also what are other supports such as helping to get teaching opportunities, conference workshop support, cohort diversity, etc. I would say really think hard about it as most schools have that April 15 deadline but of course if you are 100% sure you aren't going somewhere, don't forget about the folx on the waitlist who may benefit from haste! Once I stopped typing I realized how long this response was haha. But I hope that something in here may be helpful.

Congratulations on getting an offer from UIUC! ??

Nice! Two acceptances back-to-back at great schools. Congrats, again!

Congratulations ?? on your acceptance!

Hey everyone, I am sending positive vibes all your way. I know that the waiting game is tough, but I am hopeful that in a few months we will all get some good news!

Congratulations on this acceptance to Denver!!! This is such exciting news!

The best advice that I could give you is: Everything will be fine, and it’s totally normal to be a bit fluxed after graduating from undergrad (congratulations!!!). A gap year is a good way to hone in on your focus and also take a breather from school; I would actually say take two years off to get some post-college experience, which can help differentiate you from other candidates. I would also recommend volunteering a little bit in addition to working full-time so that way you could vary up your recommendations and resume. I don’t want to be cliché when saying this but the adage is true: “The only way to fail is if you don’t try.” The worst that any school could do is reject you, and that would be fine, not finitely life altering, while conversely an acceptance could be life changing. I don’t think I did anything too special for admittance to grad schools; if you offer a compelling personal statement, have good recommendations and a solid resume, I’m sure most grad schools would love to have you. I’m attending UChicago SSA, and thinking of pursuing a PhD, so I hope to see you around on-campus someday, perhaps. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.”

Hello! I applied to UChicago because I liked how their program focuses on macro social work with the social administration concentration. I’ve seen where lots of alumni have been able to transition into policy, government, and nonprofit jobs from this program at SSA, though I no little about the clinical side of the school. A huge piece at SSA that I’ve heard is being generally geared toward social justice issues and making learning applicable in the broader Chicago community. Depending on your career goals, if pursuing the social admin route, SSA could be a great place. SSA offered me the least money of all my offers but I chose to attend due to the quality of the program, professors, curriculum, and school reputation for macro. Also, Hyde Park is a very diverse, vibrant community that contributes to the learning environment as well. I know this isn’t a ton of information, but it’s all I know from talking to students and alum.

Rooting for everyone to receive admission with solid funding; good luck!

Congratulations on your acceptances!!! Fingers crossed for UW & BU, with good funding too. Amen!

I am sorry to hear about this; I am sure that good news will come with the cycle!

Hi everyone! I also did, in fact, receive a physical acceptance letter today from UChicago, and it was a very exciting feeling.

I have not received a physical letter yet either; I’m wondering if it was a different program or something. I live in Chicago so if it was mailed, it would have arrive same day. So I’m wondering if they will mail everyone a letter. However, I did receive a nice greeting card from SSA.

Congrats on being accepted, especially with solid scholarships! Very much might see you both in the fall at SSA.