a.s.

I never figured out the issue but I accepted another offer so I didn't look into it further.

I hope they can increase your funds! I was concerned they wouldn't increase mine in time so I accepted my original offer. I'm going to move as few things as possible because most things are just easier to repurchase. I think most of us should receive fws based on the cost of tuition alone. Best of luck to you as well!

I was denied actually. The letter stated it was due to no faculty member with available space for my research interests. I'm unsure if that's a generic part of the letter but with very specific interests I wouldn't be surprised if that had a significant impact on the denial.

I heard back from them two weeks ago, received an email to check the portal.

This is a really good point. It sounds like it would be worth spending the money on travel and a hotel to check it out rather than hoping something I find online works out. Easier than having to move a few months later because of any of those issues. Thanks!

I've found a group where people sublease and they said they usually Skype/FaceTime to see the apartment. This is cheaper because I don't have to travel to view and again to move in but I'm a bit nervous about getting a place that seems ok over FaceTime/photos but isn't so great in person. Anyone pick a place without seeing it in person first? @historygeek I was given a list of areas to check out if you're interested. Most are a bit out of my price range but it's still helpful.

Hello! Apologies if this has been asked before, I didn't see a thread with this specific question. I was wondering how people go about looking for an apartment and roommate while living out of state? I am assuming it is best to go a month or to ahead and look in person, but I've only ever lived in on-campus housing so I have no idea. I will be moving to Philadelphia if that helps. Any tips are appreciated.

My portal no longer has the option to check decision documents. Anyone else with this issue?

Some programs allow you to use federal work study funds by logging the hours from your placement. It's a max of $2,000 (I believe) but that's better than nothing. May be worth a shot to ask if they would approve that. Otherwise very few placements pay from their own funds.

It sounds like you prefer A apart from the cost of living. If this is something you are willing to compromise for then I would go for A. If you cannot financially make this work or do not want to have a roommate to make cost of living more reasonable, I would go with B. If I was in your position I would go for A and take a roommate or live farther from campus to better afford the cost of living.

Some schools do give grace periods if there was any issues with documents. Them giving notification is a good sign that they will forgive the mishap and not have it completely disqualify you from consideration.

It sounds like you are in the two-year program then? If so, I received an equivalent amount for one-year advanced standing. I went through old forums on here and I only saw offers of $2,000 and $4,000 in the past so I don't think there is any wiggle room. However, I know if you get an offer from another school you can send them a copy of the award and they can see about bumping it up.

You have to sign up for wolverine access. The information should be in your confirmation email on how to do it.

I'm wondering if anyone has received financial aid offers for UPenn yet! Does anyone feel comfortable discussing generally how much they received?

I think the best way to see that is looking at the licensure website for each state and seeing what is detailed there. I doubt there is one central place to compare both so you may just have to look at each individual licensure website to view responsibilities, requirements, expectations, etc. To my knowledge, each state will have their own website detailing this information. I found the one for NY, for example, http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/sw/lcsw.htm and they provide a lot of information. I only know social work so I am assuming LPC is a licensed professional counselor? My experience is that LCSWs typically have "more power" and are preferred in places of employment but I'm sure that may vary by region.