a.s.

Yeah I'm advanced standing but most programs only excuse around 12-15 credit hours.

Oooo my bad I meant could be kind of the same schedule for some courses. But with different concentrations, I think the course load doesn't overlap much at all apart from the few generic intro courses. U of M has their dual degree where you get your MSW and PhD in Social Welfare and you select a second social science to get a doctorate in as well. I selected Sociocultural Anthropology because I work with immigrants and refugees and you have to take language courses for the Anthro degree. There's no other program where I can include language studies for credit.

Yeah they take like 6-8 PhD students and I imagine only 1 or 2 of those can be MSW/PhD so I don't think too many people apply. But I imagine 500-600 applied for the MSW at the very least. I actually planned on going to the info session but I had to be at the University of Michigan two days later and the plane costs made me nervous. That is a lot of people to be at an info session especially with it being during December but maybe a lot of them did like you and moved for the in-state tuition. Two year and advanced standing potentially could be the same, I'm not too sure. I'm trying to not look too into any one program so I don't get into a place I don't go to. But I did select the COSA Concentration, did you select that or direct practice? I also applied to the University of Michigan, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, University at Buffalo (SUNY), and University at Albany (SUNY). I am almost guaranteed to not get U of M due to some drama their department is having with the other department the second degree is in. And apparently, the SUNY's have a reputation of not being impressive so a lot of people say it's embarrassing to go there. I don't care about reputation as long as I get a quality education and good experience.

I'm hoping I hear back separately but I have no idea. I would call but with so few applicants I do not want to seem pushy I suppose. I can't say my stats are strong but 3.72 overall GPA, 4.0 social work GPA, and I've worked on a few research projects, two of which are published. However, I'm in my last semester of undergrad so my only experience is research and the (required) internship. Your GPA is still good and I imagine not everyone has experienced before applying. I do know that a lot of people getting their MSW are in the 30s or 40s returning for a degree but there are still a ton of people who are coming straight from undergrad or worked for a few years between degrees. I know I've seen you feeling pretty down about your funding offer but as you said, they probably don't have a lot of money. I think a TON of people applied this year and that makes it difficult to give impressive financial packages to 300+ (? I think that's their class size) people. It's just the decision we have to make about how much we are willing to take out in loans. I'm trying really hard to get fully funded though lol

I only applied to MSW/PhD programs and was only going to keep theirs as a consideration if I don't get in any doctoral programs but I'm not sure if that's financially reasonable anymore. I still haven't received my acceptance but I applied for guaranteed admit so I hope my funding is.... decent. This is mildly stressful to say the least. I think next year they need to move the guaranteed admit date earlier to provide more funding.

It makes no sense to me how a university would not give need-based aid. They can't expect people to attend a university they can not afford and that kind of aid exists for a reason. Perhaps too many people applied for the guaranteed admit deadline and they ran out of funds?

It's so exciting to hear that you guys already have your acceptances! I also applied but for the AM/PhD program so I'm assuming I have a fair bit longer to go before I hear back.

I would recommend that you go visit the schools that offered to fly you out. I went to visit for the program that was my number one but being on campus and chatting with professors/current students changed my mind. You never know if your opinion will change once you are there. If you are concerned about missing school for the visits then perhaps select one or two to visit rather than all of them.

Hey, I've seen plenty of posts about MSW admissions and PhD admissions but I'm looking for others who have gone the joint degree route! I have applied to a few schools listed below but I haven't heard back from any yet. I'm very anxious to hear back because I know most programs will admit just MSW if you don't get accepted to the doctoral program as well but I'm not sure if we have to wait until doctoral decisions are out until we hear from MSW. University of Pittsburgh University of Pennsylvania University of Chicago (AM/PhD, but essentially the same thing) University of Michigan (selected Sociocultural Anthropology as the second degree) University at Albany University at Buffalo

I think it's a good sign. They do an interview to give you a chance when there may be circumstances (non-traditional, lower GPA) that may need more explanation. It's reasonable to be nervous but if your recommenders were confident in you and you felt like you demonstrated your skills and potential well, I would try to see it as a good opportunity. Best of luck!