Laurenf131

I thought I would have a decision too! I wanted to wait until Monday to see if any last funding came in but I might have to make my decision assuming that I don't have any.  I am still between UMD (if I got funding which is competitive), Emerson, and UMass (for that in-state tuition). I haven't turned down BU yet because it hurts too much to turn out one of my dream programs but I most likely will. I wish MGH was cheaper because I would totally go. I'm struggling but mostly because of the finances. 

I thought I would have a decision too! I wanted to wait until Monday to see if any last funding came in but I might have to make my decision assuming that I don't have any.  I am still between UMD (if I got funding which is competitive), Emerson, and UMass (for that in-state tuition). I haven't turned down BU yet because it hurts too much to turn out one of my dream programs but I most likely will. I wish MGH was cheaper because I would totally go. I'm struggling but mostly because of the finances. 

I'm having the same struggle! I got into some of my dream programs but I want to travel and save for other things in life so it's really hard for me to choose these dream programs because of the debt. Graduating with only about $15k in debt from a state school is tempting compared to $90k+ in debt after interest. Unfortunately, that lack of debt would mean sacrificing clinical placements I want and a location that would make me happy so I'm really struggling.

I'm having the same struggle! I got into some of my dream programs but I want to travel and save for other things in life so it's really hard for me to choose these dream programs because of the debt. Graduating with only about $15k in debt from a state school is tempting compared to $90k+ in debt after interest. Unfortunately, that lack of debt would mean sacrificing clinical placements I want and a location that would make me happy so I'm really struggling.

I'm a current UMD undergrad and agree with what was said above but can speak more from a student's perspective! Yes, the campus and student body are large but as a grad student, you will be spending most of your time in Lefrak Hall where the clinic is located and be a part of a small cohort (~25). Lefrak is one of the more dated and dark buildings on campus but isn't too bad. I think the department faculty are pretty great and you would see a lot of different disorders in the clinic. It's a rigorous program as you get multiple clients your first semester on top of your classes but I've heard it's worth it.
In general, College Park is pretty full of strip malls and chain restaurants so it's not THE BEST college town but with DC so close there is a lot to explore nearby when you have the time. CP apartments can get expensive (generally 800+) but houses and surrounding areas are cheaper. There's not THAT much to do in College Park itself but there are a few bars packed with undergrads (often freshmen) so I'd recommend exploring the area more. 
I have loved my time at UMD and am considering attending their grad program too. 

Both but in our case, they will offer them to admitted students after they have made all admissions decisions. I think they'll probably release their offers in about 2.5 weeks. You will know before April for sure so you can make a decision using knowledge of funding. They often do give to out of state and give a fair number of assistantships. There are also out of department ones that you can apply for that will have the same benefits but those are not all open to apply to yet and can be acquired later if you don't get a department assistantship. All professors I have spoken to would recommend only taking 10-hours-per-week assistantships though because of the workload. I hope that helps!

As someone who is completing their undergrad in the DC area, I have heard some mixed things about GW's program. This is what I've heard from GW itself and from master's students in the area.
Pros: their eight "tracks (sub-clinics) give you exposure to all types of disorders before you do your externships, the professors are friendly
Cons: they doubled their cohort size a year or two ago and people are falling through the cracks because they didn't really plan for class sizes and external placements. 
I'm not going to lie, D.C. is an expensive city to live in too. While GW could be more expensive for a private school, the cost of living mixed with private school costs are still something to consider when tied to the mixed reviews. 

As someone who is completing their undergrad in the DC area, I have heard some mixed things about GW's program. This is what I've heard from GW itself and from master's students in the area.
Pros: their eight "tracks (sub-clinics) give you exposure to all types of disorders before you do your externships, the professors are friendly
Cons: they doubled their cohort size a year or two ago and people are falling through the cracks because they didn't really plan for class sizes and external placements. 
I'm not going to lie, D.C. is an expensive city to live in too. While GW could be more expensive for a private school, the cost of living mixed with private school costs are still something to consider when tied to the mixed reviews. 

Both but in our case, they will offer them to admitted students after they have made all admissions decisions. I think they'll probably release their offers in about 2.5 weeks. You will know before April for sure so you can make a decision using knowledge of funding. They often do give to out of state and give a fair number of assistantships. There are also out of department ones that you can apply for that will have the same benefits but those are not all open to apply to yet and can be acquired later if you don't get a department assistantship. All professors I have spoken to would recommend only taking 10-hours-per-week assistantships though because of the workload. I hope that helps!

As someone who is completing their undergrad in the DC area, I have heard some mixed things about GW's program. This is what I've heard from GW itself and from master's students in the area.
Pros: their eight "tracks (sub-clinics) give you exposure to all types of disorders before you do your externships, the professors are friendly
Cons: they doubled their cohort size a year or two ago and people are falling through the cracks because they didn't really plan for class sizes and external placements. 
I'm not going to lie, D.C. is an expensive city to live in too. While GW could be more expensive for a private school, the cost of living mixed with private school costs are still something to consider when tied to the mixed reviews. 

As someone who is completing their undergrad in the DC area, I have heard some mixed things about GW's program. This is what I've heard from GW itself and from master's students in the area.
Pros: their eight "tracks (sub-clinics) give you exposure to all types of disorders before you do your externships, the professors are friendly
Cons: they doubled their cohort size a year or two ago and people are falling through the cracks because they didn't really plan for class sizes and external placements. 
I'm not going to lie, D.C. is an expensive city to live in too. While GW could be more expensive for a private school, the cost of living mixed with private school costs are still something to consider when tied to the mixed reviews. 

Wow congrats to you all! I will keep my phone by me this weekend too. 

One of them just replied and said it was a pleasure to meet me and thanked me for my kind words so I don't think the others not replying yet is anything bad! They can't tell me in an email either way.