2019MSWHopeful

Unfortunately, I was too caught up with being nervous during the interviews that I didn't exchange any contact info with my fellow interviewees, but I hope they got in.

Yes. They got back pretty quickly.

Thank you all for the feedback. I got accepted into my program and I start in the fall. This topic has become a lot more serious. To BTF: I'll be on campus or at an unpaid field placement 8a-5p Mon-Fri (I might be able to work on weekends, but would like to study during the week) The managers at my current job are willing to take me as a contractor during winter and fall breaks (as long as work is available) I've signed up for Lyft (as a backup plan if my refrigerator runs empty) To PsyDGrad90: I'm 34 now and I'll just have finished paying off my undergraduate loans a month before grad school starts (haha) I'm switching careers (tech/media -> Social Work) and I think I want to start this transition as quickly as possible I'm not even hoping Loan Forgiveness, but thanks for bringing it up I'm not so much worried about paying back loans or the relatively low pay in social work in the future (I've already accepted that), I'm just trying to not to add financial pressures during school (I just want to stay focused on my studies and field practicum) To MarineBluePsy: I'm already curtailing any unnecessary purchases (but how ascetic could I be?) I still want health insurance, but that's going to be the biggest potential cost savings (but I want health insurance, haha) And you're right...saving money is WAY easier than earning money To Levon3: I'm currently experimenting on affordable nutritious food A lot of crock-pot meals with potatoes or other veggies (mainly for dinner) Protein shakes for lunch (it's literally $0.80 per "lunch", but is soul-crushing) A lot of tuna sandwiches To JennyGoat: Our boats might even be more similar My family's not in a place to help (I'm not asking and they couldn't anyway); I'm on my own also. I have one cat (I just got him last year), but he's been okay with affordable kibble and litter, so he's not that big of a burden. (I'm starting to appreciate this guy) I'm 34 (younger, but had to deal with feeling that I was changing directions late and had to learn how to stop comparing my life stage with my friends) I'm sorry to hear about your divorce and the hardships associated with it. If it helps sharing 'war stories', last year, I had what was most likely a nervous breakdown as a result of years of unresolved burnout. I'm in a much healthier place right now, and I'm way healthier in a lot of ways than I was before, but the breakdown itself was a costly and VERY humbling experience This past weekend, I've been getting more confirmation that this program and this career path is the right thing for me at this time and that's been helping me worry less about the hardships to come. I hope you can make your decisions (whatever it may be) with confidence knowing that it's getting you closer to your dream. Working in a field that lined up with my interests and values was something that I placed on the back-burner, because I saw financial security as being more important -- and it ultimately wore me out. Good luck with everything and say hello to your cats for me.

Ahhh!! I got accepted into the two-year on-campus program, sent in my acceptance letter, and got a confirmation from CSUN by email. I've got to say that waiting for the interview and decision was pretty anxiety-inducing. Good luck to everyone still in the process. Hang in there; find healthy, productive ways to stay sane during this process. (Now to figure out how to house and feed myself in the fall...)

If all goes well, I'll be a graduate student in Fall 2019 -- I'm hoping to get accepted, but then comes the issue of surviving 2 years of not working. Here are some of my parameters: Federal Stafford Loans will cover Tuition and Rent ($20,500 per year for 2 years) Hoping to be full time student (2 days internships / 3 days classes) Receiving help from family is not an option I've been working for a decade in between Undergrad and Graduate School I have some savings, but not enough to cover my deficit Questions: For a full-time student, how feasible is it to work part time? Is it worth it? If scholarships fall through, are additional loans the best option? How long can I subsist on cans of beans and ramen before my health is compromised? This is all very exciting and terrifying at the same time. I would appreciate any and all advice. Thank you.

Hello all. I applied for Fall 2019 MSW also, but will have my group interview next week. Has anyone else not had their interview yet? (am I the last one?)