rockroad29

I actually have already moved to Berkeley. I still have concerns regarding online classes, if that is going to be the case then I will not be attending, even if I am already here - the university is not well established on online learning platform at all, so I would rather work for a year and then try again (OR I would go to my safe school (DU) which has a well established online program). I personally don't think it's worth it. I'll appeal to see if I can defer my enrollment to next year at Berkeley, though they don't allow that traditionally.

I have! Accepted and confirmed

In my first appeal I told them the amount I can afford according to my financial background/history. They basically didn't meet that in the 1st and 2nd time. One of the most important things when you ask for financial reconsideration is to let them know how much you can afford, never just ask for "more" That way they know exactly how much money you need without really having to go through a lot. My 2nd email was something like this - "Thank you for your response and the offer. I have thoroughly evaluated my resources and the maximum amount I will be able to contribute to this program is xxxx, which is the same amount I indicated in my first letter (I have also attached the letter here). I have included a detailed breakdown of the cost of attendance and my expected income for the next academic year in this letter." My experience was with departmental/campus fellowships only, I don't know how FAFSA works and how to go with asking for reconsideration for federal aid.

In my case yes. It was a smaller school, so almost the whole department knew about my case. When I did my appeal, it went from 40% scholarship (first notification on my acceptance letter) to, 60% (1st round of appeal), 80% (2nd round of appeal) and they ultimately gave me tuition waiver. I'd still say CC the people that you've been in touch with, if they can help, they will help. If they don't have any weight to pull, they will just look over it. Just wanted to clarify that I wasn't qualify for any federal aid, or external funding at all, so it was really the only option I had. They do prefer you to invest in your education as much as possible.

When I did mine I CC'd everyone that I was in touch with, especially with the email that has all your information.

Good choice! My friend applied to their MSW/MPH program and was informally notified about his application status about two weeks ago - he still hasn't received his official letters from either school though. It was very early. I'm pretty positive that the decisions have been made, but they are working on the detail of it. If you haven't heard anything I'd stay positive! Are you leaning toward coming to Berkeley if accepted or staying in the Midwest? I saw you applied to great schools! I did my undergrad in the Midwest. Loved the people but I couldn't do the weather

I'm so sorry to hear that. It must be suck checking all the boxes of what the SSW there stand for and did not get in, I find it difficult to believe they'd reject someone like you especially you're in-state, a former foster youth who had enough academic and professional experiences. I have a friend with similar profile (also a Peace Corps fellow), Berkeley BASW alumni herself, she still did not get in despite knowing all the professors in admission team personally. It's really a gambling game. I really hope you hear good news from SDSU. When did you hear back?

I have done it once with a small private graduate school in CA (non-MSW). I was given about 40% off the whole tuition (it was a very expensive school) but asked for reconsideration, 3 times. The process lasts over a month and I even went in for a follow up in person with them. I sent in everything, family income, parents supports, current financial aid I was receiving from my undergrad (it covered 100% tuition and living expenses), bank statement and a letter explaining the situation (I made it every brief and told them the amount of money I would be able to afford). I ended up getting 100% tuition waiver but still had to let go because of living expenses. I'm a first generation immigrant & college student. Everything in my resume (fellowships, conferences, etc) was all fully funded so it was very obvious about the amount of money I can afford. The only income I had was from work-study and I did 20 hours a week for the whole 4 years of undergrad. I would suggest everyone to ask for scholarship reconsideration if you need to. There's nothing you can lose.

Ahhh.. which program did you apply to? A friend called this morning and was told they are trying to to "send out everything before the end of today but applicants can also hear anytime before March 15th." She got very frustrated They also mentioned releasing decisions according to the program you applied to and application type (in/out-state).

Have you heard from them yet? Some of my classmates are still waiting.. but today should be it.

Have you heard from them yet?

I'm sorry It's very competitive. Good luck on your journey!

I got an email to check the portal and the status there changed to accepted!

I just heard back from them and I got in! This is like a dream comes true. Applying to only school really gave me a lot of pressure, but it's all gone now. I wish you guys all the best!

Congrats on your acceptance to CU! I have been stalking this group for a while but I feel like I have to say this to you, and this maybe helpful to some others who have applied or are preparing for their application. My partner used to be in a graduate school admission team in one of the top 5 MSW schools. Overqualifying is a real thing. Especially if there's a part in your application that asked if there are any other schools that you have applied to - they do look at this. Offering you an admission while knowing that you're very well qualified and have a high chance of getting in and going to a better school, give nothing to them except increasing their acceptance rate, which will impact their school range when they report it. Hence, they give you a rejection. Schools do not only accept those that qualified, but also those that are most likely to go to their school. My partner's team even did one round of "we want these applicants" - this consists of selecting those that are qualified for admission out of the application pool. After the first round, they reviewed everyone again but this time wasn't focusing on whether or not they're qualified but what are the chances that they will accept the offer. They were able to weed out almost 30% from those that are qualified. This makes their acceptance rate lower while increasing their accepting admission offer rate, both are good for school ranging. Don't let this define you and your past achievements, you are simply just not a good fit for the school. I'm not saying that this was your case, but it could be a part of it. Good luck on everything!