SOCW_Noel

Anyone else still making their decision?

I know several people who graduated from there who do fabulous work on an institutional level as well as in a clinical capacity. That said, I know just as many who do similar work with an MSW from Rutgers for a fraction of the cost. MSWs really don't make a ton of money, and I'm personally not convinced that school recognition warrants a loan balance that is not commensurate with expected earnings. While people don't typically get into the field to make money, one should still expect to be able to live with some means of financial security post-grad. 

Pitt or Maryland? I need advice.. 
How does one choose? (International student here)
 

I also applied to Pitt but have not heard from them yet. However, got an acceptance email from Howard Uni. today.

Did anyone else hear from Pitt today? I was accepted into the MSW/PhD program! I didn't have an interview, but I spoke with two professors prior to applying, so that may be why.
If you're still waiting to hear from programs, don't lose all hope! It took so long to hear that I assumed I didn't get in, so this was a nice surprise to find in my inbox!

I'll have just turned 30 when I start in the fall so I'm really feeling this. However, honestly, I could never have survived let alone succeeded in this process unless I'd experienced the entirety of my life beforehand. 

To those feeling "too" old, I get it, I am turning 35 this summer. I sometimes tell my current PI that I feel sad about not having chosen this career earlier, and he always points out to me how valuable my life experiences have been, how intentional I am and how age sometimes really helps.. Plus he always reminds me that I have my three amazing kids who I love to death and who bring me so much joy (also drive me nuts..) but having a family also taught me how to juggle school, work, research and family and be more organized and intentional with my time. Not to say it wouldn't be nice to be doing this in my early twenties, or even late twenties, but I don't necessarily think it's always a downside to be a bit older. I still have so much time to do what I love, and my kids will be a bit older and more independent once I finish grad school. Plus I feel like a kid at heart lol  

I will be 28- I have had moments were I've felt concerned about being "too old" but I will say the generic age is just a number and that for clinical programs in particular I would make a confident guess that the average age of entry into a program is quickly rising given how competitive the admission process is now. For those feeling worried about being too old, you will probably have a much "easier" ride because life experience and strong resilience is needed for these programs. In addition, older students may have more research experience/publications so may find certain aspects of the program less difficult compared to younger students with less experience. more experience both professionally and in life is always golden.

I broke down and emailed my PI (waitlist) yesterday and she warmly responded back saying I am the next to be offered a spot with a few outstanding initial offers still out there. My fingers are crossed so tight. I'm a 31 year old single mom and I don't think I can take another cycle of this ? these next 2.5 weeks are going to do me in, I can feel it!
Good luck everyone!!

Hey everyone, I’d love to hear where everyone has decided to attend! Congratulations to all wether you got in or not for making it this far. 
I am still deciding, Columbia University was my top choice but faculty fit and funding seem huge issues right now, so I’m still considering. 
 
good luck to everyone 

Actually, I have already made my decision, and I'm thrilled!  I am waiting a bit for the pending programs to proceed with the formalities. 
What about you? Did you accept your offer?

Well, I have 2a/4r/2p so far :D 

I'm so sorry @dr_megaevil! I am hoping things work out with your final school.?
BUT, if for some reason, it doesn't, please hold your head high. This year has been unprecedented in so many ways--from the global recession that drove people to "shelter in place" or retool via school to the "Fauci Effect." You are very likely a great candidate, it was just harder for us all to shine through this go 'round. I'm not a religious person but I believe wholeheartedly that the Universe does work for us, even when it doesn't feel that way. You will end up where you are supposed to be--and I don't just say that as a young'in either. I'm also in my 30s and let me tell you, I've heard so many "no's" and "hell no's" I could write a book and then host the book club. I've started a business, I've shuttered a business, I've gotten big promotions, I've given up opportunities because of my pregnancy. I've lost so many times that I didn't have much hope that graduate school would be any different. But for whatever reason, this time, this door opened for me and I'm seeing how all of those no's was just the Universe leading me (i.e., dragging me, kicking and screaming, really) to this moment. You will have a similar epiphany and see that every f'n thing is as it should be, even when you can't see it or have the bandwidth to appreciate it. I hope this isn't too preachy, I just feel really strongly about this. 
P.S. Here's what I would do regarding following up after a rejection: I'd wait a little bit and then reach out to the actual PI--forget the coordinator, who's likely to just give you a boilerplate explanation.  I wouldn't frame the conversation as a "can you explain to me why I was rejected" type of thing. Instead, I'd say something along the lines of "I wasn't successful this cycle in getting an opportunity to work with you, but I'd like to keep at it. Do you think, when the craziness of the semester is over, that we could have a 1:1 and talk about what I can do to demonstrate my capacity to make a real impact on your team?"
I'm really rooting for you, so please keep us posted (no matter what)!

First of all, congratulations on EVERYTHING!!! Omg!!! When it rains, IT RAINS doesn't it?? 
All your concerns are real and I was in a similar situation (with unexpected pregnancy and schooling) with my daughter and I survived!
I agree with @MCH_Hopeful_2021 ! I am pretty sure that school will be able to help you navigate through your program. 
Because you've had complications with your previous pregnancy, try to not to stress yourself! Forget about the school for now and nurture your body and your little bean ?
It's time to celebrate because you deserve it! Congrats again!! ❤️

Oh I'm glad you were able to do the waitlist! It's def worth it to sign up even for waitlist if you can! 
Daycare stuff is SUPER BAD in British Columbia... I signed up for multiple daycare spots for my daughter when I was SIX MONTHS PREGNANT. I got call back from those daycares FOUR YEARS LATER!!! Like wtf!! My daughter is no longer a baby, she's almost ready for kindergarten for god's sakes... ?

Aw thank you!! I was clearly a mess this morning when I got the call with lab results lol. I appreciate your insight and advice. I love the mindset of this is not an obstacle but an amazing joy in my life; if I'm part of the problem how will we ever fix unconscious biases? Will see how things go over the next month and put a game plan together. 

You're right though - I asked every program I interviewed at about what it's like to have kids (thinking I wouldn't be able to until 3rd year), and all except one had responses I liked. The one place that had a less than ideal answer, the interviewer was a mom herself and said she constantly needed to keep her male colleagues in their places...haha. Hopefully it won't be too much of a problem to (hopefully) have a baby in November - maybe I'll get a head start on research and audit classes or something...I'll figure it out and maybe can use personal experience to my advantage for this degree
Thanks so much for the uplifting response - I definitely feel MUCH more relieved!

Congrats!! Looks like the little one wanted to join you on your PhD adventure! ?I’m very excited for you—think of how much you’ll grow and stretch personally and professionally these next few years! 
 
The major professional upside to your situation is that you’re just starting so you don’t have a ton of projects to juggle and absolutely no one is counting on you to teach, run their studies, etc. When I think about it, it seems more ideal to have a baby at the very beginning or end of a program, so good for you. 
 
Before talking to your advisor—maybe after the first trimester?—I’d really game out how this is going to go, and I’d treat this as I would if I working at a company—by brushing up on policy to understand your rights as a birthing person (ie parental leave, stipend/salary considerations, coursework completion [if my math is right, you won’t finish out the semester before the nugget arrives]). Also, by gaming it out I mean really thinking about how this pregnancy and your recovery will impact your progress and how you plan to mitigate that, when you start (e.g. offloading to research assistants, creating detailed training documents for others, submitting papers  to X number of journals so they’ll be under review while you’re out). Some of this won’t apply since you’ll be brand new but I think showing that type of forethought will put you at ease. Also, and most importantly, when you do let your advisor know, convey how happy you are! It’s been a long time coming and your family will now be expanding. That’s amazing and I promise you everyone will be happy. Just don’t frame it as an obstacle or a burden to overcome. 
 
Lastly, every single MCH program I interviewed at was kid-friendly. Every. Single. One. And most everyone I interviewed with also had children, so don’t worry! You’ll be fine. ❤️
 

Hi everyone - long time lurker first time poster. I am freaking out because I've been struggling with infertility for some time...was about to go in for some tests when I actually got pregnant. I'm only about 5.5 weeks but hCG is wayy better than last time, so it's all very fresh. But I'm freaking out because this is my first, I have wanted this baby for so long, and I have wanted to go back for my PhD for so long too. I got in to my top choice program this Fall and I'm beyond thrilled but now I have this to contend with and have no idea what to do. I have no idea if this pregnancy will last; my last one ended in a miscarriage so I'm not getting attached until I get an ultrasound and confirmation from the OB, but still the anxiety is through the roof right now. 
I think I'm just looking for advice from all of you on how and when to navigate this discussion. The first year is coursework and doesn't seem flexible!? I don't want people to think I don't take school or research seriously (and the irony is, I'm going into maternal and child health), and I don't want to ruin any relationships that could effect my career in the future.
Sorry this is all over the place. Any insight would be most appreciated.

Ya'll I just put my kid on a waitlist for a pre-k run by the university's education department and man! It's a great school and is half the tuition of pre-k in the community but folks have been signed up since they were pregnant! I thought I was being a bit extra by signing my 1 year old up a year early, but looks like I'm a year late. haha.
Tip: If you can spare the fee (about $20 bucks for us), definitely scope out university daycare/pre-k while applying to programs and submit an app for the waitlist too. Maybe by the time you start, there will be a spot! 

Thank you @dr_megaevil!!!  I look forward to keeping in touch along this journey.  Praying all is well with you and you receive good news soon!  ?? ??

Has anyone heard from UT-Austin since the acceptances on 2/15? I'm sure that the winter weather a few weeks ago threw everything off but wanted to check!

Thank you so much for your kind words!! You’re making me tear up ?

I’m crossing my fingers, toes, whatever for you. I sincerely hope that things work out when you check that portal! *Hugs*

That is wonderful!!! Congratulations on the acceptance!!! ???
You are definitely not alone and I would love to keep in touch with all these strong and incredible mamas and papas!! 
 

Sorry I haven’t been able to check this thread.... Been super depressed and my mental health is not doing so well right now... Received a rejection last Friday and today I got email saying “check your portal” and I’m too scared to check!!! F@ck why is this so hard!! 
 
But then I came here and saw your post, I had to laugh ? I’m sorry you tasted formula (and glad it wasn’t breast milk ?) but you gave me good chuckles!! Thank you for uplifting my mood. ???
Update: My laptop is still being fixed ? I miss my laptop..... ?