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fafsaavoidant

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Everything posted by fafsaavoidant

  1. fafsaavoidant
    I'd personally add another couple schools(because I'm a Nervous Nelly), but you never know! If you've carefully selected schools that are a great research/faculty fit, and your qualifications are solid, then you might be just fine!
  2. fafsaavoidant
    I'd echo the statement above, and say that its fine to reuse a statement, but its worthwhile to get extra feedback! That feedback could shed light on why it might not have been as successful last time. The portions about your research interests could conceivably remain the same, but the more personal aspects of your statement might be worth delving back into. Might also be worth changing up if you're applying to work with different faculty than last time.
  3. fafsaavoidant
    I hope some more folks do start using this thread. I just started my Masters program, and I'm compiling my list now for counseling (and maybe clinical??) doctoral programs next year! I was really hoping that this thread would be active so it could inform some of my decisions! I'm really hoping to work on refugee trauma, and be on the east coast. I have a pretty good list going, but would love to see if there's anyone else with similar interests, and if so, which programs were on their minds!
  4. fafsaavoidant
    Hi there-- does anyone have any insight into the Temple University Counseling Psychology masters program? I can't find much info from people who have completed the program, and it's not mentioned much in GradCafe forums.
  5. fafsaavoidant
    Is anyone else having trouble making a decision without being able to visit the schools, and get a feel for the campus? I'm struggling!
  6. fafsaavoidant
    This is a super helpful response, thank you!! I wasn't aware of the Medicare fact! The social justice portion is really significant for me, and its something I don't see addressed as much in the psych programs.
  7. fafsaavoidant
    Yep! I went into my application and there was a contact email somewhere in there. The response I got looked something like "Your application is actively being reviewed. Decisions for this batch of applications will hopefully be ready in 1-2 weeks"
  8. fafsaavoidant
    Did you hear back? Last week, I was told that they were currently looking at my application, and that it would be 1-2 weeks before I heard back.
  9. fafsaavoidant
    I was an alternate in two different programs, and didn't get either slot, which really was a punch to the gut. I wish I'd applied to more programs (I only applied to five), and I also wish I'd avoided the big name schools entirely-- there's something to be said for schools that are really good, but aren't as well known. I also don't know if I did a good enough job relating my current career (I'm pivoting) to the programs I was applying for. Frankly, I think my first denial messed with my head a bit, and put a lot of self doubt in my head. That said, I'm taking a break. I was admitted to a masters program, and that will hopefully help me the next time I do my applications. Best of luck next time, everyone!
  10. fafsaavoidant
    Hey everyone! I'm looking to get some thoughts from prospective clinical social workers about why they decided to pick an MSW vs counseling or clinical psychology. I've been admitted to both MSW and counseling psych (M.Ed) programs, but I'm leaning toward an MSW because I love the community focus. A little background on me: I'm an international affairs professional pivoting so I can do direct clinical work with refugee and immigrant populations in the US. I was drawn to MSW programs because the people that I know who are social workers have a lot of positive impact in the communities they're working with. So what about you guys?
  11. fafsaavoidant
    I'm really sorry to hear that. I've had the same experience with another school, and I spent the rest of the day in a daze. I hope you have some other options, because I know for a fact that someone with your background, experience, and language skills would be an asset!
  12. fafsaavoidant
    Just so you know, I was notified of my acceptance and financial aid package yesterday-- hope you get an email soon too!
  13. fafsaavoidant
    I'm by no means an authority on this, but I'm someone who is also trying to pivot from a much more unrelated field. I'm baffled that people would tell you that you're too old. I'm a mid career professional (not yet in my 40s), but when I asked schools about age being something I was concerned about, they repeatedly showed me examples of people in their program who had started in their late 30s or even late 40s (one guy was a retired from his first career!). While I didn't get into my PhD schools this time around, I was an alternate for two different schools, which was both heartbreaking (so close!) and reassuring (that my application wasn't a compete joke, despite not having the same qualifications as others). You're way more qualified than I was, so you've ABSOLUTELY got a shot. Your friend has a slight point about name recognition, but I'm a firm believer in applying to schools you'd genuinely like to attend because of the coursework and faculty (regardless of the name), then maybe mixing in a big name or two in there for kicks (don't rely just on rankings!). Frankly, the well-known schools are super competitive when it comes to financial aid, and you'd end up 200K in debt anyway. You've already got a few schools that you're interested in getting a PhD from, so see if you can perhaps find MA programs that mirror what the first year or two of the phd coursework would be, so you're not wasting time on classes that won't count toward a program. Better yet, apply to MA programs that have PhD programs you'd be interested in. Either way, you'll be able to build relationships that may help you later on. Hope some portion of that is helpful to you!
  14. fafsaavoidant
    Hey there! I've seen a couple people talk about having their financial aid/scholarship packages appealed or modified. I know some schools provide forms that you can fill out, but I don't know that my schools have something like that (Fordham and Howard, anyone?). Does anyone have any further recommendations? On what grounds did you appeal (need, merit, etc), and how successful were you?
  15. fafsaavoidant
    This is a bit of a tangent, but have any of you ever had issues with a school during the application process that made you want to attend just a little bit less? I'm currently dealing with an institution that sent me an "incomplete application" email when my application has been completed for weeks (and it shows that in my application dashboard). The fact that they sent the email at the end of the day on a Friday drives me up a wall, because I won't get a response until Monday (and they're always slow to respond to email). What about schools that mess up your financial aid, lose transcripts, send terse emails, or delay your decision? I know all of these things are small in the grand scheme of things, and won't actually change my decision to attend if it's truly the right school for me. Not to mention, they're people, and people make mistakes. But when I get hints that a program is disorganized, it's just so disheartening!
  16. fafsaavoidant
    Just my two cents: I was in this situation with my previous graduate degree-- I went with the more expensive and rigorous option. HOWEVER, I financially regretted the decision later. I wish I'd thought more at the time about which specific experiences I thought I'd be missing by going to the cheaper option, and asked the school if there was a way to replicate those experiences at their institution through study abroad, mentorship, cross enrollment, research, or internship opportunities. Diversity and Inclusion issues are a different thing altogether. The "more rigorous" option that I chose also had diversity and inclusion issues that made my time there much more emotionally taxing. Now, my perspective has changed a bit. Go with the school that holistically makes the most sense. None of the schools you've stated have bad academic reputations, even though there's definitely a couple different tiers. Choose the school that doesn't give you undue financial hardship (if you're not willing to take that on), and the one that has the best academic concentration for you. If you end up at the "less rigorous" option, that just means you have less excuse not to be the standout student in your class. And there are definite benefits to that as well!!
  17. fafsaavoidant
    I'm 100% considering working, which is really difficult. If I accept the local school, my current employer is open to letting me negotiate part time work or maxiflex hours. Its weighing on me hard because the close to home option isn't necessarily where I want to go. But in terms of being financially responsible, it might make the most sense. And a stipend won't work for me because I'm changing fields entirely. =\. I have a masters degree in my current field, and I've been looking specifically for adjunct professor slots near or at the schools I've been applying. Or maybe some type of independent consultant work. Who knows. I think the moral of the story is that I'm going to have to be really creative. I'm waiting until I have my placement, so I have an idea of how much time I'll have at my disposal, and where I'll physically be. Then I'll work out the rest. Good luck with your process! It's HARD, but years from now, you'll thank yourself for being proactive.
  18. fafsaavoidant
    I'm really sorry that all of this is happening to you. You're going through something incredibly stressful, and I hope you take the time to take care of yourself (and find a great emotional/mental health support system) before you do anything else. Seriously, because the language you're using is concerning. I'm sure you have great things to contribute to this field! Maybe this is the time to take a strategic step back and figure out what avenues are still available to pursue. There will be one, even if you can't see it right now! Find "Team You" -- mentors, people who care about you, therapists, life coaches, etc, and get their feedback on how to proceed.
  19. fafsaavoidant
    Chiming in to cosign what has already been said. Thousands of dollars is a valid reason to change your mind about anything. Just be respectful and understanding, and it'll be fine. Telling them ASAP might even create space for someone who really wants to be at NYU and was waitlisted! Good luck, and congratulations on being able to choose between two great options!
  20. fafsaavoidant
    This is great! Did your institution help you set this up, or did you find this on your own?
  21. fafsaavoidant
    All you can do is be honest, and give them as much heads up as you can. "I previously made a deposit, however circumstances have changed," isn't an awful way to start. Be apologetic, don't burn bridges, and let them know why! Perhaps you got a bigger scholarship somewhere else, or there's a family-related reason to stay closer to home. Just remember, you're committing a lot of time and money, and you're the only one who will truly have to live with your decision. Schools are great, but they're also businesses run by real people. They'll get it. And you won't be the only one to do this, either. ...just don't expect to get that deposit back. You might. But also you definitely might not.
  22. fafsaavoidant
    I've generally taken this to include 22 April, but it can't hurt to call and ask a clarifying question since theres so much at stake!
  23. fafsaavoidant
    I applied 1 April, and I'm still waiting! Hopefully we find out quickly!
  24. fafsaavoidant
    First time poster, long time lurker here! I was a late applicant, and am still waiting on word from Tulane and Hunter (been admitted to Fordham and Howard, and waitlisted at UPenn due to applying way after the deadline). I already have a pretty good idea of what financial aid will look like at those three schools ( *eternal Beaker frown* ), but haven't been able to peg how generous Tulane is with their aid. Can anyone speak to scholarships at Tulane? Was anyone admitted and offered a generous package?
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