[Cal State MSW's - which are better? Is USC worth the $?]

19 minutes ago, Magic Carpet Ride said:

I understand how it goes - there is a lot of info on this site. I haven't heard about CSUN, but I can tell you that my experiences in the Cal State system have had some positives, but quite a lot of negatives. I went to another state school for a non-MSW graduate program and had some good professors, but overall didn't feel that most were supportive or caring...I know it varies from school to school. It's hard because it is so competitive to get into any of them now, so the students are competing and the staff don't have to try to get anyone to go there...so I'm not sure about the level of professionalism these days. I've had some really horrid experiences with some CSU staff this year in the whole application process honestly...to the point where if I had another option I might go to a better school system. I also want to be a clinical psychotherapist. I think many people will probably tell you that the CSU system is great, but if you are sensitive, need support, and are looking for staff who will really go out of their way to help you in your journey, I'm not sure this is it. I hope I am wrong and I've just been unfortunate to have some particularly negative experiences.

Wow! This is some interesting feedback for sure. I've heard many mixed reviews as well concerning the CSU system, so I'm really rooting for you in that you've made it past the most challenging bits yet. It really does seem hit or miss with CSUs but I have to tell you after doing my research when it comes to schools like Columbia, NYU and USC, there are also a lot of love/hate relationships happening there as well. I guess my mentors are correct when they say it's really about the individual and what they take from any given program - what they make of themselves - that really matters. Here's to hoping...

[Cal State MSW's - which are better? Is USC worth the $?]

12 minutes ago, Magic Carpet Ride said:

Hey there, I have been following MSW threads and I noticed you responded to someone who went to SDSU 10 years ago...I'm sure a ton has changed since then. I can tell you that I applied to SDSU this year and got accepted to CSU San Marcos and have yet to find out about SDSU, but the application process has been kind of a nightmare - it's very difficult to properly communicate with their admissions staff and some people in particular have been particularly challenging to get answers from in any nice and direct way. Hope any of that is helpful to you.

Hi! I can't believe I didn't notice the year, I have been on so many threads tonight. Thanks so much for responding. Congrats on your acceptance to San Marcos! Wow, I'm sorry to hear the app process has been so terrible. You know, I went to apply to CSUN for their MFT program and it was a nightmare as well. They didn't even have my program available on the application until two days before the deadline! They granted me an extension, then apologetically rescinded it - it was the weirdest experience. I remember thinking that if it's this bad to just try and apply, then how bad will it be if I actually get in? I considered it a red flag and I just home the bulk of the Cal State system isn't as bad. I got I to some great schools for MSW (I want to become a psychotherapist) but it's really difficult to try and justify the cost, and the move to NY when I'd want to make connections in LA. I'm so confused with which program to choose, or if I should wait and apply to SDSU. My dream program was a Clinical Health PsyD - which I got into - but I refuse to pay $200,000 for the program. It's absurdly expensive for PsyDs! Thanks for listening.

[Cal State MSW's - which are better? Is USC worth the $?]

On 4/11/2011 at 11:36 PM, MSW hopeful said:

In my opinion, and from what I have gathered from speaking to professors/PhD's who work in the field, state school MSW programs are well respected and the way to go! One of my professors from CSUSM says CSULB has the best MSW program in his opinion. I was accepted into the San Diego State MSW program for Fall 2011 and I am ECSTATIC! I was also accepted into a counseling program at USD but it is nothing compared to SDSU....it was just my back up. I am loving the price tag at SDSU. I also live in San Diego, and it just couldn't be a better fit for me.

Hi! Congrats! Can I ask how you liked/disliked the MSW program at SDSU? I just got into Columbia, NYU and USC's MSW program but didn't hear about SDSU's program until after the application deadline. I am considering deferring the other schools to apply this Fall for Fall 2022 at SDSU because their clinical path focuses on all the evidence based treatments I want to learn. Can you tell me your thoughts on this, and how much the program costs overall? What were some strengths/weaknesses about the program? Thanks so much!