briefinterviews

I also applied for the Dean's leadership scholarship, but haven't heard back. I did, however, receive a $12k University Park campus scholarship via email this morning directly from SSW.

Wishing, it would appear you've answered your own question regarding Boston vs. Michigan I am reading praises upon praises about Boston, with minor concessions to Michigan (though mostly drawbacks)... The answer seems abundantly clear to me! Boston seems like a great fit for you, academically, professionally, and personally.

Whomever you spoke with, to put it ineloquently (and tackily), is whack. I was an English/Creative Writing major with 2 years full-time work experience at the time of application, and I'm doing just fine in admissions. While I definitely anticipate being in the minority with my major at whatever program I end up at, I don't believe it presents itself as a barrier in any way. Some schools do require certain course requirements that they outline, but they are usually satisfied by a broad liberal arts foundation; most notably, I've seen statistics/research methods and courses with a human biology content specifically singled out. As far as your career goals are concerned, you would probably want to stick to a micro/clinical track. The advice you were offered by this admissions representative is poppycock During my program research, I did come across a rogue admissions rep from a Top 5 program who couldn't explain to a prospective student the difference between micro/macro/mezzo social work at a graduate school fair... It happens.

I will preface by saying: This is more of an indirect response to Lisbeth's post. Very much a $0.02-type situation. I understand s/he was speaking to the larger issue of prestige and made plenty of concessions, which I appreciated; it just got me thinking a little I don't think anyone was operating on the assumption that the name of one's school was some magical pass into the most competitive, high-paying jobs or making the biggest impact... but if you don't believe that it doesn't carry *some* weight, particularly if you are heading into research or the political arena, you are being naive. This is the society in which we operate. I also don't find the question of am I doing this to earn a higher income, or am I doing this to make a positive impact on people's lives mutually exclusive. I am doing this for both reasons, though at the core I believe this issue isn't so much about where the money is as where is the power is to affect the most widespread, systematic change. Where your degree is from is but one component, but it is an opportunity to consider in the grand scheme of things. Though ultimately, as Lisbeth pointed out, it is up to your own sense of integrity, agency, and determination to prevail; I see plenty of people with plenty of pretty credentials that are terrible at their jobs. While I would love to live in a world where I would essentially be out of a job as a social worker and able to pursue my fantasy career, there is serious work to be done not just in our communities, but in the very systems which propose to serve them. If I have the opportunity to do just that, and reap the perceived benefits of a certain degree or a certain institution in serving that mission.. why not?

I just received the acceptance packet from USC today! Pretty sure I'll still be heading to Berkeley, but willing to wait out for financial aid as long as I can (the letter instructed I have until April 4 to reply, so I'm not holding my breath). I also applied to the Dean's Leadership Scholarship, but there was no word on that. Best of luck on everyone still waiting!

I admit that a school's 'prestige' is a factor for me, and I definitely think the distinction between micro/macro students is something to be explored as well. I am a macro student with career goals that have my fingers in many a different pie, so I was pretty deliberate in the programs I applied to... which consequently sent me all over the map. Wishing has a point--macro tracks are practically nonexistent at many MSW programs, and macro students are already in an interesting position as we compete with graduates from many different fields for jobs. We already have to sell ourselves a bit more than our clinical counterparts, so if the name of our school can help get our foot into the door, well, why not. Right now, I am 98% certain I'll be heading to Berkeley. While the benefits of paying in-state tuition are a huge plus (ultimately, I couldn't reason even going $60k in debt, let alone $100k), I feel like the program gives me the best option to continue working in California, and even out-of-state if I so choose. But I could be self-deluding, so someone please step in to play devil's advocate if you so please! @Sofie Cat: I'm curious, what did your contact have to say about UCLA? I dug around the MSW program a bit, and I ended up having mixed feelings.

giant: How shortly after your admissions decision were you notified of your fellowship, if you don't mind me asking? The initial e-mail seemed pretty vague about when financial aid information would be made available, "over the next few months." With their April 15 deadline, sounds like we may be in the position to have to make a decision before having all financial information available. Unfortunate. I do recall from the information session I attended that the current students said in there wasn't much in terms of first-year aid, but that much more was available to second-year students. I believe I also read somewhere on the graduate division website that the average debt for social welfare students was around $33k... I conveniently cannot locate that link at the moment!

I just got my acceptance email from Washington as well, but I'm fairly certain I'll be heading to Berkeley

By relative experience, I mean experience related to providing services to vulnerable, high-risk populations. You have a good foundation from which to build, and I would venture to say your best bet is to take time to build on your paid and volunteer work experience with the population you hope to eventually serve as a LCSW. I echo Inspired10's advice regarding state schools, and other programs on rolling admissions--the earlier in the application cycle, the better.

Welcome to the board! I think it's great that you're interested in going the MSW route, but would caution against rushing the application process. Compiling a thoughtful and purposeful application will serve you best. Additionally, I don't know the particulars of your background, but a lot of programs like to see a minimum of 1 year of relevant full-time experience in the field. Some programs will take a handful of students right out of undergraduate, but every program I applied to reiterated the importance of social work experience in admissions. Applications typically become available around September/October, with priority deadlines set for December/January; some programs have Advanced Standing available to BSWs--some don't. I can't say I ran across too many instances of spring admissions outside online MSWs, so I can't speak to that point. Honestly, it is very hard to generalize the admissions process as every program is a little different. Take your time, research programs, talk to current students, attend information sessions, and really get a feel for what will be best for you and your goals

Oh mapletree, you're so helpful! Thank you I find it curious that there is no deposit as well.. Would also hate for it to be a surprise!

Have you checked your online status yet? Also, has anyone completed their statement of intent? I took a gander at it, but couldn't tell if they ask for a deposit--how much is it?

http://www.211.org

As an English major, I take great offense to the claim that no tone exists on an online forum... OK, so I'm probably not helping. Peace!

I wanted to add my condolences as well; very sorry to hear about the rejections. It all happens for a reason, and I'm sure that the additional job and volunteer opportunities will give y'all whose hearts are set on Berkeley some great experience that will greatly enhance and inform your applications and your MSW journey. While the next chapter might not look as you envisioned, it will be nonetheless impactful @mswhopeful2012: I am by no means claiming any authority, but I know how useful it can be to have a second set of eyes in this process. I was an admitted MAP applicant, and I would be happy to chat or take a look at your application as you prepare for next year. Feel free to PM me

Can I just say: I love this thread! What a prime example of the maturity and tact demonstrated by the applicants in this thread. Way to go, y'all, for represeting MSW and not totally flaming tbird <3 While I understand tbird's frustration and anxiety, I agree that the tone could be considerably more palatable.

Nope; status stayed the same. Congrats to you, raychelaych! There's definitely a strong possibility I'll be running into you in the Fall Many reasons I am leaning towards Berkeley at the moment, but I haven't completely discounted Michigan or some of the other programs I'm still waiting to hear from. For anyone who cares, because I surely would have enjoyed some frame of reference from years' past: UCLA grad with B.A. in English/Creative Writing; 3.6 GPA, Departmental and College Honors; GRE scores were pretty average from what I recall, but I did have a perfect Analytical Writing score; strong LORs and SOPs; 6 years of volunteer experience with various youth populations, primarily in mentorship/educational settings; 2 years of work experience in community-based mentorship, where I designed, implemented and managed a countywide mentoring children of prisoners program. Fingers crossed for everyone still waiting to hear back!

I'm in! Just got the e-mail from Melanie Green, informing me that the SSW has recommended me for admission and that I'll be receiving an official e-mail notification from the Graduate Division. Holy crow! By the way: I was a MAP applicant

I keep going over the finances for Michigan, and it's making me want to jump all over Cal if I'm accepted.* Which, of course, is making the wait all the more excruciating. Ohhh my gah... <roll> * even if they offer puny aid

Does anyone have any insight on how successful one might be in requesting additional funds from Michigan? Or if second year aid is any more generous? Student debt will be new to me, and I'd prefer to keep it as under $50k as humanly possible, aiya. I was granted an extension on my admissions decision (3/30), but told I could go ahead and accept financial aid... But if I accept the financial aid now can I still request more before I commit? I feel awkward asking, even though the worst thing is that they'll say no. I suppose I'd just prefer taking a temperature check before putting it all out there. Also, can one safely assume that Special Programs acceptees have already been notified?

Ahhhhhahah @ the apology email they just sent

Terrifying! Good luck, everybody, and happy inbox refreshing!

Received an email from USC this morning regarding scholarships at their various academic centers. It was prefaced by: You are receiving this email because you have enrolled in the MSW program. I.. have? Odd! Anyone else receive this email? My online application status has not changed from being in review.

They were perfectly cordial, but I found the lack of communication on their end bothersome. It felt like my application could have easily just disappeared into a black hole along with my application fee, and I find that unsettling. Oh, well!

I am very frustrated and disappointed with BU. My application status was listed as complete, but then another checklist link indicated that I had a recommendation letter missing although it was listed as submitted elsewhere on the application and my recommender never expressed having any problems. I just noticed the discrepancy (their online system wasn't terribly user-friendly, IMO), and emailed admissions who said there was some glitch and needed the letter to be resubmitted. I realize they have a hojillion applicants, but what else am I paying an application fee for? I submitted over a month ago, and I have a tremendous amount of doubt that I would have been notified of the missing document. Now I have to wait until April for a decision? And longer for a financial aid decision?