michigan girl

Do you mind listing which school rejected you?

telemaque, thanks for the information. I will enter a nine-month master's program. So, I am curious as to whether on-campus grad housing best fits my needs. I would go the off-campus route, but my program is so short in duration.

Is anyone familiar with Penn's graduate on-campus housing (Sansom Place)? How are the rooms and surrounding neighborhood? Do you recommend it?

Some private schools have one-year higher education/student affairs programs and offer a graduate assistantship as part of your financial aid package. That really helps lessen the burden.

I would also take anything at this point, but I have limited experience in retail. The last time I held a retail position was five years ago. As a result, no employer would take the risk to hire and train me for only a few months. Nevertheless, I have years of research and administrative support experience, and I am hoping to find temporary work in that area until I return to school.

The inspired me to create this one because I am in a similar situation. Worse, I already have a master's degree. I will return to graduate school in Fall 2012 to pursue a second master's degree in a field that will expand my employment options. I live in the Midwest, and won't move to the East Coast until August 2012. I am currently unemployed. Realistically, what are my options? Retail and data-entry work are out of the question because I am "overqualified." In fact, I don't even receive callbacks when I do apply. When I am searching for work, I also avoid positions that require at least a 2-year commitment (I know it's not fair to the employer since I can only work 7 months). I will be happy with temp work as long as it pays over minimum wage. I will also be happy to hear what others have done in this situation.

Many top private GSEs (Harvard, Columbia, Penn, etc.) offer one-year master's programs so that student can avoid taking out $100,000+ for a two-year program. Although I would say that Penn offers nice graduate assistantships to lessen the costs. Look for those programs.

It doesn't matter. Obviously, the more well-known programs (both private and public) will have more resources and funding. Apply to schools that have professors in your research and professional areas.

Hello FutureEdStudent12, I applied to Penn GSE for my master's degree (Higher Education) because I like the flexibility and diversity of their program offerings.

School of Social Policy and Practice is for applicants who desire a foundation in social work, social policy, and social change organizations. The Fels School of Government is for applicants who desire a foundation in economics, public policy, and traditional nonprofit management. Hope this helps.

Sorry for not being clear in my original post -- I was referring to PhD programs.

I am interested in the Sociology of Education (K-16, race/ethnicity, urban/community, diversity, ed reform). What do you know about each program? In your opinion, which one is the best in those areas? Columbia Harvard Michigan Penn

How many professors should you list on the statement of purpose? Do you list their works and why you want to work for them? For instance, is listing 5 professors from one department too many for the SOP?

I'm curious how many applicants are interested in social work/welfare doctoral programs. What are you research interests and what do you plan to do with the PhD?

Hello everyone, I am considering the revised GRE, and I want to know should I take the paper-based version instead. What are the pros and cons of the computer-based format? I am the type of person who prefers to read text on paper.

For those who applied for the Special Studies Program, how did you draft your personal statement? While this program offers more flexibility, I feel as though I will need to make a case for why this program is best for my academic and professional needs.

You need to think long and hard where you want to live and work. Do you plan to stay in California or return to New England? Which population do you want to serve? If your heart says Boston/Northeast, then you should go to Boston College. If you want to remain in CA for the next 5-10 years, I would recommend UCLA. If you must attend UCLA for financial and geographic reasons, try to get a field placement in the safer communities. Avoid east, north, and south LA at all costs! (I have friends who live in SoCal and recommend non-natives to stay out of those neighborhoods. Boston simply doesn't have major gang problems like LA does.)

Community organization and social administration is a MACRO practice specialization. It deals with policy, community organizing and administration at the policy and societal levels. If you prefer to do direct practice with individuals and families, you should select the DIRECT or INTERPERSONAL or CLINICAL specialization.

A friend of mine needs some assistance. How does a person decide between a Master or Doctorate in Education? If someone already has a master's degree in a related field, does it make sense to pursue a master's in education or apply directly to doctoral programs?

Also consider GradPLUS federal loans instead of private loans. Stay away from private loans if you can!

Congrats on the acceptances! I would recommend the following: 1. Before you make any decision, consider your financial aid awards. Go to the cheapest (best) school on your list. 2. Where do you want to live? Are you planning to stay in California? If so, I would recommend UC-Berkeley or UCLA over Harvard/Columbia, especially if you want to become a licensed clinical social worker in California.

Is there anyone applying to the Special Studies Program? Please share your thoughts and insights!

If you must remain in NYC, why can you not apply to NYU and Hunter? They have strong clinical tracks.

I know that Michigan has a Top-5 MPH/MSW dual-degree program. You may want to consider it.

Yes, look for social work programs with policy and/or evaluation concentrations. The MSW degree works if you are interested in social policy issues.