MSW Bound

Hi All!!! Now that we have been accepted into grad-school what are you going to do to prepare? I am honestly asking because I do not know WTH I am going to do! LOL Do we really know what we are getting ourselves into? I know my program is 15 units per semester, and with a family and all the excitements that comes with that, I am trying to figure out what to do what to do... Let's chat and help each other out!

You will not need all of your grades. Most apps have a space for you to add classes you plan to take or class you have taken and grades have yet to post. If I were you I would attach a letter explaining your reasoning for not including your grades. You can apply even though your grades have not posted. Get your app in ASAP!

You're welcome! CSULB only has two concentrations - Children and Youth and gerontology - no mental health concentration. CSUDH, Fullerton, and CSULA or and high-priced USC are the only schools I recall having a mental health or community building focus.

Most Cali schools, if not all are great - I will be attending CSUDH in the fall. Most individuals prefer CSULB and UCLA; however, UCLA does not have a specific concentration outside of micro and macro social work so you will not have your specific mental health concentration. I selected CSUDH because their platform for their program is race relations and the part it plays within society and social settings - hope that makes sense. I would research where you will live and make a decision according to THAT! FYI, Wilshire Blvd exit off the 405 will be closed for about a year or so, you may want to take that into consideration. Regarding applications, I would try and turn my app in shortly after the application period opens. Review the applications for the 2011-2012 application season - there is not much change from those apps and the apps for next season. 2010-2011 application season, I waited and turned my info in very late and did not gain acceptance, I also did not receive notification of the rejection and lack of space until July or early August. Not sure if you are moving from out of state; however, you will want to know your status ASAP so that you can make plans. This year, I turned my app in around October, and received an early Christmas gift!!! Any who, hope some of my info helps!

I did attend an informational at UCLA, and one of the individual's that sit on the admissions board stated that turning your application in early is key. The reason this is key is that they read the applications in the order received, and if your personal statement is not all the way tight, you are more likely to get in if your application is at the top of the stack. He said that by the time they have read the 100th personal statement, their eyes are crossed and they are less apprehensive to cut the applicant some slack. I say for your sanity and the others on the board (j/k) turn your app in ASAP.

Depending on where you apply, your major does not matter. MSW degree is very popular for being a second, third, fourth... career; therefore, most people do not have their degree in a social science. If I am not mistaken UCLA and CSULB only require you to have an undergraduate degree - the concentration really is not that important. Focus on your personal statement and presenting your experience appropriately. Make sure, I repeat, make sure you attend the informational's for the schools you are thinking you want to attend. I must say, that really helped me when preparing my personal statement. Finally, do not wait until the last minute to turn in your application. If you notice, most of the individuals scurrying turned their apps in too late (too late = any time after January or close to the cutoff date for the application period). How do I know this??? I was that individual last year. I turned my app in on the last day and did not get accepted into the university. This year I did everything I mentioned above and gained acceptance before Thanksgiving. Best of luck to you... If I were you, I would not worry about others specs because your specs are yours and there really isn't much you can do to change them. I would focus on my application, personal statement, and attending those information sessions. Start working on your personal statement now! The information desired usually does not change much... Have a proofreader (non-family member) read it over for you... You will do just fine - trust me... :-)

I am attending CSUDH... I was just up there yesterday (Wednesday), and they said they were still reviewing apps. The 4-year program was cut; therefore, they are adding more space to their 2-year program. Not sure what program you are trying to attend; however, just be patient - they are working diligently. f I turned my app in on the last day during last year's enrollment period, and did not hear until June that I was not accepted into the program. When did you guys apply? That too plays a roll as to when you will hear from the program. Hopefully you will hear something really soon!

I attended informational's at both schools... You will be fine regardless which program you select. It's basically a matter of which program best suits you... I am going to CSUDH because of the area, the appreciation that all students are not 25 years old, and the high-level of diversity that is present on the campus. You have to make a list and pretty much way out the pros and cons.

Not really sure what you are asking - you might want to expound a little more for an adequate answer.

Awwww... Well, congrats to you and I wish you the absolute best!

I agree with the others... Go with who has accepted you. If you wait, you fun the risk of not gaining acceptance into any school.

My suggestion would be to go with the program that works for you (logistically). I sometimes think we get caught up in the school and what we deem to be prestige or what have you. I know people that work as SW that attended CSULA, CSUDH, CSUN, CSULB... At this point, it's all about attending the school that suits your needs. I wanted to attend UCLA very bad. Honestly, having that UCLA stamp of approval on my resume and that lovely degree hanging next to my husband's UCI degree would have been fabulous. However, driving 1.5 hours/day ONE WAY, never seeing my kids or husband, stressing out because of the traffic on the slow-05... it really would not have been worth it. I selected the school that is less than five minutes from my home! Basically, I am saying, do what works best for you... Trust, we will have enough inconvenience with the homework and tests... Might as well select a program in your comfort zone. My 2 cents!

Ok, I just spoke to Claudia... She said yes, a letter will go out in May regarding orientation and the classes we are to register for. HOWEVER, if you like, you can register according to the class list online. I am going to register according to what I see online - no need to wait. Honestly, that letter should have gone out with our acceptance letter. I hope this is not a precursor of what is to come!

I'm not attending either; however, if I had to pick a program I would pick UCLA. The area is wonderful not to mention the program is smaller. Academics are pretty much the same - all have to work within the accreditation agreement.

Lisbeth, After reading the website, this is what it says "Students who participate in the Older Adult Fee Waiver Program, receive vocational rehabilitation stipends, are enrolled through Extended Education (Alcohol & Drug Certificate, Orthotics & Prosthetics Therapy, CSD, MSW, MSQA, NCRP, etc.), recipients of Cal Grant A or B and students whose fees are paid by another party are NOT eligible for a SUG Award"... Basically IF you are in the extended ed program you DO NOT qualify... It's not saying ALL MSW programs do not qualify. Unfortunately, I do not qualify for SUG... EFC is $800 or less. Which program are you enrolled in? I am enrolled in the 2yr - Full Time program @ CSUDH... Don't forget class enrollment begins 4/24. :D :D

Hmmm... I know the 3 year program is offered via the extended ed program; however, the 2yr program is offered through the regular colledge (not sure about the 4 yr program). I will have to research this and talk with some of my "connections" to see what all this means. Personally, I was not even aware of SUG... I applied for grants and scholarships via graduate education in hopes of gaining some kind of free money. I only want the DMH stipend; therefore, I have to wait until my 2nd year for Cal-SWEC.

That happened to me last year with another California State University. They process all FA that is applied for regardless of your pending admissions status.

it's not a list persay - that's why they use pending and not waitlist... They use statistical data to determine if they are going to extend admissions to applicants on the pending list. In June, they are going to process the data that will populate a number and then send emails out to those applicants that are within the range or higher. The email they send out will be on a first come first serve basis... So make sure your smartphone is on immediate push. I know this may not make much sense; however, this is how it sounded to me when I spoke with Mercedes months ago.

Oh, I also agree with a professor that posted w/i this forum. He/she stated attend a state school because the education is just as good for less money. I initially applied for a school that cost 80k and the most they gave was 40k; therefore, I would have been so far in debt! Go Cal State!

Three things: 1. Attend as many informationals as you can. This will allow you to get the insider track regarding what the program expects out of you and the application you will be turning in. 2. Turn your app in within the first 2-3 weeks of the application season. My first application season, I turned my app in on the last day - needless to say, I did not get it.. However, this go around, I turned my app in early and was accepted within 3-4 weeks after turning in my app. 3. Place a high-level of attention on your application and your personal statement. This statement allows the reader to determine if you have the writing stamina to handle the program. If your writing is not as strong as it needs to be, hire a proofer or solicit someone that can assist you. Overall, I must say, relax and enjoy the process.

The closer you wait to the cutoff date, the less your chances are to be accepted. I was at CSUDH back in January and the folks in the office were opening apps. I said wow, are these people going to be accepted into the program... They said probably not, we do not have very many spots. So, be encouraged.... If you are not accepted this year, apply next year - but much much earlier. I applied last year on the cutoff day and I received a rejection letter. I told myself I would apply earlier this go around. I applied five days after the application process. I was the fifth one to have turned in their app... So be encourage either way... Trust me, I am speaking from experience.

I concur. I know many people that have attended state schools and are very successful. Social work is such an under-staffed environment, and social workers are needed.. So getting a job will not be as difficult. If you were going for a MBA, then the prestige of the school would matter 100%.

@Cmarin2 - I attended CSUF's informational and was completely turned off!!! The individual that conducted the information came across a bit upity to me as well... I completely understand your position.

Lisbeth, It's good to know there are others that applied and have been accepted into CSUDH. I cannot for the life of me remember if I selected the mental health or community building component... Nonetheless, I will be attending DH in the fall and am extatic about it. I had to go on campus about a month ago, and was told that they did not have very many spots available... Not to mention, the Admin Assistant was processing applications as she told me this. I so understand how these people will feel as I was not granted acceptance because I waited until the last possible day to turn in my application... This year, I turned my app in to the office in November. Like you, I attended informationals for CSUDH, CSULA (hated it), CSULB (loved it, but would have prefered a broader scope as regards to concentrations), and UCLA (loved it, but the hours of class and the 405 made the thought of attending lack luster). With all of that said, where will you attend in the fall?!

Congrats to you all! Receiving that acceptance is the best feeling.