roxyshoe

Thanks for the input all! Very helpful. I think that I will stick with the 20 month because I really want the opportunity to have two different field work positions. I can't wait for the fall!!

I think the most important thing is to go to the school that suits you best, individually, in its curriculum and field work opportunities. It being financially sound is also really important. To me, UPenn is a great option for you because of the dual degree you got accepted to. I do think it can make a big difference doing a dual degree, but there is also the option of sticking with one degree and making room in your schedule for more electives in the other degree's program. I definitely know what you mean in terms of the extra cost of a dual degree, and in terms of that it really might not be worth it. Otherwise, NYU is probably your best bet. The school having a good name, I think, is not a big deal for social work. BUT NYU happens to have a really good name and a great program, in a great location, and they offered you good money! Then again you have to consider the extra cost of living in NY in general. If I were you, I'd definitely say no to columbia, and choose between UPENN and NYU depending on which school has the best field work + curriculum for your interests. p.s I'm going to be taking out a ton of money in loans, and I am already in debt from undergrad. It's just a chance I am taking, but I really feel like my education at the school I chose will help pay them off

Congrats! I was awarded 12,000, also for renewal in second year.

Hi all, I am kind of considering switching to the 16 month program. For those of you who chose that instead of the 20 month, I am wondering why? What are some of the benefits of it as opposed to the 20 month, other than graduating a semester earlier? Basically, this might seem silly, but I am nervous that I won't find anything productive to do next summer so I might as well be in school, haha. This leads me to another question, maybe should go to the whole board, but I'll start here - what DO current MSW's usually do over the summer? I would love to find an interesting internship, but I am not sure what's out there for MSW students.

Ugh, there's theft at Traver Knoll too? Hopefully you will be okay. I'm sure a lot of these are rare incidents =/ I still haven't signed a lease anywhere since it looks like purchasing the one place might go through. If that doesn't work, though, I think the only apartment complex I would sign at is Spruce Knob. Otherwise will try more to find smaller owned places.

So now that many of us have completed the admissions process and know our plans for the upcoming year, I thought a post geared towards the next season's applicants would be useful. Let's post what we have learned, what we wish we knew before applying, regrets, things we are happy we did, etc. Here is the advice I have right now: #1 - APPLY EARLY. I believe this helped my applications to U Mich and U Chicago tremendously. I applied on the due date for first deadline for both of these schools, but I would even recommend applying well before the deadline if possible. These were the only two schools that I applied "early" to, and ended up being the two primary schools I chose between going to. #2 - APPLY TO PLACES AROUND THE SAME TIME. I had no idea that MSW programs had a ~ 2 weeks response time to accept an admissions offer. This was rough since I applied to some places far earlier than others. I ended up having to rescind my acceptance to one school once I found out I got into another, which I still feel pretty bad about. #3 - DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. I did this with every single one of my apps. Started and finished some on the due date, oops. I am guessing this has not helped with the schools I am *still* waiting to hear from, nor the schools I got rejects/wait listed at. #4 - LETTER OF REC WRITERS. This is one thing I did right. I thought really hard about who would write the best letters for me before asking. I also sent an extra fourth LoR to some schools, since some schools I applied to required four letters, I figured I might as well to a few others that only required three. I think that really helped me. The people I got letters from were: - My boss at my teaching job from the past two years - My German professor, who I took many classes with and did some volunteer work in Berlin with - The PhD student I have worked on research with for the past four years - One of my favorite professors, who I took two classes on psychology and creativity with and who is also a clinical therapist. These were really good for me since I don't have much human services experience - they were able to show that despite my lack of volunteer experience, I have the personality and dedication to make a great social worker. My primary advice is to get a well-rounded rec's. That's all I can think of for now. What other advice do ya'll have? It is of course also good to bring in different viewpoints/experiences with topics of advice

In person

I have also looked at lots of near campus, overpriced complexes: 411 Lofts (so nice, but too $$$), Zaragon (seriously do not live there so expensive and filled with people who take cabs to go two blocks), and Corner House Apartments. DON'T LIVE THERE EITHER, amazing location but the smelliest, grossest, place that is way overpriced for how tiny and plain the apt's are. There are also lots of random apartments (in houses, small complexes, etc) that I've seen from friends living there too if you wanna try to get input on those.

OK, just read some earlier posts. These are the complexes I have looked at: Traver Knoll Shoreview Spruce Knob Glencoe Hills The Ponds at Georgetown My favorite by far is The Ponds - great, easy location, short bus ride to campus, safe and clean looking. But, none of the utilities are included which really hikes the price up. If I end up renting somewhere (family is now actually considering purchasing a foreclosure since I'll probs be here for a while/it will help our tax bracket or something), I will probably end up at Spruce Knob. It's a decent location, looks nice, and is cheap. It is also directly across the street from the JCC, which may end up being a good field work option. I LOVE Traver Knoll, the apartments are huge and it's in a beautiful area, but it's just a bit too far maybe. Though I would be very close to Kerrytown. Shoreview is also nice for that reason, and one of the cheapest options. It overlooks the Huron River which is cool, but for some reason I wasn't super into it. The truth is that finding a place to living that's cheap and nice in Ann Arbor this late in the game is ridiculously hard - even for someone who currently lives here and has been looking since early March =/ There are a lot of walking distance to campus places that allow cats, though! Just keep chugging and hopefully some more things will turn up

Will you have a car? If so you should seriously consider just living in one of the many inexpensive, further off campus apartments. I will most likely be doing that, but taking the free bus to campus. All the same, living in walking/biking distance to campus is super nice despite the cost. Check out craigslist and the off campus housing website often. There was a GREAT two bedroom apt I looked at off of hill and brown st., not sure if it is still available. Also a 1 b/r in that complex. If you have a question about how good a specific location might or might not be, let me know!

michigander over here!

Argh, it is so weird that I still haven't heard from two schools, especially Baltimore... Has anyone else applied to either UMD-Baltimore or Columbia University and not received a decision?? Most schools have to send out decisions by April 1st, right?

Hey Wishing - I think B.U seems to be the right choice for you indeed! It sounds like that's where your heart is. I had so much trouble choosing between U Chicago and UMich, but something intuitive told me to go with U Mich. Maybe it's silly, but sometimeeees our gut feelings are right (Well, I guess we won't know for sure about this one until another year or so, haha). But yeah - B.U is such an amazing school, that on top of the better field placements and living situation for you makes it perfect!!! BEST OF LUCK!!!

I am partial to Michigan, of course, but I can see why this is such a difficult decision. I still say Michigan is your best bet because of the program itself. I agree with the other poster that you can relocate to Boston afterwards. Also, that $15,000 makes a big difference! In terms of cars, I do not have a driver's license so there is no way I can drive to field placements either. Luckily there are a ton of options in the Ann Arbor area, which you can either walk/bike to, or take the (free for students) bus. It also goes to Ypsilanti, and there are field placements there. I also know they are really helpful about organizing carpooling. I wouldn't let the car thing stop you! Just try to live closer to central campus (which is a bit more pricey, but worth it). Also, Ann Arbor might grow on you. I am from the complete opposite of this place - south Florida, and now it is seriously difficult for me to picture living anywhere that makes me this happy. Although, Boston is among the places I could imagine, because it is indeed also an awesome city! If you have any ?'s about Ann Arbor itself, more on the bus system, etc. let me know!

BOSTON. Personally, I find New York too big, draining, hectic, dirty, filled with mean people, etc. Boston is perfect. I have trouble saying exactly why - I guess it is just really charming for a big city. I could see myself settling down there one day.

Hey Wishing, unfortunately no one asked about that for the parts I attended I am still very certain that some people who get accepted to the special programs don't hear until early April, which really sucks, but there is still hope! Decision making is so, so hard. A part of me is still sad I had to say no to B.U! But once you make the decision 100%, you will be happy

Hey everyone, so glad to hear about all the good news!! I went to the open house yesterday, in which a lot of my questions were answered from current students, staff, and field work position leaders. It was really useful, but geared slightly more towards people who were still on the fence about whether or not to attend, so I left a bit early so I could take a nap ;D Anyway, if you have specific questions about registering for classes, fieldwork, etc. I can help now! Also, I can say that after going to it I am even more confident and happy with my decision. This school has so many good things going for it!!! A few things that stood out to me: - They have these elective 1 credit courses every semester, a wide variety to choose from, that focus on learning and honing practical skills in an area, i.e motivational interviewing. They might meet for 8 hours/day one weekend, or be a weeklong, intensive course. (Almost like a workshop?) - EVERY course at the university is open to you, you can even potentially switch up a requirement for a class in a different school/department if it makes sense. Of course, a lot of classes at Michigan require permission from instructors, and they should have something to do with your interests, but yeah!! - So many amazing field work opportunities. All are very hands on!! - The school offers pre-set dual degrees, i.e MSW +JD, MSW+ MPH, BUT you can also create your own dual degree. He talked about a girl interested in environmental justice, for example, who got a Masters in Natural Resources + Environment and an MSW in 2 years. You can start this track in your second year as an MSW, too, if you didn't apply already..it just might mean taking an extra semester or two Also, everyone was really nice, encouraging, and passionate.

Rejected from B.C yesterday and wait listed at Minnesota today. all okay though because I've already made my decision to go to U Mich

Mac's seem to hold up a lot better, though I have only had mine for 8 months...it is still in great shape and holds soooo much more on its harddrive than my p.c did. I went through so so many problems with my p.c (it was an H.P) that I ended up paying more than I would have for a Mac in repair costs. I finally gave up and got a Mac, and I love it. It is also WAY lighter. I could never bring my H.P to class because of its weight, but I bring my macbook pro everywhere

Hey all, I was accepted to B.U some time late February/early March. I applied on the deadline in January. Stats are: 3.76 gpa from UMich, double major in psych and creative writing/lit, minor in German. Really good rec's. Lots of research and teaching experience, very little human services/volunteer. I was offered a 9,000 scholarship/year and the rest of the tuition covered in loans. This came with my acceptance in the mail. I love B.U SO MUCH, but I won't be attending.

I just received my rejection from B.C in the mail! Not surprised since I completed the app on the due date and it was pretty rushed. My stats are 3.76 gpa from UMich, very little volunteer experience, but lots of teaching and research experience with good rec's. Double major in psych and creative writing + german minor. I had some really bad dreams about B.C for some reason, some inexplicable reason, so I am slightly relieved at this rejection xD

YAY ELLIE! CONGRATS!!!!

I am really happy that I am becoming a social worker. I know it will be extremely challenging and rough at times, but knowing that I will have people like you all in my courses, etc., will make it all easier and all the more worth it Mapletree - Everything you said is very poignant. I hope the O.P will read it and begin to understand where everyone is coming from. O.P - Thanks for your comment. I was nice to you in my post, but the truth is that I felt the same way as others on this thread, but did not choose to point it out. I know these comments have been harsh for you to hear, but I think it would do you well to take them to heart and learn more about ways you can become a better social worker. No one on this forum is perfect, and you just happened to be the one to lash out. It could have happened to any of us in the wrong place/wrong time, so don't feel too targeted. Just please understand where we are coming from, and please don't call ANYONE else a bitch or dimwitted, etc. All of that only exasperates our feelings.

Thought you all might be interested in the newest rankings according to U.S news for Social Work programs. Happy that my program got bumped to tie at #1 with WUSTL!!! http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/social-work-rankings

(all per year) 12,000 from uchicago 9,000 from b.u 6,000 from umich