rjose

Hey Everyone, Congrats on submitting applications - now it's the waiting game! If you have any questions about which school to choose, etc I'd be more than happy to help. I applied last year and decided on UC Berkeley and found these forums very, very helpful so I am more than happy to return the favor and help others Feel free to message me here or privately and good luck to everyone!!!

Hey All, I applied this past year and am now attending Berkeley's MSW program (See my signature for all the schools I applied to and got in). I am more than happy to help if anyone has any questions. Please feel free to message me on the forum or send me a message. Good luck all! I wrote this right before starting my program, hope it's of some help: LocationLos Angeles Program:MSW Posted 30 April 2012 - 09:30 AM This is a great thread, and hopefully those who are contemplating applying or re-applying next year will find this helpful. I know some of what I'm going to say below may have already been mentioned above, but hopefully folks still find my advice helpful. Mostly, I'm going to form my advice based on what I wished I had done before applying: 1. Research, research, research. Start now! RESEARCH what schools you're interested in because EVERY SCHOOL VARIES: a. RESEARCH deadlines: I found out at the last minute that CSULB and CSULA do rolling admissions, so the earlier you can submit your application, the better. I think folks even started submitting their application in October! b. RESEARCH funding: If money is an issue, as it was for me, research beforehand the cost of tuition and the reputation/chances that the school will offer scholarships. For example: I've seen on this thread that a couple of folks have received a good amount of scholarships from Chicago, which I didn't apply to, but looking back on it, I probably should have applied. The average scholarships for UPenn are between 9-12k and for Columbia and NYU it seems like the average is 9k. Of course, each school will vary and you will not know how much money they will give you until you get in, but it's good to keep these averages in mind. c. RESEARCH acceptance rates: Let’s face it; knowing what your chances are will definitely help you be more prepared both when filling out your application and emotionally. For instance, I read an article that stated that acceptance rates for Columbia are pretty high while UCLA and Berkeley only accept a little over 100 applicants (last I heard UCLA and Berkeley they receive about 600 applications a year). i. How this helps you when applying: Knowing what your chances are, you will have a better idea as to how much time and energy you should put into each of your applications. In my case, I should have given more time/energy into my Berkeley application and probably less time into other schools. ii. How this helps you emotionally: I was somewhat unprepared to find that I was flat out rejected from Berkeley’s MSW/PhD program, and had I known my chances beforehand, it not only made me reevaluate who I am as an applicant, but also made me realize that maybe a path down a PhD just isn’t my passion. d. RESEARCH informational meetings: Go to the informational meetings or at the very least contact someone at admissions because you will definitely have questions about their program or their application process. This not only prevents you from having to spend hours on their website trying to find an answer to your question, but having that connection with someone at admissions not only helps you feel confident about your application, but it just puts your mind to ease altogether. e. RESEARCH two year or part-time programs. I know USC offers a full, online, and part-time program and Cal States do this as well. If you have other obligations maybe a part-time program is better for you? Weigh your options. 2. The application itself: a. Have at least three folks read over your personal statement: 1 person who got into the MSW field, 1 person who is a great writer who can check for grammatical errors, and 1 person who is not in the field. b. If you can, read other folks’ MSW personal statement. This will give you an idea as to where to start. For instance, I always thought that a cool anecdote will help my application (make me stand out) but as I found out, you should probably get straight to the point, so I took out the anecdote and focused more on expressing what my qualifications are. c. Experience with people: The Masters in Social Work is a helping field, so they are going to want someone who shows sympathy, empathy and just a genuine concern for the well-being of people, so you really want to make sure this is apparent in your application. d. Many MSW applications ask that you pick a specific concentration – research the concentration of your choice and make sure to put WHY you picked this concentration in your application. e. Mention the fact that you researched their program and write WHY their school fits your interests. For instance, I researched faculty at each of the schools and put in a couple of sentences of faculty I was looking forward to possibly working with who shared similar interests. Yes, this is even more research on your part, but believe me, it pays off. f. Resume: A lot, if not all MSW applications, ask that you submit a resume. Ask folks to edit your resume as well. Think of it as a job application, so you want to make sure your resume is succinct and really emphasizes your past work/volunteer experience. Basically, take the resume section of the application seriously. 3. Do not give up! The application process is stressful. Here were some of my common phrases: a. “What, the Cal State priority deadline is December 15th!? It’s December 10th right now!” b. “It cost that much to live in New York!?” c. “What’s this stipend that folks are talking about?” d. “Man, I have to take the GRE’s again because I totally blew it the first time!” e. “Dr. [Name of recommender] still hasn’t submitted his letter of recommendation!” However, as stressful as it was the application process in and of itself is an accomplishment, and for those who are going to re-apply, you’re heading into it with so much more knowledge that I’m sure this time around will be easier. Again, do not give up! For instance, there was a time when I was thinking of re-applying and started to enroll in classes to better my GPA, and instead of applying to 7 schools, I narrowed it down to three schools, which would have made the application process a lot easier. 4. Take advantage of these forums! I found these forums extremely helpful and supportive because folks here are so nice and willing to help you because they are in the same boat! Take the time to read through some of the other topics and threads- you'll find that there is definitely good advice here! Hope this helps and again, don’t give up and believe in yourself!

Wow, that is a tough decision. A couple of questions: 1. I know there are stipends also at CSULA - did you apply to any of these? I think there are some stipends where you could apply your second year, you could consider doing that? 2. Where did you hear that SDSU is a "not so good school?"

This is a great thread, and hopefully those who are contemplating applying or re-applying next year will find this helpful. I know some of what I'm going to say below may have already been mentioned above, but hopefully folks still find my advice helpful. Mostly, I'm going to form my advice based on what I wished I had done before applying: 1. Research, research, research. Start now! RESEARCH what schools you're interested in because EVERY SCHOOL VARIES: a. RESEARCH deadlines: I found out at the last minute that CSULB and CSULA do rolling admissions, so the earlier you can submit your application, the better. I think folks even started submitting their application in October! b. RESEARCH funding: If money is an issue, as it was for me, research beforehand the cost of tuition and the reputation/chances that the school will offer scholarships. For example: I've seen on this thread that a couple of folks have received a good amount of scholarships from Chicago, which I didn't apply to, but looking back on it, I probably should have applied. The average scholarships for UPenn are between 9-12k and for Columbia and NYU it seems like the average is 9k. Of course, each school will vary and you will not know how much money they will give you until you get in, but it's good to keep these averages in mind. c. RESEARCH acceptance rates: Let’s face it; knowing what your chances are will definitely help you be more prepared both when filling out your application and emotionally. For instance, I read an article that stated that acceptance rates for Columbia are pretty high while UCLA and Berkeley only accept a little over 100 applicants (last I heard UCLA and Berkeley they receive about 600 applications a year). i. How this helps you when applying: Knowing what your chances are, you will have a better idea as to how much time and energy you should put into each of your applications. In my case, I should have given more time/energy into my Berkeley application and probably less time into other schools. ii. How this helps you emotionally: I was somewhat unprepared to find that I was flat out rejected from Berkeley’s MSW/PhD program, and had I known my chances beforehand, it not only made me reevaluate who I am as an applicant, but also made me realize that maybe a path down a PhD just isn’t my passion. d. RESEARCH informational meetings: Go to the informational meetings or at the very least contact someone at admissions because you will definitely have questions about their program or their application process. This not only prevents you from having to spend hours on their website trying to find an answer to your question, but having that connection with someone at admissions not only helps you feel confident about your application, but it just puts your mind to ease altogether. e. RESEARCH two year or part-time programs. I know USC offers a full, online, and part-time program and Cal States do this as well. If you have other obligations maybe a part-time program is better for you? Weigh your options. 2. The application itself: a. Have at least three folks read over your personal statement: 1 person who got into the MSW field, 1 person who is a great writer who can check for grammatical errors, and 1 person who is not in the field. b. If you can, read other folks’ MSW personal statement. This will give you an idea as to where to start. For instance, I always thought that a cool anecdote will help my application (make me stand out) but as I found out, you should probably get straight to the point, so I took out the anecdote and focused more on expressing what my qualifications are. c. Experience with people: The Masters in Social Work is a helping field, so they are going to want someone who shows sympathy, empathy and just a genuine concern for the well-being of people, so you really want to make sure this is apparent in your application. d. Many MSW applications ask that you pick a specific concentration – research the concentration of your choice and make sure to put WHY you picked this concentration in your application. e. Mention the fact that you researched their program and write WHY their school fits your interests. For instance, I researched faculty at each of the schools and put in a couple of sentences of faculty I was looking forward to possibly working with who shared similar interests. Yes, this is even more research on your part, but believe me, it pays off. f. Resume: A lot, if not all MSW applications, ask that you submit a resume. Ask folks to edit your resume as well. Think of it as a job application, so you want to make sure your resume is succinct and really emphasizes your past work/volunteer experience. Basically, take the resume section of the application seriously. 3. Do not give up! The application process is stressful. Here were some of my common phrases: a. “What, the Cal State priority deadline is December 15th!? It’s December 10th right now!” b. “It cost that much to live in New York!?” c. “What’s this stipend that folks are talking about?” d. “Man, I have to take the GRE’s again because I totally blew it the first time!” e. “Dr. [Name of recommender] still hasn’t submitted his letter of recommendation!” However, as stressful as it was the application process in and of itself is an accomplishment, and for those who are going to re-apply, you’re heading into it with so much more knowledge that I’m sure this time around will be easier. Again, do not give up! For instance, there was a time when I was thinking of re-applying and started to enroll in classes to better my GPA, and instead of applying to 7 schools, I narrowed it down to three schools, which would have made the application process a lot easier. 4. Take advantage of these forums! I found these forums extremely helpful and supportive because folks here are so nice and willing to help you because they are in the same boat! Take the time to read through some of the other topics and threads- you'll find that there is definitely good advice here! Hope this helps and again, don’t give up and believe in yourself!

I really like my job here at UCLA (there's a chance I could be on a publication) and I think working a year will enable me to be more financially ready. I still don't know yet what I should do.

Just got off the wait list today! Still thinking of re-applying next year...

I still haven't heard from Berkeley My friend who was on their wait list last year heard on March 31st, so I was hoping I would hear from them during that time also, but nope - nada

Just read this interesting article in the NYTimes and thought I should share: The master’s in social work has become “absolutely essential” to advance in the profession, says Jacqueline B. Mondros, dean of Hunter College’s School of Social Work, of the City University of New York. Ninety percent of the members of the National Association of Social Workers, the field’s largest professional organization, have an M.S.W. But the return on investment won’t tempt. For social workers with the advanced degree, the median salary in 2009 was $55,000, according to the group’s research. Social workers with a B.A. earned $15,000 less, while Ph.D.’s added $17,000 to their median pay. And the investment? Students seeking an M.S.W. borrow an average $35,500; a degree can cost about $20,000 at Hunter or $80,000 at Columbia. By comparison, their M.B.A. counterparts borrow on average $32,000, and more M.S.W. candidates borrow (three-quarters of them; half of M.B.A. students borrow). The rule of thumb for borrowing, says Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of finaid.org, is that debt should never exceed starting salary. Ideally, he adds, it should be half that. “I’d be the last person to say not to pursue a dream,” Mr. Kantrowitz says. “But do it with your eyes open.” Taken from: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/24/education/edlife/edl-24roi-t.html?pagewanted=all

Just got my acceptance letter from Columbia! Yayyyyyy!!!! Don't know if I'll be going because it will depend on the type of aid they'll be giving me, but yay!!!

Hello Folks, Just wanted to ask if anyone on this thread applied to any of the social work stipends: Title IV-E Child or Mental Health stipend? I believe the Title IV-E is offered for both years, while the Mental Health stipend is offered during your second year. I originally applied for the MSW/PhD program and no where in the application was I asked if I was interested in these stipends and wanted to know if it was different for those who applied to only the MSW program? Or is this something they asked you about after you received your official letter of acceptance? Has anyone already applied to these stipends? If so, do you mind sharing the process? Thanks in advance!

I don't think I'll be going to NYU. I just cannot justify the 60k + loans I would have to take out. I was hoping they would offer me more money I really love New York and was hoping I would venture on a new experience, but I also want to be financially responsible. Good luck to all those who haven't heard yet, and congrats to all those who got in and are going!

Yeah I was getting worried too Megan because a lot of folks were receiving decisions way before, but hang in there since obviously they are not done accepting folks. $17,000 is a LOT, LOT, LOT of money! Congrats! Are you going to NYU vmpancucci?

Yay! I just found out I got accepted into NYU and they are offering me a $8,000 scholarship (renewable each year)!!!!

Huh? Do you mean once you've been accepted they give you a month to pay the deposit? All other costs are due April!? That's not a lot of time.

So I guess it's safe to say if you haven't heard from Columbia yet, you probably didnt get in

What!? So basically those who got accepted already found out and now the others are going to compete for the spaces available? Kind of like a wait-list, but not?

I'm waiting for NYU also! I'm beginning to lose hope. I submitted on February 6th and it was complete as of February 16th. I also hear great things about their program especially the great clinical/internship opportunities. arcoventry, when did you submit your application?

You're not accepted until they say so! Don't lose hope!

Congrats Lisbeth!!!! From what I hear Cal State is very competitive (I was actually more worried about my CSULA acceptance than my Penn one lol). Wait list means there is hope, that you still have a chance! Since you applied before the Dec 15th date, I REALLY hope they take that into consideration! So, I looked back at my acceptance letter and you'er right it says that I must pay the Enrollment Confirmation Deposit by July 15, 2012. Hope this helps! Thanks so much for your suggestions about CSULA vs CSULB. I'm going to definitely call the folks from each school up and see. I'm even following your suggestions: 1. How many stipends are being offered in each school, and in relation, how many students will I be "competing" against for these stipends. 2. Look at the faculty profiles and see if any of our interests align Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! And again, congrats. Would you go to CSULA when you officially get in? Yes, I would probably go to Berkeley if they accept me.

Oh yeah, sorry about that Lisbeth, I thought the 700+ was pertaining to CSU East Bay. Thanks for clarifying. Any comments on my post earlier about CSULB vs CSULA?

Cal State Los Angeles MSW versus Cal State Long Beach MSW - anyone have any comments/suggestions as to which is "better" for the MSW program? Note, I quoted "better" because I know that both are really great schools, but I was wondering if anyone had any comments or reasoning as to why they like one over the other, or why they applied to one and not the other, etc. Thanks in advance!

Hey Charm, I am thinking about attending Cal State LA also, has anyone replied to your question above about the program? I would also like to know of someone who has experience with the program and how that's going for them. Thanks!

I swear to you, she said 700+ applicants, or maybe that was CSULB!

Does anyone know of folks who have or are currently in the MSW program at Cal State LA? I am really thinking of attending and would like to chat with someone who is attending or has attended their program and wouldn't mind sharing their experience. Thanks in advance!

mapletree, I never thanked you for the spreadsheet, but I find it extremely helpful and wanted to make sure I said thanks, and of course thanks to all those who are willing to share their information. For those who are on the wait list, I had some time to really think about my situation over the weekend because I'm not sure what to do moving forward since Berkeley was my top choice and I was thinking of either biting the financial bullet and going to Penn or continue working at my awesome research job, take some extension classes at UCLA to raise my GPA, and apply to Berkeley again, anyone else start to think of applying again or what their plans are moving forward?