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2nd week of March is coming up, thank goodness. At least it isn't late March or early April. I'm waiting to hear from a state school here in California and I hear some decisions are sent out in July! Can you believe that!? On a different note, I'm a bit upset with NYU because according to them, my application was incomplete because supposedly they did not have my transcript. However, I had my undergraduate school send them my transcript well in advance and forwarded NYU my confirmation number and asked them to basically look again. A couple of hours later, I got an email back saying that they located my transcript and it's complete. What's weird is that the same thing happened with Columbia. What's up with the New York schools and transcripts? Because of this, I have a feeling my NYU and Columbia application is barely being looked at/considered, which in turn, delays their decision,which in turn makes me even more restless

I'm getting really antsy about Berkeley. Does anyone know around what month they let folks know of their decision?

I would really research both programs and would suggest even contacting a couple folks at both schools letting them know of your situation. Of course they're going to sell you on their school and program, but it's still worth listening. I would also suggest visiting both schools. I know it's only two years, but you don't want it to be two miserable years. I love NYC and the lifestyle, but I've also never been to Chicago. My friend was debating between Stanford and Columbia for a PhD program and felt that Columbia was "cold" and the people just seemed "unapproachable" so decided on Stanford. So, by actually visiting the school, talking to faculty, and submerging yourself in the location/campus your decision may become a lot easier. If you know of someone who graduated from the MSW from both Chicago and Columbia I would also suggested emailing or talking to both and asking them how their experience was – what did/didn’t they like about their program. Hope this helps and ultimately this is a very exciting time in your life – you have choices between two really great schools so whatever decision you make, it will be a great one!

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but the Cal States don't offer any aid, right? Just the stipends that you have to apply for? I'm just trying to see which school will cost me the least

Oh wow, cool!!!! Congrats to you too!! Yay!!!! Is CSULB your first choice?

I just received this via email from CSULB: The School of Social Work is pleased to inform you that you will be nominated for admission to the University. If admitted to the University through Enrollment Services, you will be placed in: 2-Year Children, Youth and Families. Please note that final acceptance into the Social Work program is contingent upon your admission to CSULB by University Enrollment Services [please see Application Process chart on the School of Social Work website for further explanation of steps for admission - http://www.csulb.edu/colleges/chhs/departments/social-work/documents/2011-2012SchoolofSW3Phases.pdf]. Notification of University admittance usually takes a few weeks due to processing time, formal School of Social Work notification will follow shortly after that. Should you accept our offer, please notify us via email to secure your seat. Please remember, you must clear outstanding deficiencies (i.e. statistics prerequisite by July 1, 2012 and undergraduate degree by the end of Spring 2012) in order to complete the application process for the School of Social Work. Due to the volume of applications to our School, the applicant is responsible for ensuring that all documents, including a prerequisite transcript and/or a transcript verifying completion of an undergraduate degree, have been submitted to University Enrollment Services no later than July 1, 2012. If you accept this offer, more information will follow with the formal admissions documents. Thank you, Sounds rather odd - does this mean I got in?

Congrats Hannah! That's great news! When did you submit your application?

This is very admirable. Paying off $17k in one year! Amazing! I had only about 8k in undergrad loans and I'm taking my sweet time paying them off, but this has totally motivated me to really consider spending less on clothes, my phone and eating out. Thanks so much for sharing!

Wowza! Congrats on the funding!!!

Ellie, sorry I read your statement above wrong - I think you're talking about subsidized loans that folks are taking out now, like your husband who is in law school, and instead of the 6 months grace period it seems like they are already accruing interest this July. Sorry, for some reason I was thinking your statement meant that any and almost all existing loans, past July will begin to accrue interest, despite the loans being frozen because the student went back to school, but this is not the case. Thanks for the disclaimer. I know you're not a financial expert - this is a forum for goodness sake.

Ellie811, are you saying that when I go to graduate school sometime in August/September of 2012 I can freeze my undergraduate loans, but they will still accrue interest? I just read this about my Undergrad Federal Perkins Loan: For loans made on or after July 1, 1993, interest does not accrue during any type of deferment.

Thanks so much - I'll definitely google Heather Jarvis. Thank you so much!

Holy Cow - that's AMAZING Kristi28!!! That's a hell of a lot of money! Congrats!!!!! I guess what they say about UChicago offering a lot of aid is true!

Thanks arjayz - are you using Fastweb for scholarships? Do you know of any other websites?

Thanks roxyshoe, I agree! I'm not even done paying off my undergrad loans and I plan on working my butt off in a work study job also, so I definitely don't want to attend a school that offers me close to no aid. Do you know if we qualify for any Loan Forgiveness programs? I only know of some stipends in southern California.

There was a thread in another forum discussing what's the right amount of loans to take out for an MSW. There are a lot of folks on this thread discussing Ivy League schools and private schools and I was just wondering what your thoughts are about paying for the tuition? For those who have the money to pay, great, by all means these programs are great, and I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. However, for those who are considering taking loans, let's be honest, social work isn't the most lucrative career. Also, I personally have applied to Ivy Leagues, Private Schools and some Cal State schools and am highly considering the Cal States schools (if I do get in, don't want to jinx myself at this point ) just because the cost is significantly lower. However, I may consider going on to get my PhD and was wondering if WHERE I get my MSW plays a role in my chances of getting into a PhD program? Any advice or comments on this topic is much appreciated!

Allyba, that's a good suggestion. One of my recommendors, who is at USC has a PhD, and my other supervisor suggested I talk to him and ask him what he thinks. I love research and would love to teach, but I definitely don't think I could spend the rest of my life (or a good chunk of my life) writing grants after grants. I definitely want to be in the trenches and that's why I decided to apply for an MSW to begin with, but I also don't see myself doing clinical work for the rest of my life. However, I've met plenty of MSW/LCSW's who have gone on to do research and took more of a supervisor role, which is something I definitely want for myself. On the other hand, I've also seen my fair share of supervisors who have more than an MSW and who got into that position because they have more than an MSW. What I want for myself is to definitely gain the clinical experience. I think there are far too many folks in upper level positions who do not have the essential "in the trenches" experience. However, I eventually want to move onto a supervisor role (maybe supervising the clinic or becoming a District Chief in mental health). Also, a lot of schools, I've noticed are also offering a joint MSW/PhD program where you get an MSW and two/three more years you get your PhD, which I'm beginning to think is more me. Also, usually a PhD Program gives you a stipend. Anyway, if you have any thoughts on this, please let me know. Lastly, I'm not quite sure what you meant by: "Too much prestige in this field separates you a lot from the people you are hoping to help and work for anyways." I think you're saying that the people who you want to work for and with, aren't really concerned about prestige so it doesn't matter? Am I getting that correctly? If so, I think you're totally right, but I also think that prestige isn't a bad thing to have.

KMSW - Yes I agree with your statement about taking out an exorbitant amount of loans for an MSW. I realized I posted my Penn comment on the wrong thread, this thread was meant for SOUTHERN Cali, that was my mistake. Interestingly, there was this other thread about a bunch of folks raving about getting into Ivy Leagues and Private Schools, and don't get me wrong, these schools are great and have a great social work program, but many think it doesn't really make sense to take out a bunch of loans for an MSW. I wanted to know your thoughts on this? I'm aware of the Southern California Stipends and the amount UCLA, Cal State LA and Cal State LB offer and in what amount, but I was wondering what you think about the role of where you get your MSW relative to whether or not one plans on going onto get their PhD. I don't know whether or not I want to go on and get my PhD - it's very possible that I might continue on that path or just get my LCSW and do clinical work, but I was wondering if having a "better named" school would increase my chances of getting into a PhD Program? Thoughts on this? And thanks in advance.

I still haven't heard from Columbia! I'm getting a bit nervous. For those who have heard a response, when did you submit and when was your application officially "complete"?

Yes, I agree about being fiscally responsible, and I like the idea of taking a stand and sending them a message! But, can anyone also let me know their thoughts about my last point - possibly going onto get my PhD and the role that an ivy league or private school plays in that?

I'm so glad to see this thread. I'm grappling with the same thing. I applied to a variety of schools, a couple of Ivy Leagues as well as Cal State LA and Cal State Long Beach. Although an Ivy League or private school "looks better" is it really worth going into a ridiculous amount of debt, especially since the field of social work isn't the most lucrative field (I.e getting an MBA). I have heard from a couple of folks who say if you're considering getting your PhD (which I may continue to get) then a "good" name school is relevant, but does that mean your chances decrease if your MSW is from a Cal State? I don't think so, but let's be honest, getting a degree from a better name school does have its advantages. Thoughts on this?

Sure, I'll share. Undergraduate: UCLA Graduated in 2008 Major: Psychology and minor in Education GPA: 3.2 (I know, pretty low, but my last two years I did pretty well) Work/Research experience: 1. Project Manager of NIMH UCLA Mental Health Services Act (Prop. 63) Study evaluating the implementation of Prop. 63 systems of care on directly operated and contract clinics. 2. Project Manager of UCLA and LACDMH Evidence-Based Practices Study evaluating EBP's in school based agencies. 3. Associate Producer on UCLA and LACDMH Documentary Series filming variety of mental health clinics. In fact, please check out our films: http://www.pendari.com/DMH/DMH_Program.aspx?id=5 http://www.pendari.com/DMH/DMH_Program.aspx?id=7 LOR: My supervisor on the research studies above, UCLA Distinguished Professor I had during undergrad, and Associate Dean of Social Work Research at USC A lot of research experience, but it allowed me to really understand policy and I was also able to interact with clients, so I'm pretty sure that was a plus

Yeah I think you might be right well I'm still going to think I'm rather special for being admitted

Yes, log into your portal and look at the electronic letter that way. $24k sounds good for two years, but relative to their 48k per year price tag, that still leaves a lot of loans

For Penn's 2 year MSW program I was awarded $10k for Dean's Merit Award and $2k for SP2 Award = $12k total. This sounds pretty standard right? It's still a small amount relative to the total cost of both years which is around 80k, right? Any thoughts or advice on this? Thanks in advance!