katiemk1230

I'd say if you're looking for land for your pup to roam on, Hadley, Florence (technically part of Noho), or areas of Easthampton provide the great combination of town and country (a few things to do within the town, good nature scene, and not too far from downtown Amherst/Noho centers). If you're looking for even more rural with a not-too-bad-commute-distance to Amherst, I'd say check into Leverett, North Amherst, and Pelham. Also - I'd wager a guess that Easthampton and Hadley would be cheaper than the other places I mentioned, if that helps. Too "city" or too far "country" are both equally expensive.

I'm assuming that for most students, *some* debt is going to be inevitable. That being said, how much depends on the school, and any scholarships/grants/etc they give you. I'm not sure about scholarships or fellowships there are out there (not connected to individual programs), but I have heard of some programs that could potentially pay some or all of your loans off, after school...I'm sorry to say I don't know too much about them, but here is a link to some information on the NASW website (and I just noticed they mention that they offer some scholarships as well): http://www.socialworkers.org/loanforgiveness/default.asp However, I will pass on the advice that was given to me on this subject in a different thread and say not to count on loan forgiveness programs when considering how much debt to take on (though I'm sure you're not planning to). My last thought on the subject is that if any of your in-state schools offer MSW programs, they might save you a lotttt of money. It sucks that our financial situations determine where we get to go to school (to some degree), but I don't think state school programs are lesser than other programs. Even if it's not a "top" school by rankings, I think internships are going to be your biggest launching pad in terms of finding a job after graduation - not necessarily the prestige of the school. Good luck!

I would say you should probably stick it out. It sounds like you were very sure of how much you loved your program before the breakup, but that the negative feelings you're dealing with as a result of the breakup are interfering with your normal feelings. I'm wondering if your feelings of doubt, lack of motivation, fear, social anxiety, and not enjoying the things (school) you used to enjoy might be some depression sneaking up on you? I mean obviously a breakup can make you depressed, but if it continues on for awhile or if it becomes unbearable, you might want to try to talk to a counselor perhaps at your school (which should be free). Even if you don't feel like you're depressed, I'd still talk to someone before making the decision to stop your program, if that's what you want to do. I'm not saying that you'll go back to feeling like you did about your program, at least not right away, but even if you don't actively enjoy parts of it, I think you'll be glad you finished the degree, down the road. If these feelings are the result of the breakup and you don't continue on in the program, you could be really upset about that later on! Don't let your ex ruin this for you - you can do this!!

Maybe it depends on required vs. optional reading (though then you get into that gray area of whether or not "optional" really means optional)? They may also be arriving at that figure under the assumption that you'd buy books brand new, and maybe from the campus bookstore. For example in undergrad, buying books at the bookstore might have run me 400-500, but renting them on a site like chegg or buying them used off amazon would cost me half that. I'm not sure if it's going to be more important to own your books in grad school than in undergrad, but my input is to rent if at all possible. Not only is it cheaper, but they tend to have wider selection and you don't have to hunt down the right edition of some book at a decent cost.

My utilities bills in various areas of Western Mass (never specifically Amherst) have been relatively the same, with cable and internet ranging anywhere between 65-115 depending on bundle packages/whether they're separate companies, etc; electric being around 50ish; heat/hot water a few years ago (oil) was about 500-600 a month in the cold months for an entire house, (though this varies extremely from place to place...insulation, what type of heat, how big of a place you have, how warm you have the house...). Gas right now is around 3.87 or so. I just heard about this site, today...it might help you find cheap gas prices in the area: http://www.massachusettsgasprices.com/Amherst/index.aspx

I think it depends on how many people have declined offers. As far as admission goes, I have heard it's not terribly competitive. I declined my offer of admission (It's a great program, I just chose one that would be a better fit for me) about a month ago, so there's at least one spot potentially open now! They're really expensive, so I think that might have something to do with why they admit a lot of people - they probably know a good chunk of people won't attend due to cost. However, I don't know if it works this way -- but maybe it's possible that if say, 20 people decline their offers, all with small scholarships, that they might have more money left over now to give to new applicants? When you get your admission letter, you will be notified in that letter of any *merit* based scholarships, and then you will receive any other scholarship information in your financial aid letter. I believe they started sending out financial aid letters mid-march, so you would probably get yours soon after an admission decision. In any case, you should know soon what the verdict is - they are very good at getting back to people a.s.a.p. with decisions. Good luck!!!

that is fantastic, congratulations!!! Also, I'm not sure if you got an email/postcard yet (though if not, you should receive one soon), but there is a welcome reception for admitted MSW students on April 17th, on campus. I'm looking forward to going and meeting our future classmates and professors!

Congrats!! I will see you there in June!

Congrats on Michigan!!

Hi everyone! I will be attending Smith for the MSW program starting in June (27 month track, not advanced standing). Are there any other decided or potential smithies-to-be out there (for social work, or one of the other graduate programs)?

Also, Hogs of War - love the pic. You better call Kenny Loggins, cus' you're in the....danger zone!

Hi MissH, Are you debating between Simmons and Springfield? Is Salem still on the table too? Springfield is a *fantastic* school, but I second what Hogs of War said about the city of Springfield being very depressed and having high crime rates. As you know, Noho is a bit pricey - but, Easthampton is pretty decently priced and is quite the up and coming little town. I lived there for 4 or 5 years and found it fairly safe, and pleasant. The art scene is starting to sprout up a bit, and there are more and more things to do and places to go every day. An added bonus is that 91 is 5-10 minutes from anywhere in the town. From Easthampton to Springfield I'd say is a little under half an hour. A friend of mine who still lives in Easthampton will also be going to Sprinfield for the MSW program, and she says it's a pretty manageable commute. There is also Chicopee, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, and West Springfield, nearer to Springfield - though I don't know a whole lot about any of those towns. There are also *parts* of Holyoke that are really nice and reasonably priced, but definitely check out the area before signing a lease because there can be huuuuuuge differences between two areas even 5 minutes from each other. If you have any questions about more specific areas/places to go/things to do around the area, feel free to pm me!

I'm probably biased as I've just accepted my admission offer to Smith (and also don't know anything about Columbia or NYU), but I can tell you a few things about it: 1) It's expensive, but not *as* expensive as some other private schools. I applied to U.Denver as well, and Smith was almost $10,000 cheaper even after a DU scholarship. Not sure how those costs compare to Columbia and NYU though. 2)They don't give out much in merit scholarships (almost all scholarships are need based. Loans are a definite possibility though). 3)What made me choose Smith was talking to the social workers I know who have graduated from the program. All of them said they got an amazing education, loved the experience, and that they (and other Smith MSW graduates they've known) have never had trouble finding a job. 4)The huge emphasis on clinical practice. If this is your passion, Smith is a great place to be - it is a clinical only track. (18 of the 27 months are field placements!) 4.5) Smith has fantastic field placement contacts/agreements all over the country. 5) The thesis...not sure if this is a plus or minus. I'm terrified of it, but I know it will enhance learning. 6) The community: I grew up in Northampton, and it's a super supportive community. I imagine (and from what my Smith MSW contacts have said) the Smith community is equally supportive. I know it's small, which is a plus in my book. 7)Cost of living/loans - probably a lot cheaper than NYC!! Northampton itself is a little pricey, but 10 mins away in either direction (Hadley, Easthampton) is very reasonably priced. If you end up choosing Smith and/or want any more input on the school or the Northampton/Western mass area, feel free to PM me.

Wasn't going to get myself anything, but...just got into and am planning to attend my ultimate, way beyond reach program!! Sooo...definitely going to get myself a school sweatshirt, and because I'll desperatley need dressy clothes for field placements - shopping "spree" (aka mostly goodwill and some supplemental old navy or j.c. penny ). Woo! Too bad they have to be grown up clothes. I also third the "I wish I could afford a tattoo" sentiment!!!

Awesome, thank you so much!! And I'm crossing my fingers for you, for an acceptance!