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!

Thank you!! I was really shocked - I honestly was not expecting to get in, so it was an awesome surprise. I think I am now leaning heavily towards Smith - what appealed to me about U.Denver was the fact that they offer an animal assisted therapy certificate available for MSW students. However, they apparently also have a similar certificate which anyone can take/earn, so I think it will be better to go to Smith, and then earn the certificate at Denver. I'm really drawn to the extended field placements and clinical focus at Smith too. I like the block scheduling too, I feel like the separation of "academic" work and field placements will enhance learning and focus in each. So the smith Financial Aid forms - they're separate from the FAFSA? I got an email telling me to fill out those forms, but when I've clicked on the link it just directs me to "fill out the FAFSA if I haven't done so already"

Ok I may be eating my words about Noho...I just got my acceptance letter, and I'm really shocked, but so friggin excited! I *am* tired of being in/around Noho, but -- Smith has a seriously incredible program, and I'm not going to choose my school based on where it's located. On the plus side, it would be an easy transition, geographically... Until now, I was really 99.9% positive I wasn't going to get in, and Denver was my first choice. Now that I have the option, I'm finding it really tough to make a decision...!! (I'm not even considering the other two I applied two anymore). Smith was my first choice at the beginning of my application cycle, then it began flip flopping with Denver. How do I choose?! They both have things I want, and don't want...

Did anyone apply to Smith? I just got my acceptance letter, but no financial aid offer yet. For anyone that's been accepted, have you received financial info yet?

I went to a small state university in MA where I started to major in Soc., and a lot of the classes were offered online, in addition to in-class. I'm not sure if you'd still pay out of state tuition or not, since it's online, but I can tell you it's definitely an accredited, legitimate school and that I really enjoyed the Soc. classes there. You're welcome to PM me for more details, if you're interested.

Has anyone heard anything more from any of their schools lately? I am still waiting on 3 of the 4 I applied to, but really the only one that could hold a candle to DU is Smith, and even then, DU is coming out ahead. I am so grateful to have learned that a well off and very generous family member has offered to cover the difference between any scholarships/grants I may receive, and tuition cost, so I don't have to take out more loans for school. I can't even begin to express my gratitude and appreciation for this!! My next challenge though is cost of living. Is anyone else planning to take out loans for personal/living expenses (food, rent, books, etc)? This is making me a bit nervous...I just did the exit counseling on my undergrad loan, and it included info on graduate loans. The interest is higher, and there is no grace period (though you can apply for deferment). And of course, adding that to undergrad loans turns my stomach, but I suppose it has to be done, no matter where I'm in school. I don't think I can do school, field placements, *and* enough hours of work to make a dent in my expenses. I'm not even sure if the graduate loans I read about are the types of loans that I could use for personal expenses. In undergrad, when I asked about taking out money for living expenses, the financial aid office basically just said "You can have up to X amount, and Tuition is only (about 1/2 of that), so you can take out as much or as little of the remaining amount that you want for any expenses. Just verbally tell us how much you want, and we'll make sure you get it." (A little too easy/scary, I know). I know I should be more aware of my how these things work, but no matter how much I read about and look at my loans, it's super confusing. I'll definitely be talking to Fin. Aid wherever I go, about this, but in the meantime - does anyone have any knowledge on this subject? (Also, does anyone know how to cross post things? Is it just posting it in two different places, or does it involve tagging or something? I feel like this could be a good question for the general SW forum, or "The Bank").

The admission deposit!

Congrats Kristin!! This reply is probably late enough that you've already gotten your letter, but yes - I did get one in the mail a few days after the buttons popped up. It included the admissions decision, a tuition scholarship offer (other scholarships and financial aid info coming mid March), info on submitting an admissions deposit, and info on logging into web-central, to access resources for admitted students. If you got your letter yet, did it include your DU id# and info on the admitted GSSW students group? We've got a good message board going there where people are getting to know each-other. You should join in, if you haven't yet! I agree that because DU offers such specific, customizable MSW options that very few other programs offer, it is probably worth the cost. I am extremely grateful and excited to have recently learned that a well-off family member has offered to cover the difference between my financial aid offer, and cost, so it is very likely that I'll be accepting. Right now I'm just waiting to hear back from the rest of my schools, just in case of the unlikely event one of them offers me some amazingly ridiculous scholarship or something that would make me consider going there instead. Hopefully financial aid will be generous with us both..we should find out in a few weeks - I can't wait!

Sociology/Crim Lady, I am so sorry about your brother's wife! I'm sure this is a really difficult time for you, and having to make a decision about grad school on top of this is probably very stressful. I too live an hour from home and am contemplating moving pretty far away for Grad School, so I can understand your concern. I would echo what the other posters have said though - that the "what if"s shouldn't hold you back from a school (or for any aspect of life, for that matter). However, if family closeness (regardless of possible emergencies or bad things happening) is something that is equally or more important to you than what you are studying, it is a legitimate concern to take into the decision making process. Some questions you might want to ask yourself would be: 'Can I afford to fly(or drive) back home when I need/want to (and how often could I do this)?" "Am I doing this because *I* want to, or because I feel my family wants/needs me close by?" and you may also want to compare how the closer-to-home schools compare to the farther away ones in terms of your wants and needs from an education. If they are equal or one closer to home is better, then it might make more sense to stay closer to home, or vice-versa. I would also advise that because the grief you must be experiencing right now is extremely powerful, that you maybe wait to think about this issue more in depth until a little later (if possible - I know deadlines approach quickly). This experience may make you more inclined to make a decision that you would not have otherwise made, and you may want to make sure you're a little more objective when you make the decision. Have you received decisions from all the schools yet? It may be best to wait until you receive all the offers (of admission and of financial assistance) first. Have you talked to your family at all about your concerns? What are their thoughts? I know they support you and are proud of you - are they in agreement that the best school for you is where you should be, regardless of anything else?

rjose, I know that feeling - I hate it when your application being "incomplete" is the fault of the school you're applying to (whether because they've misplaced a transcript, or have taken forever to process something, had a glitch in the system, etc...). It really does feel like by the time everything is finally complete, our apps are at the bottom of the pile - through no fault of our own! I know (or at least hope) that's probably not the way it works and that they do give our apps their due consideration, but it is hard to avoid feeling that way. Plus, like you said - it draws out the waiting!! The part that stresses me out the most in these situations is that if they take awhile to process/review/make a decision about the apps, they might not let us know by April 15th, when our other schools need a decision!! What does one do if they've been accepted someplace(s) but still want to compare offers from other schools, and the deadline is fast approaching? I'd be really upset if I was waiting for my first choice school to get back to me and accepted a less desirable offer because of time pressure and the fear that I would give up option B for option A possibly not accepting me. :-/ One thing I wish I'd realized BEFORE starting the grad school application process is that whatever the deadline is for all materials to be in, you should really consider the deadline to be 2-3 months earlier. Rrrgh.

Just got my "official" letter today (I had emailed the admissions assistant the other day about the buttons which he confirmed did mean I was in)! It included info on a "GSSW tuition scholarship" for $14,000 total (at first I thought it was 14,000 a year, which had me psyched. 7,000 a year is nice, I'll take any "discount" I can get, but U.Denver is super expensive even with that). Apparently tuition scholarship amounts are included in acceptance letters, then other financial aid info (loans, work study, other non-tuition scholarships) comes mid-march. Kristin, I bet you'll get your decision by next week or so, if your app was complete 1/24. My application was officially complete as of 1/17, and the admissions buttons popped up on Valentines day, so the decision a came in a little less than a month- just to give you an idea of the time frame. However, you're right that it could take longer because of the Peace Corps Fellowship. Ahhh I'm so excited - this is my dream program, and after doing a lot of research and talking to Denver residents, the city sounds amazing. I'm only worried about the expenses and loans :-/ I'm trying not to stress until I find out what else I get in March, but it's tough! I'm not sure how much it makes sense to take out in loans, given that SW isn't a well paying field...but on the other hand, We've all worked damn hard to get where we are, and we deserve our dream school, if we get in, right? I went through community college and my state school (I've been itching to get out my home-area since high-school, so it took a lot of willpower to stay here haha) to keep my loans down, in the hopes that I could splurge on the grad school I really wanted to go to, but even that still resulted in a good chunk of debt. So what do I do now?! When it comes to money, it can be hard to know where the draw the line between dreams and reality...