emoleys

Greendiplomat's right in saying that SIPA's got an amazing EPD concentration. Most of the students that I've come in contact with at the Admissions Office are actually choosing that route. According to my peers in the program, the numbers in regards to fellowships on the webpage are actually somewhat inflated. This piece from the Morningside Post addresses that issue: http://themorningsidepost.com/2008/08/50-of-the-time-it-works-every-time/ This is not to discourage anyone from going. I'm actually attending because I strongly feel that SIPA's offerings far outweigh its costs. The events, conferences, faculty, students, and especially the Capstone project at the end of the program represent great opportunities to me. Also, SIPA's recent endowment acquisition may very well change the financial aid picture for next year's students, in terms of fellowship/assistantship opportunities. We shall see!

I just checked...I GOT IN!!

I have to remind myself that. I'm feeling so anxious!

For the first time, I am not thrilled that it's the weekend.

I'm not currently working, but am halfway through my MSW program. I have been and plan to do international social work, either in an advocacy or policy capacity for refugees.

For me, it's hard enough to spill the fact that I've been applying to a graduate program to my friends. I guess to post in Facebook and broadcast it so publicly would be even harder. Especially because a lot of my Facebook friends are just acquaintances. I think that I'll be happy to share the news with my friends and family in person if, God-willing, the moment strikes.

The Harvard program is great, I absolutely agree. I would definitely look into that MSW option with Simmons College, as it sounds like the dual degree option is something that you really are looking for. In the end, I think that getting your financial aid packages will be crucial to helping you make this decision. Columbia graduate school tends to skimp on their financial aid package, however, you will have to weigh that against the offerings of the programs and what NYC can offer you. I'm not as familiar with UW, so I cannot make any calls on that. In any case, I'm sure that financially, you'll be better off with a California school, however, Harvard is definitely a great incentive for getting out. It sounds like you are seeking some kind of change, and this very well can be the perfect opportunity to do so.

MSW is becoming an increasingly flexible degree. People can get jobs in corporate in human resources, policy positions in government agencies, such as the Department of Homeless Services, and of course, traditional clinical social work positions working one-on-one with a variety of "in-need" populations. This is a link to Columbia's Social Work School's videos on its different specializations and what people are doing with their degrees. It may help give you an idea on the possibilities that an MSW can have: http://vimeo.com/user3119951/videos/sort:date

It really depends on what you want to do. Are you planning to get a PhD in Public Health? If so, then I think that the Harvard route can give you tremendous support in pursuing that eventuality. If however, you are planning to just do more macro-level social welfare policy work, then the dual degree option sounds like a great idea at any of these schools you have gotten into, especially Berkeley or Columbia. These both are schools with very strong policy programs. UCLA is great too, however in terms of just California, I would personally favor Berkeley over UCLA simply because of strength of the Goldman school there. Like michigan girl already said, if you plan to get the LCSW, then staying in California is probably the best option, especially if you plan to pursue clinical work there. Yes, the LCSW exam is state specific, with California having the most difficult and stringent licensing requirements of all the states. If for example, you went to Columbia, the supervision hours that you pursue there through the MSW program will not be transferrable to California. You would have to re-do all the required supervised hours again there. Also, considering the costs of an MSW program, then taking advantage of the state-resident tuition fees is a great idea, especially if you can also earn some extra money at your current job during your studies. What exactly is your motivation for pursuing the MSW/MPH dual degree? That would help clarify where you can fit in best.

I only have one week till admissions decisions start going out and the waiting is wreaking havoc on my bank account. I can't stop shopping each time I worry!

Bruce Lee sends in a kick ass letter of recommendation for Chuck Norris...from the grave!

Social work programs are never well funded, regardless of where you are. That's simply the reality of this profession. Taking advantage of state resident tuition fees will help you plenty. Otherwise, in terms of fellowships, while I do not know of anyone that has gone to social work school with a fellowship, I don't think they are nonexistent, but they are hard to come by. Depending on the field work placement you get, if it is possible, perhaps you can see if the organization offers some sort of fellowship or scholarship opportunity. Often, these come with work requirements (i.e. you must work for them for some period of time after you graduate), which is why these already rare opportunities are given to 2nd year MSW students who are already set in their track and concentration. I'm currently doing my 1st year field placement with work study, where I basically get paid an hourly wage for my work. I don't know if all programs offer this, but it is definitely worth taking up with your program. Keep in mind that with work study, the money is not given to you upfront (along with any scholarship or loan money you are offered) towards your tuition bill, but basically a paycheck you get per pay period. Good luck!

I have my Mail program constantly on. Every time I hear that ding, I immediately click to the program. I'm expecting a response within the next 2 weeks. This waiting is only helping me procrastinate on other tasks I very much need to take care of (i.e. taxes, homework, etc.). I'm on the verge of tearing my hair out!

I keep daydreaming my rejection letter. It's always a Hallmark card. On the cover: "You're in!" and then inside: "NOT!" with a picture of Borat grinning crazily at me.

I'm full-time and I am definitely not working a job outside of my field work and classes. I work 3 full days a week (sometimes, depending on the demands of my clients I may go in during other days as well). The other two days, I'm in classes all day. If I worked a job in addition to this, I know that I would not have time to do my school work and still keep my sanity. If you plan to enroll as a full-time, you will have some time outside of your internship and school schedule, namely the weekends. However, I must caution that working a job during your MSW program puts you in danger of burning out. I have a classmate who attempted this and broke down during class during the semester. I'm not saying that it's impossible, but at your internship/field work, you'll be faced with some pretty intense situations and difficult work. You may also have frustrations with your classes. Having a regular social life (hanging out with friends/classmates outside of the school setting) really helps facilitate your processing of both your school and field experiences. I can see how a part-time student can make this work. Otherwise, I would advise you to attempt to get work-study (if offered) through your school so that you can get paid for the hours you work during your internship/field work. Good luck!

I'm applying to 1 program only. I'm hoping to do a dual degree. So this is it! If I don't get in, I don't know what I'll do....mostly likely drown my sorrow in a sea of beer. In fact, it'll be more like an ocean.

I agree also that you will be a strong candidate. I think you'll get in to all of these programs just fine. For MSW programs, the emphasis is on work experience and your commitment to "the greater good", which you will demonstrate in your SOP. Don't worry about the GRE scores, they do not actually weight that heavily in the admissions process. However, I'm sure if you have the time, improvement on your scores can only better your profile not just for admissions, but for the already scanty amount of financial aid available (ESPECIALLY if you're considering Columbia or USC). As a current Columbia MSW student, my caveat is that your experience will be highly shaped by who teaches the courses (as it will be anywhere, but for some reason, it is especially apparent here). There is a very obvious gap in the range of teaching abilities among the faculty. As such, choosing better professors has truly made a vast difference in my educational experience. As for the law minor program, there is actually a selection process that students must pass through in order to get into the program and actually take classes at the law school. Usually, they select about 10-13 students each year. The first semester, you'll take an additional legal course and depending on your performance there, you might get in. A plus, though, is that even if you don't get in, there is a required course on human behavior that is supposed to be a year long, but as a result of your first semester participation in the law minor program, you only have to take this course for a semester. I hope this is helpful! I went through similar sentiments during this application process as well, so I can totally relate!

I've been in SIPA classes and from what I've seen, the dress code is quite informal. Hoodies, jeans, you name it.

I really think you have nothing to worry about. Academically and work-wise, you're very strong. While your GRE scores aren't great, from my experience with MSW programs, I think that they are becoming less and less relevant in the admissions process. That said, I do believe that if you have time, you may want to consider retaking the GRE, not only to improve your profile, but also boost your chances of getting certain fellowships, scholarships, etc. To my knowledge, I think you'll have a great chance of getting into both Columbia and NYU. For the rest, I am not familiar with the programs so I cannot comment. Don't wrack your brains over the process too much. Just let yourself shine in the Statement of Purpose and you'll be fine.

I kept your comments in mind while I went over my personal statement again. I have submitted my application and hope all goes well. One plus, though, that I have found out is that on the most recent retaking of the GRE, I received an Analytical Writing score of 5. I'm glad that some of my studying has paid off.

GASP. A total novice mistake. I forgot to double space my personal statement.

Yes, I'm pulling for the Human Rights concentration and have done my best to address my interest in this area within the SOP. I did look over the blog more than a few times. It's been a tremendous guide. I have finished everything with my application, but am just going over it again and again to make sure it looks good. I'm planning to submit it either tomorrow or Tuesday with crossed fingers as I click that submit button!

My GPA is also worrying me as well. I hope the fact that there is an upward trend in my grades makes me more appealing to adcoms. I've retaken the GRE to no avail. I cannot seem to get my score up to where it should be to make a more competitive applicant. Nonetheless, I'll submit the application and see what happens.

I did do really poorly the first two years. I do try to address this in my SOP. I was at a 2.7 or so and worked hard my last two years, got lots As, and brought it up to a 3.2. I hope that does help. The GRE has been a struggle, I don't know why. I have studied hard and taken it 3 times. I just can't seem to pull up my score.