citychild

Yea, it's hard when you're a low-income high achiever, haha. I just don't want my current financial situation to be a barrier to PhD schools I apply to in the future.

I'm applying to Masters right now, I only mentioned PhD in context of the graduate schools I've been told to apply to. I'm just merely frustrated. Everything seems so expensive.

Cost of graduate schools floors me. Some top the $50k mark. REALLY?! Gawh, this is such a frustrating process. I'd like to get a PhD at some point and have been told to go to a top 20 school because of this. This matters. Beejebus, these schools are expensive. I have no parents. I'm completely on my own and cannot afford to commit financial suicide to go to graduate school. On top of that, I want to do macro which seems to be a joke with those two requirements. Oh, and I'd like some LGBT rights for my partner and I since we have none currently... but throw that in there and I feel like I need to surrender. Any advice?

Biological = Physical Psychological = Mental Spiritual = Well, if you're religious/spirital The paper is asking you to describe yourself in the physical, mental, spiritual sense. I'm a perfectionist, and I would classify that as mental because it drives me nuts sometimes, haha.

While social work is about alleviating poverty, it is also about social justice and raising awareness about issues both globally and locally. Regarding your experiences... I would say you'd fall more on the social justice aspect of it. I would somehow correlate how you were an unfocused and unpassionate (sp) English major who has found a passion for raising awarness about global poverty and inequalities. Something like that. I'm awful at spelling tonight.

I cannot speak for certain--everyone has different personality traits to highlight. I would say one that is customized for you as an individual. One that highlights specific skills you have, specific things you have done. Of course, it goes without saying, it must be a positive reference.

I'm at ASU now and after getting feedback from my professors and those I work with, they don't feel ASU would be able to tap into my skill set enough. Additionally, I'm miserable in AZ. I'm so bloody sick of 117°+ summers. I will be applying to Seattle, I"ll look into Hunter too. I used to live in NYC...

I would believe my application is competitive. I volunteer a lot (for about 6 organizations), conducted my own research thesis through the honors college, will have participated with 6 research programs--one for 5 semesters, have an internship only given to MSW students prior to me, will have 2 manuscripts under review before the end of October, won a national NASW essay contest... but I don't have too much paid social work experience largely due to my college obligations. Good to know about UChicago! Thank you for letting me know their financial aid packages tend to be strong.

So, anyone know of any other cost effective programs for macro social work? I'd hate to go direct practice because of cost being an issue. Here's my priorities when looking for schools: 1. Cost (and thus, must offer macro program) 2. Good public transportation 3. Cost of living or a way to get into the city/school from a cheaper neighborhood 4. I'd prefer to be close to the ocean. I'd lived in the desert for too long! My limit is really $20k but I will apply to UW Seattle just to see. More than likely, I will be pursuing a PhD at some point, so that is a factor too.

Perhaps some human/social services experiences would be useful. Also start establishing good relationships with some professors. Most schools (that I am applying to) require 3.

A lot of the schools tell you what sections to include. For instance, I am applying to USC and they tell you what order it goes in. MSDubbs - My resume is a constant headache. Right now, those are the sections on the long version of my resume but the short version can't be more than 2 pages so I have to cut sections out completely. I have a lot of experience, which is good, but a pain when there are page limits. On a slightly unrelated topic -- What do people think about LinkedIn? Do you include a link on your resume to show you're part of it? Does anyone else use it? I have found it to be incredibly helpful.

This is the way my long resume is set up. I may switch things up before I submit my apps though. Professional Profile (where I would put skills acquired from high school but not list them in the job sections) Education Field work experience research experience professional experience volunteer experience leadership manuscripts under review conferences training professional affiliations

I asked my references. I told them the policies of each school I am applying to, stated they may have to fill in information separately, and be contacted by each school. I confirmed each reference was okay with this. Luckily, they were. Therefore, I'm using the same references. But I got permission from them first before I assumed they were okay with it. I sent my resume via email to them as well as my LinkedIn page which is more detailed... as well as any information anyone requested. This helped the process along. I have also been updating them on the process as I go along so they can get a feel for when they well get those emails from the school.

As long as you have direct experience (you are in a social work setting at work)... I don't see a problem with it. Especially with places like BU or USC, the degree will state BU and USC not an online for-profit college (like University of Phoenix) which are known to be more of degree mills. I favor in person colleges but I know there are extenuating circumstances. As long as the college is in good standing with CSWE...

Honestly, and this is just my opinion, romance and love come when you stop intentionally looking for them. I met the love of my life while at a hospital... when I was not looking... nor involved with school or social work in any capacity. We have been together for over three years. I feel love is not something that can be readily planned. Love is in a constant state of change. Be patient... it is hard, I know. Just because you are not finding anyone out there in your specific field does not mean passionate men are not out there. I also think opposites attract. There are passionate teachers, doctors, engineers. The academic environment, especially at the level of graduate school, lends itself to passion for learning.

Yea, which is why I am not applying :-( I did talk to a rep with the school and they were very helpful but it's just too expensive :-(

I know UPenn is probably the most expensive school I considered... albeit briefly. I believe that program knocks on the $50k mark... but don't quote me on that.

MSDubbs -- You are right. I need to update my signature. Is there any other program I have overlooked?

All the schools listed in my signature do not require the GRE. I believe I have heard UW has a strong macro program... as does UMaryland which is pretty cost happy too.

I mentioned this elsewhere, but my priority with graduate schools is cost. I have been advised by a mentor to not exceed the $30k mark on tuition. However, my passion lies in advocacy and decent programs are harder to find. WIth that said, I plan to apply to 3 more affordable schools and 3 more expensive ones. So far, I plan to apply to: UW Seattle (expensive) Boston University (expensive) UIC Jane Adams (cheaper) U Maryland (cheaper) I'd like to apply to a school in California, but UCLA/USC/Berkeley are out due to the fact they require the GRE. I just don't have the energy for that right now. Any schools I am not looking at to apply to? My grad essay drafts are done for 3 of those schools (yay!).

Here is a great post about prestige/rankings: I am in a similar position as you--however, there is only one MSW program in my state and one I am uncomfortable attending. I am applying to approx 3 cheaper schools (all less than $13k) and 3 schools that are more expensive like BU. For me, the bottom line is the dollar sign as much as I wish it wasn't.

USC has a sub-concentration in military social work http://sowkweb.usc.edu/master-of-social-work/msw-degree/sub-concentrations/military-socialwork-veteran-services

I am not personally aware of any programs but I do know of some students that have petitioned to be considered for advanced standing past the limit of the school. Some have won, some have not. Maybe soemthing to consider.

I don't know what you're options are personally, but I have seen many non-online programs with less than $750 per credit tuition.

I never heard of the program but went to the Coucil on Social Work Education's website and foun their accreditation to be conditional: http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation/Accredited-Programs/18429.aspx I wasn't sure what that meant either, so I looked further. Apparently, an adverse action had to be taken against the school for this type of accreditation: http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation/2008EPASHandbook/Overview14745/COAPolicesandProcedures/AppealsofCOADecisions.aspx Personally, I would hold some hesitation. I understand the appeal of online programs but, especially for a Masters program, I would think there needs to be some interaction. I would call the school and ask about the accreditation issue. But I wouldn't just speak to staff because they tend to "say what they want students to hear" in many ways (nothing bad per se). Or call the CSWE and ask about it.