TLC

I didn't touch on the part about stress but maybe somebody else will chime in

I personally dont borrow notes from people who have completed the program. I dont know anybody who does. It behooves me to garner my own understanding from what I am reading. Out of my four classes so far, one has required me to take quizzes or tests. This is my research class and my professor is renowned in the social work field. He is passionate about his work and researched contribution to the field. he pushes us to the limit. Conversely, he is the only professor who teaches research to that extreme at the school. A typical week for me looks like this: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday I have my field practicum which is 8 hours a day. Wednesday I have two classes and friday I have two classes. The reading averages between 400-500 pages a week. We have readings from our textbooks, assigned articles, websites, periodicals etc. We come to class prepared to discuss and apply the readings to our practice. The papers in my program are not too long, they average between 10-15 pages. But we have had 10 so far this semester and four pending for finals. Midterms and finals for my classes are all given out and generally due at the same time. On top of the readings and papers we have presentations and things of that nature. My experience will differ from others on this forum. I am going full time and that plays a role into the expectations of the program as well. I suppose students help each other.... I dont like relying on others to be thorough in their readings so I do them on my own. Another thing that I should add, many programs require students to do process recordings at their internship. Essentially you write down your interactions with your clients (verbatim) in one column. In the column to the right you write down your thoughts and questions. Feelings that may have come up, etc. And in the far right column your supervisor writes his/her thoughts on the encounter. These are very time consuming but helpful. Please forgive me if I am not clear. I am typing this as I am on the train and I am in a bit of a hurry. MSW programs are intense. I was was suspicious when alumni of my program told me this is the hardest thing they have ever done. They were not exaggerating. My program is considered 'rigorous' and that couldnt be farther from the truth but I dont regret my decision for a minute.

Chrislee, those are my sentiments exactly. I didnt want to be so direct. This community needs a 'like' button.

Its never too early to practice prioritizing and self care. I feel myself thinking I don't have time to see friends, exercise, etc. because of all the time and effort it takes to juggle _________________ now that I am at the tail end of my first semester and in the thick of finals. That being said, it can be done . Waiting was brutal for me as well but when the first acceptance letter, phone call, or email comes in it will all be worth it. Handle all that is within your power and if something is out of your control let it go. Serenity comes to mind...

bellebruin- SDSU sends out acceptance letters in March. I know several graduates of the MSW program as well. If you have specific questions you are welcome to inbox me, or I can answer them openly. Your choice.

Looking at your other posts, since you have a BSW you can apply for advance standing at most MSW programs. If you are admitted you can complete the program in a year. Have you looked into this?

I have scoured these posts and done in-text searches and have found very little concerning commuting from Haverhill Ma. Its 40 miles north of The Fenway but I understand that can translate into well over an hour if there is traffic. I will be going to Simmons twice a week and don't know which is better; driving or the commuter rail/ Green Line. I am from the West Coast and am a novice to driving in the snow (it frightens me actually) and am very new to Boston. My classes start at 8 AM on Wednesday and I will be out by 3 PM. They start at 11 AM on Friday and I should be out by 6. Any opinions or suggestions? Thank you in advance.

Do any of you plan on getting some made? I figure they may come in handy when networking at field placements, conferences etc. I also feel they may be pretentious. Thoughts?

Im almost afraid to ask this question, but what do people think of Barry's MSW Program? I was reading the magazine 'Social Work Today' and saw an advertisement for the program that said you can complete it in 7 months. I was weary of that and did further research but it looks like its a bonafide claim for advanced standing students. Traditional full time students can complete it in 4 consecutive semesters (you begin in fall and graduate the next fall). It is fully accredited as well. I did not look at what ranking the school was in because that does not interest me, but I would assume the ranking position sways a lot of applicants when they apply to programs. The program is entirely clinical and that may be unattractive many students as well. Lastly, it is based in Florida so I would assume that geographical preferences/restrictions would also play a role in a students interest to apply. What is most attractive to me is finishing the masters program an entire semester early. Is there another reason I am not seeing a lot of discussion about this program on these threads? Is the program disregarded for reasons that I am not aware of or am I looking too deep into it?

Their deadline to apply was January 15th. People who are admitted have ten says to accept or decline. Is that what you wanted to know? I declined a month ago

Give it back? I hadnt officially hit 'submit' yet, and called them and told them I was no longer interested in applying.

Oct 15th 2012

I heard a few weeks ago via postal mail. A regular sized envelope and not a large one

@MagieC- When I went to their info session they stressed that it was binding....

I applied Oct 15th and it was complete October 20th. It was for the regular two year program. I was very very very overzealous and wanted to go there. Then, on the 25th of October I found out the military was moving me to the east coast, thus the reason why I applied to schools over there. Now somebody on the waiting list will be able to get my spot, so its a win-win. Good luck to you :-D

Oct 15 2012. I was very overzealous because back then SDSU was my top choice

Just got into SDSU :-)

I just got into SDSU :-)

@Kmed...Im going to Simmons :-)

@Kmed- I was on moe before and didn't see Boston University. No need to answer the obvious :-)

@Kmed I thought I was the only one making this insanely expensive trek :-) I would love to stay here and go to SDSU or another Southern California program but the military has made that impossible. What programs are making you consider Boston?

I am moving from San Diego to Boston...

I have to implement a study and get analyzable results before the end of the semester. You are right, interviews are not feasible and questionnaires are much better. I am waiting on a correctional facility to get back in contact with me regarding providing me access to their residents.... The requirements are 1- Develop a hypothesis 2- Choose an appropriate method to test the specific hypothesis 3- Design a psychological study using various research methods

I have ideas but I am having a hard time developing them... For example, I would like to explore my idea that California is lacking in the rehabilitation of their correctional program. I feel inmates are released without guidance and are almost set up for failure. I would imagine I could interview recent parolees in half-way houses and ask them their objective or subjective opinions about the rehabilitation process of the CDCR... I really don't have fluid idea... Another rabbit hole that I went down was to explore DCFS and the poor emancipation process for foster youth at the age of eighteen...

I have to expound on an idea, conduct the research, and analyze the results, and prepare the paper. I did not ask for anyone to do my homework. I asked for a topic/experiment idea.