humblegirl
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Posts posted by humblegirl
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Wow after reading through the experiences of everyone on here I now feel extremely defeated. Sadly I do not have nearly the amount of volunteer experience as anyone here. I finished my BA this past Fall in Criminology so I don't have the advantage of having a BSW which apparently makes me less competitive off the bat. My GPA is below what it should be (2.8) which I know is a huge blow to my application. I do have an essay explaining the reasons why but still I don't know if it will be enough to increase my chances of getting into a program.
I did do an internship with a committee of the Dept of Defense for a semester and stayed on for the following year. It was mostly working with their public relations side and assisting members of the National Guard/their families with obtaining jobs in the civilian world. Following that I did an internship with my college's Office of Veterans Affairs to develop support programs on campus (PTSD group counseling, military significant others support group, and assisted in writing a grant for a new reintegration program with veterans who were just entering college). My goal in Social Work is to have a career with the VA or some other organization that works with Veterans/their families. the MSW programs I'm looking at applying to have concentrations/coursework with Veterans/Military personnel so I'm hoping my experience with Veterans and the DoD will help a little. A few years ago I volunteered at a public school within their special needs department but that's about it.
Most of my paid positions were in retail/office work. I just recently started working as a Case Manager with the Red Cross as part of their disaster recovery program. In that position I am working with people effected by Hurricane Sandy who are displaced or are just now starting to get back in their homes. It entails a great deal of advocacy, coordinating services with other non-profits, and developing a long-term care plan for the clients so as to get them as close to "normalcy" as possible.
Overall I don't think I'm a strong applicant after reading all of the great work the people in this topic have done. Is it better to hold off on applying till I have more experience? Blah
I have a friend who graduated with a BS in Psychology and a BS in Criminology last year. She's currently in an MSW program. I have never heard that having a BSW gives you more of an advantage. I guess in a sense it does because you can complete your degree sooner. Be assured that they will evaluate your application holistically. I don't know the circumstances affecting your GPA, so I can't speak to that, but people do get into graduate school even if they don't meet the minimum GPA requirements. How strong do you think your LOR's were?
It sounds like you have some great experiences. If you explained how your values align with your program(s) of interest and the social work field in general, you'll probably be okay. If you don't get in this time, you can always contact the programs and ask how you can strengthen your apps in the future.
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Eek. My fiance joked about doing that and I shuddered at the thought. I can definitely understand being mortified! I bet it happens more often than we might think. They probably got a laugh out of it. Your dad's got your back.
My dad once told me about a co-worker whose wife came in demanding where the h*ll her husband's check was. Everyone laughed about it and the guy didn't get fired. Probably the same kinda thing here. -
I ran a talent show to purchase supplies for an orphanage while I was in high school.
I served 10 months in AmeriCorps NCCC (one of the most phenomenal experiences of my life).
I ran a small nonprofit organization for a few years.
I've been a foster parent.
I currently volunteer for an organization that assists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
I've participated in the McNair program at my university, which included a research internship, presentation that aired on local television, and a publication.
A few conference presentations, guest speaking opportunities (such as a scholarship essay writing class)...
Also, my mother has Bipolar I, which taught me crisis management skills at a very early age. I know they say grad school committees don't want to hear sob stories and the general "I want to help people" line, but when you think about it, we all have personal experiences that laid foundation for pursuing a career in this field.
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I had the same thing happen to me! I assumed that process was initiated after a student was admitted. Darn! I'm wondering if I should assume a rejection since the "orientation" weekend is supposed to take place in a few short weeks.
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Good, I think. I had fun - got to meet other students and had a blast. Back to normal just in time to leave for Minn tomorrow!
You seasoned traveler, you.
Safe travels! -
Received a generated email from WUSTL saying that due to the large number of application they received this year, they will be sending out decisions within the next two weeks. Ugh, I was really hoping I would find out by today....oh well, the wait continues..
That bites! Sending positive thoughts your way!!
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I'm an Oregon resident also (although a transplant....)
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That sounds like a good sign to me, tbh.
I'm exhausted, just got back from my visit weekend and have another one in three days. brb, crashing...
Yikes! How did it go?
I tried contacting the program and haven't received a response yet. The graduate school said it sounded like good news, but best not to assume anything until I get something official from the program. Oy!
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I got admitted to WUSTL with a 20k scholarship!!!! Just checked online and it said decision rendered and had a little section where I could access the letter. *SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE*
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On 2/12/2013 at 10:11 AM, CaliGirl-MSW said:
I've hear amazing things about WUSTL. I just wish they would tell us already!!!
Agreed! These next few days are going to be TORTUROUS.
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I believe I received the same email (from Ms. Simmons) on Dec 27th, and yes mid-February can't get here fast enough!
Is this your first choice?
I didn't apply to a wide variety of MSW programs, although now I'm wishing I did. I'd definitely take WUSTL over ASU.
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My stuff all got in right on the deadline (12/15) (my recommenders were slow). I'm not sure if it helped, but I had made a visit to WashU in October, so I had talked to them before.
That's awesome! Did you visit your other schools of interest as well? What was WashU like? I've heard it's beautiful and the people are very friendly. Hoping to have a chance to visit in March...assuming all goes well with my app. =\
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I submitted it on Dec 10, but it wasn't posted as 'complete' until Dec. 27 due to the holiday, I think.. How about you?
I called a week ago, they said it takes about 6-8 weeks...this is my 7th week..
I submitted by Dec 14th and received a confirmation email from the department on Jan 4 stating that my application was complete and that the Admissions Committee anticipates releasing admissions and scholarship decisions around mid-February.
Come on, Feb 15th!! lol
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humblegirl, I'm on the same boat...it has been about two weeks since my status changed to 'under review'. I log on daily, nothing changes :/ It is driving me nuts!
I wonder how many apps they get per year. Some online site said their admissions rate was better than 50/50. I was wondering if that was correct......
When did you submit your application?
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I did not. But I got a letter. (And an email about a week later)
When did you apply? Thanks for answering my questions, btw!
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I heard back 2 weeks ago! Hopefully you'll hear soon
Were you the one that posted in the results forum? I have been wondering if I'd hear via phone, letter, or email. I've been logging in daily and it still says my application is under review. Guess no news is good news for now!
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I didn't, but I am an international student so it might be different for me. I definitely think it's a good sign. Did they ask you to give them more information?
It wasn't a personalized email, but basically the contents said:
"We are processing your application for financial aid and need to confirm the information submitted on your 2013-2014 FAFSA. To ensure that your award reflects the most accurate information, follow the steps below to learn what forms are being requested."
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I just turned 30 in late Dec.
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OK...so maybe I am reading too much into this, but I got an email from OSU about needing more info for financial aid. I was under the impression that schools don't process financial aid info for non-admitted students. I logged in and my app is still "under review" and I haven't received anything in the mail. Anyone else receive the financial aid email?!
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Anyone else waiting to hear back from WUSTL? Hoping to hear from them by next Friday. Soooooooooooooooooooooo anxious!!
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Graduating with my BSx2, working somewhere to earn some extra cash, and then packing and moving. I'm actually starting to purge now.
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Mail just ran and nothing here, either. DOH
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Anyone else hear anything today?
Has anyone applied to HDFS?
in Waiting it Out
Posted
Not I!