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Hey there, This is my first time using Grad Cafe, not sure if I'm posting in the right spot but I'm interested to hear from those of you who are applying for an MSW anywhere in Canada in 2018. What kind of work experience is most relevant? I've potentially found a job working in the registration department at the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario screening applicants from prospective therapists - would you say that looks favourable on an MSW application? Thanks for your input!

Hello All, I just wanted to create a section where we can share any news, or progress regarding Spring 2018 admission into Fordham University's MSW Program. According to admissions, the application will open up either July 1st or Mid July (around July 15th).

Hi Wassup guys! Happy Friday or (or Happy Day)! I hope everyone is enjoying their day. Its acceptance letter season and I am so glad the applying stage is over. Even more happy that I got accepted into the Fordham, Columbia, and Hunter/Bank Street Program Although I am very excited about the prospects of attending any of these programs, I am leaning towards Columbia. However, I have concerns about the costs and loans. Is there a way to leverage my financial aid packages to lower the costs? Or any other approaches to help me lower the costs and loans? Please let me know very excited to start my career with the lowest amount of loans possible

Hey everyone! It's already October (.......), I graduated from the MSW at U of T in June 2017 and remember this forum being quite the comfort during application season given how obnoxiously anxiety inducing the process was. Feel free to post about the ins and outs of your process, it's important people have an outlet (#selfcare) and a social network. I'm rooting for ALL of you, if you have any questions just inbox me :D.

Hey fellow coffee drinkers! I am currently applying for MSW programs (USC, BU, Columbia) and am experiencing an internal battle on whether I should go for a Macro Program or a Micro program. I have a BA in Psychology and Economics and have been working in a venture philanthropy fund for the last two years doing research on high impact organizations. I am quite aware that with a background like that, I should be going into Macro due to all the management/organizational level experience. The reason I am getting my MSW though is because I want to work more directly with beneficiaries. My question is, can I do a Macro program (leveraging my work experience and reinforcing it), and end up focusing on Micro post degree (if I fall in love working with individuals in that capacity)? If anybody has come across any problems with choosing one over the other, and regretted it at some capacity afterwards, please share Thank you!

Hello Columbia hopefuls! As I was researching information about Columbia's MSW program several months ago, I came across a tread on this site for applicants for Columbia's Fall 2017 cohort. Applicants used the forum to offer encouragement and guidance through the application process, as well as provide updates about acceptance, financial aid, stats, and other things. It looked like it was tremendously helpful for them to have a community alongside them in the process (especially in the dreadful wait to hear back about acceptance). So I wanted to create an open thread for those applying to Columbia's Fall 2018 MSW cohort. Use this thread for questions about the application, updates about acceptance, and anything else related to the application season for Columbia Fall 2018. I look forward to hearing from others who are hopeful to attend Columbia for their graduate school and hope to see some of you in the fall!

I'm a senior at the University of Michigan applying to MSW programs and I'm trying to decide how many I should apply to. I currently have a 3.166 overall GPA (3.4 psychology) but with an 3 credit A+ this term and 14 credits in the fall I plan to get A's in it should go up to at least a 3.2. I have some experience volunteering this summer and I'll be volunteering at 3 places this fall and I'll have a year or so of research experience in one lab (which also includes human service ex: running a clinic). This summer I volunteered in a lab running participants in experiments and will be working in another this fall transcribing interviews on sexual assault in college. I have fairly strong writing skills. I am planning to apply to 4 in-state schools: University of Michigan (1), Wayne State (38), Michigan State (32), and Western (71). I've compiled a list of out of state schools I'm interested in along with their ranking and cost that I'll list here in case anyone has any insight into the programs there: (3) University of Washington: $33,732. (10) Boston College: $35,520. (10) University of Pittsburgh: $30,540. (12) Boston University: $33,280. (12) University of Wisconsin - Madison: $25,314. (17) University of Illinois: $29,238. (17) University of Maryland - Baltimore: $35,000. (22) Fordham University: $27,210. (22) Rutgers University: $28,656. How many would you apply to if you were in my position? Thanks!!

Hi, all. I know this is a looong explanation; please bear with me, because I desperately need advice! **Background: Got BA in Psych, then worked as a community support provider for a year at a MHC for adults with mental illness. Fall 2016, I applied for a MSW program and got in. I've been at school for 4 weeks (I'm no longer at the job). Problem: Up until spring of 2017, which was AFTER my program accepted me, I wanted to be a therapist. I am introverted but (IMO) good at helping people work through their problems, and I generally enjoy doing so. But I often found my MHC job to be incredibly stressful, and many of my therapist coworkers seemed overwhelmed, stressed, and didn't particularly like their jobs. A couple quit or moved departments because of the huge caseloads, bunches of paperwork, and stress of the job (seemed like a bad sign). However, I had already formally decided to go to school, so I continued with that plan. Honestly, I loved and cared about my clients, but I found the constant worries of suicide (and homicide) were too emotionally taxing for me despite being fairly successful at my job. After the first half year, I started dreading work because I'd worry so much, in spite of my previous training. I found it difficult to have the energy to do anything after work. Self-care and coping skills helped somewhat, but I still did not often look forward to my job. This intensely concerned me, because I want to have a career that helps people, but one that I can also enjoy (aka stress is manageable) and that is sustainable for me long-term. My professors seem to think I just need better coping skills, but I'm not sure that the intensity of SMI/crisis clinical work is for me. But, it's hard to give up my dream of therapy. I don't want to continue with my MSW for no reason, but I don't want to give up on it too early, either. I have faith there could be a clinical career out there that fits me. Thus, I was thinking I could: 1. Shift my career focus to addressing people's general life problems ("counseling"?), not geared toward SMI. Sort of like counseling psych v. clinical psych. I thought this might decrease the number of crisis situations that always sent me into an internal tizzy. But is this kind of work even possible for a SWer to obtain when just starting out-- or even in the future afterward? 2. EAP counseling, because it seems to me this is also more life-problem and not crisis/SMI based, and I could merge my Psych and Business interests. But it appears difficult to break into that field. Am I being unrealistic in hoping to do more "general counseling" or EAP type work? Should I go find something more "behind the scenes" to do with my MSW? (I've thought of grant writing or program planning, but have no current experience there.) TL;DR : Find working with/counseling SMI/crisis clients very stressful- wondering if more general counseling about life issues, or EAP careers, are realistic and less stressful for a future entry-level MSW grad. Desire to help others while moderating own stress level for more sustainable career. Willing to consider other options if suggested.

I am considering going back to school for an MFT or MSW here in California so I can practice as a therapist. However, I am an American and British citizen who will likely move back to England at some point given I have some family in the country and was partially raised there. So I am just wondering if there's any American therapists on here who have moved to England and managed to qualify with the BPS, and how that whole process worked? If not, does anybody have an idea what to do in my situation? Are the qualifications about the same? Or would I have to re-train entirely/do a year extra if I moved back to London? If anybody could give me any advice, that would be brilliant. Thanks so much!!!

Hi all, new here.I will be a second year MSW student this year and I am wondering when the proper time is to begin applying for jobs in this field? I want to get a head start and hopefully have a job before graduation, but I don't want to apply too soon either. I was thinking of putting applications in around October-November. Is this too early? Any advice is much appreciated! Thanks.

Hi all! I am new to this forum, but need some advise! I am planning to apply to MSW programs for enrollment in the fall of 2018. I am originally from the San Francisco area and am interested in staying in California. I am currently looking into applying to UCLA, USC and Berkley. I graduated with a Psychology and Sociology degree from Boston University with a GPA of 3.73. Most of my professional experience has been in research as I am also applying to PhD programs in psychology, but I am mainly interested in clinical mental health, and would be interested in working directly with patients in a private practice or hospital setting in the future. Anyway, my question is for anyone who knows about these three programs. What are the advantages and focuses of each? What are the cons of each program? I would also love to hear any general information about any of these three programs. Thanks!

Can not having the right references weaken your application? If the graduate application asks for references or recommendations from certain faculty members from the undergraduate school you attended but you don't use these references can this weaken your application?

Has anyone got accepted into an MSW program lower than a GPA of 3.0? But has a strong background in the social work field such as, volunteer experience, field placements and etc.

Anyone have info on Lehman? The placements and supervisors? I've applied to Lehman as a backup in case I don't get into Hunter. I must stay in NYC, and though I've been admitted to Fordham and NYU, they are so expensive (even with merit scholarships), that I'm leaning toward staying within public institutions, even if it means Lehman, which ranks low.

I'm considering applying to CUNY Hunter MSW Advanced Standing Program. Who do I give my two core competency forms to fill out? Is it my field instructor or my field supervisor. I believe my field supervisor at the placement will know more about my performance and skills since we worked together. But please give me feedback if your pass applicant to this program! Thanks!

Hello! I'm looking to see what ideal GRE scores are for MSW applicants? I'm planning on applying to UNC- Chapel Hill, UGA, UT-Austin, UMichigan, UI-Chicago, and FSU as of now. I know ideal score may vary from school to school but just trying to get and some insight to what scores admissions are looking for, I would really appreciate it! Also, if anyone has any other school suggestions that offer Dual Degree Programs with an MSW and an MPH or MPA please let me know as well!

Stuck in the middle. Really like the clinical program for Boston, but Columbia is a huge name. Boston is a 3 year program and you can continue to work and volunteer Columbia you cannot work, the work-load is very intense. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I wish there was s forum where current students would chime in on there experiences. I see a lot of people posting but no actual peer to peer support thereafter.

Hey, everyone! After reading many successful past forum threads for MSW applicants, I decided to start one myself for everybody! From what I saw, so many people took comfort in talking to one another about their stats, stress/anxieties, questions, schools, etc. that I believe it would be beyond beneficial for us. Good luck everyone and I look forward to chatting with you!

Hey guys! So I am graduating from my undergraduate in a couple of months and am starting to apply to schools for a MSW. My major in undergrad is marketing but I have taken more liberal arts courses for electives than anything else. I've always known that I wanted to help people, I just didn't necessarily know how I wanted to until I took multiple psychology courses. Now, I don't have much social work experience other than some psychology, sociology, philosophy, and government classes. I also have only had an internship with Veterans Affairs and I am still a year-round intern for medical social work (started as paid but went to volunteer after a certain date). I have been active in the past (high school) in Best Buddies and have mentored freshmen as a senior in high school. I don't have much volunteer experience throughout my college years. I have transferred two times -- I started at one school, I was pretty much bullied out of it, and went to just any school to get away. From that new school, I transferred again to the school I am graduating from. The first 2 schools I didn't have amazing GPA's... first was a 3.2-3.3 and the second was a 2.5. I am going into my final term with a 3.72 GPA with a major GPA of a 3.8. Do I have a chance of getting into an MSW program? I am looking to go to either New York University, Columbia University, or Hunter College. Thanks for the help guys!

Hi Everyone, So I haven't been officially accepted yet but I have recently completed a group interview at Silberman School of Social Work for their Two Year MSW program and I think it went very well. I am excited because I really wanted to get into this school due to its low tuition cost and because I feel the program is right for me. That being said, now that I have a very real possibility of getting into this program I am starting to become very stressed out about what I will do if I actually get in. I ALMOST regret applying this year!! So, my conundrum is that it is a full-time program (no part time option available) and according to the staff you go to class for two days (5 classes total I think) and attend your assigned field practicum for 3 days a week. Total taking up 5 days a week. I don't know quite what the actual hours are like for class and practicum, just that I will be doing something school related Mon-Fri. However, the practicum is unpaid! So, I am really stressing out about how to work while I am in school and the prospect of having to give up my job (I work 40 hours a week 12pm to 8pm at a homeless shelter). I thought about doing overnight, late-night, and weekends. I am trying to avoid overnight work or work that is TOO late because I really do not want to burn out and would like to be able to focus on learning and avoid mindlessly grinding through this period of life. I would have a long commute as well. That being said, I have nothing inherently against going to school full-time and not working in general. Ideally, I would like to give my education a lot of attention. In undergrad I did not work (although I had multiple time consuming internships). I don't feel comfortable not working this time around however because I desperately want to be more independent. I am in my mid twenties and still live with my parents, I also lived with them through undergrad and commuted to school. I am also afraid of taking on too much because I am in a serious committed relationship that I have obligations to as well. My boyfriend is very eager to move in together but I can't afford it right now and if I can't work or must work/make less then I will really have to post-pone moving out (I am afraid this will cause problems in my relationship which is more stress for me). Similarly, I feel like not having a job is a step-backwards for me because I went so long without having my own money and largely relying on others even for basic things. In addition, I don't anticipate having quite as much help this time around either so I really need money to support myself even if I stay living with my parents. Anyway, I realize a lot of this is very much my subjective wants and worries but I want to be honest about my concerns and learn from all of you. Right now, I am considering finding a job that I can work from home or one that is just on the weekends but I guess I might really need to stay at my parents house.. I really don't want to though and am desperate for a change of pace/scenery. Like, I really want to live a different life than I did in undergrad. I know mid-twenties is not THAT old and honestly I know more than a dozen other people who still live with their families because the ny-metro area is just expensive like that but yeah... I honestly would've considered saving up more money and post-pone graduate studies instead of applying when I did so I can at least focus on moving out and stuff.. however it is very difficult to find a well paying job in my desired field and my end-game of becoming a clinical social worker is not possible without the masters/licensure so I can't really make much more money or achieve my goals without trucking on with my edu. I know working and going to school is very possible depending on your program/field of study, financial situation / amount of support, and many other things. My boyfriend doesn't make that much (more than me) but will not be able to support me through school (I know some people do that). I just would like any insight or advice anyone would have for me in this particular situation. Also, if anyone has any real experience with completing this program then please share! Thank you!

Hey guys! So I am graduating from my undergraduate in a couple of months and am starting to apply to schools for a MSW. My major in undergrad is marketing but I have taken more liberal arts courses for electives than anything else. I've always known that I wanted to help people, I just didn't necessarily know how I wanted to until I took multiple psychology courses. Now, I don't have much social work experience other than some psychology, sociology, philosophy, and government classes. I also have only had an internship with Veterans Affairs and I am still a year-round intern for medical social work (started as paid but went to volunteer after a certain date). I have been active in the past (high school) in Best Buddies and have mentored freshmen as a senior in high school. I don't have much volunteer experience throughout my college years. I have transferred two times -- I started at one school, I was pretty much bullied out of it, and went to just any school to get away. From that new school, I transferred again to the school I am graduating from. The first 2 schools I didn't have amazing GPA's... first was a 3.2-3.3 and the second was a 2.5. I am going into my final term with a 3.72 GPA with a major GPA of a 3.8. Do I have a chance of getting into an MSW program? I am looking to go to either New York University, Columbia University, or Hunter College. EDIT: I would like to add that my ultimate career goal is to work at the VA Hospital as an LICSW while also having my own clinical practice (my business degree wouldn't go to waste).

Hello everyone!!! I hope everyone is having a great day!!! I am writing because I need some guidance. I am applying to MSW programs for the Fall of 2018. I am currently looking at CSU's. While looking at their admission req's they seem to be pretty low (i.e. 2.5 gpa for the last 60 credits, etc) I am wondering if anyone knows about how difficult and competitive the CSU MSW's are... I have been looking online everywhere for guidance about ranking, difficulty, acceptance rates and cannot find anything. I am looking for schools where I have a chance of getting in, so even though their req's are low they typically accept way above that... I have emailed the admin counselors for the schools I want to get into and never heard back... when I call the offices they give me non-descript answers. I feel like I am not finding help anywhere.... I am so nervous! I applied to an MSW last year, SIUE, and they denied me and didn't even tell me why! That is why I am so nervous applying again! For background.... My last 60 credits GPA is a 3.708- I graduated Cum Laude (the school I transferred to does not take into account prior GPA's from other schools) (the CSU's I've looked at look at the last 60 credits) My total is a 3.3 GPA I interned at the Public Defender's office in Veteran's Courts, produced research from my experience, and help produce change to better protect veterans in the justice system I am volunteering with veterans now ( but do not have a year under my belt) I was very involved in campus activities I am (attempting) to write an inspiring personal statement I have great lor's I am thinking about apply to CSU: San Marcos, Dominguez Hills, East Bay, Fullerton, Bakersfield, Long Beach, LA, Northridge, San Bernardino, Loma Linda Azuza Pacific.... Does anyone have any comments about the schools above? Does anyone know about MSW's who are not super selective? Do my accomplishments seem to be in line with the school I am applying to? Does anyone know of some concrete resources I can go to for help? Does anyone have suggestions for other MSW's? At this point I do not have any direction and feel totally in the dark as to the schools I am applying to. I am so lost and anxious and it is killing me! Any direction would help! I apologize for the long post!

Hi all, I'm considering applying to some online MSW programs (Indiana University, LSU, University of New Hampshire, etc) and have a lot of questions. Here are my specific questions: What online program did you attend? How did the program help you get a field placement? Where were your two field placements? And for anyone in the SF Bay Area...were you competing for field placements with UC Berkeley, CSUEB and SFSU students? Were you at a disadvantage? Have you had to note (to a potential employer, for example) that your degree was online at any point? If anyone can advise I would be really grateful! Thanks so much for any insight you can offer

Hi all! I am interested in pursuing an MSW at NYU because I like the clinical focus of their program and the opportunity to earn a dual degree in child development. However, I am originally from California and would be planning to move back and begin my career there with the goal of working toward LCSW licensure. As I understand it, transferring test scores and supervised hours can be difficult in California, as well as meeting the other state requirements. Does anyone have experience with this who can offer some insight and advise?

Hello, I'm 30 years old and have been working in human services for the past 9 years; 3 in in-home care, 6 in mental health/suicide prevention. I have reached a point where I need to either get an advanced degree or change fields. I'm very passionate about empowering others and am intrigued by the opportunities that an advanced degree would offer. I was thinking of getting an MSW with the intent to eventually become a LCSW. That said, I've heard every extreme from, "you will never earn anything, get any recognition, and be completely burnt out" to "an LCSW is a great opportunity and the median salary is $65,000; naysayers are thinking of a BSW." Could anyone help me to parce out these variances in opinions? I'm aware of the good, bad, and the ugly of social work in general but not in terms of an advanced degree. I have a heart for both macro and micro social work and am not in it for the money, but I would like to have the ability to one day own a small home, pay basic expenses without sleepless nights, be able to occasionally go out with friends or take a modest vacation, and have an emergency savings. All things that are difficult for me right now. Essentially; to live a very modest middle-class lifestyle. Is this possible? Would I be better to change fields? Is there another degree that would be similar but more suitable for this? (Since I've been working privately for the past 3 years and just moved to a more metropolitan area I feel a bit out of touch in terms of who to ask of my contacts.)