MSW Applications Fall 2020

[ZoeD]

5 hours ago, JilltheGradgal said:

Hi all! 

I've been reading this thread since the fall and wanted to hop on and actually share my thoughts! I only applied to NYU and Columbia and was accepted to both! Im having a really difficult time deciding which program. I received very similar scholarships, so I'm even more torn. I'm hoping to either be a school based social worker, child welfare or work within juvenile detention centers. I'm not sure what my ideal job would be, I just know I am very interested in working with youth and using trauma informed care. If anyone has any tips or insight, Id love to hear it. Also!! I went to University of Denver for undergrad, I took a few classes in the school of social work. So if anyone has any questions about the school/campus or Denver in general, Id love to chat!! Feel free to send me a PM! Thanks

Hey! I am interested in school social work as well, particularly in urban communities where mental health resources may not be accessible in schools. What drew me to Columbia rather than NYU was their research capabilities. I did a ton of digging on their professors and research work done by them, and there are a lot of interesting and exciting initiatives happening around school-based discrimination and other relevant issues.

NYU has great clinical capacities, but I think CU offers a more wholistic balance between macro while still offering a ton of clinical training opportunities (ie their DBT program). Personally, I think it is important to be macro and policy aware even if you are planning on doing  clinical, micro work, especially if you are working with historically underserved communities. 

[Paul-BSW]

1 hour ago, madisonc7 said:

My gal asked me about what I really wanted to do with my future, whether I thought I'd be more macro or clinical. Told me a little about the school. Asked what type of field placement I'd be interested in and what skills I thought I could bring that would be an asset to the community. Then pretty much answered any questions I had. Maybe 45 minutes.

Thanks for sharing this, it may be useful for me too, CU just confirmed my interview for next week. Can't wait!!!

[Mmgaf]

4 hours ago, SWColumbia said:

Ahh - makes sense, are you set on Penn?

I am, I’m planning on going into policy/NPL in the future so I’m doing their dual degree MSW and masters in social policy. I also live in dc and would love to come back to the area afterwards, so the proximity is great for moving and possibly job search

[MCSW23]

18 hours ago, Mmgaf said:

I did at Penn and am still waiting! They say 3-4 weeks for review

Who did you contact to start the negotiation process?

[daddydevito]

I would definitely love to connect with other folks that are based in New York (Brooklyn) to have support throughout this MSW application process. I've been accepted into NYU but am waiting to hear back from Hunter (my top choice) and Columbia.

Edited February 21, 2020 by daddydevito
accidentally posted to wrong thread that was meant for the hunter post but still wanna connect with others!

[Mmgaf]

29 minutes ago, madisonc7 said:

Who did you contact to start the negotiation process?

There’s an email address and directions in the acceptance letter right after they list scholarship amount

[savannah723]

On 2/20/2020 at 1:56 PM, basw said:

omg this made my heart so happy, I went to UT Knox for undergrad!!! I didn't apply there for my MSW but if you get in and have questions about anything pls let me know

thank you!! have you heard of anyone getting accepted for advanced standing yet? I am in review under the program right now and not sure how long that process takes!

[NE17]

On 2/20/2020 at 12:25 PM, HKC said:

Just got my financial aid offer from Michigan, FAFSA and merit based. Not great.... was hoping for more. Did anyone else feel like they didn't get the best offer from UMich? 

I got the same thing and was definitely disappointed because U Mich is one of my top 2 schools. Are you going to go with another school that gave you more $$ or ask for scholarship reconsideration? Never thought about appealing a scholarship decision but it seems like folks on this forum have tried it

[NE17]

Has anyone been successful in asking for a scholarship reconsideration? Never thought of it as an option until reading this thread, and I'm wondering what people's experiences have been?

Also would love to hear from anyone who's asked for an extension on giving the schools a final decision-- definitely feel like I need more time but not sure how to go about it.

[Polcc]

8 hours ago, NE17 said:

Has anyone been successful in asking for a scholarship reconsideration? Never thought of it as an option until reading this thread, and I'm wondering what people's experiences have been?

Also would love to hear from anyone who's asked for an extension on giving the schools a final decision-- definitely feel like I need more time but not sure how to go about it.

email admissions and ask them if it’s possible and who you can contact about it. I asked for an extension until a decision has been made about my scholarship reconsideration and was given a very long extension. just explain you’re struggling to make a decision or waiting for another school, whichever is the reason

[amb22]

for anyone who has asked Columbia for an extension, how'd you do this? Ive tried calling them literally 10x and they never ever answer lol. do you guys just email them? and if so which email address? thanks!!

[rockroad29]

13 hours ago, NE17 said:

Has anyone been successful in asking for a scholarship reconsideration? Never thought of it as an option until reading this thread, and I'm wondering what people's experiences have been?

Also would love to hear from anyone who's asked for an extension on giving the schools a final decision-- definitely feel like I need more time but not sure how to go about it.

I have done it once with a small private graduate school in CA (non-MSW). I was given about 40% off the whole tuition (it was a very expensive school) but asked for reconsideration, 3 times. The process lasts over a month and I even went in for a follow up in person with them. I sent in everything, family income, parents supports, current financial aid I was receiving from my undergrad (it covered 100% tuition and living expenses), bank statement and a letter explaining the situation (I made it every brief and told them the amount of money I would be able to afford). I ended up getting 100% tuition waiver but still had to let go because of living expenses. 

I'm a first generation immigrant & college student. Everything in my resume (fellowships, conferences, etc) was all fully funded so it was very obvious about the amount of money I can afford. The only income I had was from work-study and I did 20 hours a week for the whole 4 years of undergrad. 

I would suggest everyone to ask for scholarship reconsideration if you need to. There's nothing you can lose. 

[Polcc]

22 minutes ago, rockroad29 said:

I have done it once with a small private graduate school in CA (non-MSW). I was given about 40% off the whole tuition (it was a very expensive school) but asked for reconsideration, 3 times. The process lasts over a month and I even went in for a follow up in person with them. I sent in everything, family income, parents supports, current financial aid I was receiving from my undergrad (it covered 100% tuition and living expenses), bank statement and a letter explaining the situation (I made it every brief and told them the amount of money I would be able to afford). I ended up getting 100% tuition waiver but still had to let go because of living expenses. 

I'm a first generation immigrant & college student. Everything in my resume (fellowships, conferences, etc) was all fully funded so it was very obvious about the amount of money I can afford. The only income I had was from work-study and I did 20 hours a week for the whole 4 years of undergrad. 

I would suggest everyone to ask for scholarship reconsideration if you need to. There's nothing you can lose. 

@NE17

 

^^ my statement said pretty much the same thing, I also attached offers from another school as requested if I had any. I 100% financially support myself as my parents are not around so I don't have much to fall back on. I was very specific with numbers and explained how much I would need. I settled for a lower number rather than asking for it all to be covered but this would make it 42% off of tuition if I'm granted the amount I asked for. I would also suggest filling out any additional forms at the financial aid dept if you are requesting summer loans/work-study which I did. I would call the dept directly and ask. 

 

Im not sure about fin aid in terms of grants for grad school but in undergrad I spoke with fin aid dept and was awarded and extra 2k grant every year because I appealed it. I believe scholarship amount and fin aid dept can be different depending on the school. Again, I don't know if grants are a thing in grad school but I would plan on appealing that as well. Luckily my program is only 1 year because I am advanced standing which makes everything a lot more manageable aside from not being able to work full time hence needing living expenses loan in my case. What school are you trying for?

[NE17]

4 hours ago, rockroad29 said:

I have done it once with a small private graduate school in CA (non-MSW). I was given about 40% off the whole tuition (it was a very expensive school) but asked for reconsideration, 3 times. The process lasts over a month and I even went in for a follow up in person with them. I sent in everything, family income, parents supports, current financial aid I was receiving from my undergrad (it covered 100% tuition and living expenses), bank statement and a letter explaining the situation (I made it every brief and told them the amount of money I would be able to afford). I ended up getting 100% tuition waiver but still had to let go because of living expenses. 

I'm a first generation immigrant & college student. Everything in my resume (fellowships, conferences, etc) was all fully funded so it was very obvious about the amount of money I can afford. The only income I had was from work-study and I did 20 hours a week for the whole 4 years of undergrad. 

I would suggest everyone to ask for scholarship reconsideration if you need to. There's nothing you can lose. 

Oh wow okay super encouraging, thank you!! I had a similar experience with undergrad, I'm first generation American-born, my tuition was covered 100% and even had a scholarship to cover living and other expenses, and worked 2 jobs including a work-study position. I'm going to try what you suggested. Did you go straight to grad school from undergrad? 

[NE17]

4 hours ago, Polcc said:

@NE17

 

^^ my statement said pretty much the same thing, I also attached offers from another school as requested if I had any. I 100% financially support myself as my parents are not around so I don't have much to fall back on. I was very specific with numbers and explained how much I would need. I settled for a lower number rather than asking for it all to be covered but this would make it 42% off of tuition if I'm granted the amount I asked for. I would also suggest filling out any additional forms at the financial aid dept if you are requesting summer loans/work-study which I did. I would call the dept directly and ask. 

 

Im not sure about fin aid in terms of grants for grad school but in undergrad I spoke with fin aid dept and was awarded and extra 2k grant every year because I appealed it. I believe scholarship amount and fin aid dept can be different depending on the school. Again, I don't know if grants are a thing in grad school but I would plan on appealing that as well. Luckily my program is only 1 year because I am advanced standing which makes everything a lot more manageable aside from not being able to work full time hence needing living expenses loan in my case. What school are you trying for?

I'll definitely try this, thank you!! I was accepted to UNC, U Chicago, U Mich, and Columbia but thinking about cost of living and everything I think my top 2 are currently UNC and Michigan. I haven't gotten financial aid or scholarship info from UNC yet, but I'm talking to an admissions counselor from Michigan on Tuesday and will definitely bring this up to them. Congrats on advanced standing though, that one year will def save you $$. Where are you going to go?

[Polcc]

3 hours ago, NE17 said:

I'll definitely try this, thank you!! I was accepted to UNC, U Chicago, U Mich, and Columbia but thinking about cost of living and everything I think my top 2 are currently UNC and Michigan. I haven't gotten financial aid or scholarship info from UNC yet, but I'm talking to an admissions counselor from Michigan on Tuesday and will definitely bring this up to them. Congrats on advanced standing though, that one year will def save you $$. Where are you going to go?

awesome, good luck! hopefully good news. i’ll be going to BC starting in june

[Jen985]

On 2/20/2020 at 5:37 PM, msw715 said:

Thank you!! I'm definitely going to Penn  I was really interested in their GRI program and I've worked in prisons before so it's definitely a fantastic fit for me. Plus I love the Philly area! I visited the campus back in September for an info session and fell in love with the school/program

That's so exciting!! Penn seems great. I've looked at their PhD program a few times and if I decide to do my PhD down the road I'll definitely apply there. What type of work did you do in prisons?! That sounds amazing. It sounds like you really got your perfect fit in terms of a school and program

[Jen985]

On 2/21/2020 at 5:32 AM, JilltheGradgal said:

Hi all! 

I've been reading this thread since the fall and wanted to hop on and actually share my thoughts! I only applied to NYU and Columbia and was accepted to both! Im having a really difficult time deciding which program. I received very similar scholarships, so I'm even more torn. I'm hoping to either be a school based social worker, child welfare or work within juvenile detention centers. I'm not sure what my ideal job would be, I just know I am very interested in working with youth and using trauma informed care. If anyone has any tips or insight, Id love to hear it. Also!! I went to University of Denver for undergrad, I took a few classes in the school of social work. So if anyone has any questions about the school/campus or Denver in general, Id love to chat!! Feel free to send me a PM! Thanks

I dont have any insight, but I might also be attending Columbia I'm debating between the University of Michigan's 16-mo program and Columbia's two year MSW. I had initially declined Columbia for a January 2020 start date then regretted it and reapplied for the Fall..so... my only advice is to really think about it because you might regret turning down one if you act too quickly like I did haha. I've heard NYU only does clinical, so if clinical is your goal, that's one thing to consider...but on the other hand..and this is where I'm at in my thinking with Columbia too- Columbia has professors from all over, and from all backgrounds. I feel like theres a depth and breadth of learning there that is hard to find in many other programs. 

[Jen985]

10 hours ago, amb22 said:

for anyone who has asked Columbia for an extension, how'd you do this? Ive tried calling them literally 10x and they never ever answer lol. do you guys just email them? and if so which email address? thanks!!

Id email them- they tend to be pretty quick with emails!  

[perfectamity]

19 hours ago, rockroad29 said:

I have done it once with a small private graduate school in CA (non-MSW). I was given about 40% off the whole tuition (it was a very expensive school) but asked for reconsideration, 3 times. The process lasts over a month and I even went in for a follow up in person with them. I sent in everything, family income, parents supports, current financial aid I was receiving from my undergrad (it covered 100% tuition and living expenses), bank statement and a letter explaining the situation (I made it every brief and told them the amount of money I would be able to afford). I ended up getting 100% tuition waiver but still had to let go because of living expenses. 

I'm a first generation immigrant & college student. Everything in my resume (fellowships, conferences, etc) was all fully funded so it was very obvious about the amount of money I can afford. The only income I had was from work-study and I did 20 hours a week for the whole 4 years of undergrad. 

I would suggest everyone to ask for scholarship reconsideration if you need to. There's nothing you can lose. 

I never thought that I would be able to ask for a reconsideration more than once. This is very hopeful!! I was waiting to ask for reconsideration until I had more offers. Now I don't think I will do that.

Edited February 23, 2020 by perfectamity

[Paul-BSW]

Hi guys,

Out of curiosity and desire to learn from others. 

Please, if you would, kindly share your insights/thought about what might be the benefits and/or disadvantages of generalist VS specialist MSW or either of them. 

Thanks 

[ayshaface]

37 minutes ago, Paul-BSW said:

Hi guys,

Out of curiosity and desire to learn from others. 

Please, if you would, kindly share your insights/thought about what might be the benefits and/or disadvantages of generalist VS specialist MSW or either of them. 

Thanks 

Hi Paul!

 

I think it really depends on what you're looking to get out of your MSW degree. For example, I'm interesting in more one-on-one interactions as opposed to things like policy and case management, so I'm going to have a clinical concentration. Obviously every area of social work has macro aspects (case management, system management, etc.), but depending on what your overall career goals are a more generalist approach or a clinical approach will suit you better. Are you looking to work with individual clients? Or are you more interested in an overall or global perspective of how a client fits into the overall system?

Disadvantages I can see is if you go to a school with a more generalist approach when you know that you want to work on an individual basis, you might lose out on additional education in those regards. Same vice versa. To be honest though from every therapist and social worker I've talked to, you learn the MAJORITY about social work from your internships and practicums.

[Paul-BSW]

7 minutes ago, ayshaface said:

Hi Paul!

 

I think it really depends on what you're looking to get out of your MSW degree. For example, I'm interesting in more one-on-one interactions as opposed to things like policy and case management, so I'm going to have a clinical concentration. Obviously every area of social work has macro aspects (case management, system management, etc.), but depending on what your overall career goals are a more generalist approach or a clinical approach will suit you better. Are you looking to work with individual clients? Or are you more interested in an overall or global perspective of how a client fits into the overall system?

Disadvantages I can see is if you go to a school with a more generalist approach when you know that you want to work on an individual basis, you might lose out on additional education in those regards. Same vice versa. To be honest though from every therapist and social worker I've talked to, you learn the MAJORITY about social work from your internships and practicums.

Thanks, I really value your response.

The thing is that I have already chosen Policy related concentration (thinking long-term) in the few unis I have applied to but deep down in me - I'm also good with working with people on individual basis, plus there is a part of me that loves teaching - meaning I'd love to do PhD in the future maybe 'cos I have education background and now finishing BSW. So, this is why am now thinking/researching about generalist. 

[RachelBMSW]

I did not get into Berkeley MSW and I had a 3.51 GPA from UCSD undergrad and 2,000 hours from mostly social work from the last ten years. I also will be completing a one year masters from UCSD this Spring, so I am not sure what the MSW from Berkeley is looking for! I am a former foster youth and worked directly in the field. Waiting on SDSU right now and they are my first choice. 

Edited February 23, 2020 by RachelBMSW

[NE17]

18 hours ago, Jen985 said:

I dont have any insight, but I might also be attending Columbia I'm debating between the University of Michigan's 16-mo program and Columbia's two year MSW. I had initially declined Columbia for a January 2020 start date then regretted it and reapplied for the Fall..so... my only advice is to really think about it because you might regret turning down one if you act too quickly like I did haha. I've heard NYU only does clinical, so if clinical is your goal, that's one thing to consider...but on the other hand..and this is where I'm at in my thinking with Columbia too- Columbia has professors from all over, and from all backgrounds. I feel like theres a depth and breadth of learning there that is hard to find in many other programs. 

Hi Jen! I'm also deciding between schools at the moment, 2 of which are Columbia's 2 year and Michigan's 16-month programs. How has the decision process been for you, and what things are you considering as you're debating between the 2? I'm finding it really hard to decide based on anything other than cost of attendance/cost of living in the difference cities and would love to hear your thoughts