MSW Applications Fall 2021

[cccrsn22]

2 hours ago, lil_lil said:

I applied just after the priority deadline, something like 12/10. 

I see. I might be later than you then. I'm not sure if they go by who submitted first if it's within the same deadline!

[annadreams]

18 hours ago, MSW_2021 said:

I was accepted into both NYU and Columbia and having a hard time deciding where to attend. Anyone here in the same situation and has already committed to either of the schools? If so, why did you pick one over the other?

I posted a response to this same question from another user a little while back - page 29 of this thread, or check my profile to find it! The short version: I recently talked to someone who picked NYU over Columbia. She said it was because NYU seemed more clinically focused overall, and that it has a broader and/or more psychodynamic orientation (vs. CBT). That's one person's opinion (and she is a person who wants to work as a therapist as an LCSW in private practice). This general impression has been echoed by others who I have talked with in the field.

(It could be worth noting that I personally decided not to apply to Columbia, so I have likely not investigated the "pros" of their program deep enough, or to the same degree of research as how I am evaluating NYU's program.) 

I'm not sure what your personal criteria or wishes are for deciding on the programs, or also what it is that you are more broadly hoping to get from the MSW degree and experience of study. With more info, others may be able to steer you or give you more tailored insights. Good luck in your decision, and congrats on all your acceptances!

[aaj12]

On 3/15/2021 at 1:37 PM, fiofarrell17 said:

aw, bummer! hopefully they respond soon, fingers crossed it means they're busy preparing admission emails to send out this week or something ?

I just heard back from SDSU! They said to expect a decision "around the beginning of April" via email

[IamBritney]

On 3/10/2021 at 9:24 PM, LYSSA3816 said:

I have an interview for CSUF on the 17th too ! I heard they are group interviews maybe we have the same time slot? Lol 

Maybe! Mine is 2-3 pm

 

[MSW_2021]

2 hours ago, annadreams said:

I posted a response to this same question from another user a little while back - page 29 of this thread, or check my profile to find it! The short version: I recently talked to someone who picked NYU over Columbia. She said it was because NYU seemed more clinically focused overall, and that it has a broader and/or more psychodynamic orientation (vs. CBT). That's one person's opinion (and she is a person who wants to work as a therapist as an LCSW in private practice). This general impression has been echoed by others who I have talked with in the field.

(It could be worth noting that I personally decided not to apply to Columbia, so I have likely not investigated the "pros" of their program deep enough, or to the same degree of research as how I am evaluating NYU's program.) 

I'm not sure what your personal criteria or wishes are for deciding on the programs, or also what it is that you are more broadly hoping to get from the MSW degree and experience of study. With more info, others may be able to steer you or give you more tailored insights. Good luck in your decision, and congrats on all your acceptances!

I also heard NYU is more clinically focused which is why I'm drawn to it. I know Columbia also has a clinical concentration but it seems they're more known for macro and policy. I feel like I might get better clinical training at NYU. Are you going to NYU?

[NCD365]

Just wanted to give everyone who's still waiting a heads up I just got a decision from Simmons! They emailed me to check my portal. I applied on 2/28. Hope y'all hear back soon!!

[annadreams]

22 minutes ago, MSW_2021 said:

I also heard NYU is more clinically focused which is why I'm drawn to it. I know Columbia also has a clinical concentration but it seems they're more known for macro and policy. I feel like I might get better clinical training at NYU. Are you going to NYU?

Got it - yeah, that's the impression I have, too - more policy, and it seems many people come in interested in the dual MSW/MPH path that they offer. When someone asks, "what are the most clinically focused MSW programs?" I don't think Columbia is typically brought up; though that is not to say well-trained clinicians aren't coming out of Columbia's MSW program - of course there are. I have a vague impression that their counseling psych program at Teachers College may have the bigger draw for future therapists than the MSW program, but I could be wrong on that.

I have found the most clarity about the differentiating aspects between programs from talking to current students directly. I encourage you to reach out to NYU if they haven't already paired you with someone; I'm sure Columbia has a similar way to get you in touch with their students, or perhaps will have some admitted students event for facilitating such discussions. You could very well end up talking to someone who was recently making this same exact decision. And maybe see if there could be a way to sit in on virtual classes; I am doing that soon for USC.

I am most likely going to NYU, but I'm still deciding! If I get into Hunter (which is no guarantee, especially coming in as a career-changer), I would have a stark debt comparison to consider. Though I am still glad that I applied to the CA programs, I am starting to feel that they both make a bit less sense for my long term plans... 

[MSW_2021]

1 minute ago, annadreams said:

Got it - yeah, that's the impression I have, too - more policy, and it seems many people come in interested in the dual MSW/MPH path that they offer. When someone asks, "what are the most clinically focused MSW programs?" I don't think Columbia is typically brought up; though that is not to say well-trained clinicians aren't coming out of Columbia's MSW program - of course there are. I have a vague impression that their counseling psych program at Teachers College may have the bigger draw for future therapists than the MSW program, but I could be wrong on that.

I have found the most clarity about the differentiating aspects between programs from talking to current students directly. I encourage you to reach out to NYU if they haven't already paired you with someone; I'm sure Columbia has a similar way to get you in touch with their students, or perhaps will have some admitted students event for facilitating such discussions. You could very well end up talking to someone who was recently making this same exact decision. And maybe see if there could be a way to sit in on virtual classes; I am doing that soon for USC.

I am most likely going to NYU, but I'm still deciding! If I get into Hunter (which is no guarantee, especially coming in as a career-changer), I would have a stark debt comparison to consider. Though I am still glad that I applied to the CA programs, I am starting to feel that they both make a bit less sense for my long term plans... 

I did get paired up with a NYU Silver Champion! She had positive feedback for NYU and was deciding between USC or NYU. I'm from CA Bay Area and I always wanted to live in NY. I actually got into USC as well. I talked to a USC student and admissions counselor and after doing more research, felt like it wasn't the best fit for me. They also gave me the least aid so I told them I won't be attending a few days ago.

[Bianca8214]

Hi there!

I was reading previous threads and saw that there was a discord link. Is it possible for someone to resend it because I believe the previous link already expired. 

I am anxiously waiting for decisions from UCLA, CSULB, and CSUF. I've already gotten into UW and UChicago. Would love to hear everyone else's journey more in depth on discord as decision time approaches.  

Wishing you all the best for the upcoming months!

Edited March 17, 2021 by Bianca8214

[aaj12]

On 3/15/2021 at 1:37 PM, fiofarrell17 said:

aw, bummer! hopefully they respond soon, fingers crossed it means they're busy preparing admission emails to send out this week or something ?

So SDSU just sent me an acceptance letter...not sure if it's a coincidence that it's right after I emailed them or if they're starting to release decisions!

[MSW.K]

1 minute ago, aaj12 said:

So SDSU just sent me an acceptance letter...not sure if it's a coincidence that it's right after I emailed them or if they're starting to release decisions!

OMG YAY! congrats!!

[aaj12]

1 minute ago, MSW.K said:

OMG YAY! congrats!!

thank you!!! :))

[fiofarrell17]

58 minutes ago, aaj12 said:

So SDSU just sent me an acceptance letter...not sure if it's a coincidence that it's right after I emailed them or if they're starting to release decisions!

I just got an SDSU acceptance letter too!! Congrats!!!:)

[aaj12]

13 minutes ago, fiofarrell17 said:

I just got an SDSU acceptance letter too!! Congrats!!!:)

YAY congrats!!

[tia.]

I got an email from Hunter last night saying I needed to sign up for a group interview but all the slots were full... I sent them an email and am waiting for a response.

I also saw in the discord (https://discord.gg/XJ7HXCPE) that some people have gotten a second email saying the first email was a mistake? 

Does anyone know more about this?

[bananamuffin]

2 hours ago, tia. said:

I got an email from Hunter last night saying I needed to sign up for a group interview but all the slots were full... I sent them an email and am waiting for a response.

I also saw in the discord (https://discord.gg/XJ7HXCPE) that some people have gotten a second email saying the first email was a mistake? 

Does anyone know more about this?

The slots are full for me too, however I did not get the email saying the first email is a mistake. I also sent them an email about not being able to sign up. We are in the same boat!

[kfmsw2021]

A random update: I got an email from UChicago on Monday around 6:30PM saying they received a large influx of applications so they will need until the rest of this week to have my decision ready... Kinda tired tbh... Doing undergrad coursework and writing a senior thesis while awaiting grad school decisions and also balancing all other extracurricular, social, spiritual, emotional, mental, and financial aspects of life, DURING covid, is pretty challenging. but here's a random encouragement for y'all: It's difficult to stay positive, but I hope all the others who are waiting for schools can keep their heads up :") I hope everyone who has gotten accepted to schools also feel so accomplished! It's really such a feat to get into grad school in this time! *i also hope anyone who's really mourning stuff in the news about the ATL shootings can find moments to self-care and process and be generous to themselves...

Edited March 17, 2021 by kfmsw2021

[lil_lil]

3 hours ago, tia. said:

I got an email from Hunter last night saying I needed to sign up for a group interview but all the slots were full... I sent them an email and am waiting for a response.

I also saw in the discord (https://discord.gg/XJ7HXCPE) that some people have gotten a second email saying the first email was a mistake? 

Does anyone know more about this?

There's a discussion happening about this on the Silberman admissions forum. Copying from a response @kittygirl shared there that they received: 

"There was an error in the system last night and many people who had not yet been moved to pending interview status were sent invitations. We are currently reviewing all recipients to see who was erroneously sent this invitation and will be following up with those who are indeed pending interview soon with more dates as soon as the system is back online after having been overloaded."

[claypot14]

I just got into UCLA!! I’m about to pee my pants!!

[kfmsw2021]

I just got into UChicago! They updated my portal at 1:32AM! Thanks to all the lovely people on this forum who encouraged me :")

Edited March 18, 2021 by kfmsw2021

[Antsmarch]

On 3/15/2021 at 3:45 PM, lil_lil said:

I've been waiting 3 months now (submitted right after the priority deadline) - I emailed for an update and haven't heard back. Definitely also frustrated as I have extended commitment deadlines approaching. 

Anyone (who submitted past priority deadline) hear anything from Columbia? 

[cccrsn22]

2 hours ago, Antsmarch said:

Anyone (who submitted past priority deadline) hear anything from Columbia? 

No

[Shan Shan Song]

Hi, everyone!

I just joined this forum today. So far, I've been accepted into Depaul for a MSW and MA in gender women's studies, Loyola for a MSW and MA in gender women's studies and I'm still waiting to hear back from UIC which is my dream school. I applied to UIC almost 3 months ago and admissions let me know last week that hopefully they will make final decisions by the end of this week. Spring break is next week for them and I'm pretty anxious since it's been so long. The application status page just says complete under review with department. I hope I hear by the end of tomorrow. I applied for 2 GAships with Depaul and I was denied from both and I did the main scholarship application for Loyola.

[vernvarn]

6 hours ago, Shan Shan Song said:

Hi, everyone!

I just joined this forum today. So far, I've been accepted into Depaul for a MSW and MA in gender women's studies, Loyola for a MSW and MA in gender women's studies and I'm still waiting to hear back from UIC which is my dream school. I applied to UIC almost 3 months ago and admissions let me know last week that hopefully they will make final decisions by the end of this week. Spring break is next week for them and I'm pretty anxious since it's been so long. The application status page just says complete under review with department. I hope I hear by the end of tomorrow. I applied for 2 GAships with Depaul and I was denied from both and I did the main scholarship application for Loyola.

Hi!! I am currently deciding between MA in women's studies programs and MSW programs (I have been accepted for women's studies at SDSU and SFSU, accepted at CSULA for MSW). What career path are you going into? I totally didn't know there were combined programs for these interests haha I totally feel like I am going it alone right now... I have kind of been considering one or the other or maybe one and then the other later on? such a hard decision!!! my personal passions are in reproductive health and justice, focused on migrant and immigrant access to reproductive and sexual healthcare

[Shan Shan Song]

9 hours ago, vernvarn said:

Hi!! I am currently deciding between MA in women's studies programs and MSW programs (I have been accepted for women's studies at SDSU and SFSU, accepted at CSULA for MSW). What career path are you going into? I totally didn't know there were combined programs for these interests haha I totally feel like I am going it alone right now... I have kind of been considering one or the other or maybe one and then the other later on? such a hard decision!!! my personal passions are in reproductive health and justice, focused on migrant and immigrant access to reproductive and sexual healthcare

Hi vernvarn,

My career interests are pretty boring haha. Work as a hospital social worker to get hours before I become an individual therapist serving LGBTQ folks. I myself am queer and trans. I have almost a decade of agency work which I never super enjoyed for reasons such as the pay and shift work. I am really passionate about community organizing and done it 15/17 years except when I burnt out and took a break for 2 years from 2012 to 2014. I hope I can use my new mental health skills in activism too to help people with emotional first aid and help people process police brutality. I am v excited about school. My minor was a new at the time minor in LGBTQ studies.