Columbia MSW Questions

[ChristineGoBlue]

I'm interested in applying to Columbia's 16-month Masters in Social Work program for Spring 2012. I have a few questions about the application process and the program itself, so any answers would be greatly appreciated!

Admissions & Financial Aid

• I'm worried about financial aid. I graduated from college in 2010 and have worked for a low salary at a non-profit in DC since August. By the end of 2011, I will have accumulated very little in savings (due to the rent prices in DC! Ahhh!). I was wondering if anyone knows if Columbia helps with grants in these financial situations, or if I'll end up with some scary $50K+ amount of debt by the time I graduate.
• I noticed that Columbia requires you to submit your parents'/parent's financial information even if you are financially independent. How much does this affect how much aid students receive? My father (single parent) has not contributed to me financially since college and does not plan on contributing to my tuition or living expenses in the future, but his income and savings are higher than most.
• Does Columbia offer any merit-based scholarships? If so, how strong of an applicant do you have to be? (I graduated from Michigan with a 3.4 in Polisci, had leadership positions in 3 community service organizations, had 2 research internships at universities and non-profits in sociology/social justice issues...would this qualify me?)
• Is the 16-month program more selective than the 2-year? (I ask because the website said "limited number of spots" for 16-month) How many people are in the 16-month and 2-year programs, respectively?
  
  • Much of the reason that I'm interested in Columbia is because it emphasizes the academic side of social work and I want both a clinical and research-based foundation in social work. I'm also very interested in the quantitative side of the social sciences. Eventually, I might want to seek a PhD in social work/sociology (ideally, back at UMichigan). Could someone tell me about the balance between the academic and the clinical side at Columbia?
  • Are all the clinical assignments in NYC? The reason I ask is because my fiance is in the Navy and will be based in Groton, CT. I'm interested in commuting between CT and NYC on the weekends when he is not deployed.
  • Based on my interest in a research-based program that's in the NE area, what other programs in the Northeast area would you suggest I look at?Sorry for blabbering so long! Thank you so much for your help and goodluck to any other applicants!

Edited May 3, 2011 by ChristineGoBlue

[mellowfe]

I noticed that Columbia requires you to submit your parents'/parent's financial information even if you are financially independent. How much does this affect how much aid students receive? My father (single parent) has not contributed to me financially since college and does not plan on contributing to my tuition or living expenses in the future, but his income and savings are higher than most.

Were did you noticed this? I applied to Columbia and I don't remember having to give that information. And I know when I filled out my FAFSA that it is up to you whether you want to provide your parents financial information, which I opted not to do.

[accepted]

• Is the 16-month program more selective than the 2-year? (I ask because the website said "limited number of spots" for 16-month) How many people are in the 16-month and 2-year programs, respectively?

I am in the 16 month program and I believe the 16 month program is more selective. In my round of the program we started with only 35 students. In the regular 2-year program I think there are over 100 per year. But it doesn't really make a difference, the two programs share many classes and internships.

Also, they do offer a limited number of internship placements in CT

best of luck!

[ChristineGoBlue]

Were did you noticed this? I applied to Columbia and I don't remember having to give that information. And I know when I filled out my FAFSA that it is up to you whether you want to provide your parents financial information, which I opted not to do.

I initially found it on a website about Columbia financial aid, but when I contacted the office, they said that for graduate school, they count students as independents. So no worries!

I am in the 16 month program and I believe the 16 month program is more selective. In my round of the program we started with only 35 students. In the regular 2-year program I think there are over 100 per year. But it doesn't really make a difference, the two programs share many classes and internships.

Also, they do offer a limited number of internship placements in CT

best of luck!

Thanks for the info, accepted! Do they post the internship placements anywhere? I'd like to see the range of places. =]

[katshea13]

I am also applying for the 16 month program at Columbia, and also NYU and Hunter. I'm also quite concerned about the expense- have many people been given substantial tuition reductions for Columbia? Or for any NYC schools? Thanks.