U Mich!

[roxyshoe]

Hi all, I am kind of considering switching to the 16 month program. For those of you who chose that instead of the 20 month, I am wondering why? What are some of the benefits of it as opposed to the 20 month, other than graduating a semester earlier?

Basically, this might seem silly, but I am nervous that I won't find anything productive to do next summer so I might as well be in school, haha.

This leads me to another question, maybe should go to the whole board, but I'll start here - what DO current MSW's usually do over the summer? I would love to find an interesting internship, but I am not sure what's out there for MSW students.

[kldfweldsc]

I decided on the 16 mnth because I didn't want a break- I figured if I could go through and graduate earlier, the sooner I can start working. While having the summer off sounds awesome, it would just be spent trying to make money to pay for rent and stuff like that.

It just seemed practical for me.

[ellie811]

I picked the 16 month track for several reasons:

1. My husband has a 12 month job in Ann Arbor (the reason I applied in the first place!)

2. I've already worked in 2 different social work jobs, so I'm not concerned about only having 1 field placement

3. I've worked 40 hours a week for the past 5 years, so going straight through the summers and the field placements will be normal for me.

4. I want to get in, get out, and get back in the real world!

[roxyshoe]

Thanks for the input all! Very helpful. I think that I will stick with the 20 month because I really want the opportunity to have two different field work positions. I can't wait for the fall!!

[kldfweldsc]

So, I just got back from Michigan (literally, just walked into the door of my house, and I'm exhausted, but wanted to remember to type this out).

I absolutely fell in love yet again and can't wait to move there in two weeks. I had a chance to look at a few apartment buildings, and I think I've almost decided on Spice Tree for fall. It's only $550 a month for a one bedroom, and it's on the bus route, so I don't HAVE to drive to campus. It's further away from campus, closer to Ypsilanti, but it's also in a quieter place, and it allows pets, which makes me happy haha.

Anyone moving up this summer or already living there? I'm subletting an apartment over off First Street until August, would love to meet ya all!

[kristi28]

Someone in the scholarship office was finally able to tell me how much I was offered (although I haven't received an official email). I was awarded $23,000 for the first year ($3,000 Michigan scholarship and $20,000 Dean's Mission scholarship). For the second year I was awarded $29,000 ($9,000 Michigan scholarship and $20,000 Dean's Mission scholarship). I'm still disappointed that it took them so long to relay this wonderful info. My decision date is today and although Michigan ends up being $7,500 cheaper than UChicago after factoring in scholarships and work-study, I'm going to decline. UChicago it is!! I hope this scholarship money goes to someone who can use it!

[roxyshoe]

So, I just got back from Michigan (literally, just walked into the door of my house, and I'm exhausted, but wanted to remember to type this out).

I absolutely fell in love yet again and can't wait to move there in two weeks. I had a chance to look at a few apartment buildings, and I think I've almost decided on Spice Tree for fall. It's only $550 a month for a one bedroom, and it's on the bus route, so I don't HAVE to drive to campus. It's further away from campus, closer to Ypsilanti, but it's also in a quieter place, and it allows pets, which makes me happy haha.

Anyone moving up this summer or already living there? I'm subletting an apartment over off First Street until August, would love to meet ya all!

Congrats on finding housing!!! I was really into the idea of Spice Tree..considering it for the year after this one. I ended up leasing a tiny tiny place on Granger. It's cheap and a good location so hopefully that will make up for the closet-like apartment. I think it would be really cool to live near Ypsi, I really love it but never get over there.

Also happy you enjoyed your visit!! Yay!!! I am o'course already living here but will be a bit in and out this summer. Going to Germany for a few weeks but will be back on may 24th, we should definitely meet up!!

[leasw]

Congrats to everyone! I just signed a lease at the Spruce Knob...I'm very excited to move out of Los Angeles for a few years to broaden my horizons. Also, roxyshoe, I'm going to Germany, too! I'm doing a Germany, Belgium, Netherlands 18 day trip and will be back on 8/25 - would love to hear about your trip! We should plan a meet up at Ashley's or something during orientation week :-)

Congrats on finding housing!!! I was really into the idea of Spice Tree..considering it for the year after this one. I ended up leasing a tiny tiny place on Granger. It's cheap and a good location so hopefully that will make up for the closet-like apartment. I think it would be really cool to live near Ypsi, I really love it but never get over there.

Also happy you enjoyed your visit!! Yay!!! I am o'course already living here but will be a bit in and out this summer. Going to Germany for a few weeks but will be back on may 24th, we should definitely meet up!!

[kldfweldsc]

Congrats on finding housing!!! I was really into the idea of Spice Tree..considering it for the year after this one. I ended up leasing a tiny tiny place on Granger. It's cheap and a good location so hopefully that will make up for the closet-like apartment. I think it would be really cool to live near Ypsi, I really love it but never get over there.

Also happy you enjoyed your visit!! Yay!!! I am o'course already living here but will be a bit in and out this summer. Going to Germany for a few weeks but will be back on may 24th, we should definitely meet up!!

Let's! I move in 10 days!

[roxyshoe]

Hi everyone!!! For anyone in the 20 month program - do you know if there are specific days of the week that we go to our field work position? I thought it was Tuesday and Thursday, but not sure how I got that idea hahah. Thanks!!

[ellie811]

Hi everyone!!! For anyone in the 20 month program - do you know if there are specific days of the week that we go to our field work position? I thought it was Tuesday and Thursday, but not sure how I got that idea hahah. Thanks!!

I remember seeing a chart somewhere of what days of the week field placement was for each semester. I don't have time to go digging for it right now, but it was on the website, tucked away somewhere. You could also probably just call the Field Instruction office and get an answer quickly that way

[roxyshoe]

Thanks!! I found it! For anyone else who wants to look, it is all on pg. 3 of the field instruction manual, here: http://ssw.umich.edu/programs/msw/ofi/fieldInstructionManual.pdf

Thursday and Friday for 20 month curriculum in the fall. Yayyy

[roxyshoe]

Another question - have any of you been interviewed or been accepted to a field work position yet?

[Victoria147]

Hi guys!

This is Victoria Yang from China. I am an incoming MSW student of UMich this year.

It will be my first time visiting the U.S. Hoping to see all of you soon.

[mwarfield]

Hello,

To everyone that got in and chose the University of Michigan program, how do you like it so far? I am currently attending the University of Texas and am considering transferring to U of M Fall of 2014. I am MACRO focused and the MACRO program at UT isn't very strong, plus the field placement process isn't so great and I have heard a lot of complaints from other students. Do you feel like you made the right decision?

Matt

[michigan girl]

I graduated from the Michigan MSW program with a macro concentration. Since Michigan accepts a large cohort of students (~200), this enables the administrators to offer many courses and field placements to suit your particular interest. Interpersonal Practice is still the largest and most popular concentration (about 65% of the student body), but the faculty are very receptive to macro options in management, community practice, and social policy and evaluation. From my observation, only the flagship public universities with large budgets/endowments offer decent macro social work programs. Private universities are not worth it unless they offer you a substantial scholarship offer because starting salaries with an MSW degree are not generously high.

[beans521]

Any opinions or personal experiences living in downtown Ypsi? Is it all EMU undergrads? I've found some nice apartments for good price but am nervous about the area..

[michigan girl]

Yes, Ypsilanti is home of Eastern Michigan University. I only recommend Ypsilanti if you are bringing a car with you. Otherwise, the public bus system is most effective in the Ann Arbor area. 

[beans521]

Do you have any housing recommendations, michigan girl? My biggest limitation is 2 large dogs. Thanks for any input!

[maemouse882]

So anxious to hear my status for Fall 2013, that I've read this entire forum...twice =P

 

I applied 10/31, but I got an email saying 1/7 saying that they will "postpone the final action on the application until later in the Spring pending review of additional applicants..." 

I believe I got this email because there was questions about one of my recommendation letter's content, which has since been cleared up between the writer and the school.

 

Here's to hoping for sooner rather than later

[sjwright]

Hi, 

 

I applied to U of M. Back in Dec. Then was put on a modified rolling admission list. I recently had a interview with review board and now waiting to hear back whether I was put on waiting list again or accepted. Ahh !This happen to anyone else??

 

Samantha

[RubySohoPDX]

Are interviews standard for the process? I applied in January and have heard nothing from the school, I didn't even get an e-mail confirmation or anything. I know that they say decisions won't be out until about March but this is the only school where I haven't been able to check my status or anything. 

[mwarfield]

Hello, 

 

I had applied for Fall 2012.  My experience did not include an interview process, however I was told of my admission into the program rather late and had already accepted admission at another school.  I wasn't notified of my admission until April 2nd.  I ended up deferring my enrollment just to have options, which I am taking that option and transferring in for Fall 2013.  I know it is frustrating, but really all you can do is wait.  I believe last year they had a record number of applicants into the program and it is probably similar this year.  Good luck!   

[Kim K]

Are interviews standard for the process? I applied in January and have heard nothing from the school, I didn't even get an e-mail confirmation or anything. I know that they say decisions won't be out until about March but this is the only school where I haven't been able to check my status or anything. 

I applied in December and in late January I got an email with a confirmation that my app was complete and information on how to set up an account where I can check my status and such. You'll probably get this email sometime this month since you applied in January! I got worried when I didn't hear anything for so long but apparently a month wait just to get an email is standard. Hope this helps!

[RubySohoPDX]

Thanks for the insight! I guess I'll just keep waiting and hope for the best