COLUMBIA VS UCHICAGO - MSW!?

[Gumball12]

I Got accepted to Uchicago on 2/9 with $28,000 for the first year (renewable for the second year!). Also got accepted to Columbia on 2/8. Received my package in the mail today. Still waiting on NYU, WUSTL, UPenn. I am thrilled about both my acceptances, but am torn between which one I would pick. Always had my heart set on Columbia because of NYC and the name of columbia. But UChicago is offering a huge scholarship, and i've heard many good things about their program. However, finances are not the single most important factor for me, since I can afford both programs. I just need more clarity on which program is better, where I would get a better experience. Btw, I'm pursuing a clinical concentration. Any advice would be appreciated!

[roxyshoe]

I say UChicago, unless you really dislike the city of Chicago for some reason. I prefer it way more than NY, personally. AND even if finances aren't a big thing now, it is smart to save since MSW's don't tend to make ~tons~ of the money

[MSWapplicant4]

i am in the same exact boat! i always thought of columbia as my number 1 choice; however, now i am very conflicted. to be honest, i didn't think i would get into u of chicago bc the program is smaller, but then they offered me a substantial scholarship. money isn't a huge issue for me at all, but obviously it would be nice. after doing more research, it seems that chicago's classes are more detailed/sound more interesting. to be honest, i am conflicted as well, so i don't know how helpful i can be! i don't really know anyone at u of chicago, but the people i have spoken with at columbia's program have told me that they are disappointed with it. that being said, both are amazing schools, and i don't know what to do either!

[Gumball12]

MSWApplicant4, do you know why exactly the people you spoke with were disappointed with columbia's program? What about the program were they unhappy about? I'm really torn between the two schools. If you have any more specific advice, or if you are leaning toward either one program, I'd love if you could share your thoughts!

[MSWapplicant4]

they said that the classes were underwhelming academically; however, after talking to them once they started their second semester classes, they said it is a lot better. i think the foundation courses can feel that way anywhere. as for advice, i wish i could give you some - i am just as torn! i think they are both amazing programs. u of chicago's program is smaller, which i see as a benefit - more individualized attention. to be honest, after researching, i think chicago seems like a better program (smaller, more detailed courses, you take more courses bc of the quarter system - two years is such a small amount of time so you can get as much info as possible with that system, etc.), but i love that columbia is in nyc. what are your thoughts?? i am soooo torn because they are both great programs.

[2011 MSW Hopeful]

IME (very biased, obviously), the financial aid that UChicago gives is indicative of how much SSA cares about its students. Administrators and professors have never been anything but generous with their time, in my experience. You might want to look at specific strengths of each school -- SSA's international program is still developing, for example, where Columbia's is stronger and they have SIPA. I will say that there are certain advantages to the smaller (though still large) size of SSA's program in terms of securing research opportunities and things of that nature.

[hewhzw]

_{I think it really depends on what you want from an MSW program. Both UChicago and Columbia have a very good reputation, so do not worry which name will be more of help upon graduation. In terms of job market, NYC may be a little better in International Development/Organization. If you wish to pursue a job in international settings, Columbia would definitely introduce you more opportunities. The differences b/w them, I think are the styles and approaches. UChicago is very academically oriented. It is more likely for you to get a RA there. Columbia's program has more elements of "business". Btw, clinical tracks in both UChicago and Columbia I think compare to each other, but NYU has a much better clinical program because they ONLY focus on that.}

[poopfever]

Obviously, you should meet the faculty and students at each place, and find the best fit for your interests and sensibilities. But I should say that I know two people who have gone to Columbia for their MSW, and while they both liked it, they also both say that it wasn't nearly worth the extra money they paid. There is simply nothing Columbia can offer you post-degree that UChicago (or even less prestigious schools) can't. Many I've talked to think that Columbia is just overrated: high tuition, little financial aid, too many concentrations, too many students. (US News rankings should be summarily disregarded). If Columbia is a better fit, then you should do it, but if you think you'll get anything extra by going to Columbia (besides extra debt), I think you should reconsider.

[MSWapplicant4]

But UChicago is higher ranked - you think it is seen as less presigious?

[poopfever]

No, I meant that I don't think there is a lot to be gained from Columbia post-grad that can't also be offered by other, less prestigious schools. I didn't mean that UChicago is less prestigious.

My point is that I haven't seen any evidence that going to so-called prestigious schools is demonstrably more beneficial over less heralded schools. I don't study this, and I'm admittedly not fully informed. My friends who went to Columbia are working the grind and making the same amount as those who went to state schools. It's social work, not an MBA or Law. And therefore, financing must be taken into account. It's of utmost importance to go to the school that best supports you and your area of study, whereas that's maybe not quite so in Law or Business. Going to an ivy makes people feel good (I went to an ivy for undergrad), but in this case I don't buy that there's any significant benefit, even though the debt is surely much higher.

[MSWapplicant4]

gumball, have you decided yet?! i still don't know what to do!

[vmpancucci]

Again, prestige doesn't matter. We have it pounded into our heads our whole lives that we have to go to the most "prestigious" universities to get ahead in life. For social work, that's simply not the case. Social work is social work and licensing is all the same. Employers don't care where you went as long as it's accredited and that you passed your licensing examination. In the end, we're all going to take the same exam to become LCSWs, except some of us will be in more debt than others. Take a look at a few programs. Most of them are exactly the same. You have foundation courses and specialization courses. The curriculum is pretty standardized across the board, with minor variations in specializations and elective courses. Unless you're going for your PhD it matters very little how prestigious an institution it is. Go to Chicago over Columbia. Just my two cents.

[magicflute]

I would choose UChicago if I were you. The program is more rigorous there and one can learn more!

[Gumball12]

gumball, have you decided yet?! i still don't know what to do!

I chose Columbia! I think I will be happier there. It's the experience that also counts for me; not just the program and job. Don't know if I've made the right decision but I had to take the plunge!

[Steve Bass]

Now that you folks are a semester in, are you happy with your decisions? I applied to Chicago and Columbia for 2013. I was set on Columbia but now that I've read these comments, especially about the financial support from Chicago, I am thinking Chicago might be better. I'm going for the clynical concentration, probably looking to work with youth.