mcvolins Posted March 8, 2012 Posted March 8, 2012 I'm wondering if there is anyone else out there that hasn't heard from any program. I'm starting to get nervous! I'm looking to hear from Columbia, NYU, Fordham, and BU. I sent my applications on time but I guess my recommendations to a little longer. Anyone in a similar boat? Any words to calm my nerves?!
bounce Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 Yup. I have a much higher gpa than the people getting accepted at the schools I applied to. I see people getting in with gpas that BARELY make the 3.0 cutoff. I really hate that social work programs are so experience heavy, which sucks, because I think gpa is more important. I have around 850 hours of verified experience, but in order to do well in graduate level coursework, gpa is a better indicator of success. (This is why you often hear that MSW programs are full of dimwitted students because acceptances usually go to experience heavy applicants instead of top students) I got waitlisted at CSULB, but haven't heard from the other two programs I applied to. This is very aggravating because I contacted admissions at my top program and they said my review is complete but I have yet to receive a letter!!! Ugh. Other people have already heard back from my top choice (SDSU). . Quantum Buckyball, tschuss, PittMSW12 and 1 other 4
roxyshoe Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 I have not heard from most programs I applied to close to/on the final deadline. Only one so far has been B.U, but the other two schools I heard from I applied to way way way in advance, and even then it took a while. I wouldn't worry too much, these things take time, though I know it is very frustrating.
roxyshoe Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 Yup. I have a much higher gpa than the people getting accepted at the schools I applied to. I see people getting in with gpas that BARELY make the 3.0 cutoff. I really hate that social work programs are so experience heavy, which sucks, because I think gpa is more important. I have around 850 hours of verified experience, but in order to do well in graduate level coursework, gpa is a better indicator of success. (This is why you often hear that MSW programs are full of dimwitted students because acceptances usually go to experience heavy applicants instead of top students) I got waitlisted at CSULB, but haven't heard from the other two programs I applied to. This is very aggravating because I contacted admissions at my top program and they said my review is complete but I have yet to receive a letter!!! Ugh. Other people have already heard back from my top choice (SDSU). . Even though I doubt this is it - I'm sure they're just moving slowly with your app (maybe even because they are considering you for a special scholarship), maybe something else with your app is not up to par, like your essays and letters of rec, since those really matter too. Having 850 hours of experience is WAY more than I and I think a lot of people getting into good schools have, so I doubt that's the issue. Also, maybe it is just something with those particular schools weighing gpa not highly, because I know plenty of others do.
MissH Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 I'm wondering if there is anyone else out there that hasn't heard from any program. I'm starting to get nervous! I'm looking to hear from Columbia, NYU, Fordham, and BU. I sent my applications on time but I guess my recommendations to a little longer. Anyone in a similar boat? Any words to calm my nerves?! ((hugs)). You must be tearing your hair out.
bounce Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 I guess I'm just really getting bitter. I applied a few days before the deadlines and I have a feeling that because of late I submitted my apps, I'm not going to get in. I'm just so frustrated, I know that I will do well in a grad program. I'm so jealous of people who are getting letters, regardless of an acceptance or rejection. I just want to hear!! I'm so antsy. I want to know what I'm going to be doing in the Fall so I can either get a loan or start looking for work. Ugh. Even though I doubt this is it - I'm sure they're just moving slowly with your app (maybe even because they are considering you for a special scholarship), maybe something else with your app is not up to par, like your essays and letters of rec, since those really matter too. Having 850 hours of experience is WAY more than I and I think a lot of people getting into good schools have, so I doubt that's the issue. Also, maybe it is just something with those particular schools weighing gpa not highly, because I know plenty of others do.
kldfweldsc Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 (edited) Yup. I have a much higher gpa than the people getting accepted at the schools I applied to. I see people getting in with gpas that BARELY make the 3.0 cutoff. I really hate that social work programs are so experience heavy, which sucks, because I think gpa is more important. I have around 850 hours of verified experience, but in order to do well in graduate level coursework, gpa is a better indicator of success. (This is why you often hear that MSW programs are full of dimwitted students because acceptances usually go to experience heavy applicants instead of top students) I got waitlisted at CSULB, but haven't heard from the other two programs I applied to. This is very aggravating because I contacted admissions at my top program and they said my review is complete but I have yet to receive a letter!!! Ugh. Other people have already heard back from my top choice (SDSU). . I guess I'm just really getting bitter. I applied a few days before the deadlines and I have a feeling that because of late I submitted my apps, I'm not going to get in. I'm just so frustrated, I know that I will do well in a grad program. I'm so jealous of people who are getting letters, regardless of an acceptance or rejection. I just want to hear!! I'm so antsy. I want to know what I'm going to be doing in the Fall so I can either get a loan or start looking for work. Ugh. When did you apply? If you applied late, then it's more likely that the bar gets raised for those they are admitting. I applied specifically early because my GPA isn't as high. I also think it's kind of judgmental to say that you're somehow superior because your GPA is higher than others without knowing their situation. For instance, I was a double major, my GPA for both my majors was above a 3.5 but my overall GPA was a 3.1. But I also worked six jobs during college to pay for it, and that explains a lot. That's why they don't only rely on GPA. The heart and ability to be a good social worker doesn't soley rely on how well you did on the classes you decided to take in undergrad. Edited March 9, 2012 by Angela Lagano katiemk1230, PittMSW12 and mapletree 3
bounce Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 I understand that GPA isn't everything, but it should have the most weight. I worked more than 40 hours a week my first three years of college. Then I got diagnosed with a brain tumor, had to take a semester off, and still managed to be in the top 10% of my class. Call me judgmental, but I performed above and beyond even with a tumor that caused memory and cognitive deficits. I am also inclined to believe that "heart and ability" are not sufficient to be an excellent social worker. I firmly believe that intellectual dexterity, integrity, and resilience are far more important personal qualities. Many become social workers because their "heart is in it" but clearly that isn't enough to avoid the pitfalls of an extremely high burnout rate. But that's just my judgmental opinion. Future MSW 2012 and LittleDarlings 1 1
ATohCe.24 Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 Maybe its your know-it-all attitude. Programs didn't want you to go in and tell professors how to run their course, admissions how to admit students and how you can't stand a bunch of dimwitted students. Here's a rhetorical question: If you'd got into SDSU by now, and you're a msw student, would you still view msw students dimwitted?
allyba Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 (edited) Whoa I hear the bitterness. It happens to the best of us at times. But be careful. GPA is important and experience too. I do think a lot of programs look at the whole package. I haven´t heard yet from my programs either. Applied later in the game and have a great GPA. I agree with the post above that you might want to be careful with the attitude. Generally, I think MSW programs like humble students that will appreciate the experience of their professors whether they agree or not with their opinions. You are also considering a career where you will come in contact with all sorts of people and many who may not make the best decisions for themsevles because of their life sitiuations or lack of opportunity. I´d hate to hear you call clients dimwitted. I also would venture that if you really believe (which I hope you don´t) that you are better than your peers, you will feel you are better than your clients. That doesn´t make for a good social worker. Edited March 9, 2012 by allyba katiemk1230 and PittMSW12 2
missdanielle Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 Maybe its your know-it-all attitude. Programs didn't want you to go in and tell professors how to run their course, admissions how to admit students and how you can't stand a bunch of dimwitted students. Here's a rhetorical question: If you'd got into SDSU by now, and you're a msw student, would you still view msw students dimwitted? i agree. if you came across this way in your application i could see it being a huge turn off. you seem to have a sense of entitlement... everyone goes through hardships and i do commend you for overcoming yours but that does not give you the right to belittle the hardships everyone else has worked to surpass and get to where they are in the application process. your lack of empathy, understanding and compassion to your peers on this forum is an indicator of how your attitude is towards other's in general. trust me, your future clients could care less about your GPA and your future clients are what really matters. MissH, katiemk1230 and PittMSW12 3
rjose Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 Maybe its your know-it-all attitude. Programs didn't want you to go in and tell professors how to run their course, admissions how to admit students and how you can't stand a bunch of dimwitted students. Here's a rhetorical question: If you'd got into SDSU by now, and you're a msw student, would you still view msw students dimwitted? LoL! I totally agree with you! GPA MAY be an indicator as to how well you do in graduate school, but definitely not an indicator as to how well you do in fieldwork.
allyba Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 To be fair to tbird here. I must say I get that the process is infuriating and sometimes doesn´t seem fair. It also feels deeply personal when in reality a lot of elements can impact an admissions decision including the time at which you turned your application in. I get the lashing out too. I hope and am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, that you feel you have a certain amount of anonymity on this board and are lashing out here rather than doing so in other areas of your life.
kldfweldsc Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 It is infuriating, but you NEVER know what someone has put into their application, and has given the schools to review. Maybe not the best GPA, but maybe their personal statement showed something you can't see. I'm just saying, before lashing out about how superior you are to other people on the site, you should realize that there is ALWAYS more to someone than just what their stats say, and unless you read their application, you cannot make judgments as to whether you should have gotten in over them. Realize that people with the lower GPA's that got in are reading what you're writing, when you're saying is that they didn't deserve it because you haven't gotten in.
mswhopeful2012 Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 It is infuriating, but you NEVER know what someone has put into their application, and has given the schools to review. Maybe not the best GPA, but maybe their personal statement showed something you can't see. I'm just saying, before lashing out about how superior you are to other people on the site, you should realize that there is ALWAYS more to someone than just what their stats say, and unless you read their application, you cannot make judgments as to whether you should have gotten in over them. Realize that people with the lower GPA's that got in are reading what you're writing, when you're saying is that they didn't deserve it because you haven't gotten in. Well said! I agree that there is always more to someone than statistics. My GPA in undergrad wasn't great. So by that token you think I shouldn't be accepted. But what you wouldn't know is I worked almost full time hours, went to school full time, volunteered weekly, was involved in multiple clubs on campus, and had medical issues. In my perspective, I think that I was able to overcome a lot and accomplish a lot. It sounds like you have a chip on your shoulder an although I can understand that you accomplished a lot as well, part of being a social worker is having the desire to help vulnerable individuals in society. Your "I'm better than everyone attitude" isn't conducive to that sort of helping profession when you will have many long nights with little thanks. Perhaps you should ask yourself how you can grow and what others have to offer you I terms of life experience and wisdom. Good luck!
mswhopeful2012 Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 I also have to add that IQ, GPA, etc is no indicator how well someone will handle burnout. Every single person gets burnout....it's how you cope with the stress that makes the difference. Like I said, I wish you all the best. kldfweldsc 1
ATohCe.24 Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 Look tbird, people on this forum are more than willing to listen, offer advice, but also call each other out if someone crosses the line. What we can agree on is that your gpa didn't hold you back and that people with lower gpa didn't hurt your chances. So the better question is, did a recommendation letter let you down? Anything in your personal statement not jive with admissions? When I attended an information session last year, the admissions director warned us how someone with a JD or a great gpa can be turned down. He also told us to ask for feedback if we are rejected because there are "perfect" applicants who get rejected because their LORs said some unsettling things about them or how their personal statement didn't fully address the prompt. There might not be anything wrong with your application and too early to panic, but that's an option when you're ready. Another thing that we can all agree on is that waiting sucks. To those that are still waiting to hear back: keep the hope alive! Perhaps someday admissions will start a twitter board that announces decisions as they are reviewed...
mswhopeful2012 Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 If only admissions could tweet my acceptance ::sigh::: love Twitter! MissH and kldfweldsc 2
rjose Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 Does anyone know if there are set deadlines to hear back from schools? I don't want to seem bothersome and constantly ask admissions what's going on with my application, but, say, if I don't hear from Columbia by the end of March should I contact them and ask them what's going on? Or should I wait until the end of April, May, June?
briefinterviews Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 Can I just say: I love this thread! What a prime example of the maturity and tact demonstrated by the applicants in this thread. Way to go, y'all, for represeting MSW and not totally flaming tbird <3 While I understand tbird's frustration and anxiety, I agree that the tone could be considerably more palatable. katiemk1230 and MissH 2
rjose Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 I *think* its April 15th...but I'm not sure. Thanks! I shall continue to wait and APPEAR to be patient
mswhopeful2012 Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 Thanks! I shall continue to wait and APPEAR to be patient I know the feeling! I feel this back and forth tug! Last night I had a dream I didn't get accepted which was terrifying, lol and then I had a dream I did get accepted, whih of course was ruined by waking up and realizing I probably won't hear any news today... I think this is slightly making me OCD on the email checking, lol!
rjose Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 I know the feeling! I feel this back and forth tug! Last night I had a dream I didn't get accepted which was terrifying, lol and then I had a dream I did get accepted, whih of course was ruined by waking up and realizing I probably won't hear any news today... I think this is slightly making me OCD on the email checking, lol! OMG I can totally relate. I had a dream that Berkeley let me see this Excel sheet that contained all the MSW/PhD applicants, and apparently only 5 people applied, but there were only three spots available, so they said that I definitely had a chance. Also, the Excel sheet had ratings that each person on the admissions board gave me ( on a scale from 1-5), I saw a couple of 0's How could someone give me no points!? Anyway, kind of glad it was a dream, but also the idea of only 5 people applying for 3 spots was also nice. Oh well, just keep waiting... I am happy that i found this forum though. I would be driving my friends crazy constantly complaining/telling them about this waiting process, so it's nice to vent these thoughts/feelings to folks who are in the same boat
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