Acceptance remorse and questions about Berkeley

[Lincolnia]

So I applied to two MSW programs: Portland State and University of Washington,.as well as an MFT program: Lewis & Clark. I got into all three but chose PSU because of the better funding (i.e. in-state tuition, T.A. position with tuition remission and stipend, my related on-call job to supplement, and an ideal and super afforable living situation). I was surprised that I got in to all of these institutions, even though I had a really strong undergraduate gpa and years of experience. Needless to say, I am prone to underestimating myself and did not apply to even more competitive programs because I figured that I'd never get in. I did the same thing for undergrad... which is why graduated from Portland State with my B.A.

 

However, lately I am wondering if I should have tried to make it at a higher-ranked institution, namely Berekely. And, as cost is a huge consideration for me (I am trying to graduate sans loans), I wonder if would even been feasible financially had I been accepted. Lately, I have been plagued by this "what if" mentality and even briefly considered forgoing my acceptance to reapply to "better" schools next year. Thoughts?

 

Also, for those of you admitted to or attending Berkeley (or just super knowledgeable about the school) what is their average financial aid award like for an out-of-state student? Do many students make it through debt-free?

 

My program is a good one and is located in the area I eventually want to work; I know I am very lucky and do not want to sound ungrateful. I just worry that I didn't push myself as far as I could of, and I may be giving up on a more high profile career (I would eventually like to head a non-profit centered around women's economic empowerment or work in international social work and public policy...) or potential PhD dreams in the future by sticking with my alma mater.

 

Any and all thoughts/advice/information would be much appreciated.

 

[briefinterviews]

Please feel free to PM me for additional questions regarding the Berkeley program. The FAQ section on Admissions appears to have been updated, and might help you get a better feel for things (I appreciate that they have stressed that we are a research-oriented program and not clinically-based, which is very evident in the culture and coursework): http://www.socialwelfare.berkeley.edu/Admissions/MSWFAQS.shtml

 

Out-of-state tuition is steep, and first-year aid generally isn't particularly generous unless you're going the Title IV-E route. I know one out-of-state student in my cohort, but I do not know anything about his finances--although I do believe he was working to establish California residency to qualify for in-state tuition for his second year. A lot of students off-set costs by pursuing graduate student researcher (GSR) positions, work study (we're eligible for up to $10k), and flexible part-time work where we can find it. I used to have loan/debt data, but cannot seem to locate it at the moment... I do believe the average is around $30-35k for all students, but there are plenty of us who have incurred twice that amount if not more. Cost of living in the Bay Area is notoriously expensive.

 

socialworkphd, who frequents this forum, can probably offer some sage advice--particularly if you are looking at the PhD route. However, if you are looking to live and work in Portland, there are rather large benefits to attend school in that area as you become more familiar with agencies and expand your professional network through your field placements. You mention that graduating debt-free is also important to you, and to be frank, the chances of that happening at Berkeley are very slim. I don't know of anyone who is coasting through the program debt-free, but then again people aren't wont to disclose their finances. My guess is that it is a select few who are likely receiving support from family and combining that with other forms of aid (either through the Title IV-E program for child welfare, GSRs, and/or other scholarships).

 

FWIW, Berkeley does have a reputation, and there is a trend of students in the direct practice concentrations finding themselves promoted relatively quickly to managerial/administrative roles after graduating. As someone on the macro-level track, I have really appreciated the experiences and opportunities I've been able to have through the program, and because of the relationships and connections I am building, I will most likely remain in the area to work though I originally intended to return to Los Angeles. While there are certainly complaints among the cohort about the curriculum, and it does have its critical shortcomings, I do think that it plays its part in honing our perspectives and giving us the space to continually think, question, and contemplate the effects of our decisions before we act--a quality that is no doubt lacking in a sector that can be a little too eager for the quick-fix, from the CBO up through federal policymaking.

 

But I think you can be just as successful going to Portland as going to Berkeley. Does name play into things a bit? Sure, but it is still relative. What is the reputation of PSU in your area? Part of the reason I chose Berkeley was because the reputation can carry me throughout the state and across the country, but who knows how founded that actually is. I strongly believe that in the end, seeking out the right opportunities and developing relationships and working hard will lead you to where you want to be. Overall, it sounds like you are still a little uncertain on your career trajectory, which is totally normal and perfectly fine--but I would investigate whether Portland's program is structured in a way that will allow you to explore those options and interests either in the classroom or out in the field, or if there are other ways for you to get that exposure and experience.

[coffeenut]

What I don't understand is why people worry about status markers or attending highly prestige schools when it comes to social work? It seems like the same institutional bias and unnecessary social ranking (who you know, what other places you attended) is part of why we need social work in the first place.

I just don't understand choosing school for anything other than concentration as most of the leaning will come from direct field practicum.

[Lincolnia]

Thanks for the informative response, briefinterviews. I think I am just having a case of pre-program jitters and you definitely helped calm them a bit. With finances such a huge consideration for me, it sounds like PSU is still my best bet.

[Lincolnia]

I just saw your response as well, socialworkphd. Didn't you post something regarding admission tips and/or private "prestige" institutions vs. public ones a while back? I recognize your name and if I remember correctly, I found your posts to be greatly informative. You make a good point about UW.  I didn't accept their offer as the financial aid was basically no-existent and I really don't have any interest living in Seattle. Portland is already bustling and costly enough for my taste. Also its prestige wasn't worth 60k in loans when I already have 16 from undergrad. The pragmatist in me can't justify such a heavy financial burden for a MSW.

 

Most importantly, you are absolutely right that your education is what you make of it. My experience will largely be shaped by what I put into it and the connections I make in my program and field placements. Thanks for that reminder