Need advice on which MSW program to choose!

[a2009]

I would really appreciate any opinions! Obviously I know the rankings of the programs, but I'd like to hear some about the reputation or the graduate experience at these places!

Right now, I am choosing between:

-UPenn: $8,000 grant + GA position = around $27,000/yr

-SUNY Albany: been accepted for a month, have not heard anything about financial aid. Was informed (after applying) that they would not be offering any RA/TA positions

-Virginia Commonwealth: tuition is around $18,000/yr, and I am waiting to hear about an awesome Residence Director position which would provide an apartment and a $10,000 paycheck

I already declined an offer from Temple (just wasn't that into it), and am still waiting to hear from George Mason - which could potentially give a competitive offer.

What do you guys think of these places?

[Dreams]

Right now, I am choosing between:

-UPenn: $8,000 grant + GA position = around $27,000/yr

-SUNY Albany: been accepted for a month, have not heard anything about financial aid. Was informed (after applying) that they would not be offering any RA/TA positions

-Virginia Commonwealth: tuition is around $18,000/yr, and I am waiting to hear about an awesome Residence Director position which would provide an apartment and a $10,000 paycheck

What do you guys think of these places?

I say go where they are giving you the most money. We all know Social Workers do not fetch much money, so graduating with as little debt as possible is a good bet. I personally prefer urban locations because of the greater choice of field placements. While Albany is a capital city, the options would still be more limited than Philly. You will likely need a car for VCU to get to your placements so that will be an expense if you don't already own a car. So far UPenn looks like your best bet financially. They are also pretty supportive of their students. When I was accepted there, I got a similar package and the folks took interest in my career goals. You will want to be somewhere similar where the program is looking out for you both while you are there and as you are preparing to look for jobs on the market.

The true mark you should gauge a program by is how many graduates go on to pass the licensing exams. If students are not passing the exams, then that should send up an immediate red flag about the program. Unfortunately I had to rescind a hiring decision to a person who failed her LGSW exam. When I did some research, I found that a great portion of this school's graduates took way longer on average to pass the exam. I will not name the school, but this is something you should look at carefully.

[kbenz001]

Hi, I am currently working on applications to get my MSW. I am just curious which offer you accepted. Also, would you mind giving a breakdown of your undergraduate info?

Thanks so much

[annie a]

I would really appreciate any opinions! Obviously I know the rankings of the programs, but I'd like to hear some about the reputation or the graduate experience at these places!

Right now, I am choosing between:

-UPenn: $8,000 grant + GA position = around $27,000/yr

-SUNY Albany: been accepted for a month, have not heard anything about financial aid. Was informed (after applying) that they would not be offering any RA/TA positions

-Virginia Commonwealth: tuition is around $18,000/yr, and I am waiting to hear about an awesome Residence Director position which would provide an apartment and a $10,000 paycheck

I already declined an offer from Temple (just wasn't that into it), and am still waiting to hear from George Mason - which could potentially give a competitive offer.

What do you guys think of these places?

Hi and Congrats,

What do you think about U Penn?

How is it for SW policy?

Thanks!

ann