University of Washington 2016

[LAT]

Starting the thread! Will be entering the 2 year Day program. I am a Seattlelite and attended UW for my UG in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Funny enough, its connected to the Social Work building. Just wanted to throw things out there and share some excitedness.

It seems that many people may be coming in from out of state so if you have any questions about the city as a whole... Let me know! 

[KatieJaiYen]

@LAT, Thank You so much for starting this thread. I have been passively reading EVERYTHING and it's time to be a bit more proactive. 

I got into UW and I am so excited!  I am relocating from Thailand (originally from the east coast of the US) and will definitely need some suggestions about the region. 

The biggest thing for me will be housing - where to live and what's easily accessible to U District with public transport. I know Seattle a bit and love South Seattle, but that just doesn't make sense over the next couple years. What are the neighborhoods you would suggest to start the search?

[LAT]

23 hours ago, KatieJaiYen said:

@LAT, Thank You so much for starting this thread. I have been passively reading EVERYTHING and it's time to be a bit more proactive. 

I got into UW and I am so excited!  I am relocating from Thailand (originally from the east coast of the US) and will definitely need some suggestions about the region. 

The biggest thing for me will be housing - where to live and what's easily accessible to U District with public transport. I know Seattle a bit and love South Seattle, but that just doesn't make sense over the next couple years. What are the neighborhoods you would suggest to start the search?

Actually, since light rail is starting up... South side wouldn't be terrible... but really only if it is close to a light rail location. The station that will be closest to UW is actually by the hospital (not super close to social work building.. but it ain't bad).

So... Along light rail would be... Capital hill, Mount Baker, Columbia City, Rainier Beach... Rainier Beach is the furthest southeast you can get in city. Taking Light rail instead of a bus would be significantly faster (from Rainier to UW stadium would be 30... Cap hill to UW... 4 minutes. That last one is not a typo).

 

I currently live in the NW part of Seattle and I am fortunate that there is a bus line right outside my house that takes me straight to UW. Its hard to pinpoint all the neighborhoods with direct bus access.. since there are so many... but Wallingford and Ballard are along the 44 route. I am by the current 48 route (Loyal Heights, Crown hill, Greenlake). Pinehurst/Northgate/Roosevelt is another that would be accessible by the 73 or 67 route. I guess what I'm realizing at the end of this long long post... UW is basically "2nd downtown" when it comes to bus service. There is so much stuff that runs through... So there are a lot of opportunities. If you like south side more, start with those neighborhoods first!

[KatieJaiYen]

Thanks @LAT this is helpful and maybe I will follow my heart to the south. I love Columbia City and I lived in Rainier Beach for a summer. I will check it out.

I appreciate you starting this thread and I am sure I will reach out with more questions. This will just be a great place to connect with other incoming students.

[SWLindsey]

Anyone else apply for the advanced standing program? I'm super disappointed we won't hear back until around March 31st. From what I was told when I called, there was an early decision deadline for people applying for the two year program, but not for advanced standing. Pretty annoying! I am going to have to accept another school's offer before I even hear back from UW, making it unlikely I will end up there unless they offer me a pretty amazing scholarship. Speaking of which, are folks getting financial aid packages with their acceptance letters?

[LAT]

45 minutes ago, SWLindsey said:

Anyone else apply for the advanced standing program? I'm super disappointed we won't hear back until around March 31st. From what I was told when I called, there was an early decision deadline for people applying for the two year program, but not for advanced standing. Pretty annoying! I am going to have to accept another school's offer before I even hear back from UW, making it unlikely I will end up there unless they offer me a pretty amazing scholarship. Speaking of which, are folks getting financial aid packages with their acceptance letters?

Nope! It seems that they will be releasing financial aid info in May. It's really *really* late. 

[morningjunky]

1 hour ago, SWLindsey said:

Anyone else apply for the advanced standing program? I'm super disappointed we won't hear back until around March 31st. From what I was told when I called, there was an early decision deadline for people applying for the two year program, but not for advanced standing. Pretty annoying! I am going to have to accept another school's offer before I even hear back from UW, making it unlikely I will end up there unless they offer me a pretty amazing scholarship. Speaking of which, are folks getting financial aid packages with their acceptance letters?

Financial aid packages as well as assistantships/fellowships will be announced in May. I agree, quite late, but I spoke with a rep from the Admissions Office and it's because for those two year day students who did not apply for early decision, they will receive their admissions decision in mid to late March which prolongs the notifications (assistantships and fellowships would thus begin the review process in April). 

I do like the fact that a tuition deposit isn't due (for two year day students) until June 2016 though, so even if you decide not to enroll after submitting your intention, you won't lose any money. I put down a deposit at another school, but if I receive an assistantship at UW which would cover tuition and offer a small stipend, I'll withdraw my offer and attend UW since it would be fully covered financially. However, the wait can be arduous, especially for those who are coming from out-of-state since moving is very stressful. Best of luck to everyone!

[SWLindsey]

33 minutes ago, morningjunky said:

Financial aid packages as well as assistantships/fellowships will be announced in May. I agree, quite late, but I spoke with a rep from the Admissions Office and it's because for those two year day students who did not apply for early decision, they will receive their admissions decision in mid to late March which prolongs the notifications (assistantships and fellowships would thus begin the review process in April). 

I do like the fact that a tuition deposit isn't due (for two year day students) until June 2016 though, so even if you decide not to enroll after submitting your intention, you won't lose any money. I put down a deposit at another school, but if I receive an assistantship at UW which would cover tuition and offer a small stipend, I'll withdraw my offer and attend UW since it would be fully covered financially. However, the wait can be arduous, especially for those who are coming from out-of-state since moving is very stressful. Best of luck to everyone!

MAY?!?! That's too much, man! Now I'm even more stressed out. It also seems like not giving financial info until May violates this agreement. What do you all think? http://cgsnet.org/april-15-resolution

According to how I interpret this, that would mean that if I accept another GA or financially binding position at another school, then want to accept UW's instead, I would have to get written permission from the first school.

Edited March 1, 2016 by SWLindsey

[RCtheSS]

I just registered for the March 31 Prospective Student Day event. I'll also be attending UW's MPA open house event on April 1, so it all works out. I've never been to SEattle so woop woop!

[morningjunky]

41 minutes ago, SWLindsey said:

MAY?!?! That's too much, man! Now I'm even more stressed out. It also seems like not giving financial info until May violates this agreement. What do you all think? http://cgsnet.org/april-15-resolution

According to how I interpret this, that would mean that if I accept another GA or financially binding position at another school, then want to accept UW's instead, I would have to get written permission from the first school.

Right. It's not the best thing to do if you eventually choose another program besides the one you accepted initially, but you have to do what's best for you. It could potentially lead to burning bridges in the future should you wish to pursue a PhD, but schools also have a waitlist to ensure they have a full incoming class. I did this when I was an undergrad. I initially accepted a partial scholarship at one college in February and in mid April, a school took me off their waitlist and offered me a hefty scholarship package and I politely emailed the first college notifying them I wanted to rescind my initial acceptance. They weren't pleased, but I'm sure another student who was on the waitlist was. 

Is UW your top choice? If so, you should let them know by calling or emailing them. Many schools are accommodating and understand the various commitments a student faces when applying to graduate schools. When I spoke with an admissions rep, he mentioned that interview invites for graduate assistantships and fellowships would be announced in late March or early April. If you haven't heard by then that you were invited for an interview, that most likely means you were not selected to move forward in the process. 

Are you applying for the Advanced Standing or regular two year day program at UW? If it's the former, UW has their advanced standing students beginning in mid-summer and it can be really stressful waiting until April or May to hear back regarding funding, especially if you are coming from out-of-state. I'm okay with waiting until May since I'm originally from Seattle and moving back home wouldn't be that stressful. Good luck!

Here's a great thread on this topic:

 

[LAT]

4 hours ago, RCtheSS said:

I just registered for the March 31 Prospective Student Day event. I'll also be attending UW's MPA open house event on April 1, so it all works out. I've never been to SEattle so woop woop!

Cool! I will be on my way to Hawaii so I can't make that session (my life.. is pretty tough sometimes haha). I hope you have opportunities to do some roaming around the city.

[smillz]

9 hours ago, SWLindsey said:

Anyone else apply for the advanced standing program? I'm super disappointed we won't hear back until around March 31st. From what I was told when I called, there was an early decision deadline for people applying for the two year program, but not for advanced standing. Pretty annoying! I am going to have to accept another school's offer before I even hear back from UW, making it unlikely I will end up there unless they offer me a pretty amazing scholarship. Speaking of which, are folks getting financial aid packages with their acceptance letters?

I applied for the advanced standing program as well. I wish we weren't going to find out so late. My alma mater isn't notifying applicants until April, which is ridiculous. I had to go ahead and accept another schools offer while I wait for other programs to notify me. I hate the waiting game! 

[KatieJaiYen]

Hi All, when you were discussing finances, was it May for fellowships and scholarships or potential need-based loans/funding from submitted FAFSAs? Perhaps these are all the same timing. Has anyone received any information on financial packages? 

I just sent an email to Office of Financial Aid. I will post if I hear anything specific.

Edited March 5, 2016 by KatieJaiYen

[morningjunky]

On March 5, 2016 at 6:59 AM, KatieJaiYen said:

Hi All, when you were discussing finances, was it May for fellowships and scholarships or potential need-based loans/funding from submitted FAFSAs? Perhaps these are all the same timing. Has anyone received any information on financial packages? 

I just sent an email to Office of Financial Aid. I will post if I hear anything specific.

Late April-May is the general timeline for fellowships and assistantships. I applied for three assistantships and also the MSW Tuition Fellowship with my application. Here is the email I received after applying for an assistantship:

Thank you for your application to the Student Information Specialist (SIS) position.  This e-mail confirms that your application has been received and all required items were included.   

While the timeline could change depending on scheduling, currently we anticipate being able to finalize the review and selection process for this position in May.  Initial review will begin in March, but the remaining timeline depends on the applicant pool and is contingent upon the timeline for admission decisions (current UW MSW students are applying for this position, as well as incoming MSW applicants who are expected to receive an admission decision by the end of March).  The committee will identify the strongest SIS applicants, to be invited to phone or Skype interviews which will take place likely in late April or early May.  Depending on the number of applicants and how competitive the applicant pool is, the committee may invite top finalists to a second round of interviews on campus (or via Skype for those outside of our area) if appropriate. While we hope to be able to fill this position in April, April is indeed an especially busy month for our small office.  The timeline will likely extend into May due to the competitive SIS applicant pool and staff workloads/availability during these busy months.  We thank you for taking the time to submit your application, and for your patience with the process. Thank you, and good luck!

This was included in my admissions email:

5. Review your financial aid award, if applicable:
Application letters for the Social Work Tuition Fellowship or PreMSW Research Fellowship will receive responses in May.  All other questions about financial aid (including questions about revising your financial need figure) should be directed to the University of Washington Office of Student Financial Aid at 206-543-6101.

Edited March 7, 2016 by morningjunky

[Marley]

Thanks for all your financial aid sleuthing, everyone! It definitely is frustrating that UW doesn't let us know about finances til May, but like someone else mentioned, at least they don't require an enrollment deposit til June! 

Are there any current or former UW MSW students willing to talk a bit about their experience and answer some q's via PMs?

[KatieJaiYen]

A friend that was pushed from early application pool to the general one just received her admissions decision from UW. Maybe a good sign for more decisions coming soon!

[LAT]

Good news: I received my financial aid award already! This is just... essentially for the loans. Haven't heard anything back from the fellowship tuition application.

[KatieJaiYen]

2 hours ago, LAT said:

Good news: I received my financial aid award already! This is just... essentially for the loans. Haven't heard anything back from the fellowship tuition application.

Received as well...a combo of stafford and plus loans which I assume is pretty standard. Really need to get the award up though if I have any chance beating out other schools financially.

UW my top choice though...long way to go.

[morningjunky]

8 hours ago, KatieJaiYen said:

Received as well...a combo of stafford and plus loans which I assume is pretty standard. Really need to get the award up though if I have any chance beating out other schools financially.

UW my top choice though...long way to go.

Ditto! I have the maxed amount of subsidized and PLUS loans. Yikes! 

Just one more month and we should know if we've received any offers for the fellowships and assistantships we applied for though. What a wait...

[RCtheSS]

I attended the Prospective Student Day yesterday! First, Seattle is looking so perfect right now--the weather is ideal and the flowers are in bloom. What a cool city.

If anyone has any specific questions, I'll try my best to answer them. I attended info sessions on the Administration and Policy Practice and Community-Centered Integrative Practice.

[KatieJaiYen]

Hi All, did anyone else apply for the Student Information Specialist assistantship? When I followed up awhile back it sounded like they received 40+ applications for two positions. A long shot, but wondering if anyone had received any requests to interview or other updates. 

I am feeling a bit challenged by UW's timeline as I have to accept/decline another school's scholarship by April 15. Is what it is with admissions!

[morningjunky]

9 hours ago, KatieJaiYen said:

Hi All, did anyone else apply for the Student Information Specialist assistantship? When I followed up awhile back it sounded like they received 40+ applications for two positions. A long shot, but wondering if anyone had received any requests to interview or other updates. 

I am feeling a bit challenged by UW's timeline as I have to accept/decline another school's scholarship by April 15. Is what it is with admissions!

I've committed to another school and sent a tuition deposit, but UW is my top choice. I applied to two GA (the SIS and SCC) and I haven't heard back so I reached out to Admissions earlier this month and they basically said I should hear back later this month or early May if I will receive an interview and will move forward in this process or not. They also mentioned tuition fellowships/scholarships will be sent via email as well in early to mid May. 

If I get a GA, I'm going to forfeit my deposit at the other school and commit to UW. The other program starts last week of August and UW starts last week of September, so it's about a month difference.

[ediblestranger]

Even though I've already accepted Michigan's offer, I was really disappointed to find out that my application for the MSW Tuition Fellowship was never received.  Apparently I sent it to the wrong email address, because I used the 2015 instructions which was all they had posted on their website at the time.  I have emailed two different contacts at UW regarding this issue and they didn't even bother to respond.  I wish they would still consider my application, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

Oh well.  Good luck everyone.

[KatieJaiYen]

@ediblestranger how did you figure out it was the wrong email address? I am a little nervous I might've done the same

[LAT]

17 hours ago, KatieJaiYen said:

@ediblestranger how did you figure out it was the wrong email address? I am a little nervous I might've done the same

Oh no! When I sent it off, I got an email back immediately confirming that they received my app