Reply With Quote
Is it really necessary to s out the big bucks for the program if UTSA or Texas State has the education you desire and as you said, you can work your schedule around your classes?
I applied for a virtual masters for the University of Southern California's Masters in Social Work program. It's a good program. So this isn't unexpected, but just wondering if anyone has an experience with it...
They sent me an e-mail asking to set up a phone interview. I know with regular jobs that's a first step, to get a look at some people they kind of are on the fence with but aren't quite sure about. Is that the same thing with Grad School? Or is it different like they really like me?
I'm not worried about the actual interview and if I get in I get in. If I don't I don't. No worries. I'lll suck it up and go to UTSA or Texas State when I can work my schedule around the classes. I applied for the program because it was virtual and it wasn't Phoenix or one of those other virtual Masters.
But, I just wanted to see if any of you wiser more experienced academics may have an idea as to where this is headed...do I need to prepare myself to be let down or should I prepare to s out the big bucks for the program...if the interview goes well?
Is it really necessary to s out the big bucks for the program if UTSA or Texas State has the education you desire and as you said, you can work your schedule around your classes?
My best friend is about to finish his social work degree at UTSA. All evening classes if I remember correctly. Just got an internship at the VA, the first UTSA student to do so. The trail has been blazed.
Oh and I don't think he has paid for one bit of his education, between scholarships and such.
However, to answer your question: it depends. Each person/ins ution/situation is different. Some schools require entrance interviews, some don't. Think of it this way, if they want and interview of ANY sort, that means that there has to be SOME interest.
I had this conversation with my co-workers. However, UTSA and Texas State are not Top 10 programs. They do not have the nationwide network that this program has and will provide. In addition, they do have an MSW program, but they do not have the concentration I would like to get my MSW in, child welfare. Texas State does have a child welfare program, but it is arural child welfare program, but as my career moves me forward I see myself working in a metropolitan area. So, that's not as good of a fit as the USC program. UTSA's program is a general MSW. There is no concentration.
Ok, this makes a little more sense than "if I don't get in, I will just go to these other places." It seems to me that if you see that much value in getting this concentration from this school, that one little denial wouldn't turn you to these schools that you feel are such a bad fit for you that you are willing to pay substantial sums of money more to not go to them.
If you get turned down, see if you can find out why, and fix that, then apply next semester.
It's an odd program, since it is online it has several start dates. This cycle starts in October and then another starts in November, January, April, etc. They have an MeD program run much in the same way. I think it's just the uniqueness of the program that I'm worried about.
And congratulations to your bff on getting that internship. That's awesome!
Good luck in the interview. USC is not a California state school is it?
We thought that it was pretty cool since it was a highly coveted internship (see: paid) with national compe ion.
Also, this "strange" cycle offers you more opportunities per year. If you don't get in, try again in a couple months. Find out why you got turned down. If USC has that much value, a few more months wait can't really hurt.
IMO, Get ready to s out the big bucks. They will take you if they are calling you unless you do something terribly wrong over the phone. My sister went through this.
Virtual student gets virtual interview. Seems fair.
Nope. It's private. And you, of all people, wishing me luck?
University of Spoiled Children? Nah.
USC is a private school and one of the better schools in the country. I'm sure the interview is to assess whether they feel you meet the criteria to make it into the school.
I'll still make fun of you but have I ever wished you ill?Nope. It's private. And you, of all people, wishing me luck?
I didn't do a phone interview for grad school, but I did talk with them a lot informally before getting the offer. It may be that your recommendations weren't as specific as they typically like, or whatever, but if they're interviewing you it's because you're still being considered. If a school is no longer considering you for admission, they let you know pretty quickly most of the time.
Good luck with the interview, and with the MSW in general. I briefly considered an MSW when I was doing my AmeriCorps term, but I'm not made of the stuff that you need to be for a career in that area. You have stronger faith in humanity than I!
It's virtual. And with that being said, I did research the out of it before hand. It's heavily geared towards students outside of the state of California who would like to attend a Top 10 school, like theirs, but don't want to relocate. There will be a lot of webcam stuff and lots of online work. The organization they are working with are also working on making the right connections to make getting the internship possible no matter where you are located.
And no, I will not be relocating now or later.
i guess the virtual part went over your head right?
For once I'm not the dumb one, right?
oh and good luck!
a degree from USC beats anything from Phoenix 100 days out of 100 and from most other programs in the nation as well, virtual or not virtual.
The piece of paper will still say USC on it and that will still get you a long ways in the long run, especially when dealing with peoples and/or networking.
For once I'm not the dumb one, right?
this time.
Well, I hate to point it out, but you're weirded out about a VIRTUAL Masters that uses PHONE interviews...For once I'm not the dumb one, right?
Just had the interview. The admission's counselor ran about 30 minutes late (one of my biggest pet peeves in the world...ask Silver210_Black20 about that...). I sent him an e-mail 15 minutes after the initial interview was scheduled to ensure that it was going to happen. It was off putting to say the least.
He said he was sorry, but still...so he asked me a few questions...all of which he could find on my application, GPA, undergrad, why I wanted to be in social work (although I understand that is a good one to ask as you get to know the person better). He basically admitted that the phone interview was to assess my language comprehension to see if I was able to handle the program by the end of the short conversation. Umm? Okay. Anyway. Now I just wait for a few of my reccomendation to come in and for an answer. Why isn't there a nervous smiley?
well that sounds kinda shady, but i mean its US ingC. think about where you want to get employed afterwards, and i think a degree from there will beat out the ones at texas state or utsa, not to mention it's a program you want.
That sounds a little bit odd.
Was this just a general graduate admissions counselor or someone specifically for the SW department?
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
