Hi
I applied to MSW programs at Columbia, Fordham, Yeshiva, NYU, Stony Brook and Adelphi

I am going to be going into interviews and I have no idea what to expect. i was wondering if anyone had some pointers for me? Could throw out some questions that they were asked when they got interviewed.

I have read about columbia, fordham and NYU. Does anyone have info on yeshiva, adelphi and stony brook?

thanx

~Vyoma

I do not believe interviews will be performed at Columbia (social work dept.). Expect only open ended questios. Be precise in answering. Don't just jump in. You can take a brief moment to consider your answer. Listen carfully to the question and answer only what was asked. Expand on your answer when invited to do so. Some may do panel interviews (3-5 people) while others may do step interviews (3 one-on-one interviews).
Know why you want to go into social work. Practice a brief, sincere statement.
IE: "I was led to social work while doing ministry with men who were homeless. These men and professionals I met helped me to understand how my strengths can be used to help many more people. It will also equip me to empower those I work with rather than try to solve the problem."
Don't make this a rehearsed statement. Just have a good idea of why.
If you feel tense, take a deep breath. They will understand anxiety and such. Read up on proper posture. Too relaxed is crossing the knees. Don't play with the hair.
OK...Questions~
Why Fordham?
What is something original that you will bring to Fordham?
What experience would you like to share with me today?
Tell me about your BSW experience?
I see you studied psychology (or sociology, or whatever). Why do you want to switch now?
Tell me what you feel a typical day would be like for a social worker?
Sorry...I am a cruel interviewer (unofficially).
Don't try to "compete" with other students. This is not about them. It is about your desire.
Be interested in what that college has to offer. Do NOT mention another college you have applied to, unless specifically asked. (You likely will not be.) You have chosen "this" college. Why? In an appropriate question, include a diversity statement. "I love that New York will offer me the opportunity to learn about different (NOT OTHER) cultures without leaving the United States."
Thoughts, anyone else?

FINALS WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As a student I dreaded the days leading up to finals week. Endless late nights typing papers that were due the next morning at 8am. Long and tedious study sessions pouring over the text books that I hadn't picked up since the second week of school. Frantic last minute searches for course syllabi & study guide that I would have sworn that I'd left under the pizza box in the living room last Friday. (HEY! Is this anyones beer?)
So as an instructor, I have no room to speak, right? But my how I dread reading and grading papers written by bright and talented students who have turned in a major assignment that they researched, organized, composed, (copied from the internet???) and maybe proof read last night sometime between "The greatest race" and passing out at the computer shortly before the alarm clock went off this morning. (Won't for Bret, ruining she "smelling checkers" is HOT the shame as poof weeding?)

I dread assigning a C or a D or even an F , to students who are intellegent and capable, students I like even but who never even bothered to read the text book or any of the assigned readings and who will inevitably complain that 1/2 the test was made up from matterial I never went over in the classroom.

Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Remember, we're all in this together. Study the matterial I've assigned and that we've discussed in class. Respect the hours I've put into this. Get your moneys worth from the school. Make me proud. Let me teach you. And let me gloat before the Dean when I'm called down for inflating grades by giving everyone an "A" in policy, when I can demonstrate that every single one of those A's was earned with creative, intellegent, origional and dedicated hard work. And let the dean try, just try, to earn a passing grade on the very same test you just aced. Go ahead make my day. PLEASE!!!!!

No!!! You didn't do that, did you? Great testimony to the students! You know, Gary, if you were teaching only graduate level, the game might change a bit. I have really enjoyed the fact that there has been only ONE test this entire year for me! Yes, there are more projects and papers. I often wonder if it might be more prodective for professors to assign a written assignment in which the student must demonstrate the depth of their knowledge, applying what they have learned instead of taking a test to prove the same thing. This way, if there is something in the sylabus that was stated would be part of the coursework, you could always say; "I didn't go over that? Well you saw it in the syllabus. You need to apply those research skills and find it." Well, it is time for me to get back to work on my FINAL ASSIGNMENT of my educational career, so I will wish you well.

If only this week was finals week for me... I don't graduate until May 14. Luckily, though, two of my courses were 10-week online courses, one was an independent study, and the other is my field placement, so I'm not really suffering. Except for the fact that I start grad school May 31.

For my minor (sociology), I had to write an integrative essay discussing how the minor helped me in my degree program and proving that I actually learned something. I was a little surprised to be handed this assignment with one week to complete it, especially since I didn't know it was a requirement for the minor, but it was valuable to me once I finished it. Even though my last 4 semesters have been almost exclusively social work classes, I was surprised to realize that I remember most of what I learned in the seven sociology courses I took.

Most of my social work courses have had very few tests (if any) and mostly projects/papers. I enjoyed this thoroughly; making a good grade on a test often means you are good at memorization and regurgitating information, but doing well on a big project or paper means that (1) you learned something, (2) you understood what you learned, and (3) you were able to link theory to practice (a phrase I have heard a million times in my program!).

Hope everyone else is surviving the last few days or weeks....

I think I have finally gotten through it. but I am going to be teaching freshman level classes in the fall and honestly Gary...you are scaring me! I would have been an english teacher if I liked kids a little better in groups. My masters program has actually not had any tests, but the number of process papers and other assignments has been voluminous. I graduate May 8th however so I am almost there, finished my thesis already and passed my licensure boards...unfortunately I think I may have forgotten how to relax...I keep wandering around the house looking for something to do...feels weird!!
good luck everyone.
T.

It's DONE! It's DONE! It is finally Over!!! I have just finished the last school project/paper of my MSW program!!! Oh, if I were an eagle, how I would soar!
Sorry everyone. Had to vent.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I think that falls into the crowing category rather than venting William LOL....so how does it feel to be all but an MSW? Your graduation soon? You are going to make a great MSW...
T.

Good going William!

Tom

Thank you, both. I so hope I can continue to serve my clients well. This semester has put me through the test. I am still at my field placement until mid-June. I walk in May but am not conferred until October! Just one of those "advance standing" things. My mother wants my graduation put in the paper of her little town and the college tells me that they do not notify home-town papers. It feels good. I have an interview May 12.

my college doesn't notify home town papers but they do send home a little press release that we can send out. so...you could do a quick press release and make mom happy! LOL

I was thinking about doing that. We shall see if I have the energy to write anything else... for the next year.

boy...your mother must not be as good at "guilt" as mine is...LOL...
good luck on your interview William...it is almost over! I am actually done with my practice now but it felt weird...well like a loss actually...when i turned in my keys to the inpatient unit and left on the last day. 600 hours was a surprisingly large amount of time when I got to the end. Have you taken your ASWB's yet or are you even clinical track?

Actually, I care a great deal about my mother. However, as I am over 40, my focus is not as much on letting the town know my accomplishments as it was when I was in my 20's, when I would have placed a notice in my living room window.
I am clinical but am not certain if I will license here. I am moving overseas where a license of another form is issued. I may take the NYS boards just to have the license for when I return, but have no intention of working in NYC at this time. I presently hold a license at the BSW level in another state and would likely move there if and when I return to the US.
So where are you living (state)? Are you moving to another state to practice? Are you taking some time off before you return to work?

Welcome aboard William. I am very honored to think of you as a professional colleague. Your contributions over the past year here have been outstanding. But graduation really isn't the end of anything (except perhaps unreimbursed work and a shocking increase in your indebtedness...) Graduation is just the beginning. I'm looking forward to hearing more of your adventures and observations. Gary Bachman

Bravo, William! We're all proud of you (as is your mother!). You or your mom could write up a short paragraph and send it to the local newspaper. They may even have a special e-mail address where these kinds of notices can be sent.

Good luck on your interview. Are you going back to London? I'll be looking forward to hearing from you wherever you are.

Linda

Bravo indeed William! I hope you are commencing...a much more accurate term than graduating!

Can't wait to hear about your next adventures!

Pandora

Thank you all very much. I just finished my last course at 8 p.m. and some of us went to a local joint for a visit and some food. It just seems so strange that the classes have ended already! Where did the year go? I have the strange sense that I have a paper yet to do. Just to let you all know, you have been my reflection pool for quite a while. I have received so much encouragement and it is greatly appreciated.

I will second that feeling William, it seems strange to be out of school after so long...I keep waking up in the middle of the night trying to remember if I have forgotten an assignment (perhaps we should write a paper on grad school trauma LOL). It has been wonderful having you here and I hope you have time to continue posting on occassion.

William, I don't post too often, but read the posts almost every day and have enjoyed your intelligent comments. Congratulations! I am so jealous, because I have wanted to go to graduate school for years and have yet to even apply. I am also in my 40s. Good luck with your career. BK

Thank you BK. Any reason you haven't begun? While it was stressful, it is liberating to know it is behind me.
I have a question for all of you. I am already licensed as an LSW in Texas. I am applying to work in London, again. I do not have to be an LMSW to do so, but am considering taking the exam. Once I take it, I can place my license on hold. Do you think I should take it?

I would suggest taking the exam. From what I have heard, it's easier to take it when you're fresh out of school, rather than later when all those theories and people are kind of hazy. Plus, if for any reason you aren't able to stay in London or end up coming back to the states early, your license will be waiting for you. Just my two cents.

-Andrea

Good point.
Thanks.

I am having difficulty deciding which school to attend to earn my BSW. The 3 schools are in British Columbia, Canada: University of Victoria's distance education program (the courses are the same as in the on-campus program, but discussions and group work take place through the computer); University of British Columbia in Vancouver; and the University of British Columbia in the Okanagan (formerly Okanagan University College). All 3 schools are accredited. Advice from students of these schools or other knowledgeable people would be appreciated. Any information about choosing a BSW program in general would also be appreciated. Thanks!

I JUST GRADUATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, just had to let everyone know that my very difficult four years are finally over! Grad school starts in 16 days, but I'm ignoring that fact for now.

YIPPY SKIPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


For the first time,

Andrea Whitmer, BSW

congratulations Andrea...you will do well...I am so glad to hear you made it...make sure to take a bit of time for yourself over the next few weeks before jumping back in.

WAY TO GO! HOW WONDERFUL! I am so very happy for you! And it will only take one year for your MSW; right? Where were you doing your BSW? Are you doing your MSW at the same place? Best wishes to you in your future, Ms. BSW.

Great going, Andra. Way to stick in there through good times and bad.

Tom

I have a masters in social work (MSW), and I want to move to the Vancouver area. It will take me until mid-October to have my credentials "translated" by ICES, and be registered by the BRSW.

I have inpatient hospital-social work experience, as well as clinic social work experience. Some of my skills include psychosocial assessments, individual and family mental health counseling, grievance counseling, and individual and group substance abuse counseling. I am looking for an entry-level social work position, and I am able to begin as a part-time employee, or full-time employee.

Does anybody know of anything, or can you suggest a link, or site?

Thanks.

notifynick@hotmail.com

Hi I have been sitting here reading your students preparing for exams and talking about study guides which are not available down here in Australia and was thinking how lucky you are to have them, I would sure love to see one or get a copy for myself, any suggestion they sure would be a powerful help or even to know what topics they cover any indeas????

I am seeking a LCSW in Florida that can do court appointed domestic violence counseling.
email me at
BSumrall@fedspec.com

I have a question... (This is NOT an assignment!)

One of my personal goals for the year is to decide on a theoretical basis that I will use in my practice. The MSW program I'm in has assumed a generic "strengths, systems, and empowerment" base, so I have been researching various theories and models in order to find a match that works for me. I'm planning to get the LCSW eventually and do clinical work.

For those of you with experience - what theory or theories guide your practice? How did you decide? What field(s) have you used it in? I've read plenty, but textbooks and journal articles can only tell so much. I'd love to hear about real experiences with different treatment approaches (especially ones that didn't work out!)

As I said, I know this sounds like one of those pleas for help with an assignment, but it is truly something I want to do for myself. I was asked about my theoretical standpoint when I interviewed for my field placement, and I had no idea what to say. (It doesn't help that I went straight into grad school following my BSW!) I would love to read any advice, information, or personal experiences that might help me out.

I have not found one model (nor have I been able to develop one - yet!) to explain all human behaviour. As a result, I see myself as eclectic and draw from more than one theoretical framework according to what is being presented. From this I develop a formulation, which then helps to determine the most appropriate strategies and techniques I use to intervene.

The theoretical framework you choose must be compatable with your own values and beliefs. This first requires introspection and much self-awareness. Once I understood myself and found theories compatible with my beliefs, my anxiety decreased significantly. I was then able to experiment with clinical interventions and in some cases develop my own techniques which work well for me and my personality, but may not necessarily work as well or may feel awkward or unnatural for others.

I hope this helps. I'd like to hear from others too as we probably all have different approaches.

Tom from Canada

Tom and Andrea, I've found that my theoretical framework has changed over the years. It isn't pure, it is a conglomeration of things that make sense to me, and which I call on as needed.

I started out very psychodynamic...and still think that is probably the most complete framework. I've studied Self-psychology, and find that much of it rings very true for me in helping me understand certain clients. I did a lot of parent-infant work and came to value Erickson's developmental stages which I consistently find extremely helpful, and in no way inconsistent with psychodynamic theory.

In practice, I increasingly find myself using cognitive-behavioral theory, something which I would have soundly rejected at the time I graduated. I just find it works well for many folks...(and behavior theory is so useful in understanding why certain behaviors persist.) I like a lot of the family theorists as well...a watchword for me is that "all behavior is functional...or at least was when it originated."

I could probably pull on a few others if I wanted to take the time. The long and the short of it for me is...find something that helps you diagnostically, but remain open to learning about and testing out different frameworks. Get yourself a good base (and for that I personally still believe that Erickson's development stuff and/or psychodynamic theory with a basic understanding of behavior theory can't be beat.

Then play with it. As Tom said, see what you find to feel comfortable and "true" for you.

Good luck

Pandora