7 answers
Hannah
Student
Hanover, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know what college I want to go to?
I want to go to school for social work, but I haven't done much time looking for a college to go to. I have pretty decent grades.
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7 answers
Noopur Dubey
PhD research fellow
32
Answers
Graz, Styria, Austria
Updated
Noopur’s Answer
You can decide based on the course you want to take. Based on your interest. You can ask opinion of students already studying there to know if your expectations can be met in that course in that college. The ranking of college also matters a lot. If you do your degree from a good college you will have more and better opportunities in your career. You should apply to multiple colleges just to have options.
Anah Ayala
Sound Designer
4
Answers
Lake Worth, Florida
Updated
Anah’s Answer
You can start by applying to liberal arts schools. The 4 year state schools offer a track to success for social work. You would get your general education done there and finish with an internship if offered one. Even if you aren't you should apply after you finish your studies. You will be learning social studies and how to work using interpersonal skills.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Hannah !
Since you haven't been looking into social work colleges and need advice, you've come to the right place. I have had a lot of exposure to the field of social work as a case manager as well as having many family members and colleagues being social workers. I hope that I could give you some advice, just some things to consider based on my observations close to the field as a case manager.
My first reaction for what you've asked is that it would be ideal if you could study in a major city more than the assumption of what a "good" college would be. You'd basically be studying psychology and sociology and Certified Social Workers are basically clinical therapists. That means their work with the client is therapeutic, helpful and focused on behavior modification and different skills for the client using therapeutic techniques. So any environment that will support gaining knowledge of very diverse populations will be to your benefit. You are about a two and a half hour drive from Philadelphia where there are some colleges offering programs in social work. They are Rutgers University Camden, Westchester University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, Lasalle University, Eastern University, Cairn University-Langhorne, University of Valley Forge, Gwynedd and Mercy University. You should read their websites and compare acceptance rates, tuition costs and the social work program courses and requirements at each school.
Another option is to do an Associate Degree, than a Bachelors and than a Masters degree. Some social workers also go on for their PhD in social work, too. You can see if you'd want to do your Associates in psychology and your Bachelors in social work and Masters in social work. Some have gone for the Associate in sociology, Bachelors in Psychology and than the Masters in Social Work. You have somewhat of a choice with this major. So this will be the way you find out which college is best for you. Read their websites and/or visit the schools. The closest community college for an Associate degree would be Harrisburg Community College, 39 miles from you. They offer 5 different social work programs.
Although a college's famous name on a resume looks great, I advise trying to prioritize the experience you would have. You will want to be around as much different clientele as possible (academic internships) and you would find that in major cities. You would still be taught well by certified professors that have experience in all accredited colleges. You can also work with clients in a small town, too, but a major city will give you the base line foundation that you can take anywhere as a social worker. You will have to get your certification in the state that you'd be practicing in.
Since you haven't been looking into college selection as of yet, you'll need to do it eventually. There are so many decisions to make and a lot of reading and comparing. Take it slow and keep a notebook of the attributes, requirements and costs of each college. Consider if you'd want to choose just one college and go there all the way through for your Masters Degree or go for three degrees leading up to the Masters at a couple of different schools. It would depend on your budget. Just a tip, a degree in social work from most Universities in New York City carries a lot of weight in the labor market. Figure out if you want to and can move away for college. I am almost certain that you will make the right choice after thorough and careful consideration.
I wish you all the best with choosing a college you will love !
Since you haven't been looking into social work colleges and need advice, you've come to the right place. I have had a lot of exposure to the field of social work as a case manager as well as having many family members and colleagues being social workers. I hope that I could give you some advice, just some things to consider based on my observations close to the field as a case manager.
My first reaction for what you've asked is that it would be ideal if you could study in a major city more than the assumption of what a "good" college would be. You'd basically be studying psychology and sociology and Certified Social Workers are basically clinical therapists. That means their work with the client is therapeutic, helpful and focused on behavior modification and different skills for the client using therapeutic techniques. So any environment that will support gaining knowledge of very diverse populations will be to your benefit. You are about a two and a half hour drive from Philadelphia where there are some colleges offering programs in social work. They are Rutgers University Camden, Westchester University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, Lasalle University, Eastern University, Cairn University-Langhorne, University of Valley Forge, Gwynedd and Mercy University. You should read their websites and compare acceptance rates, tuition costs and the social work program courses and requirements at each school.
Another option is to do an Associate Degree, than a Bachelors and than a Masters degree. Some social workers also go on for their PhD in social work, too. You can see if you'd want to do your Associates in psychology and your Bachelors in social work and Masters in social work. Some have gone for the Associate in sociology, Bachelors in Psychology and than the Masters in Social Work. You have somewhat of a choice with this major. So this will be the way you find out which college is best for you. Read their websites and/or visit the schools. The closest community college for an Associate degree would be Harrisburg Community College, 39 miles from you. They offer 5 different social work programs.
Although a college's famous name on a resume looks great, I advise trying to prioritize the experience you would have. You will want to be around as much different clientele as possible (academic internships) and you would find that in major cities. You would still be taught well by certified professors that have experience in all accredited colleges. You can also work with clients in a small town, too, but a major city will give you the base line foundation that you can take anywhere as a social worker. You will have to get your certification in the state that you'd be practicing in.
Since you haven't been looking into college selection as of yet, you'll need to do it eventually. There are so many decisions to make and a lot of reading and comparing. Take it slow and keep a notebook of the attributes, requirements and costs of each college. Consider if you'd want to choose just one college and go there all the way through for your Masters Degree or go for three degrees leading up to the Masters at a couple of different schools. It would depend on your budget. Just a tip, a degree in social work from most Universities in New York City carries a lot of weight in the labor market. Figure out if you want to and can move away for college. I am almost certain that you will make the right choice after thorough and careful consideration.
I wish you all the best with choosing a college you will love !
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
456
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
It's as easy as pie:
- Should any university or college offer you a full or nearly full scholarship, it's an excellent choice.
- Choosing a state college or university can be a smart move, as they often provide scholarships and have more affordable tuition fees.
If you've achieved remarkable SAT or ACT scores, coupled with a high GPA and numerous AP courses under your belt, don't hesitate to apply to respected colleges. There are plenty in PA - like Bryn Mawr, Swarthmore - or even Ivy League schools. It's generally expected that they'll provide scholarships.
Remember, the aim is to keep your student loan as low as possible if you're working with limited financial resources.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1512
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you would like to be a social worker.
Below are my suggestion :
1. Take a look on the college review which offering social work
2. Explore the entry criteria of those colleges you have interest
3. Attend the information session host by the Social Work department. Speak to the professors and alumni in the session if possible
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
5. Shortlist 3 -5 colleges you have interest and prepare the application
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestion :
1. Take a look on the college review which offering social work
2. Explore the entry criteria of those colleges you have interest
3. Attend the information session host by the Social Work department. Speak to the professors and alumni in the session if possible
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
5. Shortlist 3 -5 colleges you have interest and prepare the application
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
364
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Hannah,
Choosing the right college is an essential step towards achieving your personal and professional aspirations. It's a decision that rests on your shoulders, and it's crucial to consider what you want from your college experience and how it aligns with your lifestyle. Once you've figured out what matters most to you, you can start shortlisting colleges that meet your criteria and start exploring them in depth.
My guide aims to help you navigate this process, offering tips on how to compare colleges, what to look for, and how to gauge your chances of getting into your dream college.
How Many Colleges Should You Apply To?
Most admissions experts suggest applying to anywhere between four and 12 colleges, depending on what your application fee budget allows. Categorizing colleges into "reach," "target," and "safety" groups can help ensure a balanced selection.
However, some students know exactly where they want to study and don't see the need to apply to multiple colleges. Instead of spending money on application fees for colleges they're not interested in, they prefer to keep their options limited, sometimes applying to just one college. But remember, applying to fewer colleges could increase the risk of not getting accepted anywhere.
How to Compare Colleges and Narrow Your List
Choosing the right college can be challenging. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make the right decision.
Step 1: Create a College List
Start by sitting down with your parents, guardians, or a trusted advisor like your school counselor, and compile a list of colleges that pique your interest. This list can include both public and private colleges, local or out-of-state.
Before making a final decision, consider a range of experiences and outcomes. Ideally, your list should have around 10-15 colleges, all offering majors that resonate with your interests and career plans.
Step 2: Prioritize Your Preferences
Identifying what you want and need from a college can help narrow down your choices. For example, you might crave the buzz of a large student body and a host of campus activities. Or perhaps a smaller, more intimate campus with a liberal arts focus suits you better.
Step 3: Visit College Campuses
While the internet is a great tool for researching colleges, degree programs, and faculty, there's nothing like visiting a college in person.
By touring college campuses, you and your family can get a real feel for the atmosphere, ask questions, sample the cafeteria food, and check out the housing options. It's a chance to see whether you can truly envision yourself there.
Choosing the right college is an essential step towards achieving your personal and professional aspirations. It's a decision that rests on your shoulders, and it's crucial to consider what you want from your college experience and how it aligns with your lifestyle. Once you've figured out what matters most to you, you can start shortlisting colleges that meet your criteria and start exploring them in depth.
My guide aims to help you navigate this process, offering tips on how to compare colleges, what to look for, and how to gauge your chances of getting into your dream college.
How Many Colleges Should You Apply To?
Most admissions experts suggest applying to anywhere between four and 12 colleges, depending on what your application fee budget allows. Categorizing colleges into "reach," "target," and "safety" groups can help ensure a balanced selection.
However, some students know exactly where they want to study and don't see the need to apply to multiple colleges. Instead of spending money on application fees for colleges they're not interested in, they prefer to keep their options limited, sometimes applying to just one college. But remember, applying to fewer colleges could increase the risk of not getting accepted anywhere.
How to Compare Colleges and Narrow Your List
Choosing the right college can be challenging. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make the right decision.
Step 1: Create a College List
Start by sitting down with your parents, guardians, or a trusted advisor like your school counselor, and compile a list of colleges that pique your interest. This list can include both public and private colleges, local or out-of-state.
Before making a final decision, consider a range of experiences and outcomes. Ideally, your list should have around 10-15 colleges, all offering majors that resonate with your interests and career plans.
Step 2: Prioritize Your Preferences
Identifying what you want and need from a college can help narrow down your choices. For example, you might crave the buzz of a large student body and a host of campus activities. Or perhaps a smaller, more intimate campus with a liberal arts focus suits you better.
Step 3: Visit College Campuses
While the internet is a great tool for researching colleges, degree programs, and faculty, there's nothing like visiting a college in person.
By touring college campuses, you and your family can get a real feel for the atmosphere, ask questions, sample the cafeteria food, and check out the housing options. It's a chance to see whether you can truly envision yourself there.
Fernando Iriarte
writer
148
Answers
Puerto Rico
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
If it's social work you're looking for start by researching near by colleges that have curriculums or degrees in your field of interest. Remember that any doubts you may have can be cleared up by talking with a college representative. Now budgeting is important when college hunting, so if you can't find a college near by and studying outside of your state is too expensive focus your search on online degree programs.