social worker admission essay

10 MSW Personal Statement Examples (with Commentary)

Get inspired by some of the best MSW personal statement examples below.

These personal statement examples are inspired by actual essays from students with whom we’ve collaborated, essays that contributed to their successful admissions. For confidentiality, key details have been altered.

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Table of Contents

Example 1: NYU MSW Personal Statement Sample

Prompt: ‘why i want to be a social worker’ essay.

At the tender age of five, as my family faced the challenges of immigrating to the United States, I quickly became attuned to the complexities surrounding us. This early brush with adversity sparked my quest for understanding, especially in the realm of adolescent experiences. Growing up in a household where my mother tirelessly cared for us, while my father remained emotionally distant, I learned to seek solace in introspection and daydreaming. These experiences laid the foundation for my deep empathy towards others and a commitment to understanding them beyond surface-level perceptions.

My ability to empathize with others, particularly adolescents, has been a guiding force in my life. Working with XXXX as a counselor, I revisited my own teenage years, recognizing the crucial need for guidance during this transformative phase. This realization has fueled my determination to specialize in counseling and therapy for adolescents, a path I am eager to pursue through NYU’s Master of Social Work program. I am convinced that effective counseling during adolescence is pivotal in shaping capable, responsible adults.

My internship at XXXX Health was a turning point. Observing clinical behavioral health therapists and working alongside a psychiatrist specializing in post-incarceration life, I gained profound insights into the long-lasting impact of disrupted adolescent experiences. Hearing the narratives of former inmates underscored the importance of early intervention in defining one’s identity. This experience intensified my desire to work with young individuals struggling to find their place in the world.

Choosing NYU Silver was a natural decision. The school’s esteemed faculty, particularly Dr. Kirk Jae James, resonates with my journey as an immigrant. Dr. James’ dedication to overcoming his challenging past and disproving stereotypes is not just inspiring; it mirrors the resilience and determination I strive to embody. His work with those affected by mass incarceration aligns closely with my aspiration to be a clinical therapist who can bring change to young lives.

New York City, the vibrant and diverse backdrop of NYU Silver, also greatly appeals to me. The city’s rich history of nurturing notable figures like Andy Warhol, Roy Halston, and Jean Basquiat speaks to its capacity to foster self-discovery and belonging. I am excited to immerse myself in this melting pot of cultures and ideas, which will undoubtedly enrich my learning and practice in clinical therapy.

My personal history, particularly my father’s struggle with his traumatic childhood, has taught me that resilience and determination are key to overcoming adversity. His journey, though fraught with challenges, has instilled in me the belief that embracing the unknown and being steadfast in one’s goals can lead to remarkable achievements. Carrying this lesson with me, I step into NYU Silver poised to embark on a journey towards becoming an influential clinical therapist for adolescents.

My path to NYU Silver is more than an academic pursuit; it is a commitment to my dream of guiding adolescents through their most vulnerable years. By combining my personal experiences with the comprehensive training at NYU Silver, I am ready to make a meaningful impact in the field of clinical therapy, helping young individuals navigate their formative years with understanding and resilience.

Commentary:

• Personal and Cultural Background : Effectively connects early experiences as an immigrant to developing empathy, crucial for social work.
• Professional Aspirations : Clearly links past experiences with seniors and an internship to a focused interest in clinical therapy for adolescents.
• Academic Motivation : Draws a parallel between personal experiences and the inspiration found in NYU Silver’s faculty and New York City’s diversity.
• Resilience and Determination : Reflects on lessons learned from family, particularly the father, instilling a belief in achieving ambitious goals.
• Career Vision : Articulates a strong desire to impact adolescent lives, demonstrating an understanding of the field’s challenges and opportunities.

Verdict: The personal statement is heartfelt and well-structured, showing a clear link between the candidate’s background, their professional drive, and their chosen academic path. The reflection on personal and family resilience adds depth, positioning the candidate as a motivated individual ready to leverage their experiences for meaningful social work.

Example 2: Columbia MSW Personal Statement Sample

• Part 1: Reflecting upon your decision and motivation to pursue the MSW, describe how attending CSSW will enable you to meet your goals as a social worker. What are your immediate and long-term social work goals?
• Part 2: Describe a social problem of significance to you. Please discuss it in regard to societal contributions to the origin of the problem, experiences that have contributed to your identification and understanding of the problem, and possible ways of addressing the problem.
• Part 3: Choose two attributes and provide examples as to how you exemplify these traits. Choose one attribute you would like to improve. How will attending the MSW program at CSSW help you in doing so?

1. Motivation and Goals for Pursuing MSW:

From a young age, I have been acutely aware of the disparities and injustices in my community. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood in Chicago, I witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of poverty, limited access to quality education, and the cycle of violence. These early observations fueled my passion for social work, specifically my desire to develop community-based programs aimed at youth empowerment and education. My immediate goal is to work in a non-profit organization focused on urban youth development, while my long-term ambition is to establish a foundation dedicated to providing educational resources and mentorship programs for at-risk youth.

Attending the Columbia School of Social Work (CSSW) will provide me with the critical skills, knowledge, and network necessary to achieve these goals. CSSW’s commitment to social justice, its comprehensive curriculum, and the opportunity to learn from esteemed faculty and diverse peers will equip me with a nuanced understanding of social issues and effective intervention strategies.

2. A Significant Social Problem:

The social problem that resonates most with me is the school-to-prison pipeline, an issue rampant in many urban communities, including my own. This problem arises from a combination of societal factors such as underfunded public schools, zero-tolerance policies, and systemic racial discrimination. My understanding of this issue deepened through volunteering at a local youth center, where I encountered numerous teens who had been expelled from school and were at risk of entering the juvenile justice system.

Addressing this problem requires a multi-faceted approach, starting with policy reform to prioritize education and rehabilitation over punishment. Community-based intervention programs focusing on mentorship, counseling, and educational support can play a vital role in diverting at-risk youth from the criminal justice system. At CSSW, I hope to explore these interventions in-depth and develop effective strategies to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline.

3. Personal Attributes and Areas for Improvement:

Empathy : My empathy has been a guiding force in my social work journey. A poignant example was when I volunteered at a local youth center. There, I met a teenager named Marcus who had been expelled from school. By actively listening and engaging with him, I learned about his challenges at home and his struggles with learning disabilities. Understanding his situation, I worked with the youth center staff to develop a personalized educational plan and connect him with a mentor. This experience deepened my ability to empathize with individuals from diverse backgrounds, recognizing the unique challenges they face.

Resilience : My resilience was particularly tested when I spearheaded a community project to revitalize a rundown public park. The project faced numerous setbacks, including funding shortages and bureaucratic hurdles. Despite these challenges, I mobilized the community, organized fundraising events, and negotiated with local officials. The successful completion of the park not only provided a safe space for children but also reinforced my ability to persist in the face of adversity, a crucial trait for a social worker.

Area for Improvement – Policy Advocacy : My experience in grassroots initiatives has been rewarding, but it also highlighted the limitations of addressing social issues without policy change. For instance, while volunteering at the youth center, I realized that individual interventions, though beneficial, could not alone prevent the systemic issue of school expulsions leading to juvenile detentions. This recognition has fueled my desire to improve my skills in policy advocacy, an area where I see great growth potential. CSSW’s program, with its emphasis on policy practice, will be instrumental in helping me acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to advocate effectively for systemic changes.

Conclusion:

Attending Columbia School of Social Work will be a pivotal step in my journey to becoming an impactful social worker. I am eager to engage with the CSSW community, learn from diverse experiences, and contribute my perspective towards creating meaningful change. I am committed to using the knowledge and skills gained from CSSW to fight for social justice and empower the youth in communities like mine.

• Clarity of Motivation : The essay effectively communicates the candidate’s personal experiences and observations of disparities in their community as key motivators for pursuing social work.
• Goal-Oriented : Clearly outlines immediate and long-term goals, demonstrating a focused vision for a career in social work.
• Understanding of a Social Issue : The candidate’s insight into the school-to-prison pipeline, informed by volunteer experiences, indicates a deep understanding of this complex social problem.
• Attributes and Self-Improvement : Demonstrates empathy and resilience through specific examples. Identifies policy advocacy as an area for improvement and connects this to CSSW’s curriculum.
• Personal and Professional Growth : The candidate’s experiences, challenges faced, and the growth they seek align well with the offerings of the CSSW program.

Verdict: The candidate’s personal statement is compelling and well-crafted. It showcases a strong personal connection to the field, a clear understanding of relevant social issues, and a desire for professional growth that aligns with the CSSW program.

Example 3: UC Berkeley MSW Statement of Purpose Sample

Please address each of the following in your statement:

• Describe your aptitude, motivation and preparation for graduate study in the field of social welfare; your future career goals in the profession of social work; and achievements that demonstrate your professional promise and leadership potential as a social worker.
• Describe your academic and professional areas of interest in social work, including your chosen area(s) of specialization.
• Demonstrate your understanding of contemporary issues and challenges in the professional practice of social work by posing a question or identifying a relevant problem/current issue you would like to explore, and how you might address it from the perspective of a masters’-level social worker.

My journey into the world of social work began with a deeply personal experience – caring for my youngest daughter who faced developmental and language delays. This challenge opened my eyes to the struggles of parents with special needs children and sparked my commitment to helping vulnerable groups. I founded a non-profit organization to support children in rural Russian orphanages, which expanded my drive to assist not only children but also adults suffering from trauma and PTSD. This path has led me to pursue the Master of Social Welfare program at Berkeley, where I aim to deepen my knowledge and skills for effective global impact.

My background is richly diverse. As a mother of four bilingual, multicultural children, I developed a keen interest in early bilingualism. For my thesis at XXXX State Linguistic University, I explored bilingual language development in infants and toddlers, focusing on methods used by parents raising bilingual children. This research, recommended for publication as a guide for multilingual families, heightened my awareness of the challenges immigrant families face globally. It solidified my resolve to find research-based solutions to social issues, a commitment I bring to Berkeley’s rigorous program.

Professionally, I thrived as a XXXX Director for XXXX in Russia, where I honed leadership skills by building a team of passionate educators. A notable achievement was our collaboration with XXXX Department, providing educational programs to young patients. This experience was transformative, broadening my perspective on social change and reinforcing my desire to make a meaningful difference.

As a certified life and leadership coach, I focused on assisting Russian-speaking immigrants and refugee women, many confronting dire challenges like domestic abuse and PTSD. These encounters underscored the need for specialized social welfare skills, steering me towards a Master’s in Social Work. My goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in trauma and PTSD, and to contribute on an international scale, possibly with organizations like Doctors Without Borders.

Recognizing the critical role of language in social work, I have been learning Spanish and French to better connect with diverse patient populations. My linguistic background enhances my ability to engage effectively in multicultural settings. To gain practical experience, I completed a 90-hour training at Crisis Support Services of XXXX and began volunteering on their crisis line. This hands-on involvement, particularly during these challenging times, has further motivated me toward my LCSW goal.

UC Berkeley’s MSW program, known for its diverse student body and commitment to public service, is the ideal environment for me to grow. Surrounded by peers and faculty who share a dedication to social justice, I am eager to expand my understanding and prepare for a career dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities.

• Personal Experience as Motivation : The statement effectively uses the candidate’s personal experience of caring for a child with developmental delays as a catalyst for their interest in social work.
• Global Perspective : Showcases a strong commitment to international social issues through work with Russian orphanages and immigrant communities.
• Professional Achievements : Highlights relevant professional experiences, including leadership roles and work with vulnerable populations.
• Educational Goals and Alignment : Clearly articulates the desire to specialize in trauma and PTSD, aligning with Berkeley’s MSW program’s strengths.
• Multicultural and Linguistic Skills : Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of cultural competence in social work, supported by multilingual abilities.

Verdict: The candidate presents a compelling mix of personal motivation, professional experience, and academic alignment with the MSW program at UC Berkeley. Their diverse background and specific career goals make them an ideal candidate for the program.

Example 4: Cal State Fullerton MSW Personal Statement Sample

The quality of the writing in the personal statement will be evaluated, as will the applicant’s ability to thoroughly address the questions outlined below:

• Describe how your personal background and life experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a graduate education in social work. Please include any challenges or hardships you may have overcome on your journey.
• What are your expectations of graduate education at Cal State Fullerton in terms of your own development? Indicate any problems or limitations that should be taken into account in planning your graduate program.
• Specify your career objectives as a professional social worker as you now conceive them. Indicate the fields of practice in which you are interested.
• Describe your experiences with diverse populations and groups, and how those experiences have contributed to your interest in social work. Which population (defined by culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, psychological and/or physical functioning) would you like to serve and why?

While managing an in-school feeding program, I watched a 7-year-old boy take a modest meal at school, and save half for his siblings at home. Another girl expressed joy for the school meals she relied on. These encounters, and others like them, deeply impacted me, highlighting the critical issue of child hunger and food insecurity. My resolve to expand our school feeding program was fueled by these experiences, successfully growing it from 7 to 1,053 schools over five years.

After graduating, I joined the Philippine XXXXX in 2001, managing the Business and Peace Program in the XXXXX Region. Here, I worked with XXXXXX, identifying young Muslims for internships that fostered leadership and peace.

In 2008, I transitioned to the XXXXX Foundation, developing community programs and managing the in-school feeding program, which fed 40,000 children at its peak. These experiences solidified my commitment to child welfare and my belief in the power of social work.

Managing the feeding program, I faced ethical challenges, like discovering fund misappropriation by a local agency officer. I addressed this by establishing direct communication with schools and conducting random checks, ensuring program integrity.

Then in 2013, I took a break to focus on family and moved to XXXXX. Motherhood enriched my perspective, making me more empathetic, resilient, and dedicated to child welfare. Now ready to re-enter the social work field, I seek an MSW degree to update my skills and knowledge.

Post-MSW, I aim to influence policies and contribute to community-based solutions in the Philippines, aspiring to work with large non-profits and eventually with international agencies like UNICEF.

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened child poverty in the Philippines, underscoring the urgency of my mission. At CSU Fullerton, I plan to study social work theories, understand child welfare systems, and apply these learnings to the Philippine context.

With a Master of Social Work degree, I am poised to join the effort to advance children’s welfare, equipped to make a significant difference in their lives. The Filipino children cannot wait. They need all the help they can get. And with a Master of Social Work degree from CSU Fullerton, the battle will have been half-won.

• Personal Narrative as Motivation : The statement effectively uses the applicant’s personal experiences with poverty, domestic violence, and addiction to illustrate a deep-rooted motivation for pursuing social work.
• Community Involvement and Professional Experience : Highlights significant community engagement and professional achievements, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and positive change.
• Challenges and Ethical Considerations : Discusses challenges faced during professional work, showing problem-solving skills and ethical awareness.
• Academic and Career Goals : Clearly articulates how an MSW will enrich the applicant’s knowledge and skills, aiming to influence policies and create community-based solutions.
• Personal Growth and Family Perspective : Reflects on the lessons learned from being a stay-at-home mother, tying this to a renewed enthusiasm for child welfare work.

Verdict: The statement presents a well-rounded candidate with a compelling personal connection to social work, reinforced by active community involvement, ethical professional practice, and clear career goals. The applicant’s experiences and aspirations align well with the MSW program at CSU Fullerton- making them a strong candidate.

Example 5: Cal State Long Beach MSW Personal Statement Sample

How did you become interested in social work? What motivated you to choose social work as a profession?

My passion for social work and advocacy for equality is rooted in a fundamental belief: no voice should be silenced in the pursuit of a just society. Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed how advocates for equality are often marginalized, their concerns unheard. This fuels my commitment to actively work towards a just world, where standing up for justice is a right for all.

As a child of Mexican immigrants, I experienced the harsh realities of a low-income household. This upbringing ingrained in me deep empathy and an intimate understanding of the struggles faced by underprivileged communities. My parents’ relentless hard work and sacrifices, despite economic hardships, have been a constant source of inspiration. They taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of community support.

My professional journey in social work began at XXXX Community Development Corporation, where I took a lead role in organizing a landmark meeting with elected officials. We successfully voiced community concerns, addressing critical issues like infrastructure and public safety. This experience honed my skills in advocacy and highlighted the power of active listening and engagement.

Furthering my commitment, I volunteered at XXXX Volunteers in Medicine, assisting in providing healthcare to those unable to afford it. Here, I learned the critical role of accessible healthcare and the importance of educating communities about healthy living. These experiences have solidified my resolve to pursue a career in social work, focusing on advocating for essential services and support for underprivileged communities.

My aspiration to become a licensed clinical social worker, specializing in children’s mental health, aligns perfectly with the academic rigor and diverse environment offered by the Master of Social Work program at CSULB. As an undergraduate at CSULB, I was captivated by the program’s depth and the diverse perspectives it embraced. The experiences shared with students from varied backgrounds deepened my understanding of the multifaceted challenges in our society.

I am fully committed to investing my time and resources in the coursework and fieldwork placements at CSULB. The opportunity to study in a stimulating environment, surrounded by professionals who share my passion, will provide a solid foundation for my career. I bring with me a wealth of practical insights from working with low-income communities, the homeless, the elderly, and drug users. These experiences, I believe, will contribute significantly to our class discussions and align perfectly with CSULB’s mission of supporting vulnerable and oppressed populations.

My journey in social work is a commitment to those who struggle to be heard. At CSULB, I aim to further my skills, knowledge, and understanding, preparing myself to be a force for change and a voice for the voiceless. My goal is to ensure that every child, family, and community I work with gets the opportunity to thrive, just as I strive to make a meaningful impact in the field of social work.

• Strong Personal Connection : The statement effectively connects the candidate’s personal background as a child of Mexican immigrants to her empathy and understanding of underprivileged communities.
• Professional Experience : Highlights relevant work in community development and healthcare, which demonstrates practical skills in advocacy and community engagement.
• Academic and Career Goals : Clearly articulates the ambition to specialize in children’s mental health, aligning with CSULB’s program.
• Commitment to Social Work Values : Demonstrates a deep commitment to social justice, aligned with the mission of CSULB’s social work program.

Verdict: The personal statement is comprehensive and well-constructed, effectively demonstrating the candidate’s passion, relevant experience, and alignment with CSULB’s Master of Social Work program. The candidate’s background and professional aspirations make them a strong fit for the program.

Example 6: San Jose State University MSW Personal Statement Sample

In the heart of a small migrant community, where the sting of social inequities was a daily reality, my path toward a career in social work began to take shape. My childhood, marked by the challenges of racial discrimination and economic struggle, instilled in me not only resilience but a deep understanding of the complex social fabric that shapes communities. It was these formative experiences, coupled with my time volunteering at a local shelter, that solidified my dedication to advocating for social justice.

Professionally, my experiences have been closely aligned with the values at the core of social work. Serving as a community organizer, I worked alongside local leaders to tackle critical issues like housing affordability and healthcare accessibility, gaining valuable insights into the world of policy advocacy. Another pivotal role was as a counselor for at-risk youth, where I developed a keen understanding of the challenges faced by young people from diverse backgrounds. This role was instrumental in refining my skills in empathy and communication.

Looking ahead, my immediate goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a focus on trauma and PTSD. In the long run, I aspire to establish a non-profit dedicated to providing mental health services to marginalized communities. These ambitions are rooted in a deep-seated commitment to effecting lasting change for those society often overlooks.

San Jose State University’s MSW program, renowned for its emphasis on culturally competent practice, particularly with Latinx and other minority groups, aligns perfectly with both my personal and professional values. The program’s exceptional faculty and comprehensive curriculum stand out as ideal for nurturing my academic and professional growth.

In conclusion, I am confident that my time at San Jose State University will not only refine my existing skills but also expand my perspectives, equipping me to become an effective, empathetic social worker. I am eager to embrace the tools and knowledge that the program offers, to champion social justice and make a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need.

This MSW personal statement sample effectively showcases the candidate’s journey and motivation towards a career in social work. It does well in several key aspects:

• Personal Experience : The statement begins with a compelling narrative about the candidate’s upbringing in a diverse, challenging environment, effectively linking personal background to their interest in social work.
• Professional Alignment : The candidate skillfully ties their professional experiences, like community organizing and counseling, to the core values of social work- to demonstrate a clear understanding and commitment to the field.
• Future Goals & Alignment with the Program : The statement outlines specific short-term and long-term professional goals, aligning them with the strengths of San Jose State University’s MSW program. This demonstrates the candidate’s purposeful choice of program and their understanding of how it will support their career objectives.
• Flow and Clarity : The essay is well-structured, with each paragraph transitioning smoothly into the next, maintaining a clear and engaging narrative throughout.

Verdict: The statement presents a well-rounded, sincere, and focused candidate with a clear vision for their future in social work. It makes a strong case for their admission.

Example 7: Wayne State University MSW Personal Statement Sample

Your statement must address the following items:

• The National Association of Social Workers set forth important guiding principles to address social workers’ ethical responsibility to clients, colleagues, employers and employing organizations, the social work profession, and society.
• Describe how these ethical standards would shape your professional social work practice. How would you reconcile any conflicts between your personal values and the requirements of the profession?
• Describe why you believe you are a good fit with the mission of the Wayne State University School of Social Work, particularly its urban mission.
• Social workers are committed to social justice. Please describe your thoughts on a particular social and economic justice issue and how you intend to use your professional social work degree to address these issues.

As an African American with Native American roots, I have firsthand experience with the challenges faced by underserved communities. This background has deeply influenced my desire to pursue social work, driven by a belief in compassion, commitment, and competence. I aim to amplify my impact in this field by enhancing my skills, and I believe the MSW program at Wayne State University is the ideal setting for this growth.

My life in Detroit has exposed me to the myriad challenges of urban environments, from food deserts to unsafe public spaces and high crime rates. The city’s struggle with deindustrialization has led to job losses, property abandonment, and heightened poverty, which I believe positions me uniquely for Wayne’s urban mission. Understanding these issues firsthand, I feel equipped to contribute meaningfully to solutions.

In my current role with a youth assistance program, I work to prevent youths from entering the juvenile system and help rehabilitate those already involved. Our sessions include group counseling, academic enrichment, and life skills training, aimed at early intervention to improve life quality and academic performance.

My practice as a social worker is grounded in the ethical standards set forth by the National Association of Social Workers. I prioritize service above self-interest, as evidenced by my role as a Direct Care Worker for my sister with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am committed to social justice and understand the importance of dignity and respect for every individual, regardless of their background. My experience with Wayne State University’s XXXXXX program has further reinforced the value of human relationships in social work.

I recognize the potential conflicts between personal values and professional responsibilities. In such cases, I intend to adhere to the profession’s ethical standards, ensuring that my personal beliefs do not hinder my ability to serve clients effectively.

The Wayne State University School of Social Work’s urban mission resonates with my experiences and aspirations. My understanding of Detroit’s unique challenges aligns with the school’s focus on urban social work. I am particularly interested in addressing issues of poverty and economic disparity, leveraging my post-masters degree to initiate impactful programs like fundraisers for low-income students and collaborations with local food banks.

I am aware of the challenges in understanding certain aspects of social work, such as the dynamics of gang involvement. To address this, I plan to engage in continuous learning about various community issues to enhance my ability to serve diverse populations effectively.

My journey has not been without its challenges. While I have been actively involved in addressing the needs of victims of gang violence, I recognize a gap in my understanding of gang culture. To bridge this gap, I am committed to learning more about gang dynamics, history, and the socioeconomic factors that influence gang membership. This knowledge will be crucial in my work with at-risk youth, allowing me to provide more targeted and effective interventions.

Balancing the demands of graduate studies with work, family, and financial responsibilities will be challenging, but my experience in the Wayne State University XXXXX program has equipped me with valuable skills in time management and prioritization. I am prepared to fully commit to the MSW program, confident that it will transform me into an impactful social work professional aligned with Wayne State’s mission.

• Alignment with University’s Mission : The statement effectively aligns the student’s personal and professional experiences with Wayne State University’s urban mission.
• Ethical Awareness : Demonstrates a clear understanding of social work ethics and a commitment to upholding these standards in practice.
• Conflict Resolution : Thoughtfully addresses potential conflicts between personal values and professional responsibilities, indicating maturity and professional readiness.
• Commitment to Social Justice : Shows a strong dedication to social justice, particularly in addressing economic disparities and poverty.
• Continuous Learning : Emphasizes a willingness to learn and grow, especially in areas like understanding gang dynamics, which is crucial for effective social work.
• Personal Experiences : Successfully uses personal experiences to illustrate a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities.
• Realistic Approach : Acknowledges and prepares for the challenges of balancing graduate studies with other life responsibilities.

Verdict: The applicant shows a strong alignment with the program’s focus, demonstrates ethical awareness, and possesses a clear commitment to social justice and continuous learning. The statement shows maturity and readiness for the challenges of graduate study in social work.

Example 8: University of Pittsburg MSW Personal Statement Sample

Please describe in your personal statement the following:

• Influences in your life that led you to select social work as a profession
• Why you are applying to the University of Pittsburg School of Social Work
• How an MSW will help you achieve your career goals
• Your special skills and abilities, your strengths as well as your limitations
• How your abilities will contribute to your development as a professional social worker
• Discuss a contemporary issue that is of concern to you

Printed on my grandfather’s funeral brochure was an old Irish proverb: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” This sentiment has resonated with me deeply, as I have experienced significant loss in my life, from cancer to accidents and suicide. These experiences have not only shaped my understanding of grief but also steered me towards a career in social work, specifically in gerontology and hospice care.

During my final quarter at XXXXXXX State College, I met a hospice social worker whose impact on families dealing with end-of-life situations was profound. Her approach to helping families accept, celebrate life, and find peace in farewells deeply inspired me. It was then that I realized the power of social work in providing comfort and dignity in life’s final stages.

I am applying to the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work because of its strong gerontology program and its commitment to addressing contemporary issues like the impact of COVID-19 on the aging population. The pandemic has starkly highlighted the disparities in our healthcare system, especially concerning end-of-life care. I aim to contribute to this field by developing solutions to these emerging challenges, ensuring dignity and comfort for all in their final moments, regardless of their racial or socioeconomic status.

My work experience in childcare and hospitality has equipped me with patience, empathy, and a strong work ethic, qualities essential for a career in social work. Additionally, my volunteer work with XXXXXXX and the XXXXXXX has given me valuable experience in community service. However, I recognize my tendency to be overly trusting as a limitation. In the field of social work, discernment is crucial, and I am actively working on balancing empathy with professional objectivity.

At the University of Pittsburgh, I am particularly interested in courses like Grief and Loss: Interventions, Implications, and Understanding, and Direct Practice with Older Adults. These courses, coupled with field education in aging, hospice, or hospital settings, will be instrumental in achieving my career goals.

My commitment to serving the Pittsburgh community stems from my deep-rooted connection to the city. Witnessing the impact of the university’s alumni in the field has further motivated me to pursue my MSW here. I am fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead in the field of social work, but I am confident that the guidance and training offered by the University of Pittsburgh will equip me to tackle these challenges effectively.

My personal experiences with loss, combined with my professional aspirations and commitment to social justice, make me a suitable candidate for the MSW program. I am eager to contribute my skills, work ethic, and unique perspectives to the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and to grow into a compassionate and effective social worker.

• Connection of Personal Experience to Career Choice : Effectively links personal encounters with loss to a passion for social work, particularly in gerontology and hospice care.
• Alignment with Program’s Strengths : Clearly identifies why the University of Pittsburgh’s program, with its focus on gerontology, is a strong fit for the candidate’s career goals.
• Discussion of Contemporary Issues : Addresses the impact of COVID-19 on the aging population, showing awareness of current challenges in social work.
• Self-awareness and Growth : Acknowledges personal limitations, like being overly trusting, and the intention to work on balancing empathy with professional objectivity.
• Relevant Skills and Experience : Highlights experiences in childcare, hospitality, and volunteer work, which showcase skills valuable in social work.

Verdict: The statement demonstrates a clear connection between personal experiences and professional aspirations. It aligns effectively with the program’s focus, displays awareness of current social issues, and shows a commitment to personal growth- making the candidate a strong fit for the University of Pittsburgh’s MSW program.

Example 9: Case Western Reserve University MSW Personal Statement Sample

Discuss significant factors influencing your decision to pursue a Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA).

• Your essay should include information regarding your interest in the social work profession, your intended concentration/specialization, and career goals.
• Please reflect on how any past school, community, volunteer, professional work, and leadership experiences will contribute to your success as a graduate student.
• Describe how you see yourself contributing to the vibrancy of our student body and school community.
• Describe any strengths or limitations that might influence you being successful in your field placement.
• Finally, please include why the Mandel School is a good fit for your educational goals.

My decision to pursue a Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) at the Mandel School is deeply rooted in personal and professional experiences that have highlighted the profound impact of social work. My journey began with observing the complexities of mental health within my family, which instilled in me a passion for understanding and advocating for mental health care.

Growing up, I watched a beloved family member struggle with mental health challenges. Witnessing their battle and the ripple effect it had on our family stirred in me a resolve to support others facing similar trials. This resolve only deepened with the birth of my daughter, Eve, when I encountered my postpartum mood disorders. Through receiving treatment and support, I was empowered to overcome these challenges, which further fueled my aspiration to assist women grappling with similar issues.

In my professional role as a Health Coach and Personal Trainer, I’ve had the privilege of supporting clients like John and Anna, whose mental well-being was intertwined with their physical health goals. These experiences have honed my ability to listen empathetically and devise holistic approaches to wellness that I believe will be invaluable in my social work practice.

My immediate career goal is to establish a private practice focused on women’s mental health, particularly addressing postpartum mood disorders. I am inspired to create a space where women can seek help without stigma or silence. In the long term, I aspire to influence mental health policy, advocating for accessible care and support systems that recognize and address the silent struggles many women face.

The Mandel School’s commitment to academic excellence and its vibrant student body resonate with my educational and professional ethos. The school’s innovative approach to social work education, particularly in mental health, makes it an exceptional fit for my aspirations. My compassion, coupled with my professional experience and personal journey through mental health challenges, will contribute to the rich tapestry of the Mandel School community.

Ultimately, I envision my time at the Mandel School as a transformative experience that will not only deepen my understanding of social work but also equip me with the skills to make significant contributions to the field. With a community that fosters diversity of thought and experience, I am confident that my educational journey here will prepare me for a fulfilling and impactful career in social work.

• Personal Connection : The statement effectively establishes a personal connection to social work through the candidate’s family experiences with mental health.
• Professional Relevance : It highlights relevant work experience that translates well into social work competencies, particularly in understanding clients’ holistic needs.
• Clear Career Objectives : The candidate articulates well-defined short-term and long-term goals that align with their personal experiences and professional aspirations.
• School Alignment : There is a strong emphasis on how the Mandel School’s ethos resonates with the candidate’s goals, suggesting a thoughtful choice in their application.
• Contribution to Community : The statement outlines how the candidate’s unique experiences and compassion will add value to the student body and fieldwork.

Verdict: The candidate’s personal statement is compelling, demonstrating a strong, authentic motivation for pursuing an MSSA and a clear vision for how the Mandel School will help fulfill their career objectives.

Example 10: University of Pittsburg MSW Personal Statement Sample

• Influences in your life that led you to select social work as a profession.
• Why you are applying to Pitt’s School of Social Work.
• How an MSW will help you achieve your career goals.
• How your abilities will contribute to your development as a professional social worker.
• discuss a contemporary issue that is of concern to you.

At just seven years old, I witnessed the harsh realities of poverty, domestic violence, and addiction within my family. These experiences instilled in me a passion for social work, especially after seeing how social workers supported our family through my parents’ mental health and addiction challenges. This inspired me to pursue a career in this field to use my background and skills gained from an MSW program to assist individuals and families in their recovery processes.

Growing up, our family was caught up in a custody battle, leading my siblings and me to frequently navigate foster care and courtrooms. My parents’ struggle with addiction was alleviated by the support of social workers and case managers, who provided housing, food assistance, service coordination, and counseling. Tragically, both my parents eventually succumbed to drug overdoses. Though painful, these experiences further reinforced my commitment to social work and helping others facing similar struggles.

In recent years, I have been actively involved in social justice activism. My roles as a community organizer and development director for XXXXX Summer Camp, a non-profit empowering girls and non-binary youth through music and mentorship, highlighted the need for improved mental and behavioral health services. Volunteering as a delivery driver and food packager with XXXXX Aid during the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of community support for those in need.

My experience in event coordination, donor relationship building, and electoral campaign work has enabled me to contribute to meaningful change in my community, such as the successful XXXXX Wage initiative in Oregon, which improved the lives of countless workers. Serving on the XXXXX Democratic Committee for Ward Four, I have amplified community voices and supported candidates who advocate for accessible mental and behavioral health services, safe and affordable housing, and environmental protection.

A contemporary issue that concerns me is the effectiveness of harm reduction techniques in treating mental health and dual-diagnosis clients. I aim to explore how these techniques can be integrated into traditional substance abuse treatment models to better meet the mental health needs of individuals like my parents. Additionally, I am interested in how mental health professionals and addiction treatment providers can collaborate to provide comprehensive care for dual-diagnosis clients.

Obtaining an MSW will empower me to become a skilled, compassionate, and trauma-informed clinician. My goal is to contribute to accessible mental and behavioral health services, particularly for trauma survivors, and advocate for inclusive, culturally responsive, and restorative justice practices.

I am empathetic and easily connect with people, and my resilience in adversity will contribute to my development as a professional social worker. These qualities have supported me in helping my sister Cheyan and in my social justice work.

I chose the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work for its highly-ranked program and specialization in mental health. This program aligns with my goal of employing harm reduction strategies for dual-diagnosis clients. Additionally, its proximity to my family will enable me to support them while pursuing my education.

I am eager to return to the University of Pittsburgh and embark on this transformative journey to become a professional social worker. The MSW program will enable me to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need compassionate and trauma-informed care. I am confident that this program will honor my family’s legacy and empower me to create positive change for countless individuals and families in need.

• Personal Experience as a Motivation : The applicant compellingly uses their personal history of overcoming poverty, domestic violence, and addiction to demonstrate a deep-rooted motivation for pursuing social work.
• Community Involvement : The statement highlights significant community engagement and activism, showcasing a commitment to social justice and change.
• Professional Development : Details about event coordination, campaign involvement, and leadership roles show the applicant’s ability to effect change and work collaboratively.
• Academic and Career Goals : The applicant clearly articulates their interest in harm reduction techniques and their intent to enhance their skills through the MSW program.
• Personal Qualities : Empathy and resilience are emphasized as strengths that will aid in their development as a social worker.

Verdict: The statement presents a well-rounded candidate with a powerful personal connection to social work, backed by active community involvement and clear professional goals. Their commitment to addressing complex social issues, coupled with their personal strengths, shines throughout the statement.

Before you go…

You should be inspired enough to craft your authentic MSW personal statement. But you still need experienced eyes to deeply review it for flow, tone, logical structure, and clarity! See how I can help you below…

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Related Articles:

Social Work Personal Statement Guide (w/Examples)

Top 8 Cheapest Online MSW Programs

Best Online MSW Programs in California

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Application Essay Guidelines

Your personal statement essay is an important component of your application. The essay must include critically reflective responses to the below four (or five, if applicable) questions. 

Required Essay Questions

• Briefly, yet critically, discuss a social issue or problem that is important to you and motivates your decision to pursue an MSW degree.
• A key part of the UB School of Social Work’s mission is promoting social justice as one of the six core social work values outlined in the Code of Ethics. Please discuss how your lived experience has contributed to your understanding of social justice. In your response, you may include how race or other factors have impacted your life, whether through discrimination, inspiration or otherwise.
• Tell us why you are pursuing the profession of social work at this time, and why the UB School of Social Work's MSW degree program is a good match for you.
• What personal skills and knowledge, and/or professional and academic experiences have prepared you for a graduate level social work degree program?
• Undergraduate GPA below 3.0; 
• Low or failing grades (for example, D, F, U); 
• Been on academic probation; 
• Dismissed from, or denied readmission to any college or department major,

Please explain the issue(s) and  be specific  as to how you have addressed it and your readiness to move into graduate level study.

Formatting your Essay

• DO NOT use a question and answer format. Write a full essay answering ALL questions above.
• Questions may be answered in any order to fit the narrative of your essay. 
• Your essay should be double spaced, in 12-point font. 
• Please keep your answers to the first four questions to no more than 7 pages double-spaced.  

Question 2 is optional for spring 2024 applicants.  All current questions are required for applicants for summer and fall 2024 and beyond. 

(updated tips video coming soon)

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Application Requirement:

The Garland School of Social Work application includes four short-answer essay prompts. The four essays focus on the following topics:

• Social work profession
• Advocating for others
• Diana R. Garland School of Social Work mission statement
• Societal issues

Application Advice:

Essays are a significant piece of the application to the MSW program at Baylor. This is how we get to know you as a future student and social work professional. We encourage all applicants to take their time, thoroughly think through a response, and engage in strong writing skills. Read through the information below for additional advice regarding application essays:

• Review, revise, and review again …grammar, punctuation, and editing matter. Be sure there are no typos or other errors that can distract readers.
• Answer the question . As a graduate student, you learn how to write in a concise manner. Use your application as a chance to highlight this skill by answering the question asked of you and avoid rambling.
• Read the mission statement . Knowing the mission of a program and highlighting how you identify with that mission can help reviewers understand what you would bring into the program.

The essay prompts are available on the GoGarland Application. These prompts are available for students to review and begin drafting essay responses. Students will submit responses to the application essay directly from the GoGarland Status Portal. As a reminder, students will have access to the GoGarland Status Portal immediately upon submission of their application.

Application essays are required as part of a complete application. Applicants will submit application essays directly from the GoGarland status page.

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• MSW Statement of Interest & Assistantship
• Frequently Asked Questions

Upload an essay into the `Essay/Statement of Interest' section of the online application. Write an autobiographical essay explaining your interest in practicing social work. This essay is intended to give the MSW Admissions Committee a holistic picture of you as a potential MSW student.

We'd like to know about your strengths, your self-awareness, and your perception of areas for personal and professional growth. This essay should be two to four pages, double-spaced, using Times Roman, 12 pt. font.

• Describe your experiences, both personal and professional, that influenced your decision to practice social work. In discussing your professional history, please include your work setting(s), the length of time you served, and whether or not this experience(s) was paid or volunteer. Include what your learned about yourself from these personal and/or professional experiences. For advanced standing applicants that hold a BSW only:  Please include information regarding your undergraduate field placement in your response to question 1.
• Tell us about an experience with adversity, discrimination, and/or oppression either in your personal or professional life and how you handled that experience. If you have not faced these issues in your life, please explain your perception of the role the social work profession plays in working with people who do face such challenges.
• Discuss your commitment to social justice, both personally and professionally, and how you see this issue relating to your future practice in social work.
• Explain the reasons you have chosen to apply to our social work program.
• State your career goals for the next five years, including the population(s) with which you see yourself working.

Assistantship Essay

If you wish to apply for a graduate assistantship, format a one paragraph essay Word document to be uploaded into the `Assistantship Essay' section of the online application, noting that only full-time students may be considered for graduate assistantships. Detail your research and/or instructional experiences, technological aptitude (i.e., ability to use specific programs, web development, etc.), and any special skills that you would bring to your work as a graduate assistant. Include if you would be willing to work with another department if an assistantship in Social Work is unavailable.

Contact the MSW Program

Primary Contact: Amy Van de Motter, MSW, LCSW

[email protected]

School of Social Work

Kristin Mapson, Ph.D., MSW

Program Coordinator & Professor [email protected]  

Graduate School Admissions: Writing an Effective Personal Statement

By: David C. Prichard, Ph.D.

This article focuses on the central role that the personal statement plays in the MSW application process. Strategies are presented for writing an effective statement that will highlight and emphasize applicant strengths congruent with the values of particular Schools of Social Work. The author has chaired the MSW Admissions Committee at the University of New England (UNE) over the past three years, and has assisted in the review of several hundred MSW application packages. During this period, the application procedures were completely revamped, and UNE was subsequently acknowledged in 1995 by the Council on Social Work Education in its Site Visit Report for reaffirmation of accreditation as having developed an admissions process that is "one of the more elaborate, perhaps, in social work education," and for using " . . . as primary sources of decisions, its applicants' personal statements and references." It is from this background that the author offers practical insights and suggestions for writing a personal statement that will increase the likelihood of a good match between student applicant and MSW program.

The Admission Process

Admission policies and procedures among Schools of Social Work vary widely; so too, do the criteria used to evaluate MSW applicants. In general, schools use GRE scores and academic transcripts as quantitative measures to predict academic success. The personal statement, letters of reference, and the application form (including employment and other social work-related experience) are qualitative indicators that may be used to suggest the "fit" between the applicant and the particular school. As the validity of GRE scores comes under increasing criticism (Donahoe & Thyer, 1992), Schools of Social Work, like UNE, are increasingly relying on the personal statement as a qualitative measure of the likelihood of an applicant's "success" with a particular MSW curriculum.

UNE may be representative of a more heavy emphasis on narrative to evaluate MSW applicants. In this approach, two faculty review each student application on the following 6 criteria:

• work-related (paid and volunteer) and life experiences;
• meaning attached by applicant to work-related (paid and volunteer) and life experiences;
• previous academic and professional training;
• composition and content of personal statement;
• references, and;
• experience with and understanding of human dignity, empowerment, social justice, and oppression.

GRE scores are not considered, and the use of undergraduate GPAs is minimized. The faculty reviewers are made familiar in advance with the application materials, particularly regarding where data related to each of the six evaluative criteria may be located within the materials. Reviewers are instructed to consult the student's personal statement for data in all categories but references; the data in all categories are in turn measured against the School's mission statement. Given this approach to evaluating MSW applications, applicants should craft their personal statements carefully, keeping the School's mission statement in mind.

The Personal Statement and the School Mission Statement

The personal statement should reflect careful consideration of the schools to which the applicant has chosen to apply. It gives applicants the opportunity to highlight experiences and reasons for their interest in the field, and allows the school's Admissions Committee to evaluate the compatibility between the values and goals of the applicant and those of the school, while maintaining and assuring diversity within the student body. Without question, well-developed personal statements have contributed to the acceptance of many applicants; poorly written ones to the non-acceptance.

The values and goals of Schools of Social Work vary greatly, and applicants should seek schools whose mission statements fit well with their own values and goals for practice. What are the values and principles that form the foundation of the school? Applicants should reflect upon these carefully. What do they mean? If a school emphasizes the concepts of oppression, social justice, empowerment, dignity, compassion, and respect, what do these mean and how has the life of the applicant been affected in these areas? One of the tasks of the applicant is to tap into her internalized experience of these values to allow the richness of her life to come alive.

The purpose of a well-written personal statement is three-fold. First, it should describe how the applicant's interest in social work developed; second, it needs to consider the applicant's perception of personal strengths and areas in need of development in relation to becoming a professional social worker; and third, it should describe an understanding of the school's mission statement in relation to the applicant's experience and vision of professional social work.

What events in her total life experiences have led the applicant to the field of social work? What is her story, and how did it lead her to apply to this specific school? This is the opportunity to show the link between what may appear on the surface to be disparate life experiences. It is the chance for the applicant to narrate her story and come alive to the faculty reviewer and become a living, thinking, feeling human being with a life full of meaningful experiences.

A Case Example

Using the values of the mission of the UNE School of Social Work, let's examine how an applicant might incorporate the values of the School to carefully craft a summary paragraph in a personal statement. The mission statement of the UNE School of Social Work states, in part, a commitment ". . . to the values of human dignity, individual and cultural diversity, individual and collective self-determination, and social justice . . . to struggle against oppression including all forms of discrimination, social and economic injustice, and violence . . . assessment of social, psychological, economic and organizational oppression, (and) their impact on people's lives, and the strengths people have developed to endure, resist, and change . . . and to promote human relationships grounded in mutuality, compassion, and dignity."

An applicant might present her life and professional experiences using the language and terminology consistent with the values of the stated mission of the School. A paragraph in the personal statement, then, might read as follows:

The values that the School presents in its mission statement are not just words for me. As a lesbian, I have lived the oppression of a society grounded in heterosexist patriarchy, and have experienced firsthand the social and economic injustices suffered by my women and lesbians friends, as well as the working poor. A quiet person by nature, I have discovered a voice that I did not know I had. I have added my voice to those seeking equal rights for same sex partners and continue my struggle to receive health care benefits for my partner of 15 years. I have come to recognize and value the strengths and resiliencies I have developed by necessity to survive the neglect and abuse of my childhood and use these in my ongoing struggle against the discrimination and societal injustices that I experience as a woman and as a lesbian.

Notice how this excerpt from a fictional applicant allows the applicant to come alive to the reader in a passionate, enthusiastic manner while clearly using the language and the values presented in the mission statement of the School. It should be clear that the values of the School and those of the student appear compatible and that there might be a good match here.

In the following fictional excerpt, note the apparent incongruence between the values and goals of the applicant and those of the School, suggesting a poor fit between the School and applicant.

In conclusion, I have always been intrigued by psychological issues, and have actually done quite a lot of reading in the field. I feel that I am an excellent communicator and that I would be able to help clients deal with their problems. My ultimate goal is to become part of a group private practice, and although I am concerned about the current insurance problems and third party reimbursement concerns, I believe that there continues to be a need for MSWs to help people with their psychological and social problems. I believe that the MSW is the most powerful degree to have to provide psychotherapy to clients, and that we will become increasingly recognized by HMOs and managed care companies as the most effective providers. This is the degree that will most aptly enable me, as a psychotherapist in private practice, to help those afflicted with mental illness to become more productive members of society.

Either of these excerpts may be acceptable and, perhaps, even appropriate, depending on the School to which the applicant is applying; however, given the summary of the values of the above School, the first excerpt clearly represents a better fit than the second. In the first we experience a strengths-based perspective and a genuine sense of the struggles and of the "voice" of the applicant-the person behind the words; in the second, we see a more traditional pathology-based perspective and an emphasis on the career ambitions of the applicant.

Recommendations

Four general recommendations are offered to applicants. First, they need to come to a clear understanding of their own values and career goals, and how these are informed by their total life experiences. Second they should come to a clear understanding of the values and goals of the School of Social Work to which they plan to apply. This may be accomplished through faculty, field instructor, and alumni interviews, review of mission statements, review of past core curriculum syllabi, and a library search and review of the literature produced by current faculty. Third, they need to determine which Schools have values that are compatible with their own. Fourth, they need to develop personal statements that reflect the influences in their lives that contributed to an interest in the profession of social work. These statements should reflect a clear understanding of the mission statement of the particular school.

In summary, the purpose of the application process is to give the applicant and the school the chance to screen one another. Applications should be completed only after careful examination of the mission and goals of particular schools, and personal statements need to show a clear understanding of and connection to the values and goals of the school and its curriculum. Perhaps the most useful recommendation for potential applicants is to take the time to reflect on and write out the values and beliefs that guide their lives, inform their behavior, and provide meaning to their life experiences, and to seek out schools that are compatible to these. This done, the personal statement should flow naturally and genuinely, because it will be based on the knowledge, truth, wisdom, and authenticity of personal life experience.

David C. Prichard, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Social Work and Chair of the MSW Admissions Committee at the University of New England.

Copyright © 1996 White Hat Communications. All rights reserved. From THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER , Fall 1996, Vol. 3, No. 2. For reprints of this or other articles from THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER (or for permission to reprint), contact Linda Grobman, publisher/editor, at P.O. Box 5390, Harrisburg, PA 17110-0390, or at [email protected] .

All material published on this website Copyright 1994-2023 White Hat Communications. All rights reserved. Please contact the publisher for permission to reproduce or reprint any materials on this site. Opinions expressed on this site are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Learn more about MSW admission requirements

You might be considering earning your Master of Social Work (MSW) degree but are unsure what the process entails and how to get accepted to your preferred program. 

This guide reviews the components of an MSW application packet, the process and timeline of applying, and tips for a successful application, even if your grades are less than stellar. Read on for how to apply and what to do to increase your chances of being accepted into an MSW program.

Overview of MSW admissions requirements

The field of social work looks at individuals in a holistic manner. For example, the ‘person in environment’ is considered, meaning an individual and their behavior are looked at in terms of the environmental contexts in which they live and act.  

This also means that MSW admissions committees look at applications holistically as well. No one piece of the application packet is weighed much more heavily than others. Rather, the entire person is considered (such as did they complete their degree while also raising a family or working full time), along with their experience, goals, academic success, and references. 

An application packet to an MSW program typically consists of the following:

Application fee

Transcripts, personal statement or essay , recommendations.

• Test scores, usually the GRE

The application fee is charged by the University to process one’s application packet. The application fee ranges from $50 – $95. Some schools have waived application fees since the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is unknown if or when these fees will resume. If an applicant is experiencing financial difficulties, some schools will reduce or waive the application fee, if the expense is a barrier to applying and earning a degree. 

Official transcripts must be submitted with one’s application packet. The admissions committee reviews transcripts for the following information:

• Overall Grade Point Average (GPA)
• GPA in courses within one’s major
• Types of courses that were taken

Most schools will require a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Some may require a 3.5 GPA for all social work classes taken (if the applicant has earned a Bachelor of Social Work). A few will accept students with GPAs of 2.5. If the GPA is below 3.0, many schools will have an additional document to be completed where the applicant can sufficiently explain and describe the extenuating circumstances that caused their GPA to drop and describe their plan to succeed in graduate studies.

The types of classes taken are also considered, as some applicants may have completed rigorous classes and not earned high grades, and this may be considered against students who had all A’s but did not take particularly challenging courses.

At least one essay or personal statement is required as part of an MSW application. Schools of social work will often ask applicants to write a personal statement about their background, why they want to enter the field of social work, their career goals, how those goals fit with the values and ethics of the social work profession, and why that particular MSW program is a good fit for helping the applicant achieve those goals. This essay is not only evaluated on its content, such as how prepared the applicant is for an MSW program and how clear they are on their career goals, but also to determine if the applicant can write and synthesize information at a graduate school level. 

Some schools have additional essay questions that relate to social work principles that must be answered as part of the application. Examples of these types of questions include: 

• Discuss an experience that has fundamentally transformed the way you think about someone else’s cultural behavior or beliefs.
• Choose one of the following areas: mental health, gerontology, child welfare, substance abuse, or corrections. What do you see as one of the most important ethical issues of our time within that field? In what ways has this issue been important historically?

A minimum of two, but most often, three recommendations are required as part of an MSW application.  These confidential recommendations (typically written and submitted online to the school directly from the recommender) can be from an employer if the applicant has worked in social services-related position so they can describe if and how the applicant is suited for the field. Often, at least one recommendation is required from a previous professor, so the application committee can assess the applicant’s ability to comprehend and perform at a graduate school level.   

Test scores

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) used to be required for admissions to most MSW programs, but this is becoming less common. When it is required, schools typically do not list a minimum required score on each section and an overall score, but rather compare the applicant’s score to their GPA, and consider it against the scores from other applicants and previous students to determine if it falls within a range of scores earned by their graduates. 

Educational Testing Services, the company that creates and administers the GRE released a report that summarized the scores of test takers in the years between 2013 and 2016. Graduate students in social and behavioral sciences earned on average a 153 out of a maximum of 170 on the verbal reasoning portion of the exam, a 151 out of a maximum 170 in the quantitative reasoning portion of the exam, and a 4 out of 6 for analytical writing. 

International applicants will likely need to complete exams to demonstrate their proficiency in English and show that they would be able to comprehend the information taught in MSW courses, actively participate in class and be able to complete homework, essays and theses in English. Examples of these exams include the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). 

MSW admissions process

A suggested rule of thumb is to apply to five graduate programs that meet the applicant’s requirements for location, specializations offered, cost, etc.: one that is the applicant’s top choice, which may be a stretch to gain acceptance into; two that are competitive but still within reach; and two that are considered easy shoo-ins: the applicants’ grades and qualifications mean that it would be no problem to get accepted into these less-competitive programs. This increases the likelihood of being accepted into a few different programs and can then be compared against each other to determine in which one the applicant will enroll.

MSW admissions timeline

Some schools have rolling admissions, meaning they accept applications throughout the year. Others have strict deadlines. Applicants will need to research the schools they are interested in to determine the deadline to have all application materials submitted. 

Once all materials are submitted, schools take approximately 3 to12 weeks to decide. Metropolitan State University of Denver reports a 10 to 12-week turnaround, and Florida State University reports a three to six week timeline. Most schools report notifying applicants of their decision in approximately six to eight weeks. 

Decisions can include acceptance into the program, acceptance but placed on a waitlist, a provisional acceptance, or rejection of the application. A waitlist means that they have been accepted, but there are currently no open spaces for that student. If a spot opens up, they would be able to enroll in the program.

Provisional acceptance means that the applicant is accepted into the program, with some stipulations. This could mean that additional coursework would be required the summer prior to entering the program, to improve upon a poor grade or build upon writing skills.  

If the applicant has a low GPA but had extenuating circumstances, the provisional acceptance could also include close oversight with regular meetings with an advisor to ensure the student is keeping up with homework and grades are strong.  If at the end of the first semester, the performance of the provisionally accepted student is lacking, the student may be removed from the program.  If progress is satisfactory, the student will be allowed to continue in the program.  

In contrast, full acceptance means that there are no stipulations to their enrollment – no additional coursework is required, nor will there be additional oversight during their first semester of classes. 

Sometimes, schools will request an applicant inform them of their final decision of enrollment within a few weeks of receiving their acceptance notification. This allows the school to accept those who were on a waitlist when an applicant decides not to enroll.

Acceptance rates

Acceptance rates vary from school to school. The University of Michigan states that around 1,300 applications are received each year, and they admit 430, which is a 33 percent acceptance rate. The University of Denver reports a 56 percent acceptance rate.  A study conducted by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) found that schools on average reported a 77.8 percent acceptance rate for applicants with a BSW from their own institution, and a 74.4 percent acceptance rate for applicants with a BSW from another institution. This also indicates that acceptance rates are higher for those with a BSW as compared to bachelor’s degrees in other fields. 

Admission requirements and processes for MSW programs are straightforward. Applicants will need to research the specific programs in which they are interested to determine requirements and deadlines, but with hundreds of MSW programs across the nation to choose from, and many offering online MSWs, those with a solid application packet including a 3.0 GPA, volunteer or work experience in social services, and strong recommendation letters in addition to a carefully crafted, insightful personal statement and essays should feel confident in their likelihood of being accepted into one of their preferred programs. 

Social Work Haven

Social Worker Personal Statement | A Winning Example

Sharing is caring.

In the realm of social work, where individuals dedicate their lives to making a real difference in people’s lives, the journey often begins with personal experiences that ignite a passion for change.

As a prospective social work student, I recognised that my own life experiences, both personal and professional, could pave the way for a career devoted to addressing social problems, advocating for vulnerable people, and tackling issues of social injustice.

This example personal statement will inspire you to write your own unique social work, personal statement to support your application to the University of your choice.

Social Worker Personal Statement 

My inspiration to study to become a social worker stemmed from my desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives.

I have always been passionate about the wellbeing of people I come into contact with.

Social work is a course I believe would enable me actualise this passion.

Within my current role as a care assistant, I have gained vast experience in working with vulnerable people where I have supported them with their day-to-day activities and ensured that their wellbeing is paramount in the support given.

I support the service users with personal care, dressing, preparing their meals, shopping, medication management and accessing the community. I feel that within this role; I have gained a lot of skills and knowledge which can be applied in social work practice.

My experience will guide me in understanding the different interventions used by social workers and enhance my knowledge of social work theories and methods.

I have a fair understanding around the Children Act 1989/2004, Human Rights Act and the Care Act 2014.

I have worked closely with social workers in the past. This experience has given me a great insight into the role of social work.  I now have a good understanding around the role of the social worker, and how they can affect the lives of individuals positively in the society. 

As a care assistant, I have gained experience working and supporting adults with dementia and have experienced its adverse effects on individuals, especially their families.

If given the opportunity to enrol on the social work course, I will really want to expand my knowledge around the challenges that dementia patients face daily and how social work practice can enhance their lives.

In my role as a care assistant, I was able to encourage a woman who had almost given up on the husband. She found it difficult to cope with the memory loss and confusion experienced by her husband, his constant referral of her as his mum instead of the wife challenged her emotionally. 

As a care professional, I recognised the need for further support for the wife and found charities that could help her come to terms with the changes her husband was experiencing.

Support groups such as “dementia friends” encouraged her and gave her the support she needed to face the changes.

This experience really encouraged me to research more into dementia.

The knowledge gained on the research and the training I had from my work as a care assistant gave me a better understanding of the disease and how to support people effectively.

With my role as a care assistant, I have become open-minded, patient, and non-judgemental when working with people. I believe these are essential skills and traits for social workers.

Effective communication skills and teamwork are some skills I have learned which would be very useful in my pursuit to become a social worker.

To be a good carer, you must always have the wellbeing of clients at the heart of decision-making process. This is a quality I have and exhibited in my working practice, and I believe these are transferable skills I could bring to social work.

In preparation towards enrolment onto social work course, I have attended university open days to enable me to get some firsthand information about the course.

As a person who enjoys gaining more knowledge, I have read David Howe’s Book “A Brief Introduction to Social Work Theory ” to enhance my understanding around the social work course I wish to pursue.

I feel my background, skills and ambition will allow me to be a valuable asset to your social work training programme.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

PIN IT FOR LATER

Socialworkhaven.com Useful Resources

• Social Work To-Do List

Social Work To – Do List: What To Include: We sometimes struggle with managing our daily tasks as social workers. This is not because we do not have the skills. The work load, crisis and challenges we face can be overwhelming. That is why a social work to-do list may help us manage better.

• Recommended Books

Best Social Work Books Every Student Must Read is a great article full of highly recommended and engaging books. Helping student social workers to equip themselves with knowledge and skills. It is a great way to empower yourself and encourage you to read more.

• Social Work Registration

Social Work Registration: Get it done – is a useful article that walks you through the social work registration process.

• Social Work Burnout

51 Effective Ways to Fight Social Work Burnout helps practitioners explore 51 effective ways to fight Social Work Burnout. Social work burnout can affect the way we execute our role. It can cause social work stress, and a stressed social worker cannot perform their role effectively.

• Active Listening in Social Work

Why You Should Actively Listen as a Social Worker raises awareness of active listening in social work. Social work active listening involves the listener paying close attention to the speaker, making sure not to interrupt, and reflecting on what they have heard. This helps the speaker feel heard and validated, and it can also help them clarify their thoughts and feelings.

• Social Work Humour

Social Work Humour for the End of a Long Day This article explains when social work humour is important. Essential social work skills include empathy, authenticity, resilience and respect. These skills help us cope with situations and meet the needs of service users or clients. However, the best coping mechanism in social work is definitely humour.

• Social Work CV Writing

Social Work CV Writing This article is a must read – whether you are a student, newly qualified, or an experienced social worker, and looking for a new company to work for, you will find these 13 fundamental tips useful if you want to create the perfect Social Work CV/resume that will make you outshine others and get noticed.

• Social Work Values & Respect in Social Work

Social Work Values & Respect in Social Work Social work values include respect, dignity and worth of individuals, pursuit of social justice, integrity and competence. This article explores what ‘respect’ means in social work. Social work values are the beliefs and principles of social workers, which guide their practice and help them to determine the right course of action when making decisions.

• Generalist Intervention Model: Complete Guide

Generalist Intervention Model: Complete Guide The Generalist Intervention Model (GIM) is an approach to working with individuals, families, and communities that is based on a recognition of the interconnections of human systems. It emphasises building partnerships with clients and utilising their strengths to address problems and create solutions.

The model uses an ecological perspective to identify multiple levels of influence in client’s lives, including but not limited to: family, peers, school/work, community, and policy.

• Social Work Quotes

Social Work Quotes Social work quotes are an important part of understanding the complexities of social work. They can provide insights into how we think about and approach specific problems or situations. Quotes from famous authors, educational institutions , theorists, and practitioners have been used for centuries to help articulate ideas, promote critical thinking, help with social work interventions and offer inspiration.

Professionalism in Social Work

The Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) sets capability statements of what is to be expected for all stages of a social worker’s career, from entry into training to the most advanced level of a social work practitioner. Professionalism is a key capability under the PCF and it requires upcoming, newly qualified and existing social workers to identify and behave as professional social workers committed to professional development.

45 Motivational Quotes You Need After a Bad Day

Motivational quotes for social workers highlight the need for social workers to believe in themselves, help one person at a time, and pursue their own goals and aspirations.

Most Empowering Mental Health Quotes

Social work involves working with people who may feel low because of sudden changes in their lives. In addition, the social work role has been associated with burnout, depression, job related stress, poor work life balance resulting in a high turnover in the field.

Inspirational Mental Health Quotes

We all have times when we feel low and scared. But sometimes these feelings can subside when we read some positive quotes or inspirational mental health quotes.

• Mental Health Hashtags

Mental Health Hashtags You may be a blogger, or perhaps you provide content in one of these areas will find this article useful. As a mental health blogger, I have realised that using hashtags can encourage social media users to explore content that catches their eye.

• Good Morning Saturday Quotes

Good Morning Saturday Quotes – As a social worker, the week is usually very busy and full on. I look forward to my weekend, especially Saturdays, to help me unwind and catch up with some self care! I kick off the weekend with some Saturday good morning inspirational quotes to inspire, motivate me and kick-start my day in the right direction.

• Anger management for autistic children

Anger management for autistic children – Social work aims to enhance the mental and emotional health of individuals and families by offering psychological services.

Learning basic anger management strategies for children with autism can be useful for both professionals and families to help address and manage instances of anger outbursts.

• SMART Goals and Social Work

SMART Goals and Social Work How many times have you made a list of all the things you wanted to achieve before the year ended, and by the end of the year, you went back to read that list and laughed out loud because you achieved one goal out of the ten goals you wrote?

• Sample Letter of Recommendation for Social Worker

Sample Letter of Recommendation for Social Worker Why do you need a sample letter of recommendation for a social worker?. Well, writing a letter of recommendation can be a powerful tool in helping social workers advance in their careers, prepare for their interviews, secure job opportunities, or pursue educational endeavors.

• Benefits of Being of Social Worker

Benefits of Being a Social Worker Social work is a profession dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. It is a field that requires social work practice skills and offers a unique opportunity to make a real and lasting impact on people’s lives. While the challenges can be significant, the benefits of being a social worker far outweigh them.

• Psychologist Vs Social Worker

Psychologist vs Social Worker Practitioners who understand both disciplines are better prepared to create a comprehensive plan of care for their clients. Additionally , psychology and social work can be used together to address both the psycho-social aspect of a person’s life.

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For a limited time, the American Bar Association is allowing law schools to accept a limited number of students without requiring an LSAT. Learn more about the  ASU Achievement Program . 

Advanced Standing and Standard MSW Program Application Details 

All required admission materials are submitted directly to  Graduate College .  Applications  will be reviewed once all required materials have been received. Once the posted deadline has passed, incomplete applications may be denied and applicants will be required to reapply and pay the application fee for the following admitting term to be considered. We encourage applicants to track application details through their  MyASU portal.  Please note that transcripts from ASU do not need to be submitted with application materials. ASU students will have their transcripts automatically added to their application.  

For more information about the application process and requirements visit our FAQ page . 

Application Procedures for the MSW Advanced Standing Program

The rolling admission process is utilized for admission to the Advanced Standing Program and starts on September 1st. The Advanced Standing MSW Program application deadline is February 1st for all of the different campuses. All supplemental application materials (transcripts and letters of recommendation) must be received by the ASU School of Social Work by February 15th.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the advanced standing MSW if they have a 3.20 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of a CSWE accredited Social Work, BSW program. Applicants must have received their BSW degree no more than 6 years prior to the date of admission to the MSW program. 

All applicants must submit:

• Graduate admission  application  and application fee
• Official  transcripts  from each institution the applicant has attended.
• You will be prompted on the Graduate College application to provide the name and e-mail addresses of at least 3 individuals that you would like use as a reference.
• A combination of both academic and professional references are required. References from friends, family members or personal therapists will cause the application to be automatically denied. It is recommended that at least one of the academic or professional references be from your BSW field instructor, or from your supervisor if employed in a social work related job.
• Program-specific admission essay.  Format your four to six-page typewritten essay using twelve-inch font, one-inch margins, double-spaced addressing the questions below. If you do not answer the required questions, your application will be denied.  You can also download the essay template which will have more information regarding formatting on our FAQ page . 

Essay Questions (4-6 Pages Required)

• Describe your experience, background and/or relationships that have influenced your selection of social work as your professional career (family, education, employment, diversity experience, volunteer involvements, and personal characteristics, etc.).  Describe challenge(s) or barriers that you have faced in your pursuit of higher education, what motivated you to persist, and how you overcame them.
• Describe your understanding of the responsibilities of the social work profession and specifically the role and responsibilities that you wish to be able to assume as a professional social worker. How have you incorporated social work values in your human service experiences and interactions with others?
• Describe your reason for selecting ASU, your thoughts on the School of Social Work’s Mission Statement and how it will contribute to your short- and long-term career goals. The Mission Statement can be found on our website here:  https://socialwork.asu.edu/content/mission-statement
• The ASU School of Social Work is committed to social justice and the dignity and worth of all individuals. Social workers must maintain a commitment to equity by fighting to eradicate racism and all forms of injustice. What is your understanding of social justice and its role in social work, and how will you work to address the inadequacies of our social systems in combating racism?
• The School of Social Work MSW programs require the completion of professional Field Practicum. Students must complete 960 hours (two internships) in the Standard MSW program or 480 hours (one internship) in the Advanced Standing MSW program. Internship equates to approximately 16 hours per week in each semester. Because the internship is such a significant component of the program, please detail your plan for managing the rigorous demands of coursework and internship along with your other obligations. 
• A professional resume should include volunteer and/or relevant paid experience. Be sure to provide a very specific description of duties/activities and include the hours and dates of the experience
• Applicants should use the volunteer/work experience form on our FAQ page to supplement their application.
• Proof of English proficiency: An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency. Click  here  for more details. 

Application Procedures for the Standard MSW Program

The Fall campus-based Standard MSW program and MSW Sync program application deadline is June 1st.  All supplemental application materials (transcripts and letters of recommendation) must be received by the ASU School of Social Work by June 15th.

The Fall MSW Online program application deadline is June 1st. All supplemental application materials (transcripts and letters of recommendation) must be received by the ASU School of Social Work by June 15th. 

The Spring MSW Online program application deadline is November 1st. All supplemental application materials (transcripts and letters of recommendation) must be received by the ASU School of Social Work by November 15th.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. 

• Official transcripts  from each institution the applicant has attended.  Competitive applicants typically have a “B” (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) grade point average in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate coursework. If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirements, admission will still be considered using each component of your application, including professional and academic background.
• Program-specific admission essay : Format your four to six-page typewritten essay using twelve-inch font, one-inch margins, double-spaced addressing the questions below. If you do not answer the required questions, your application will be denied. You can also download the essay template which will have more information regarding formatting on our FAQ page . 

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MSW Program Options TWO-YEAR (On-Campus and Online) The Two-Year Program consists of two academic years (four semesters) of full-time enrollment. Students in the Two-Year Program complete 60 credits and 1,200 hours of practicum learning, spending two days per week in the classroom and three days per week in a practicum placement. In the generalist year, students take foundational courses in social work practice methods, social work research, and psychological and social theory. In the specialized year, students select an area of specialization and field of practice for specialized courses and practicum. Students complete practicum hours during both years of the program. Throughout this program, students choose from a broad range of elective courses to best develop additional expertise in areas such as: family or group interventions, treatment of children, adolescents and young adults, responding to trauma, working with veterans and their families, and nonprofit management. Students leave the program fully prepared for entry into advanced social work practice in their area of choice. 16-MONTH (On-Campus Only) The full-time 16-Month Program starts in the spring term (January) and is not available for fall entry. Students in the 16-Month Program complete the MSW degree requirements in four consecutive terms by continuing full-time through the summer term. Requirements mirror those of the Two-Year Program: 60 credits and 1,200 hours of practicum learning, completed over four consecutive terms of full-time enrollment. ADVANCED STANDING (On-Campus and Online) The Advanced Standing Program is designed for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Eligible applicants must have received their BSW degree within the past five years; if the BSW was earned more than five years ago, the applicant must apply for another MSW program option. Advanced Standing students complete their specialized year at Columbia School of Social Work and earn their MSW in one academic year. The program begins with a summer intensive that prepares incoming students to enter CSSW in the fall as specialized year students with advanced courses and specialized practicum. PART-TIME TO FULL-TIME (EXTENDED) (On-Campus and Online) The Part-Time to Full-Time (Extended) Program is a pathway for students who wish to combine part-time and full-time study. The program enables students to complete the coursework and practicum learning requirements in three or four academic years. In the first year, students take courses part-time and are not enrolled in practicum. In the final two years, students complete 1,200 hours of practicum while completing their courseload requirements.

NOTE: Once students begin practicum learning, they are considered full-time students, and must be at their placement site three days per week (21 hours total). Weekend and evening placements are not available. PART-TIME (Online Only) In this pathway, students complete the same amount of coursework and practicum as the Two-Year pathway: 60 credits of coursework and 1,200 hours of practicum. The difference is that they complete fewer credits per term and fewer practicum hours per week, allowing for more time to fulfill the degree requirements. ONE-YEAR RESIDENCY FOR WORKING PROFESSIONALS (REDUCED RESIDENCY) (On-Campus and Online) The One-Year Residency for Working Professionals (Reduced Residency) Program offers students who are currently employed in social services or nonprofit agencies the opportunity to earn the M.S. degree while counting a portion of their employment toward the practicum learning requirement. Students in this program fulfill the same 60-credit degree requirement as other students enrolled in the School, and complete their degree through a combination of part-time and full-time study over a period of no fewer than four terms and no longer than four years. To be eligible for the OYR program, you must have completed two years of full-time, or four years of part-time, direct practice professional experience at the time of application. You must also be able to complete the residency requirement outlined below within your agency. The OYR program is structured into two periods: the pre-residency period (usually two years of part-time enrollment while continuing to work full-time at a social services organization), and the residency period (a year of full-time enrollment). In place of their generalist year practicum learning placement, students enroll in a practicum learning seminar in which they integrate classroom learning with their employment experiences. In their residency year, students complete a 28-hour per week practicum placement at their place of employment, of which 14 hours of their usual employment activities may be counted. The student must also be able to complete 14 separate hours on assignments outside of current work responsibilities with a different supervisor (Practicum Instructor) who has an MSW and is, or will be, SIFI certified (or its equivalent). NOTE: If you are working at an agency that has hosted a Columbia student within the last three years for a practicum learning placement, you may be eligible for a tuition discount. TRANSFER (On-Campus and Online) The Transfer Program is designed for individuals who have already successfully completed a full year (approximately 30 credits) of practicum learning and coursework at another CSWE-accredited graduate school of social work in the United States or Canada. Eligible applicants to the Transfer Program must have completed their credits within the past five years, and these credits and practicum must be equivalent to those offered in the generalist year at CSSW . Students who are accepted into the Transfer Program complete their studies within one year. Students enter the School as a specialized year student and follow the specialized year course of study in their specialization area and field of practice. FIVE-TERM INTERNATIONAL (On-Campus Only) The International Students Program is the pathway for international students who are unfamiliar with the U.S. social welfare system and who speak English as an additional language. The program requires five terms of enrollment; the “extra” term is in the summer between the first and second years. Students enroll in a Professional Immersion Seminar during the first (fall) term and begin practicum and the corresponding practice courses in the subsequent spring term. Students continue with their practicum learning placement and courses during the summer term (late May through the end of July or early August).  

General Application Requirements Applicants must submit all materials directly to the Office of Admissions; items submitted through an agent or third-party vendor are not accepted. The following are exceptions to this policy: submissions by the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Program and its three partner agencies (IIE, LASPAU, and AMIDEAST); submissions by the Danish-American Fulbright Commission (DAF); submissions by Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD). Additionally, the applicant will be required to attest to the accuracy and authenticity of all information and documents submitted to Columbia. Questions about this requirement may be directed to the Office of Admissions at [email protected] . CSSW requires that the work contained in your application (including essays) is completely accurate and exclusively your own. CSSW permits the use of generative AI tools for idea generation and/or to edit a candidate’s work; however, using these tools to generate complete responses violates the Student Code of Conduct . Failure to submit complete, accurate, and authentic application documents consistent with these instructions may result in denial or revocation of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, expulsion, or eventual revocation of degree. Applicants may be required to assist admissions staff and faculty involved in admission reviews in the verification of all documents and statements made in documents submitted by students as part of the application review process. All applicants to the Master of Science in Social Work program are required to submit the following: Application Fee The $75 application fee is required upon submission of the application. Application fee waivers are granted to alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, Teach for America, McNair Scholars, Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), and Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), and to veterans of the U.S. armed forces. Fee waivers are also granted to applicants who are experiencing financial hardship. To request an application fee waiver, applicants should submit their request via the  Application Fee Waiver Request Form after creating an online application . Applicants must be prepared to submit an official document confirming participation in the appropriate program. The fee waiver must be requested prior to submitting the application and application fee. Applicants should not submit an application fee if they fall into one of these categories. All submitted fees are non-refundable. Please submit the application fee waiver request at least a week or two prior to the application deadline to allow for sufficient processing time. Resume and Professional Experience Submit a detailed current resume that lists paid work and volunteer experience separately, starting with the current or most recent position. Resumes should indicate whether each experience was full-time or part-time, paid or unpaid, and the nature of the client population served, if applicable. Part-time experience should also indicate the weekly hours worked. Be sure to use month/year to indicate the beginning and end dates for all activities included. The resume may be longer than one page. The resume should include:

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Social Work Application

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Social Work, Application Essay Example

Pages: 5

Words: 1271

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As I went through the available different programs that one can add, the “social worker master program” caught my eyes. I believed the course would immediately equip me with the necessary skills which I required to be a professional social worker. Although I had prior knowledge of social work in various institutions, I never knew that there was a stand-alone master’s program for social workers. Never before had I thought of being a full-time social worker, although I had a passion for helping people. Therefore, when I joined campus for my undergraduate, things happened so fast that I found myself toiling to pay tuition. Despite the hardships, I knew one day I would make it.

The main challenge that affected me while undertaking the course was the social exclusion from my community and family. Little did I know that their attitude was my strongest point. The efforts that I put into making me achieve graduation ensured that my abilities and skills could be essential for the social worker role. My strong point was my experience in various roles. Through my experience, I have managed to equally serve in a mental hospital as well as being a youth support and caseworker. However, what caught my eyes was the sweet stories my mother used to narrate to us. The stories created a vivid picture of how beautiful the role of being a social worker was. Through the years, my dream has been becoming a trained social worker. The values and experience of my mother prepared me for the task ahead and also ensured that my dream would be great. Besides, my academic knowledge has increased my chances of fulfilling my childhood dream. The fact that my experience in public relations enhances my expertize gives me a jovial mood each morning, which is proof that it made me settle for this kind of job. I yearn to be instrumental and offer my best when I become a social worker. Besides, I have managed to be part of many community activities that deal with care and treatment. Therefore, the experience I gained while relating with people was vital in helping me set sights to my dream job of social work. Furthermore, my vast experience will play a key feature in ensuring that I succeed and become one of the caring social workers. I believe that my experience will be essential as it also makes me stand out.

The essence of having social inclusion is to improve the health conditions of the family. Therefore, a society that is socially inclusive will have all the persons sharing their problems. People in such a society will always respect and value the presence of each other. However, I have witnessed two incidences that did not show the presence of community inclusion.

First, disabled people have had difficulty connecting with people. I recently witnessed an aged person being neglected. Due to her old age, she was living a miserable, lonely life. Initially, she worked in the military and retired due to old age. She had a hard time making ends meet. She was visiting a friend in the hospital, and I had the chance to engage her. She pointed out that most people in the community avoided her company because of her condition. Most of her friends no longer have contact with her, and she lives alone. In the neighborhood, the people around are not friendly to her because they believe that she is a nuisance to them.

The second social exclusion I have witnessed is my own experience during the undergraduate course. I was taking a course that my community and family dispelled. I was therefore seen as an outcast. As a result, I was neglected, and I had to work through to meet my tuition fees. It was a really nasty experience that also made me achieve low grades during my second year in college. My recommendation for addressing this issue is to have a communal patrol system as well as a talent support structure. People have to consider the value of each person. It will also be good if people have an initiative towards disabled people. The value of the disabled should be guaranteed, and also they should receive equal opportunities as the rest. Further, society has to embrace and empower the youths in the decision they make. As much as a person is pursuing a course of their preference, the community has to give all the support that is essential in making them reach the sky.

My biggest dream has been to be social work in my adult life. Since graduating from Brock University with a bachelor of arts in child, youth, and family studies, I have been working towards being an accomplished social worker. As a result, I registered for the short courses at Waterloo University. The course duration and the knowledge I received inspired my ambition to undertake this program. Therefore, since this will not be my main focus, it will be among other tasks I associate with during the day. The schedules provided by the school will be followed to the latter.

My main priority will be fulfilling the demands of this program. As much as I will be engaged in other functions, maintaining a social responsibility will be essential in all the roles. Being what I have dreamed of for a long time, I will put all the focus on gaining all the relevant information about the program. My schedule for the day will involve being engaged in a private role as well as observing the talent search programs. Other priorities in my life will have to come after the social program is done. Despite getting the second chance in my daily activities list, other activities will be completed after finishing the daily schedule of the program. Moreover, since the program also requires an online course in time management, my schedule will be scrutinized to fit all the lessons. With all my focus on this program, other personal schedules will have to wait.

During my undergraduate time at the university, the course I was pursuing was neither accepted in my community nor my family. They both dispelled the course and considered me an outcast. As a result, I had to look for a job to cover my tuition. I was lucky to have two full-time jobs that really pushed me through. However, the jobs were so engaging. I was always drained physically and mentally because of the requirements brought about by the two jobs. My second year was full of low grades because of the emotional stress I was dealing with. My mental health was deteriorating due to the demands of the program. The social exclusion from the community was eating me up. All the struggles of being alone in the world and through my university life made me tough. Despite being in such a situation, my last two years got me focusing on the value of the course. I resolved to work extra hard to make it in life. Moreover, I concentrated on getting the experience that the job market requires and resolved to work on gaining more. This has been so instrumental in my daily life and has enhanced my knowledge. Further, to maintain a 3.0 grade in my MSWO program, I have developed strategies that will be essential. First, I will dedicate my time to this program. I will ensure that all the available resources are used to enhance my duration during the course. Also, to be more versatile, I will have to come up with schedules that will allow me to juggle between the online class and the social work program.

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How to Write the Santa Clara University Essay 2023-2024

If you’re dreaming of attending Santa Clara University, you want to be confident your application will stand out. One of the best ways to improve your chances of acceptance during the admissions process is to submit thorough, creative essay responses.  In this post, we’ll share how to write a strong supplemental essay to improve your chances of acceptance at Santa Clara.

Read these Santa Clara essay examples from real students to inspire your writing.

Santa Clara University Supplemental Essay Prompt

At santa clara university, we value our diverse and inclusive community. our campus learning environment is enriched by the lived experiences of people from different backgrounds. what people, places, events, or circumstances have shaped the individual you are today and how you could contribute to our community (150-300 words).

This is a classic example of a Diversity prompt . Santa Clara University is using this prompt to get to know you and your background a little bit better, so this is a great opportunity to dig into some of your more unique experiences, or character traits that you feel are particularly important to who you are.

A common misconception is that a Diversity essay has to focus on an identity characteristic, but in reality, your answer can be almost anything that you feel has contributed to who you are. It’s not just picking an attribute, identity, or aspect of yourself that makes for a good essay; it’s also making a case for what your chosen subject says about you, and what you’ll bring to Santa Clara.

It’s also important to note that while the Supreme Court ended affirmative action this summer, colleges continue to consider racial diversity on an individual basis through information shared in essays.  If your racial or ethnic heritage has helped shape who you are, what you believe, and what you value, this could be a good time to write about that.

What should you choose if you don’t want to write about your racial ethnic background? Your options are broader than you might think. You might write about your religion, sexuality, gender identity, or socioeconomic status, but you could also write about hobbies, languages, or family structure. You could go a bit more abstract, and write about personality traits, talents, or values that set you apart from the crowd. Consider these examples of students who wrote unique diversity essays about uncommon traits they possess.

• One student wrote an essay about being the younger sister of identical twins, and how she navigated the expectations around how she and her twin sisters would relate to each other. 
• Another student wrote about his strong value for honesty, how he stuck to it, even in tough situations, and how though people didn’t always understand it, his real friends came to respect his beliefs. 
• An applicant wrote about collecting stamps from a young age, how it brought him into a world that was largely made up of older people, and what it was like to be in that space as a teenager. 
• A student wrote about her stutter, and how self-consciousness over how she talked eventually grew into confidence, resilience, and inner strength. 

All of these examples, while perhaps not anyone’s first thought when they hear the word diversity, give deep insight into these students’ lives and their individuality. You’ll want to do the same, by highlighting what makes you stand out from the crowd. If you have an identity or experience that most other people don’t, consider writing about that, rather than something that might be more stereotypically associated with diversity. You want your essay to paint a vivid picture of you, one that can’t be confused with any other applicant the Santa Clara admissions team might be reading about. 

Once you’ve picked your topic, think about using anecdotes to illustrate your point, and show, don’t tell, the important details. Consider two different openings to the story of the young stamp collector.

Since I was a kid, I’ve collected stamps, which is an unusual hobby for someone my age. Most other stamp collectors are older adults, which means I spend a lot of time with elderly people. I’ve learned some things from them, and they’ve definitely passed some interesting habits to me, in an unintentional intergenerational exchange that has enriched all of us. 

This is direct and informative, but not very exciting, and not very unique.

Some of my best friends have liver spots and firsthand memories of watching the moon landing on TV. It’s not through volunteering, or because I live with my grandparents; it’s because I’m a philatelist – a stamp collector who sees a slice of history in each carefully detailed sticker. My septuagenarian friends understand this better than most, and through the years, we’ve even come to understand each other through our shared passion. I have a subscription to Reader’s Digest, and some of the older stamp collectors are regular guests on my TikTok account, proving that all of us have something to learn from each other. 

This is a longer excerpt, and depending on what the student has left to say, he may want to trim some of this detail. Still, the paragraph automatically stands out as more dynamic and full of personality. The student is also indirectly giving us a glimpse into his open-minded attitude, willingness to learn from others, and unique insight into an older generation, alongside his passion for stamps, art, and history. Just a few sentences can pack quite a punch!

In concluding your essay, make sure to reflect on how this experience, trait, or identity has shaped who you are. Remember to show, not tell, and try to avoid the generic or cliche, like saying “X experience has made me stronger as a person.” Share specific examples or details about how you’ve developed or grown as a person. In our philatelist example, the student wrote about how communicating across generational divides has helped him develop patience, open-mindedness, and a respect for others’ experiences, even if he didn’t always agree with their opinions. Use this essay to tell the admissions committee at Santa Clara how your chosen subject has impacted you and your life, and end by showing them why that should make them want you at their school.

Where to Get Your Santa Clara University Essays Edited

A fresh pair of eyes can really help spot areas for improvement that might not occur to you, or other ways to make you stand out to the admissions officers at Santa Clara. CollegeVine has created a free Peer Review Essay Tool , where you can get feedback on your essay, and give feedback to other students just like you!

CollegeVine also offers essay review by our team of experienced advisors, who have helped hundreds of students submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you and get the feedback you need to make your application a success!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

The Ohio State University

PhD Program

Get ready to take the first step toward earning your phd, phd and msw+phd completed application packets for autumn 2025 admission due: dec. 2, 2024 for all applicants – application opens aug. 16, 2024.

All application documents for admission consideration for Autumn 2025 must have been received and considered complete by Dec. 2.

We are unable to consider incomplete applications or applications initiated after Dec. 2.

Application materials will be updated by Aug. 16, 2024. No changes are anticipated, so applicants may use 2024 guidelines to prepare 2025 materials. However, as special circumstances can arise, please plan to revisit this website Aug. 16 or later to confirm.

Application Materials

• Graduate Level Application or
• Graduate Intra-University Transfer Application
• 2024 PhD and MSW-PhD Admission and Funding application form
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Background and Professional Goals Statement
• Field Evaluation or Letter Summarizing Performance for ASAP eligible MSW-PhD Applicants
• Academic (preferred) or professional writing sample
• TOEFL or other English scores for international applicants (See the ETS website for updates related to Covid19)
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended

2024 PhD Application instructions (Please utilize the 2024 prompts)

MSW+PhD Eligibility to Apply

MSW+PhD applicants who have a master’s degree in a related field need only submit a completed application for consideration.

MSW+PhD applicants whose highest degree is a bachelor’s need to meet the following eligibility requirements for admission consideration:

• Completed application
• 3.5 or higher combined undergraduate GPA
• B- or Better in a research course and in a statistics course

ASAP Eligibility – See MSW: Advanced Standing Alternative Program

Learn more about the MSW+PhD program

Application Forms and Links

Application Fee Waiver – BTAA Fee Waiver

PhD & MSW+PhD Admissions and Funding Application Form

2024 PhD Application Instructions (Please utilize the 2024 prompts)

2024 MSW+PhD Application Instructions (Please utilize the 2024 prompts)

Ohio State Online Application – All applicants

Ohio State Reference Form – “paper” version

MSW Program

Visit the Health Advisories website for the latest vaccination and mask information and to Report a Case.

Questions about FAFSA and CADAA?

Visit our Financial Aid and Scholarship Office for updated information, workshops and FAQs.

School of Social Work

Welcome to the School of Social Work!

With a variety of educational programs located in the vibrant, diverse and dynamic environment of Silicon Valley, the School provides a community-engaged academic experience at an outstanding value.

A Program Format that Fits your Life

The School offers a variety of educational programs to meet the needs of our diverse student body. In addition to our on-campus full time MSW program, we also offer an on-campus 3 year option for the MSW, and an Online/Hybrid MSW option. Undergraduate students can major in Social Work with the BASW program, or obtain a minor in Social Work. All of our programs are fully accredited.

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work

Masters in Social Work | Full time On-campus

Masters in Social Work | 3-year On-campus

Masters in Social Work | Online/Hybrid program

MSW Advanced Standing Program

Stipends and Credentials

There are numerous opportunities to expand your learning through our certificate, credential and stipend programs.

Stipend Programs

Certificates and Credentials

Engaged Faculty

Our tenured and tenure-track faculty members bring diverse practice backgrounds and strong research training to their commitment to the School and to student success. Part-time instructors from the community bring their knowledge of current practice environments and issues to the classroom.

Community Partnerships

The School is proud to partner with numerous organizations in the community. Many faculty engage in research projects in partnership with community-based agencies. Students often participate in these projects, helping to identify research needs, collect and analyze data, and disseminate findings. Students discover the importance of research in solving real problems facing individuals, families, and communities, as well as the organizations that serve them.

Diversity - our Transcultural Perspective

In addition to being situated in one of the most diverse cities in America, a unique feature of the School of Social Work at San José State University is its commitment to using and promoting a Transcultural Perspective throughout the curriculum [see Drabble, Sen & Oppenheimer (2012). Integrating a Transcultural Perspective into the Social Work Curriculum. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 32, 204-221]. This perspective honors the strengths of diverse cultures, enhances the well-being of individuals and families, and advocates for social and economic justice. Many of our faculty bring an international perspective to their teaching and research.

Global Experiences and Influences

The School is committed to offering global experiences at the local and international levels. A wide range of internships are located in a variety of communities throughout the Bay Area that serve diverse populations. In addition, the School offers educational experiences in various parts of the world through summer faculty-led travel and learn opportunities.

Undergraduate Admission

Application requirements & enhancements.

Our admission counselors review each application carefully, taking into consideration your academic background, life experiences and interests. We don’t have a minimum test score or GPA range to gauge your potential for admission, but there are some things that can make you a stronger candidate.

Required for admission consideration

We look for students who have been successful in a variety of challenging courses, especially those that are above and beyond what’s required for graduation. And we understand every school is different, so we evaluate your transcript specifically against your high school's curriculum.

Prior to high school graduation, we require you to complete a minimum of:

• English: 4 years
• Math: 3 years
• Science: 3 years (2 must be laboratory science)
• Social studies: 3 years
• Foreign language: 2 years

If you're interested in engineering or the sciences, we recommend an additional year of math and laboratory science. Leaning more toward the liberal arts? We’d suggest another year of social studies and foreign language.

Application essay

All first-year students must complete an essay via the Common App or Coalition with Scoir. What you share in your essay is completely up to you—it should be about conveying who you are to the admission staff. No matter the topic, personalize it. Add a part of you into the piece, and make it genuine.

Arts Supplement Required for music majors and those who are pursing a Arts Achievement Scholarship in either music or art studio

Applicants who are required to submit an Arts Supplement will see this required checklist item on their applicant status portal. Students must upload their portfolio materials using the portfolio updater prior to completing the Arts Supplement. You can access the portfolio uploader by logging into your applicant portal using your CWRU Network ID and clicking Edit Portfolio.

The Arts Supplement is optional for all other applicants. (More on that below.)

Opportunities to enhance your application

We understand there may be more you want to share with us than can fit neatly on the Common App or Coalition with Scoir. Though not required as part of their application, some students choose to share additional information that may possibly strengthen their application and help us get to know them better. We welcome you to share such information with us.

Optional ways to enhance your application include the following:

Test-optional policy

Case Western Reserve University is test-optional.  Read about our test-optional policy .

We “superscore” our students’ test results, which means we take your best scores on each section of the SAT and ACT. If you took a test more than once, you will be evaluated on the highest score you received in each individual section of the exam.

Here’s a look at admitted student statistics for the Class of 2025:

Middle 50% 

• SAT Total: 1420-1510
• ACT Composite: 32-35
• Unweighted GPA: 3.6–4.0
• Test optional: 42%

Ordinarily, scores for standardized tests taken in November of your senior year arrive in time for Early Action or Early Decision I deadlines, and scores for tests taken in January arrive in time for Early Decision II or Regular Decision consideration.

To ensure your application can be fully reviewed in time for your chosen decision plan, you should take tests by the following dates:

• Nov. 30 : Early Action, Early Decision I and Pre-Professional Scholars Program applicants
• Dec. 31 : Early Decision II and Regular Decision applicants

Share your talents

Arts Supplements are required for music and music education majors and available to all applicants. If you intend to submit an arts supplement, be sure to indicate this on your application.

The arts supplement is due 15 days after the application deadline and can be completed via your applicant portal .  For detailed information:

Scholarship Audition and Portfolio Requirements

• Prepare two contrasting monologues, one Shakespeare and one contemporary, not to exceed a total time of four minutes. You may also prepare 16 bars of any song, but this is not required. If possible, please present a headshot and resume at the audition.

A portfolio presentation is needed for the directing concentration. Your portfolio should consist of the following:

• A one-page resume documenting your theater experience (directing, acting, playwriting, design, stage management, etc.).
• A one- to two- page director’s concept for a published play or musical that you would be interested in directing, detailing your vision for the show (characters, moods and tones, visual aspects) in addition to what you would want the audience to take away from the production in terms of its central themes and ideas.
• Production photos from previous projects you have directed (if applicable, not required).
• You should be prepared to speak about your interest and passion for directing as well as your previous directing and/or theater experience.

Dramatic Writing/Playwriting

• Submit a 20-page sample of your work in either playwriting or screenwriting (or both) at least one week before the interview date. This can include either an excerpt from a full-length work or a combination of shorter pieces, such as 10-minute plays or short-film scripts. While dramatic writing is preferred, you may also submit other examples of your creative writing, such as short stories, poetry, essays, etc.

Stage Management

• Bring your stage management binders, copies of scripts you have worked on (with cues written in), paperwork related to the show, and any other evidence of skills related to stage management such as organization, managing/coordinating large groups of people, multitasking and communication.
• A one-page resume of experience in theater is required. You may also include experience in a related field, such as art, architecture, graphics or photography. Additionally, a statement of intent—even if that statement is exploratory—should be provided. Other materials may include a portfolio demonstrating skills in theater (renderings, sketches, paperwork, scale drawings, production photos, etc.) and related areas (artwork, photography, drawing, drafting, computer graphics, etc.). The portfolio may be in scrapbook format. Art projects or model-making could substitute or be included with the other requirements. The material should be organized into some kind of cohesive presentation, with identifying labels for references. The interviewer will retain a copy of your resume but will not keep your portfolio. Portfolio is for presentation purposes only.
• Submit a video and complete an online questionnaire for pre-screening by dance department faculty. The video submission should be 90 seconds to three minutes in length, and you should be clearly visible. Do not submit ensemble footage. Video may be from technique class or performance.
• Submit a portfolio PowerPoint consisting of 24 pieces of your work. Each image credit line should include the name of the piece, the dimensions, the material, media and the date completed. (For example: Self-Portrait, 18” x 24”, media soft pastel on paper, fall 2021.) If you are showing three-dimensional work, i.e. sculpture or pottery, you may want to show two different views, front and side, etc. You may also want to choose to photograph a specific detail.
• Autobiography : A short (250-word) essay, citing your course of study in the visual arts. Include any special out-of-school activities, i.e., art camp, working as a teaching assistant doing creative activities, or private art lessons. Describe both your junior high and high school art experiences, courses that you took, and subjects that you studied.
• Program of study : A separate, short (250-word) essay of what you hope to gain participating in our program in Art History and Art. You may want to consult the Art History and Art website for courses that are available for you to take.

Tell us more about yourself

Additional materials can be shared through a form on your applicant portal. You can use this opportunity to share videos, web links, PDFs, documents, photos and more.

Some students use this as an opportunity to add additional context to their application with materials like:

• Additional letters of recommendation
• Research abstracts
• ACT writing tests
• Schoolhouse.world tutor transcripts
• Predicted IB results
• Though not all may be eligible for college credit at CWRU, these test scores can still enhance your application. You can send scores directly to us or self-report them via your portal.

Anything you have that can help us know you better and understand the contributions you can make to our campus are welcome and appreciated.  

Published June 20, 2024

What Even Is Social Work? Demystifying NYU’s Smallest Undergraduate Program

Class of 2024

NYU Admissions Ambassadors representing the Silver School of Social Work at the October Open House.

The Silver School of Social Work, founded in 1960, hosts NYU’s smallest undergraduate program. Its main building is a cozy brick town house that was once the home of artist Edward Hopper . Though it is unassuming from the outside, the building houses dozens of classrooms, offices, a parlor, and a student lounge. NYU Silver tends to fly under the radar because of its small size. Still, the students are some of the most dedicated, passionate, and interesting people you’ll meet here.

Social work students are problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and hard workers. What’s more, they are prepared to tackle challenges and handle nuanced discussions—inside and outside of the classroom.

—Holly Kase

An Undergraduate Degree from Silver

An undergraduate degree from Silver prepares students to work in the social work field in any way they see fit. Some graduates aspire to open a private practice. Others go on to work in government and policy or in communities. The Social Work major explicitly encourages students to go into the world with a strong sense of social justice and a foundation of knowledge. Social work students are problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and hard workers. What’s more, they are prepared to tackle challenges and handle nuanced discussions—inside and outside of the classroom.

As a recent graduate with a double major in Social Work and Journalism, I’m forever grateful for the knowledge and values I gained during my time at NYU Silver. I will take these with me as I move into the working world.

Social Work Curriculum

The Social Work major is made up of a few components: a liberal arts core, social work–specific classes, and unrestricted electives.

Liberal Arts Core

The liberal arts core for social work includes coursework in writing, sociology, psychology, and even a biology class tailored specifically to social work. These classes are intended to provide students with a good foundation for future studies on more focused topics. As an added bonus, NYU’s study away sites offer many of these courses. Social and behavioral science and humanities courses give students much more freedom to choose what they’re interested in. Students are encouraged to explore classes outside of Silver, too. Social and behavioral science credits can come from a range of subjects, from economics and politics to gender and metropolitan studies. Humanities classes encompass religious studies, philosophy, and even drama. When I was studying away at NYU Prague, I took a politics class and a media seminar to fulfill my social science requirements. I also took an architecture class to fulfill a humanities requirement.

Social Work Core

Core classes for S ocial Work majors include Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Social Work Research; Social Welfare Agencies and Organizations; Diversity, Racism, Oppression and Privilege; and Social Welfare Programs and Policies.

Social work electives are far more flexible. These elective credits are built into your curriculum, so you have space to explore all that the social work department offers. During my first semester at NYU, I took Love and Relationships. A couples therapist teaches the class, which explores all of the different ways we express and receive love. Other options include Global Justice and Peacemaking; Social Deviance and Taboos; and Social Justice, Advocacy and Social Media.

Likewise, students who are interested in going out into the surrounding community can take service-learning classes. They work with local populations including people affected by Alzheimer’s disease, middle and high schoolers, and immigrant youth. Furthermore, they explore a broad range of topics individuals encounter every day, like spirituality or food insecurity, and they work with those individuals as a part of their coursework.

Unrestricted Electives

Unrestricted electives are yours to choose! Like many of my peers, I opted to put these credits toward a second major . In my case, this meant taking journalism classes. But many social work students opt for the dual Global Public Health and Social Work major. Others pick up a minor. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies is a popular minor amongst social work students due to its thought-provoking classes. Course options include Mindfulness and Mental Health; The Science of Happiness; and Morality in Childhood. Some Social Work majors use their elective slot to explore topics they’re interested in, like art history, ceramics, food studies, or even metalworking.

The Practicum Experience

The practicum experience is a large part of what makes the Social Work major unique! Essentially, it’s a required internship built into your class schedule. In your junior year, you will take a class designed to explore the many facets of the social work profession. You’ll explore policy, clinical work, community aid, or even school social work. Then, during your senior year, you are matched with a social work “placement.” There, you’ll spend approximately two days a week getting real-world experience in the field, supervised by a social worker.

I worked in two vastly different placements. First, I interned for a middle school program in Queens aiming to address chronic absenteeism in students. Then I interned at a congressional office in New York City’s Financial District. The first placement allowed me to work one-on-one with students and create tailored session plans for them. My fellow interns and I got to know the students and their families. I integrated into a new community with the school faculty and staff. I also had weekly check-in meetings with the school social worker.

A Range of Opportunities

My second placement was in the district office of a congressperson. Despite my initial confusion as to how this could relate to social work, I quickly learned that a lot of government work is casework. My supervisor, who has a master’s degree in Social Work, taught me how to help constituents navigate issues with the federal government. I got constituents new passports, wrote letters of support to a number of international embassies, worked with Medicare and Social Security, and interacted with constituents daily on the phone and over email. I also went to community events, sat in on all-staff meetings, and attended cool events in our congressional district. Through my office, I attended the Whitney Biennial premiere and visited the New York Stock Exchange for an event on financial literacy!

Each placement is different, but every single one offers its own opportunities. My second placement opened me up to the idea of working in government and sparked a newfound interest in politics and policy. I also made new friends and more than a few new memories on the way! My peers worked in research labs, hospitals, after-school programs, community centers, and even public libraries.

The Benefits

Flexibility.

NYU’s social work program encompasses a wide range of study and teaches you how to perceive the bigger picture of an individual or a community. You learn to work directly with people and leave college with a strong foundation of knowledge. This is why you can do so many things with a social work degree! I have classmates planning to go to medical or law school, with some continuing on to get a social work master’s degree and license. Others will conduct research or open a private therapy practice one day. 

Real-World Experience

The social work curriculum is designed to prepare students for the professional social work world. While many of my classmates in other majors seemed to take on coursework rooted more in theory, I discussed and even role-played real-life scenarios. My professors taught us about different types of therapy and challenged us to put that knowledge into practice.

Beyond the classroom, the built-in practicum requirement allowed me to build up my résumé and try out different types of workplaces. I learned a lot about the kind of environment I want to work in after graduation. This knowledge has dramatically helped me shape my job search. Similarly, service-learning classes are a great way for future social workers to learn about the populations they want to work with. NYU’s Social Work major is also an “advanced standing program.” Therefore, if graduates choose to get their master’s degree in Social Work, it will take them one year instead of two.

The Silver School offers NYU’s smallest undergraduate program. Each year, the graduating class is typically between 40 to 50 students. This means the classes can be really small, and the professors expect a high level of engagement and participation. Small classes give students the chance to ask questions and partake in meaningful discussions. While some classes begin with lectures as a foundation for learning, they often segue into conversations or class-wide exercises.

The small class size also means that students have an opportunity to get to know each other. As a recently graduated senior, I can confidently say I had a class with nearly all of my fellow graduates. I know everyone’s name, whether I met them through our first-year seminar or in the halls after class. It feels like I have a small school to come home to within the larger community of NYU. I’m incredibly grateful for that sense of comfort and community.

Clubs and Organizations

Just like any other NYU school, the Silver School of Social Work has its own network of clubs . Students create and lead these organizations. I had the chance to participate in Silver’s student government during my senior year as a publicity chair. Student government members attended weekly meetings. We chatted about what was going on at Silver and NYU. I also created promotional materials and social media content. Fun student government events this year included a barbecue and bike ride on Governors Island as well as a boat cruise. We also took a trip to a rage room, where we were free to break things in a safe environment.

What’s more, I competed for Team Silver at NYU’s annual All-University Games. This is a yearly event where members of each NYU school compete in fun games like basketball, cup stacking, Ping-Pong, and even Dance Dance Revolution .

Like much of college, the Social Work major is what you make of it. Many of my classmates will become social workers. Others will become doctors, lawyers, researchers, and professionals in a wide variety of industries. I plan to go into journalism, but I can say with confidence that the skills I learned from my Social Work major will stick with me. I know they will serve me well as I venture into life beyond NYU.

Holly is an NYU graduate(!) with a Bachelor’s of Science in Journalism and Social Work from the Silver School of Social Work. She is an admissions ambassador and has published several articles on MeetNYU and beyond, including a senior honors thesis on psychedelic-assisted therapy. During her time on campus she was publicity chair for Silver’s Undergraduate Student Government, a member of the journalism honors program, a welcome week leader, a member of her first-year hall council, and a winner of the panel portion of the Academic Research Conference. In her free time she enjoys reading, hot yoga, running, and rock climbing.

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Fact Sheet: DHS Announces New Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced actions to promote family unity in the immigration process, consistent with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to keeping families together. This announcement utilizes existing authorities to promote family unity, but only Congress can fix our broken immigration system.

Under current law, noncitizens married to a U.S. citizen may apply for lawful permanent residence through their marriage to a U.S. citizen. However, to apply for lawful permanent residence, many noncitizens must first depart the United States and wait to be processed abroad, resulting in a prolonged, potentially indefinite, period of separation from their U.S. citizen family members and causing tremendous hardship to all concerned. Consequently, these families live in fear and face deep uncertainty about their future.

To address this challenge, DHS will establish a new process to consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests for certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who have lived in the United States for 10 years or more; do not pose a threat to public safety or national security; are otherwise eligible to apply for adjustment of status; and merit a favorable exercise of discretion. If eligible, these noncitizens will be able to apply for lawful permanent residence without having to leave the United States. DHS estimates that approximately 500,000 noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens could be eligible to access this process; on average, these noncitizens have resided in the United States for 23 years. Approximately 50,000 children of these spouses also will be eligible for this process. Noncitizens who pose a threat to national security or public safety will not be eligible for this process, as aligned with our immigration enforcement priorities. If a noncitizen poses a threat to national security or public safety, DHS will detain, remove, or refer them to other federal agencies for further vetting, investigation, or prosecution as appropriate.

Today’s actions build on unprecedented steps by the Biden-Harris Administration to strengthen family unity including by implementing family reunification parole processes for nationals of Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Ecuador; updating and modernizing the Cuban and Haitian family reunification parole processes; leading the Family Reunification Task Force to reunify nearly 800 children with their families who were separated; and establishing country-specific parole processes for certain nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) who have a U.S.-based supporter.

Eligibility and Process

To be considered on a case-by-case basis for this process, an individual must:

• Be present in the United States without admission or parole;
• Have been continuously present in the United States for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024; and
• Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.

In addition, individuals must have no disqualifying criminal history or otherwise constitute a threat to national security or public safety and should otherwise merit a favorable exercise of discretion.

Noncitizen children of potential requestors may also be considered for parole under this process if they are physically present in the United States without admission or parole and have a qualifying stepchild relationship to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.

In order to be considered for parole, an individual will need to file a form with USCIS along with supporting documentation to show they meet the requirements and pay a fee. Further information regarding eligibility and the application process, including a notice in the Federal Register, will be published in the near term. USCIS will reject any filings or individual requests received before the date when the application period begins later this summer.

Upon receipt of a properly filed parole in place request USCIS will determine on a case-by-case basis whether a grant of parole is warranted and whether the applicant merits a favorable exercise of discretion. All requests will take into consideration the potential requestor’s previous immigration history, criminal history, the results of background checks and national security and public safety vetting, and any other relevant information available to or requested by USCIS. USCIS has strong processes in place to identify and address potential fraud, which will be applied here to ensure the integrity of this program.

Other Action

In addition, DHS will join the Department of State in an effort to more efficiently facilitate certain employment-based nonimmigrant visas for eligible individuals, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and undocumented noncitizens, who have graduated from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education. By clarifying and enhancing the existing process, the Department of State’s policy will give U.S. employers increased confidence that they can hire the talent they need, and that they will be able to quickly get to work. DHS will implement the Department of State’s policy update.

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6 Insider Tips from Fulbright Winners for Your 2024 Application

The Fulbright Program is a prestigious international educational exchange initiative designed to increase mutual understanding internationally through diplomacy. Sponsored by the U.S. government, the program offers various grants for students and scholars to undertake advanced research , university lecturing, and teaching in over 140 countries worldwide.

Fulbright is unique in its inclusivity, providing opportunities for individuals at every career level and across all academic disciplines. Whether you’re a recent graduate, an early-career professional, or an experienced researcher , there’s a Fulbright program tailored to your background and goals. This flexibility and breadth make Fulbright a valuable and transformative experience for participants from diverse fields and stages in their careers.

Each year, thousands of applicants vie for these coveted awards. To help future applicants succeed, we’ve gathered the top five tips from past Fulbright winners.

1. Connect with Current Fulbright Scholars

Lily Mott is a US-UK Fulbright Scholar pursuing an MA in Digital Media and Society at Cardiff University. She is a multimedia journalist from Colorado, USA, and used her Fulbright opportunity to advance her career.

Lily emphasizes the importance of networking with current Fulbright Scholars for her tips. She suggests contacting LinkedIn or other platforms to learn from their experiences and insights. “I have met so many inspiring Fulbright Scholars in my cohort,” she says. “Do some research, send a message, and introduce yourself.” Engaging with current and past scholars can provide valuable advice and mentorship, making the application process less daunting.

2. Silence Your Inner Critic

Olugbenga Joseph is a Nigerian American scholar, educator, and artist who was a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Spain. He taught English, history, and art there and served as a U.S. Student Fulbright Alumni Ambassador.

Olubenga advises applicants to manage the “mental game” of the application process. He emphasizes the importance of silencing self-doubt and reflecting on one’s achievements and goals. “You are good enough!” Olugbenga also highlights the importance of understanding country-specific nuances and collecting data from various sources. “This could mean listening to the Fulbright webinars and contacting your university’s fellowship office. It could also mean talking to Fulbright alumni in your desired host country.” His comprehensive approach has helped him succeed in Fulbright and winning the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund .

3. Treat Your Creativity as a Professional Skill

Our next tip is from  Miles Iton , an academic, entrepreneur, and music artist whose journey exemplifies the transformative power of passion-driven education. Through Fulbright Taiwan, he gained unique insights into the intersection of creative arts and learning. In this interview, Miles discusses his Fulbright experiences, his innovative venture, Lo-Fi Language Learning, and the profound impact of these fellowships on his personal and professional growth.

He believes approaching creative practice as applicable skills can give applicants an edge in fellowship applications and beyond. “Approaching my creative practice as a transferable skill is how I managed to give myself an edge in fellowship applications, cross over into new industries, and establish a vantage point for building my small business acumen. Thus, the best tip I can offer to anyone of a creative bent perusing Profellow at the moment is to revere & regard your creativity as much as you would like a hiring committee to!” This mindset not only enhances applications but also helps in building a sustainable career .

4. Leverage Work Experience Before Pursuing a Degree

Zolboo Dashmyagmar’s journey, rooted in international business management in Mongolia, evolved through her fascination with geography, development, technology, and sustainability. She carved out an impressive international career as a Fulbright Scholar and McKinney Climate Fellow at Indiana University.

Zolboo, for her advice, stresses the value of work experience before embarking on a master’s degree, which she did for her award. She believes that practical experience provides crucial insights into one’s areas of interest, making higher education more impactful. “Gaining work experience provides valuable insights into our interest areas of study,” she notes. This approach helped her secure her Fulbright award and thrive in her studies. Zolboo also emphasizes staying curious, learning about the world around you, and bringing the mindset of positive change even when preparing your application.

5. Write Your Essays Early and Seek Feedback on Your Application

Anesce Dremen , a Fulbright-Nehru English Teaching Assistant in Kolkata, India, says that external feedback perspectives and many revisions are essential to creating the best application. She also provides advice on which feedback to take versus ignore.

“Crafting a compelling narrative takes time, revisions, and an external perspective of yourself. You can seek feedback from your thesis advisors, the writing center, and the study abroad and/or fellowship advisor on your campus. It is not uncommon for these application essays to go through seven or more drafts. That is not a reflection of your worthiness; it is a growth process to become a better grant writer. When receiving feedback, make sure to ask whether this suggestion for revision aligns with your values and whether the suggestion would accurately portray your experiences. If so, take the suggestion. If not, it is alright to pass on that suggestion. Remember that you are the best expert on your experiences.”

6. Embrace the Journey and Find Community

We end with Magaly Cabrera-Ortiz , a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in the Czech Republic. During her ETA, she taught English and gained valuable skills for her future career, including language proficiency and an understanding of different education systems.

She encourages applicants to embrace the cultural adjustment process and actively find community abroad. She emphasizes that both winners and applicants should be open-minded throughout their experience. Magaly highlights the importance of patience, being proactive, and engaging with the local community to create lasting memories and a sense of belonging. She adds, “To adjust, aside from finding support within your cohort, find ways to grow as part of your community. What are things you enjoy doing back home? Be willing to try new things, such as being a regular at restaurants or grocery stores.” Her experience shows that cultural immersion enriches the Fulbright journey and enhances personal growth.

Each of these Fulbright winners offers unique insights and practical advice that can help future applicants navigate the rigorous selection process and make the most of their Fulbright experience. For detailed interviews and more tips, be sure to read more interviews with Fulbright winners on ProFellow.

Create a free account to use the database to search the various kinds of Fulbright available for you. If you’re interested in applying to opportunities similar to a Fulbright, check out our list of Alternatives to the Fulbright Awards .

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Related Posts:

• Everything You Need to Know About Fulbright Scholar Awards
• New 2023-2024 Fulbright U.S. Student Program Awards for Students and Young Professionals
• 5 Reasons Why You Should Compete for the International Fulbright Awards
• Register Now: ProFellow's Fulbright Applicant Mastermind Live Online May 20, 2022
• Top 10 Most Popular Fellowships of 2016

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Juneteenth in Texas, Social Work values

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2024 • Jaelon Jackson :

By Jaelon Jackson School of Social Work

What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks a pivotal moment in American history. 

Known as Emancipation Day, it commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. 

The Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declared that all enslaved people in Confederate states were free. However, due to the slow spread of information and the resistance of enslavers, many enslaved people in Texas were unaware of their freedom until June 19, 1865. 

This day is not only a celebration of freedom but also a reminder of the ongoing struggles for civil rights and equality in the United States.

Why Do We Celebrate Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is celebrated to honor the end of slavery in the United States and to acknowledge the strength and resilience of African Americans. 

On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced all enslaved people were free, effectively enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation in the last Confederate state where it was still being ignored. 

This day symbolizes a significant step toward equality and justice for all, and it is a time to reflect on the progress made and the work that still needs to be done.

How Did Juneteenth Become a National Holiday?

The path to making Juneteenth a national holiday was long and involved persistent advocacy and recognition of its importance in American history. Efforts to commemorate Juneteenth began in Texas, where it was first celebrated. 

Over the years, as awareness grew, more states recognized the day. Finally, in June 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law, officially recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. 

This recognition highlights the importance of acknowledging the history and contributions of African Americans and reinforces the commitment to civil rights and equality.

A significant figure in this advocacy was Opal Lee, referred to as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth." 

At 89 years old, she walked from her home in Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to bring attention to the significance of Juneteenth and to advocate for its recognition as a national holiday. Her dedication and activism played a crucial role in achieving this milestone.

Why Is Juneteenth Important in the Story of Social Work?

Juneteenth holds significant relevance in the field of social work, which is deeply rooted in the values of social justice, dignity, and the upliftment of communities. Social workers have a professional and moral obligation to address racism. 

The NASW Code of Ethics explicitly states social workers should not condone or collaborate with any form of discrimination and should actively work to remove barriers limiting marginalized communities from achieving their full potential.

Social workers are called to speak out against injustices, support marginalized communities, and engage in social and political action to dismantle systemic racism and promote cultural competence and humility.

The Role of Social Workers in Promoting Equality

Social workers play a critical role in advocating for civil rights and equality. 

The NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of social justice and cultural competence, requiring social workers to be aware of their own cultural backgrounds and to engage in practices respecting and enhancing the well-being of different populations. 

This involves addressing issues such as racial identity, class, gender, and other factors that influence the experiences of marginalized groups.

Social workers must also engage in advocacy and activism to challenge institutional and structural oppression. 

By participating in Juneteenth celebrations, whether virtually or in-person, social workers can educate themselves and others about the history and ongoing struggles of African Americans and work towards making society more just and equitable.

In conclusion, Juneteenth is a day of celebration and reflection, reminding us of the progress made and the challenges remaining in the pursuit of equality and justice. 

It is a day to honor the contributions of African Americans and to recommit to the values of social justice and civil rights central to the profession of social work.

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