SW_PHD

Try to connect with potential research advisors (professors) at the schools you are interested in attending. In my experience, there is no more important "x factor" than whether there is someone at the school that would be a good fit for your area of interest. Rather than just submitting an application and 'letting the chips fall where they may,' it's much better to have someone at the school (and even better if they're on the admissions committee) advocating on your behalf. Good luck with your search.

I think one of the most important considerations, especially for clinically focused candidates, is where (in terms of location) do you see yourself practicing. During your two years of field work, you will likely begin building an important network of supervisors, clinicians, and fellow students (that will soon become local clinicians). Unless there is an extremely compelling reason to enroll out-of-state, I think students that graduate close to the location they want to work have a definite leg up on students moving back from outside programs. In fact, some students are offered jobs directly from their second-year placement. Just my two cents. Good luck.

What do you mean by "course-based" MSW? As opposed to what other type of MSW? Haven't heard that term.

BamaBound -- While there are several scenarios outlined in the methodology that would return a "Rank Not Published," I think this is probably the most likely for the MSW programs: "Schools in the health rankings, which are based solely on the 5-point peer assessment score, are numerically ranked down to a peer assessment score of 2.0. Schools with scores less than 2.0 are listed in alphabetical order as Rank Not Published."

Looks like the new MSW program rankings have been released. Usual suspects remain on top. Commence oft-mentioned discussion about why these don't really matter. MSW Program Rankings

Hi – I can’t answer your question directly with regard to specific schools, but it might be worth considering why PhD programs do value the GRE. Unlike MSW studies, most social work doctoral programs have a strong focus on quantitative methods. Funding for research is increasingly based on data-driven results and evidence-based practices, and, as a result, students are expected to have more analytical expertise than ever (obviously, some programs are more quantitative than others, but I would argue they’re all trending that way). Also, don’t forget that most programs require a comprehensive exam prior to moving into the “candidate” stage of your studies, so test-taking doesn’t disappear once you get past admissions. It’s also hard enough to find faculty at any program that share your specific research interests; why limit the opportunities to only those that require lower test scores? Rather than resign yourself to “I’ve never had success with tests,” I would suggest finding ways to simply improve your test-taking abilities. If you are committed to the work required for a PhD degree, then these are important skills regardless. Anecdotally, I have colleagues that found success using Magoosh.com. Remember, you don’t need 90+% scores to get into a program, but they can’t be in the 40% range either. Trust that doctoral studies (especially at top programs) are more challenging than earning “passable” GRE scores. Not sure if that's the answer you were hoping for, but, again, there’s a reason these tests are valued. Good luck with your journey.

Looks like you've done a good job thinking this through. From a clinical perspective, you might want to take into consideration whether you plan to eventually practice in Missouri or Illinois. Investigate whether there are licensing advantages to graduating in the same state (for example, some state schools offer clinical program tracks that satisfy specific licensing requirements in that state). Otherwise, the general advice on these boards remains don't take on more debt than is necessary; MSW curriculums are relatively similar, so unless you're considering pursuing a PhD, the school you graduate from is less important in social work than in some other fields.

Good questions. If it’s any comfort, there are quite a few social workers in recovery and, as it seems like you are aware, they bring an important perspective to working with individuals with addiction concerns. With regard to your grades, yes, a stronger final two years of performance works in your favor. Also, you might consider other options, such as taking the GRE (even if it’s not required) or completing some equivalent master’s-level courses to prove your academic strength. Most importantly, make sure you explain the circumstances in your statement. Of the four schools you mentioned, I would be surprised if they all said no solely on weak GPA. With regard to your experience in recovery, may I offer a few insights I’ve heard throughout the years. While, as I said earlier, there are many MSWs in recovery, a program is going to want to be sure that you are strong in your recovery and that the stress of graduate school and fieldwork will not be overwhelming. Remember, MSW programs are not about you working through your problems. Be careful that your personal statement is not so heavily weighted toward former heroin use that a reader believes that’s the only thing that defines you. This needs to be an issue in your past. Also, if you have any legal charges as a result of your former use, make sure you check as to what the background requirements are for the school and your state’s licensing board. Don’t want to go through two years of work only to find out you can’t get a credential. Hope that helps a bit. Good luck.

There are definitely programs with a strong academic focus on mental health practice. While it is true that your field placements will be the source of a great deal of practical experience, some universities offer individual classes in group practice, motivational interviewing, CBT, assessments, differential diagnosis, etc. If you are sure that mental health work is your career focus, I would suggest that the more training you can get during your graduate work, the better prepared you will be for the job market. Good luck.

Probably more diversification in graduate social work programs than any other academic discipline. Large difference in age with some students coming straight out of undergrad and BSW programs, others spending several years in the field, and a third group pursuing mid-life career changes. Also, due to the nature of the work, there's more race and socioeconomic inclusion (though there could be much more). Most disparity at the Masters level is probably still gender -- with most programs having a large majority of female students.

Hi all -- current UNC Social Work student here. Happy to try and answer any questions you might have regarding the SSW. Feel free to PM me as well. Good luck with your applications -- and congratulations to those already accepted. UNC is a great program!