I am a late bloomer as well. I had 4.0 GPA with psychology classes from CC, transferred to UCI with Psychology & Social behavior major (3.57 GPA).
I applied to USC last year (I only applied USC at that time), received an offer $30,000 scholarship but i had to defer because I was not sure with MSW and high tuition.
I have about half year volunteer experience at an orphanage, half year at Down Syndrome Foundation, 3 months at after-school programs for students from low-income families,
5 months as research assistant. I am not sure I have enough volunteer experience.. If I add them up, it could be about 1 1/2 years.. lol..
Currently I just started working in Public Social Services department about 3 months...
I am not sure I am competitive candidate, but I wish I am!!
I am currently working on my personal statement...
How about anyone else? How is it going?