Chances of getting into MSW programs?

[danibo]

Hello guys!

 

I am thinking very far ahead: I am graduating with my bachelors in social work in may of 2015. 

 

I have always dreamed of attending USC for my masters. However, I worry that I am not good enough for them!

 

MY GPA cumulative is 3.32. My freshman year I was a nursing major, and that really ruined my grades. Although my social work grades are wonderful, it's not enough to push my culmulative GPA higher.

 

However, I do consider myself very well-rounded. I have a part-time job, go to school full-time, and do tons of community service (I am currently participating in five volunteer/internships that are related to social work). 

 

Will my experience and community service outweigh my GPA? Or is my GPA even a big concern?

 

Thank you! 

 

- Danibo  

[HKsai]

IMO your GPA is not gonna affect your chance at all. Probably not to a PhD application and definitely not a master application. A higher GPA would be a plus but your GPA will definitely not hurt you in anyway.

[mpainter]

Danibo, 

I also had a 3.32 (from UC San Diego with a BS in Psychology). Since the program was also competitive, I also had my doubts about grad school chances. However, because I had laboratory and job experience, I believe that is what got me accepted to SDSU's program. Let your professional references write good letters, and just do what you need to for application requirements. 

Some schools will like you because of your focus, and some will not. I didn't get into UCLA, but assume it was because of how competitive the school is. 

 I think you'll be fine, and your experience is what admissions is more concerned with when reviewing you.

[danibo]

thank you so much you guys! I'm hoping someone who applied to USC can also assist me....

[KNik]

I applied to USC for Fall 2014 and got accepted there. My GPA was a 3.6 with a part-time job, a few research internships, and an article published in an academic journal.  I'm not really sure if that helps. You have plenty of experience and even with a GPA a little on the lower side, you still have as much of a chance as anyone. Good luck!