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Thank you! I'm asked to write a sample on a social concern and I was planning on using a quote from Malala Yousafzai because she pretty much embodies my social concern. It could still be dicey...

A few of my prompts ask me to talk about a social concern. There is a quote that falls so perfectly with my ideas I would really like to use it. However, I feel like I have heard really mixed views on quotes. Is it a good or bad idea to use a quote? If using a quote, is the location of the quote important? I would prefer to use the quote in the middle of the essay, not as an opening line. I'm applying social work programs if that has any impact. Also- good luck to everyone else who is in constantly feeling ---> (like me)

Oh man on of my applications asks that. I feel like an idiot, I'm like uhhhhhh hmmmm I should know this.... At that stress point I guess

That's what I was thinking. I was struggling at first then got it to flow better. Thanks

I have a question, (also thanks for being so helpful!) if the eassy prompt has the topics listed in a certain order- does that mean I should follow that order specifically in my essay? Or is it ok to write the essay how it flows, being diligent to make sure every topic is covered and is clear? Example: A. Rationale Discuss the primary reasons for your desire to pursue your Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. B. Attributes and Liabilities Please identify your strengths, and briefly discuss any knowledge and/or skills that you might need to improve in order to successfully complete the requirements of GSSW’s MSW program. C. Employment and Volunteer Experience Please Identify and briefly discuss the relationship between your previous employment and/or volunteer experiences and your decision to pursue an MSW. Note: If you are a current BSW student, please also provide a detailed description of your internship assignments and responsibilities including approximate number of hours working directly with clients, and whether those clients were individuals, families, groups and/or communities. D. Education Please discuss the relationship between your undergraduate education and your preparedness to complete GSSW’s MSW program. E. Life Experiences Discuss how your personal experiences have led you to a career in social work. Many people enter this field because of life experiences that have resulted in a desire to help others. Often these experiences can be transformed into passions and strengths that fuel one’s career or can impede one’s ability to develop professionally. Please include any relevant life experiences and the way in which you have dealt with them. Be advised that we are a strengths-based profession, and our interest is in seeing how people have coped with their life challenges. F. Social Work Values and Ethics Discuss how your personal values and experiences have prepared you to meet the ethical obligation of social workers to practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge and skills related to clients’ age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex and sexual orientation. How do your personal values relate to this ethical obligation? What are some experiences that you have had that demonstrate your willingness to fulfill this ethical obligation? Should my essay follow this order?

I'm applying to mostly schools with a 3.0 GPA so I'm really nervous about that :/ Good job on getting your applications done early. Thanks for sharing your stats and good luck!

Hey, you have half a year to work on your academic recommendations. Your GPA and work experience are pretty stellar though. Honestly, I walked up to a professor who I liked and had done well in his class and said (more eloquently lol) I am looking to go to graduate school and have not made any real connections with a professor. Is there any research I can help you with, or a project I could showcase my abilities... I am asking you specifically because xxxx(this class, or this publication, or your interests) I said this to 3, 1 said no, 2 said yes, after a follow up one followed through. It's worth a shot. I also kept communication with the professor during my time off

CJMSW I'll keep my fingers crossed for you too. It's crazy I've gotten complete mixed reviews on the GPA! Stellar work experience though! We are in the same boat - hopefully it works out for us both

Literally, word for work same concentration interests! Especially trauma with foster youth.

I have no idea what's "normal" - except that my GPA is low. Anyone else want to share their stats? Low GPA 2.89 GRE (if needed) 154/ 145 / 4.5 Hundreds of hours of direct volunteer work, and experience sitting on a board. 3 years of related work experience that shows promotions Published research, and research in process of being published Strong letters of rec (professor / boss / another related boss / people I volunteer with) SO NERVOUS ABOUT THE GPA

Thank you for the advice! It's great to hear that about OSU. I agree about the potential waste of money with extra classes... Honestly, it's just terrifying because I'm ready to be in school now.I didn't apply this year (even though I wanted to) because I felt I couldn't leave my job... So the thought of applying, getting turned down, and waiting another year is nerve wracking. But thanks for the advice!

Oh, I've got a good "GPA" story haha. Yes, I'm not concerned with prestige, I'm concerned with getting in! How are you liking OSU? One of my LOR is a professor from the MSW program, and my other LOR is a professor who completed his undergrad there and his Dad is a professor there. (LOL it's honestly just random coincidences.) I've been told if I raise my GPA to a 3.0, I'd most likely be accepted. OSU is not as attractive to me though... I want to stay west. It's just hard to rationalize paying for classes to raise my GPA when my workload is currently insane. Plus I can't take classes at my undergrad so I don't even know if extra classes would count.

Thanks! To take classes and get As, can it be any classes anywhere? Can they be online classes? I cannot go back to my undergrad institution because of distance.

While looking at MSW programs, almost all programs have a 3.0 GPA cut-off. Is that the absolute lowest? Would a low GPA, (2.8), average GRE scores, great LOR, and a few years of good work experience count for anything? People always suggest taking more classes to raise your GPA, how do you do this if you've already graduated?

Looking for the best place to search for social work programs, would be doubly helpful for schools that have spring admissions.