Hi Everyone!
I decided to share my story in hopes that others can relate and maybe we can pass around tips and advice for improving chances in admission.
I went to UCLA for undergrad. Long story short, I did poorly and ended up graduating with a 2.5 cumulative GPA (major GPA was worse at 2.1). I've felt (and still, to a certain degree) a great deal of shame, embarrassment, and regret. It's been 5 years since I graduated and I think I'm at the point where I am trying to move past it and pursue an MSW in a field I'm passionate about.
I've heard a lot of different opinions over the years about what to do to off-set my GPA such as matriculating graduate level courses as a non student, take some community college classes, get a lot of relevant volunteer/professional experience, get a high GRE score, and write a killer personal statement.
I've attended a few grad fairs and this is what I've done to prepare myself for applying:
5+ years of professional work experience (I have worked in the non-profit field, social work related)
A good amount of volunteering post-college (but I haven't committed super long-term to anything)
Attended a great deal of leadership trainings
Re-took a stats course (A) and have taken 3 upper division psych classes (all As) at community college while working full-time.
I'm fairly confident I can bust out a good personal statement and have some people in mind for rec letters.
I know grad school admissions are competitive. Many schools have told me that they have a holistic admissions process but I wonder how true that is and wonder if anyone had any insight on that. I know some programs might just automatically reject applications that have less than 3.0 (I'm thinking Cal States here like LA, LB, Northridge)
I don't think it would be worth my time to apply to super competitive top tier MSW programs since my GPA is not competitive. However, I am aiming to apply to USC in the fall. Some of the reasons why is because they have a larger program (compared to UCLA), they don't require the GRE, and also because I think private universities have a higher acceptance rates and are more forgiving than super competitive public schools? I met a rep from Syracuse that actually told me that since they are so small, if they reject your application, they would personally reach out to you on how to improve and re-apply.
If anyone has any additional insights or information on admissions, I'd love to hear it. I'm so nervous BUT also optimistic that this will work out.
