psychmedic

Artsy16 -- really solid advice. Thank's for the detailed response. If you're applying this cycle, good luck!

Hi guys. I’m a 22-year-old recent graduate interested in applying for MSW programs for the fall 2016 cycle. The problem? I have just under a 3.0 from my undergrad university (GPA: 2.95) . My major was psychology; however, I took a lot of difficult science classes (cell & molecular biology, cellular neurobiology, A&P I, chemistry) and most of my psychology degree has a neuroscience emphasis (I took many physiological psychology courses) so my GPA took a hit, although, I did love my neuro courses (and did well in them, too). If it counts for anything, the psychology degree also came from my schools division of science & mathematics. I have attended 2 other institutions that I have done very well at. I have around 32-36 transfer credits – 28 credits from my first school, and 9 credits (give or take) from my other school -- that average around a 3.4 GPA; so I’m not sure if those credits would count towards the cumulative GPA. I have been through difficult personal situations during the past few years that have negatively affected my GPA. I have struggled with PTSD from working as a paramedic, and came-out as gay during my college years; the family situation/reaction was far from celebratory. My thoughts are to explain this in my personal statement, and discuss the ways I have overcome these challenges. I have good work experience; I’ve been a volunteer medic/Firefighter for 5 years. I learned a lot about helping people at their worst, and it was by far, one of the most humbling jobs in my life. I do have the emotional scares though. In a way, I think these experiences will give me better insight as a social worker. My LOR’s are very strong. I have formed good relationships with some of my professors, and they seemed excited to write a letter on my behalf – most of them know my story as well. I still need to take the GRE, but from my understanding, most school do not look or require them. I know this is the career I want to pursue. Just like it’s a calling to become a paramedic, I also think it’s a calling to become a social worker. So I had a few questions for you guys: Do I have a chance in hell of getting in anywhere (without accruing a massive burden of debt?) What advice would you give me on writing the personal statement? I want to incorporate how I overcame these struggles without seeming self-loathing. Do most grad schools calculate all the credits from every university or did they just look at your GPA from the school you graduated from. In my case, this is the difference between a >3.0 or < 3.0. Would you recommend any MSW programs? I have a general idea where I would like to apply, but certainly, I would love any suggestions. (I really liked the University of Pittsburg’s MSW program). Sorry for the long post. Everyone here seems really helpful, and I’m not sure who else to discuss this with. God bless you all. Psychmedic.