AvaRileyMSW

Hi guys! I have been lurking through this site for the better part of 2018 and decided to finally dive in. This is a question that is commonly asked, but everyone has their individual concerns. I am preparing to apply for the Fall 2019 cohort for the MSW program. I am such a worrier, so I tend to start preparing early. My complete application should be submitted sometime around 11/2018. I am still a novice when it comes to school, so any advice is greatly appreciated. Here is my background: I attended community college and graduated on 2006 with a GPA of about 3.3. My last 4 semesters were stellar, the first few were horrible. I began CSULA soon after, but stopped working to help out my parents financially. This ended up (kind of) working in my favor as I was hired for the County of Los Angeles in 2006. Since then, I have been in public service, and two years ago I was promoted to GAIN Worker, which is pretty much like an entry level social worker. I recently enrolled back in school and will be completing my BA in Psychology early next year. I am concerned that schools will frown upon my BA because it will be completed through an online program - it is fully accredited so not a problem there. I am twin mom, working full time, and going to school full time. I cannot really commit to a volunteer program, so I am super worried and afraid that this, along with my sub-par educational record may hurt my chances of grad school. Here are my stats: GPA: Should be close to 3.4 (not good, because I obtained a D earlier this year. One of my twin babies was sick, and we were in-and-out of the hospital for months). Experience: I have worked for the Department of Public Social Services for 12 years, 10 of those as an Eligibility Worker, and the last two as a GAIN Services Worker (guidance counselor). I work with a specialized file - victims of domestic abuse, mental health, and substance abuse. Volunteer Experience: NONE Except random projects like at food banks and stuff like that. Nothing that is ongoing or stable. Accomplishments: Nothing except I did raise $9k for AIDS/HIV awareness (on my own) and I rode my bicycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles for this reason. But I don't know if that's even relevant. SoP: I have not started writing it, but I think I can write a strong one. LoR's: Director of my office, two deputies (assistant directors), direct supervisor, two professors (PhD's) so far, and maybe more as I finish my program. Extra Stuff: Through my job, I am certified in dozens of trainings which are required by Human Resources. Schools I will be applying to: USC CSULA CSULB CSUDH I should also mention that I do favor an online format because of my situation. I work with three women who completed an online MSW program while working full time here, and this is only because my agency is super supportive and always promotes higher education. I would apply to more schools, but honestly I feel I would be wasting my time and the AdCom's time. From your levels of expertise, what are your suggestions, advice, positive criticism lol. Please be kind, my heart is a little tender right now