Hi all,
I’m planning on applying for MSW programs, and though I know we have a new more weeks before apps open, I’m having some anxiety over it all! My goal is to go on to become a LCSW, and I have an interest in mental health. I hope one day to work with immigrants and refugees. I have just graduated with a BA in Psychology, overall GPA 3.86. I plan on asking two professors and one internship supervisor for letters of rec.
It’s on experience I’m having some nerves over. I know usually MSW students are older with years of experience. My experience is as follows:
Two years of part time work as a tutor (working with new immigrant elementary aged children and underserved youth).
Three months research experience at a developmental psychology lab, looking at how newborns acquire language (there was a lot of data entry and stats analysis, but also plenty of interaction with the moms and babies that came in!).
Eight months volunteering experience at an assisted nursing facility (where I also interned ar the facility’s acute psych hospital, having one in one chats with the patients and assisting with group therapy).
Two months in Cambodia, teaching elementary school aged kids English.
One year as a Teacher’s Assistant. The class was for community service (which was required at my university). So while I didn’t have to actually lecture, I did assist the students with any questions they had and assisted the prof. with communications between various charities and non-profits.
All together, I’m at around 1,500 hours, so while I have plenty of expericence, I don’t have much depth at each place. Is this an issue? Also, as I hope to work with refugees/immigrants, is this an issue because most of my experience is with children? Can I spin it somehow? Should I even apply this year or wait until next year and get more experience in the meantime?
Do I have a chance with any MSW program?
Some schools I’m eyeing are UW, NYC, Columbia, UChicago...and some CSUs.
Please help, and feel free to share your story as well!