pearl7

Hello everyone, I am new here and could really use some honest advice. I really want to apply to UCLA MSW program for Fall 2012. I am a Communication Studies major at Cal State Northridge, graduating Summer 2011. Enlightened by much of the coursework I have taken (i.e gender studies, sociology, intercultural studies, anthropology, performance for social change, etc) I have decided that I want to pursue a career in social work-helping those on the margins.I've arrived at this decision after much thought. If I knew a year and a half ago that social work would be my career choice, I would have chosen a different major. However, communication studies has been a very broad, theoretical education and I've learned a lot. Heres my stats: GPA currently 3.93 with 90 units in. I seriously doubt, with the 30 units I have left, that it will dip below 3.8-3.75. Non-Traditional student: 43 years old, 18 years work experience (unrelated to social work-I was Director of Retail for a famous women's apparel chain, so I have lots of mentorship/leadership experience) Went back to community college at 39. GRE not taken yet, but I will do everything I can (Kaplan course, etc) to insure a competitive score. Will produce strong personal statement and solid LORs. Also, I believe I can show compelling reasons why I'd be a good fit for this kind of work. I also was awarded Outstanding Junior in the Communication Studies dept for the 2009-2010 year. I have volunteered at my daughters elementary school for the past couple years, but thats about it. Do you think one year of solid social work experience before I apply will be enough to make me a competitive applicant? I'm going to find a volunteer opportunity asap. I also applied to be a peer counselor at CSUN in the Spring, helping young women with eating disorders/disordered eating/body image issues. I will also try to get a internship in social work/counseling, if the communication dept will approve it for college credit. Honest input is really appreciated! I'm pretty sure I can get into a Cal State school, but UCLA is my dream. I'm hoping my age and life experience works for me instead of against me. Thanks!