esp.msw

Yes, so long as its postmarked you should be fine.

I agree! It's awfully quiet this application cycle. I assume we won't hear from the rest as the deadlines near, that's when most apply. I agree, i'm also lazy. I also don't know how to apply? Is it straight through the grad application system online? or is there a separate application?

Eek! I would contact the department and support for CSU mentor, but i think you may be out of luck. I think once the deadline closes they don't allow you to apply. Good luck!

Don't be nervous! It sounds like you have some really varied experience that'll definitely be in your favor, good luck!

Esimanon, did you end up re-taking the GRE?

Agreed. I ended up declining their offer because i could not justify that much money.

Nope, they look at your overall application. I was accepted to USC with a 2.9 GPA. Ironically, I was not accepted to any of the CSU's I applied for. Keep in mind that CSU's receive a much higher amount of applicants (impacted programs) based on that alone, they are much more competitive.

I've learned that reading other's personal statements has helped very little. I've read about 6 different ones (all were accepted to their programs and all different programs across the nation) and they all differed from one another. Some were very personal and witty others were more straightforward and calculated. I've learned that only I can convey what I want without having influence of others or adapting someone else's style. Remember this is also a writing sample of sorts. I think your best bet is to match your interests with each individual programs', really showcase your skills and experience and tie them in to the questions they ask, and somehow, someway make yourself stand out. I'm trying to find a balance between being personable, but showing professionalism as well. It's difficult, not gunna lie.

What type of experience do you have? Remember each program is different. You're application is looked at as a whole. Though as a general rule, they do want to see promise in the social work field.

All right, I see a lot of guests perusing the old UCLA threads so i'm creating this updated version for all you to visit and share on This is my first year applying to UCLA after applying to other programs in the past (CSULB, CSULA, CSUDH and USC) . I'm sharing my stats and I hope you all will too! I would like to apply to the individuals, families and groups concentration with a specialization in mental health care. My stats include: Undergraduate degree in Sociology, emphasis in Law and Society - Reading volunteer for 6 months - Volunteer case management intern for 6 months at the Downtown Women's Center (chronically homeless, dual-diagnosed women). - Volunteer for survivors of DV (child care and preventative work mostly) for about 6 months. - 2 years working at a boys group home for youth on probation. - 2 years as a play specialist servicing children with developmental delays, teaching them play and social skills (recently promoted to mentor). - 1 year working one on one with students with developmental delays in the school setting as an instructional assistant. My GPA is slightly below a 3.0, therefore, I am taking the GRE and am definitely not losing hope! I am putting my together my statements of purpose right now and it's suuuch a drag.

You should contact admissions or attend an informational meeting. They all have very specific guidelines. I didn't have to submit an extra "statement of purpose", rather, under that section (as i've mentioned before) you write something along the lines of "sent directly to the department". I would highly suggest that you reach out to these schools directly and inform yourself.

Can you please elaborate? I've just checked the application packet for CSULB, and while it does ask for a personal statement, nowhere does it state an additional written response for a statement of purpose is required (probably because it is the same thing). Are you referring to the graduate application? If so, you should know that under that section you're supposed to state something along the lines of "sent directly to department".

Not sure. I've never applied to San Diego.

Personal statement, statement of purpose, letter of intent....they are all the same thing.

My reach schools are CSULB and UCLA. Man is CSULB competitive! Safety schools are CSUDH, CSUF and CSUN. Anyone else applying to UCLA? Anyone re-applying there?

You sure can. I would. Any experience counts.

Exactly. No need to talk about why you weren't ready before. As I mentioned before, you should focus on your skills, experience and readiness all the while tailoring just enough so it's compatible with the program you plan to attend. If you're applying for a clinical program and you're emphasizing how you'd like to do macro work, then they're gunna see you're not a very good fit. Alas, I would attend some informational sessions to get a better feel if you haven't already. Good luck.

Personally, I wouldn't focus on telling them the reasons why you didn't apply before, you never know how that might come off. I would, instead, list the reasons why you are ready now, always focus on the positive. Remember they want to see that you have the skills, abilities, and emotional maturity to make it in the program. You can, perhaps, briefly mention that you feel more ready than ever (this will infer that you weren't ready before for whatever reason) if you really want to mention that. But again, you don't want to focus too much on that. Rather, showcase how prepared you are now to succeed in the program.

It's always difficult to answer this question, since there are so many factors that the committee looks at. It's really case by case. You should really shoot for writing a stellar statement of purpose; emphasize your skills and really tailor it to the program's specific mission and values, they want to see you are a good fit after all. You should also pick people to write your reference letters who can really attest to your abilities as a future social worker. I know there are programs that highly recommend you to take the GRE if your GPA falls short of 3.3 (UCLA, for example). Others are 3.0. I think you have a good start! Be confident, showcase your skills and experience and your professional goals. There's not much to do at this point but try and see where it goes! I know from personal experienced that CSULB is very competitive. They receive an immense amount of applicants. I'll be applying to CSULB, CSUDH, CSUN, CSUF and UCLA. I am reapplying to CSUDH and CSULB. Did it 2 years ago so crossing my fingers! I also applied to USC and was accepted, though I declined admission. I couldn't justify the tag price. Not for a SW degree. My GPA is short of a 3.0 and I have about 4 or 5 years of social service experience (I had about 2 and a half when I applied), so you see, it really depends on the program. Give it your best and best of luck to you !

Anyone applying to UCLA this fall? I recently attended the informational session and the program seems like a perfect fit! Please share your journey!

Most programs only look at the verbal and writing. More importantly the writing portion, I believe. Shooting for a 4.5 and above would be best.

Thank you all for your responses. I suppose I was specifically seeking an answer on how much weight a CC instructor's LOR would hold against a professor who didn't know me too well in my undergrad. Has anyone sent letters from instructors from classes taken after graduation (ie. community colleges)?

Has anyone mentioned their struggles with mental health in their SOP? Like their personal experience seeking counseling, therapy, etc. Would you recommend it, or not so much? I feel like it would have its pros and cons, specifically if taking the clinical track. Anyone advised to do it? Potential pitfalls? Thanks!

So, I didn't take the time to really build relationships with any of my professors in undergrad . I was on a quarter system, weeks went by really fast and I just went through the motions. It wasn't until my last quarter that I realized, dangit, I really need a professors' LOR! Anyway, I took some additional classes at my local community college after graduating and received A's, would a program look down on my application if my letters are from professors from classes I took AFTER graduation and at community college? Do they want letters from professors from your undergraduate studies or will any professor suffice? Thanks!

I think your degree and GPA will help you, though your lack of experience in social services may hinder you a bit. I would recommend (if you have time) volunteering. Also, I believe they do not accept personal references, (ie friends/family) at least from what i've been told. Professors and employers/supervisors would weigh more heavily. You have a great start! I would also contact the departments and meet with an advisor if you can. Attend informational meetings and ask them directly any of your concerns.