A Nervous Applicant--Credentials for MSW

[Fitzgerald]

Hello all,

I'm 3/5 into my applications and I am definitely getting the jitters from not knowing where I stand. Some of you have gotten into some amazing programs and seem to have some wonderful insight, so any input on my "chances" would be greatly appreciated!

I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill May 2012

GPA 3.025-3.1?

- I was the Campus Leader in a number of student organizations including UNICEF and political organizations

- Had 1-year internships with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and Organizing for America

- Volunteered for a semester with a local immigration and refugee organization

- Volunteered for a year with a local human rights center

- Was a teaching assistant for a social justice course for a semester

- Worked overseas for 5 months with developmentally challenged children with the United Nations Children's Fund

- Have received a few honors such as The President's Volunteer Service Award, selected for an internship with the - White House, a public service grant, and an international research travel scholarship.

- Participated in a couple other political activities over the years but were nothing major

- Grew up in a developing country and had a unique upbringing, so I'll include that in my essay as a personal experience

- My recommendations are from a Professor that knew me very well, a Director from the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, and a Director from Organizing for America, which was the President's national campaign team.

However, my worries are primarily my low GPA and my activities are ALL part-time unpaid and volunteer. With the exception of the 5 months overseas for the United Nations, I have never had a full time paid service experience.

I am applying to mainly clinical programs at:

UPenn

Columbia

NYU

Michigan

Southern California

Thoughts?

[SofieCat]

I think you'll be fine. MSW programs are not very difficult to get into.

[eeavalos]

I am in the same boat....however I have not applied yet. I am still in the process. I was working on the Obama campaign (Organizing for America) in Miami, Florida and had no time to start my applications while I was out there. Now I am back and just like you I am nervous. Good luck! My number one is Columbia but I am applying to USC and NYU as well. Good luck!

[Fitzgerald]

Glad to hear from a fellow Organizer! Columbia is my first choice as well--definitely keep me updated. Best of luck to you!

[lalaloopsy]

Hi all!!

 

I am feeling very insecure about my MSW chances. Can anyone give me some gpa quotes for SJSU or CSUSB??? I only applied to two schools like a loser, and have a 3.5 undergrad...3.7 dept. GPA, i have like 5 years of work experience in the field as well, but its kind of old :-(..

 

 

Can anyone help me? Im freaking out! I know my GPA is low, but i went to a top school that wanted to make life ridiculous for me? Does the prestige of undergrad institution even matter when they look at GPA?

 

AHH!

 

Okay, sorry for the long post! Thank you all for reading.... i mean ...if anyone is still reading :-/

[Advocation]

A GPA of 3.7 is low? If that's the case I have no chance of getting in anywhere :/. I have a final gpa of 3.4 and Dean's list, honorable mention and Phi Theta Kappa. I have only very recent and little volunteer experience.

I'm a late to the party and the OP may already have admissions decisions in hand, but just in case: the best I can offer is that it helps to look up profiles of recent admits (on forums like this) to the programs to which you apply. I console myself (or terrify myself) looking up the past 10 years of acceptance data for my top choice. All that info is out there in various forms- google "acceptance rates" and start there. You seem to have a lot going for you experience wise. Your GPA will likely viewed in the context of all the extra-curriculars you took on and your personal background.

[PurpleSocialist]

Hello all,

I'm 3/5 into my applications and I am definitely getting the jitters from not knowing where I stand. Some of you have gotten into some amazing programs and seem to have some wonderful insight, so any input on my "chances" would be greatly appreciated!

I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill May 2012

GPA 3.025-3.1?

- I was the Campus Leader in a number of student organizations including UNICEF and political organizations

- Had 1-year internships with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and Organizing for America

- Volunteered for a semester with a local immigration and refugee organization

- Volunteered for a year with a local human rights center

- Was a teaching assistant for a social justice course for a semester

- Worked overseas for 5 months with developmentally challenged children with the United Nations Children's Fund

- Have received a few honors such as The President's Volunteer Service Award, selected for an internship with the - White House, a public service grant, and an international research travel scholarship.

- Participated in a couple other political activities over the years but were nothing major

- Grew up in a developing country and had a unique upbringing, so I'll include that in my essay as a personal experience

- My recommendations are from a Professor that knew me very well, a Director from the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, and a Director from Organizing for America, which was the President's national campaign team.

However, my worries are primarily my low GPA and my activities are ALL part-time unpaid and volunteer. With the exception of the 5 months overseas for the United Nations, I have never had a full time paid service experience.

I am applying to mainly clinical programs at:

UPenn

Columbia

NYU

Michigan

Southern California

Thoughts?

I think you'll be fine, along with all the others who replied. You've had a lot of great experiences and I think that is going to really stand out.

I also agree with SofieCat, most MSW programs are not hard to get into. That isn't to say they just take ANYONE [even though a few of my classmates make me question this....] but I think a lot of your experiences will make you a great candidate.