A Timeline for applying to MSW programs

[gaucho_girl]

Hi Everyone, this is my first post to this blog so bear with me please

 

I graduated 3 years ago with my undergrad degree in Sociology and have been working in an administrative role for the last two years. After graduating I really didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, and can honestly say that I had a very short-sighted/one-sided view of what social work really was. After spending the last two years surrounded by individuals who are extremely passionate about what they do (engineering), as well as maturing quite a bit from being out in the "real world" I am now self-aware enough to know that social work and helping others is what I am truly passionate about.

 

I have a fairly wide range of experience (volunteer and paid) including: working with at-risk youth (tutor/mentor/camp counselor), sick children (NICU), and the elderly/aging (assisted living/nursing care volunteer).

 

I know that I for sure would like to work in a clinical setting, either with sick children or the aging & their families. My grandmother who has been in and out of the hospital for the last few years or so is really the individual who opened my eyes to social work, as I witnessed the invaluable role social workers have played both at her bedside as well as coming in to our family home for well-being and status checks, etc.

 

I'm located in CA, and want to start prepping for the application process but wanted to see if anyone on here had a suggested timeline I should be following?  i.e." 1) Contact schools I'm interested in, 2) Take GRE, 3) Visit schools, 4) work on personal statement" etc? Any help would be appreciated!!

 

 

[MaggieDot]

Hi gaucho_girl,

Welcome! I can relate to so much of what you wrote. I'm preparing to apply to schools this next cycle. For me, I first made a list of schools I was really interested in (taking into account cost, location, courses/concentrations offered, professors, and I'll admit--I put some weight on reputation as well). I'm interested in clinical work, but from what I understand, most programs are generalist and tend to provide students with a breadth of knowledge in Social Work with a few opportunities to explore or focus on a concentration. Internship opportunities are important, so find out if you have any influence over yours. I started this process in February-March.

I found out about information sessions (some schools have webinars), contacted the admissions departments to ask any specific questions I couldn't find answers to online, and reached out to people I knew had experience in the field or had attended/are attending schools I'm interested in. I also contacted potential LOR providers and updated them on my plans. March-May.

I'm currently setting up trips to visit out-of-state schools on my list to see the campuses and to get an idea of what living in those areas would look like.

None of the schools I'm applying to require the GRE, so it's not something I have to worry about, but I'd say study for 2-3 months diligently and take it anytime before application things kick into high gear for you. If you have time and aren't happy with your performance, you can give it another go.

I started brainstorming ideas for my personal statement a while ago (~May), but I'm still having new experiences and opportunities come up, so I'm holding off on the actual writing/editing/proofreading/editing/proofreading process until probably September, when I'll place major focus on that. If you're in a more stable place than I am, I'd say the more time you have to develop and work on your statement, the better. It seems to be a critical factor in gaining admittance to schools. I'll be asking for LOR sometime in October (my apps are due in Dec. and Feb.).

All in all, I started this process 10-12 months before applications are due, but I also didn't have much experience in Social Work, so I've been spending that time gaining experience, too.

Good luck with everything!

Edited July 2, 2013 by MaggieDot

[Lola1233]

I started my process one or two months before the first suggested deadline. 1-2 months gave me ample time to write a good personal statement, request 3 LORs from former teachers/employers, and request all necessary transcripts and paperwork.

 

I haven't taken the GRE for MSW apps so I'm not sure what to tell you about that.

[MaggieDot]

My suggestion is to contact schools now-ish (shooting an email is quick and simple) just to see if you can set up a visit. Some schools don't schedule visits/information sessions until late summer/early fall, but it's good to know these things.

I still think 2 months is a good length of time to study/take the GRE. From my understanding, it's a good idea to ask for LOR at least 6 weeks before you need them (early notice is good, especially with professors since they write so many). Transcripts are generally pretty easy to get, so I would ask for those a few weeks before you'll submit your app (also, some schools are flexible about when you can turn these in). I'd stick with spending at least a good month writing/editing/getting your PS looked over.

So, like Chrislee shared, you can do all of this in about 2 months. I just started way early because I had a lot of research/work to do since I decided relatively recently that I wanted to pursue a career in Social Work, am applying and hoping to get into out-of-state schools (setting up visits takes a little more time/planning), and generally just like getting an early start on things. I didn't mean to freak you out with my personal timeline!

Edited July 4, 2013 by MaggieDot

[briefinterviews]

I applied (and was accepted) to seven programs, and spent about 4-5 months on my SOPs. Depending upon how many programs you are applying to and how confident you are in your writing and reasons for wanting to pursue the MSW beyond a compulsion to serve, I wouldn't recommend starting less than 3 months out from your deadlines, especially if you are working full-time. I would argue that the personal statement is the most critical part of your application, supported by your resume.

 

For your LOR-writers, I would contact them now and let them know your plans to apply, and send out instructions and any other helpful information at least 2-3 months out as a courtesy so that they know what's coming and can plan ahead. Keep in contact and communication, and stay on their radar.

 

I would not stress too much over the GRE unless you are considering a MSW/PhD track (which it does not sound like you are). Every program I applied to that required it said it was a formality that carried little weight. Your energy is better invested in your SOP.