References

[Catlovers141]

I have a question about references:  All of the schools to which I am applying require either two or three references.  My GPA is between a 3.5 and a 3.9, so I did well in school; however I did not form a lot of relationships with professors.  I stand out in my work and volunteer opportunities, and can think of three references from those, one from each place.  I'm just wondering if it will look odd if I don't have a reference from a professor?  I just graduated this past May.  I know of a professor I might be able to ask if needed, but her letter probably couldn't be as strong as one from someone else would be because she doesn't know me as well.  I don't want to forfeit a strong reference in favor of a less strong one, but I also don't want to just not have one from an academic source if it is important.  The grad schools don't specify, but I'm not sure what to do.

[waterjug]

I think the reference is suppose to be from someone who truly knows you and your potential to be really good at being a social worker or a grad student. I don't think that person has to be a professor. Why stress it? You have some people who will recommend you!

Just remember MSW is a professional program and not so much academic.

[talkinlikeateen]

I've always been told that you need to have at least one academic reference, so they can attest to how you are as a student and how well they think you'd do in the program.  The other two can be professional, but you really should have at least one academic.

 

That being said, you could always contact the department and ask them if they need an academic or if it would hurt your chances by submitting all three as professional references.  They'd be the best source for answers.

Edited September 20, 2013 by talkinlikeateen