So confused about the application process!

[LittleDarlings]

So I just graduated from Kent State University with my degree in Justice Studies. I am going back to school for Social Work. I have done my research and found about 5 schools I want to apply to but I am freaking out! I graduated with a 3.4 GPA, I volunteered at Planned Parenthood for a year, I have also volunteered in a Clerk of Courts office, and I have what I would think are good letters of recommendation (1 supervisor, 2 professors, and then proof of my volunteer work at PP) and my schools list is: 

* University of Pittsburgh 
* Ohio State University
* University of Kentucky
* Ohio University
* University of Toledo

Do you think I could get into those schools? I know most people say to have a few high aiming ones and some low and in between. Does anyone have experience in applying to grad school for social work? I am confused about when to apply for FAFSA, and the letters of recommendation, and even the prerequisites. 

As far as the letters of recommendation some of these schools want actual letters mailed by the people (most of my recs have emailed me their letters), some have forms that have to be filled out, and some want both. How do I keep up with that and make sure they all get in on time? 

As far as the prereqs, I have my degree in Justice Studies, but I did not take any human biology, or psych classes (I took a ton of sociology, and crim justice) can I still be admitted? Does it REALLY hurt my chances? 

Sorry for all the questions, I would be beyond thankful for any advice I can get.

[U-M_Detroiter]

So I just graduated from Kent State University with my degree in Justice Studies. I am going back to school for Social Work. I have done my research and found about 5 schools I want to apply to but I am freaking out! I graduated with a 3.4 GPA, I volunteered at Planned Parenthood for a year, I have also volunteered in a Clerk of Courts office, and I have what I would think are good letters of recommendation (1 supervisor, 2 professors, and then proof of my volunteer work at PP) and my schools list is: 

* University of Pittsburgh 

* Ohio State University

* University of Kentucky

* Ohio University

* University of Toledo

Do you think I could get into those schools? I know most people say to have a few high aiming ones and some low and in between. Does anyone have experience in applying to grad school for social work? I am confused about when to apply for FAFSA, and the letters of recommendation, and even the prerequisites. 

As far as the letters of recommendation some of these schools want actual letters mailed by the people (most of my recs have emailed me their letters), some have forms that have to be filled out, and some want both. How do I keep up with that and make sure they all get in on time? 

As far as the prereqs, I have my degree in Justice Studies, but I did not take any human biology, or psych classes (I took a ton of sociology, and crim justice) can I still be admitted? Does it REALLY hurt my chances? 

Sorry for all the questions, I would be beyond thankful for any advice I can get.

I am currently in the application process, so I think I can offer some help. I know for FAFSA you apply to it just like in undergrad when it opens in Jan-Feb. I haven't had to do mailed letters, but I would just try to stay as organized as possible with LOR's. I emailed my LOR's frequently to remind them because they live very busy lives. Just make sure to be as polite as possible about it. I was told my biweekly reminders were helpful though, haha. Some programs (Michigan for example) require a biology course. My minor is in biology so I didn't have to worry about this, but I was told if I hadn't taken a bio course upon submitting my application, I would have to take one sometime in the summer before being formally admitted. Honestly, I think as long as you know what you want to do and what population you want to work with, and you clearly state that in your personal statements you will be fine. From what I understand, MSW students come from all types of undergrad majors, but Justice Studies could be a very useful asset in an MSW program.

 

Hope this helps! 

[LittleDarlings]

Thank you very much! 

[LittleDarlings]

One more question, how did you do the transcripts? Just have them sent directly to the school or sent to you then you mailed them? 

[citychild]

re: Transcripts... all schools are different. I have 2 that wanted them mailed and others that wanted them sent directly to them. The application will tell you what to do--but plan ahead, they can get expensive! I went to 2 universities and 2 community colleges in total for my 4 year education.

I made an excel sheet honestly to keep track of everything, it was easier. Maybe that would be useful for you too.

Most importantly... relax. You'll do great! It will all come together and make sense even if it doesn't feel like it now.

[Kristopher]

I just started the MSW program at Ohio State this fall. Here were my stats: 3.04 overall GPA, BA in Psych, no direct experience in social work type fields (only retail sales experience), and I didn't take the GREs. I'm in classes with history majors and spanish majors. I know Ohio State has a very handy to-do list on their site for applying. You need to send a copy to the graduate office and one to the MSW program office. I had strong letters of recommendations (1 professor, 2 work supervisors), and I addressed in my personal statement how my life and sales experience could help me in SW (I'm interested specifically in clinical). Ohio State's program is ranked 26th in the nation according to US News and World Report, and is the oldest active social work program in the country. I considered my school stats to be very average, but I had evidence of my successes and skills in my letters and statement. For what it is worth I got all my application materials in on March 1st the deadline, and heard back April 1. They do rolling admissions, so get everything in and get a decision quickly.

 

Feel free if you have any questions specifically for Ohio State. You'll find most discussions on this board focus on the top ranked programs. I was surprised at how little Ohio State was discussed.