Spring 2015 MSW

[MarquettCS]

Hello everyone! This is my first post so bare with me if it has been discussed already.

I will be graduating in December with a degree in Nonprofit Leadership from a public university in Kentucky. I've found through my minor in Social Welfare that I have an interest in social work and have decided to pursue a Masters in Social Work. Initially in undergrad I did not do very well but I have improved. Through my undergrad program I've gained competences and experience in program development, community organizing, grant writing, and volunteer management. Is this an adequate base to prepare for a msw? Also, are grades really the end all for entrance into a grad program? I have impeccable references as well as volunteer experience with numerous human service organizations.

I'm interested in working in community health/HIV awareness or as a member of an interdisciplinary team at a hospital. I plan to apply to a masters program either in Kentucky or my home state of Tennessee.

Thanks so much! Sorry if this is a little lengthy, I'm a writer at heart!

[dreet51]

Hello everyone! This is my first post so bare with me if it has been discussed already.

I will be graduating in December with a degree in Nonprofit Leadership from a public university in Kentucky. I've found through my minor in Social Welfare that I have an interest in social work and have decided to pursue a Masters in Social Work. Initially in undergrad I did not do very well but I have improved. Through my undergrad program I've gained competences and experience in program development, community organizing, grant writing, and volunteer management. Is this an adequate base to prepare for a msw? Also, are grades really the end all for entrance into a grad program? I have impeccable references as well as volunteer experience with numerous human service organizations.

I'm interested in working in community health/HIV awareness or as a member of an interdisciplinary team at a hospital. I plan to apply to a masters program either in Kentucky or my home state of Tennessee.

Thanks so much! Sorry if this is a little lengthy, I'm a writer at heart!

I would say definitely some great experience here!  I would recommend to anyone who is just graduating from under grad to take a year off to gain experience (i.e. volunteer/work).  The more hours, the better your application.  I did very poorly my first 2.5 years of college, but I had circumstances that I explained in my essays which tied into why I wanted to go into social work.  If you can explain why you are unique with your experiences, it looks great!  Do you have experience working with patients who have been diagnosed with HIV? If not, I would aim for this. 

[MarquettCS]

I would say definitely some great experience here!  I would recommend to anyone who is just graduating from under grad to take a year off to gain experience (i.e. volunteer/work).  The more hours, the better your application.  I did very poorly my first 2.5 years of college, but I had circumstances that I explained in my essays which tied into why I wanted to go into social work.  If you can explain why you are unique with your experiences, it looks great!  Do you have experience working with patients who have been diagnosed with HIV? If not, I would aim for this.

Thanks! I actually have a personal connection with HIV, which is where my interest stems from. I plan on working with a direct service nonprofit and continuing to volunteer before I apply to graduate school. I was actually diagnosed with a learning disability my junior year of college so that explains quite a bit about my academic blunders.

[dreet51]

I would definitely include all of this in your essays but try to emphasize how you are/have been able to overcome your personal academic barriers.  Best of luck to you!