Contacting Professors in MSW programs

[Hamz]

Hi everyone-

I'm currently applying to a few MSW programs, and I'm wondering if I should contact and/or meet with any of the professors in the programs. I know a lot of people who are applying to PhD programs do this, but wasn't sure how common it is for those applying to MSW programs. Has anyone contacted professors from programs in which they are interested?

[Dreams]

Hi everyone-

I'm currently applying to a few MSW programs, and I'm wondering if I should contact and/or meet with any of the professors in the programs. I know a lot of people who are applying to PhD programs do this, but wasn't sure how common it is for those applying to MSW programs. Has anyone contacted professors from programs in which they are interested?

It isn't necessary, and won't help you when it comes to admissions. If you are looking to get more info int he programs, it would be better to contact the admissions offices of the schools you are interested in.

[zachidacki]

It isn't necessary, and won't help you when it comes to admissions. If you are looking to get more info int he programs, it would be better to contact the admissions offices of the schools you are interested in.

I would disagree with this. At all top universities, professors must do research and publish, including social work professors. I e-mailed professors at all the schools I was interested in that I knew offered research assistantships to ask about their research, upcoming projects, and potential placements. I received one RAship, and I think a lot of it was because I expressed interest in the projects and the topics aligned with what I expressed in both my SOP and e-mails. They can also be helpful in answering questions about the strengths of different concentrations, how RAships work, where they'd like to see the program go in the future, etc. Also, it's nice to get a professor's take on the program and the student population. If a professor isn't impressed with students in the program, that probably means something.

When applying to any graduate program I think it is important to make sure you can mesh well with professors and your research/practice interests can be met. I know it's late in the game, but maybe someone will see this for next year.