dreet51

I applied to 7 schools (a lot I know) but that's because I got rejected the first time around (only applying to 2 programs) and the odds are higher with the more schools you apply to. I asked the schools I was rejected to for some feedback on re-applying and they said I just flat out needed more experience seeing that I had just graduated when I applied. I did just that and got accepted into two programs so far. The more schools you apply to, the better. They really value life experience, and the more you gain, the better. Good luck everyone!

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!

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.

Just got accepted to NYU

This is so helpful! I'm excited about being a part of this program! I currently work with an LCSW Berkeley alum and she cannot say more wonderful things about it. My heart definitely lies within clinical work, but I will make sure to address questions regarding how much clinical experience I will be getting at the welcome reception. I definitely would like to stay local and I know that Berkeley is known for linking it's students with exceptional job opportunities after graduating. Whichever MSW program you all decide to attend, make the most of it and make a difference in whichever community you end up in. That's what our profession is all about

@baffledgenius thank you for your input. I think that undergrad and post grad are very different in every school. However I think for those of us who got accepted, we should get a feel for the professors at the admit reception so we can ask them questions about the program and see if we connect as well.

I got in! Concentration in Mental Health! I had a cumulative GPA of 2.9 because I did terrible the first three years of college (I included why in my essay). I tried to gain as much experience as possible after graduating in 2011. This was my second time applying to grad school. Don't lose hope guys!

@Manhattan and @jencita Congratulations to you both! What concentrations did you guys apply for?

@luv2bootscoot A friend of mine who was in the program a couple of years ago told me that if you are wait listed the chances are extremely high! Fingers crossed and good luck!

Thank you! @CaliforniaDreamer Good luck to you too!

@esimanon No problem! Thank you!

This is my first time applying to MSW programs, but I applied to a clinical psych program two years ago and got rejected (similar to a counseling program). I contacted the professor who interviewed me asking what I could do differently the next go round and he gave me some really good tips. I was really careful going about contacting him and thoroughly planned what I wrote in my email. He was really helpful and basically told me the next time I apply if I follow through with getting more experience I'll basically be accepted. I decided to switch to social work any how but I would definitely recommend doing this for any schools that reject your application . It stinks getting rejected but it's not the end of the world and now that you were able to get through the process itself, you most definitely can do it again and make it even better. Good luck and hopefully you hear good news from the other schools you applied to!!!

I'm sorry to hear that . I'm sending you good luck for UCLA!

Has anyone heard from NYU or UC Berkeley?

The wait is killing me! Anyone heard from NYU yet?