What's a good number of MSW programs to apply for?

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(Sorry if this has been posted before; couldn't find anything with search)

I'm currently in my last year getting a BA in psychology from Northwestern University. My GPA is 3.6 and I have a reasonable amount of social work experience. How many MSW programs would be a good number for me to apply to to ensure that I get into at least several? I'm very new to this since up until recently I'd wanted to go for a PhD.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by sondosia

(Sorry if this has been posted before; couldn't find anything with search)

I'm currently in my last year getting a BA in psychology from Northwestern University. My GPA is 3.6 and I have a reasonable amount of social work experience. How many MSW programs would be a good number for me to apply to to ensure that I get into at least several? I'm very new to this since up until recently I'd wanted to go for a PhD.

Thanks!

Northwestern + 3.6 GPA + your good writing skills = I'd be genuinely shocked if you didn't get in everywhere you applied. Some people get into doctoral programs with a 3.6 GPA. Apply only where you'd genuinely want to go and save on fees for backup schools.

Oh! Lovely. I had no idea what my chances would be like, so this is very reassuring. Thank you!

Originally Posted by wigflip

Northwestern + 3.6 GPA + your good writing skills = I'd be genuinely shocked if you didn't get in everywhere you applied. Some people get into doctoral programs with a 3.6 GPA. Apply only where you'd genuinely want to go and save on fees for backup schools.

+1 Heck, I did it with less than that I actually don't know that the avg GPA in many doctoral programs is much higher than 3.6.

I would agree with the rest of wigflip's comments as well. I didn't go the master's route myself, so I can't speak from direct experience, but your credentials seem as though they'd make you competitive at most/all programs to which you apply.

+1 to the above. I know people with similar to worse credentials who only applied to 1/2 MSW programs, and they were accepted. I think you're good to go.

I'd like to echo the same question as the original post. Except my GPA is only a 3.0. I am applying to UPenn, Columbia, NYU, Michigan and Southern Cal. I've got a reasonable amount of experience but mainly part time since I've been a full time student. Should I aim lower? Apply for more schools? Thanks all

In relation to other professions on this board, admissions is far easier. However, there is no guarantee, especially if you attempt to get a MSW initially with no social work experience. If you are going to well known schools, there will be increased competition. To be frank, it changes every year. Your best bet is to call the person in the program who deals with admissions and such, to find out what they are looking for. If you already have social work experience, it will really help, even if you do not end up going in as a advanced standing student. You may actually miss out on a lot, such as getting to know your cohort and actually getting some time to let some of the material sink in.

The amount you apply to really depends on a lot of stuff, such as your past experience, if reputation matters, and your grades. If you are only applying to the top ranked social work programs, I would apply to at least 5; it will be a lot of admissions work, but you do not want to wait another year as many of the best programs have static admissions. If you are applying to state, private, and less well known schools, you can probably get away with applying to less as there should be room.

Hemingway12, you will have to look at the school department websites to see if your GPA hits their minimum. Those schools usually have a minimum that even the department director cannot override due to policy, even if you have substantial experience. Talk to the individuals in the program that deal with admissions as well, you can most likely compensate that GPA with a good GRE, statement, and maybe even interview. While there is a growing trend for more social work programs becoming more clinical, many still utilize a more holistic approach to admissions.

Social work Ph.D programs are a bit of a different animal. Many want some real world experience before applying, some prefer a MSW before application, but the most important thing is that you have some research experience before application (I have yet to see anyone with social work research experience get denied). This can be acquired through research practicums in a MSW program. Having said that, research is a completely different path than what is usually offered in practicums in a BSW/MSW program. Also, your job prospects will be much more "focused." While you will be able to teach at universities and get tenure and maybe apply to some research/leadership positions, the vast majority of social work jobs will not be within your grasp. It is not like psychology, where the Ph.D is sought after. While you guys are applying to social work schools, not only talk to the social work department regarding admissions, but also talk to some of the professors that specialize in research. Who knows, this could help you get into the program.

Last but not least, make sure the programs you apply for specialize in the parts of social work that you want to delve into. It can be very difficult to escape a practicum to find a more suitable one mid semester, with your self respect intact and transferring mid program can be absolute hell (you would think that there would be some academic conformity but there is not). There is a lot more that I would like to discuss, but this post is already turning into a wall of text. Pm me if you have anymore questions, I hope this has helped you in your pursuit.