I am looking to apply to clinically-oriented MSW programs this fall. I am especially interested in doing military-related coursework. During my search, a few concerns have arisen and I could use some outside perspective.
Firstly, I have no idea how strong my credentials are. Presently, I am working on a BS in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. I have a 3.8 GPA. Outside of school, I work (in a position unrelated to social work, but in a professional office) and volunteer. My volunteering varies, but the most pertinent is with an organization that pairs volunteers with a person who struggles with mental health issues and finds themselves without support. In my case, I am a companion to a senior who has schizophrenia and lacks familial or social support. I have been doing this for two years. Based on these little snippets about myself, what kind of graduate programs should I be applying to? Would I be outdoing myself by applying to NYU, USC, and Boston College? Should I be aiming lower and, if so, what sort of schools should I be applying to?
Secondly, I've noticed that a lot of schools want students to have prior "social work experience." Would my volunteering count toward this? If not, am I screwed?
Thirdly, how many programs should I be applying to? I was thinking that five schools would be a good number (I am very concerned about financial aid packages and want to have some room for comparison).
Fourthly, what are the differences between the terms direct practice, clinical, and generalist orientations? Are they all the same? I'm finding myself a bit stumped by some of the jargon while looking for indications whether the programs are clinically oriented or not.
Finally, is there anything else I should know? I'm an information sponge--if there is anything you wish you knew when you were in my spot, please throw it my way!
Thank you very much!
Firstly, I have no idea how strong my credentials are. Presently, I am working on a BS in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. I have a 3.8 GPA. Outside of school, I work (in a position unrelated to social work, but in a professional office) and volunteer. My volunteering varies, but the most pertinent is with an organization that pairs volunteers with a person who struggles with mental health issues and finds themselves without support. In my case, I am a companion to a senior who has schizophrenia and lacks familial or social support. I have been doing this for two years. Based on these little snippets about myself, what kind of graduate programs should I be applying to? Would I be outdoing myself by applying to NYU, USC, and Boston College? Should I be aiming lower and, if so, what sort of schools should I be applying to?
Secondly, I've noticed that a lot of schools want students to have prior "social work experience." Would my volunteering count toward this? If not, am I screwed?
Thirdly, how many programs should I be applying to? I was thinking that five schools would be a good number (I am very concerned about financial aid packages and want to have some room for comparison).
Fourthly, what are the differences between the terms direct practice, clinical, and generalist orientations? Are they all the same? I'm finding myself a bit stumped by some of the jargon while looking for indications whether the programs are clinically oriented or not.
Finally, is there anything else I should know? I'm an information sponge--if there is anything you wish you knew when you were in my spot, please throw it my way!
Thank you very much!
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