How competitive are MSW programs?

[amayoub]

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I'm really looking to apply to MSW programs, but this is a semi-recent development so I'm trying to do all the research I can. I'm wondering how competitive MSW programs are to get into. I'm looking to do clinical social work, so that I can eventually practice therapy, and it seems like University of Chicago and University of Michigan are both great options.

So, how competitive are they? I have a 3.4 overall GPA and a 3.44 psych gpa.

I have experience working with at-risk children on Alternative Spring Break, and will be a site leader this year. I'm also going to be on the Counseling and Psychological Services Student Advisory Board this year. I also just got a job working in a community center with at-risk kids in public housing.

I also have some research experience in biopsychology labs.

I would really love to get into one of these programs...so I'm wondering if theres something else that is important for me to have on my resume, and if my credentials make me a competitive applicant.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[BSWdavid]

I'm really looking to apply to MSW programs, but this is a semi-recent development so I'm trying to do all the research I can. I'm wondering how competitive MSW programs are to get into. I'm looking to do clinical social work, so that I can eventually practice therapy, and it seems like University of Chicago and University of Michigan are both great options.

So, how competitive are they? I have a 3.4 overall GPA and a 3.44 psych gpa.

I have experience working with at-risk children on Alternative Spring Break, and will be a site leader this year. I'm also going to be on the Counseling and Psychological Services Student Advisory Board this year. I also just got a job working in a community center with at-risk kids in public housing.

I also have some research experience in biopsychology labs.

I would really love to get into one of these programs...so I'm wondering if theres something else that is important for me to have on my resume, and if my credentials make me a competitive applicant.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

It will depend somewhat which programs you are applying to; however, MSW programs aren't nearly as competitive as other graduate programs (i.e. psychology). I am in a top 20 program (US News) and they have an acceptance rate of about 80%. Granted, a lot of that has to do with supply and demand. Just looking at your stats, I would say you are a competitive applicant. If you can explain, in your SOP, why social work is a good fit, and how your experience ties into the field, you should have no problems getting into good programs.