If I have...

[Diddy30]

-1+ yr experience in the medical field working alongside LCSWs
-A diploma and certification for Medical Assisting
-A good GPA
-Good LORs
-A well written PS w/ very clear demonstration of background/life experiences that have led me to pursue social work
-A desire to become an LCSW
-I'm applying to a generally non-competitive school...

Do I NEED volunteer experience in order to get accepted?

Something (very personal, but very important) has come up for me so that I really won't be able to volunteer between now and when I would be applying (1 yr from now).

My school looks at following criteria for admissions:
1. Upper division GPA (will be 4.0)
2. Quality/extent of past experiences, either volunteer or paid (MA background/experience w/ LCSWs in the field)
3. LORs (good)
4. Personal statement (mind blowingly good)

Is not having volunteer experience given my situation going to hurt my chances of acceptance?

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[submarine1991]

Have you spoken to somebody at admissions?

 

[wesleysmith]

It may vary by school, but my understanding was that a school will substitute pertinent [paid] work experience for volunteering. If everything else you said is true, you should be fine.

 

[Diddy30]

Have you spoken to somebody at admissions?

I haven't talked to admissions yet. So far I haven't really needed to b/c the information online is very detailed & pertinent to any questions I would have.

My school just says "quality/extent of social work experience" and they specify this can be either volunteer or paid. So that was a little comforting. I'll also have a letter from a nurse I worked closely with in my last job that will help speak to my experience in the field as well as my motivation, professionalism, and ability to relate to/care for patients.

This was sort of a more "in general" question. I just know volunteering is a big part of the social work model & I would love to participate in some way, but b/c of this new situation I've been placed in, it just won't be possible & I really don't want to postpone applying just because I lack volunteer experience.

I feel like my experiences in life, in the field and education/general path to social work is unique. I was just hoping lacking volunteer experience wouldn't ruin my chances.

 

[submarine1991]

There you have it. I guess I never really answersed your question and for that I apologize. I second WesleySmith

 

[Goobernut]

I can't say for sure, because my school is not ultra competitive, but I know they handle it in the manner that Wesley describes. I think your past work history will be a huge bonus to your "experience" category.

 

[Dahresto]

Maybe you don't need it, but it will certainly give you the edge. The question is, do you want to be the top pick or na

Very Respectfully,
Sal

 

[Saffologist]

Honestly, if you ever do happen to have time (considering your current life's situation) volunteer experience at a place that you would like to work at post-graduation will definitely "put your foot in the door."

Best wishes and good luck to you.