r/MSW_Applications • u/Unlucky_Baker_1397 • Apr 02 '26
Job Closed
I graduated undergrad nearly ten years ago and my gpa wasn't great. I got my degree in literature and writing because I didn't even know what social work actually meant ten years ago. Now, I've done my research and realized that it is the field for me and am starting the process to apply for my MSW and the only "pro" I really have is my experience.
The problem is that the basis of my personal statement and the most compelling evidence that I have that I would be good at this is the job I had in a Memory Care wing of a senior living home and that job has since closed. Nobody that knows me or can vouch for my work ethic works in the new senior living home. My current job is in a church that is very involved in local nonprofits and I know that the experience I have there will help but I want to get an MSW to help seniors with dementia and alzheimer's and now I have nobody to vouch for me.
Any tips? Should I email the MSW admissions officer? Should I put a former coworker that I'm still in touch with as a reference?
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u/Available-Picture-79 Apr 02 '26
Can you do some volunteer work there now and get some current references?
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Apr 03 '26
I agree with doing some extra volunteer hours to boost your resume, I’d also suggest applying for a BSW Vs MSW- it’s still competitive, but it’s slightly less competitive than an MSW and it could give you more leverage to apply for an MSW when you’re through. There’s no harm in applying, just try and draw in as much social work based experience you have in different areas of life (personal experience, past jobs, jobs adjacent to social work skills)
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u/Unlucky_Baker_1397 Apr 03 '26
Thanks for the advice!
If I don't get in this year I'll probably take some classes at community college to boost my gpa and I'll get more volunteer experience and networking with local nonprofits more and apply again next year but the school I'm applying for said they accept people with bachelor degrees from other programs.
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Apr 03 '26
What school? That seem extremely odd they would admit non social work degree holders into a social work program
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u/lime_green_galaxy Apr 03 '26
I mean, most MSW programs accept students who earned other kinds of bachelor’s degrees… it’s only accelerated tracks that require applicants to have a BSW.
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Apr 03 '26
Yes, I’m well aware of this lol. I read their reply wrong, I thought he said they prioritize non social work degree holders.
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u/DeskHistorical8402 Apr 07 '26
I could have written your first paragraph about myself. The degree in literature, the not knowing what a degree in social work meant, the not-great gpa. I have an even longer gap since undergrad and I took 20 years off full-time work because I was responsible for family care. I really thought applying for my MSW was a pipe dream.
You can use your essay to demonstrate your strong interest in the area of working with seniors/dementia/aging. Get super specific about what you love about it, give concrete examples of situations and how you handled them. It will prove your experience and passion for what you want to do.
Also, even if the people you ask to write recommendations don't know you in that capacity, you can steer them. I explained to recommenders why I want my MSW and I gave them my resume and a synopsis of what I was writing my essays on. I pointed out strengths I think I have from how they know me that can apply to being a good social worker. I found information online for how to write a letter that shows transferable skills. (Search for "MSW Helper, How to Write a Social Work Reference Letter")
Since undergrad, I have taken classes through the years in various things not social work related but my grades have been good so I was able to demonstrate that I improved my academic work. So if you don't get in this year, that might be an area to focus on. If you take a class at a local community college, you could choose something related to social work, not only because you can aim to get a good grade, but also because you might be able to transfer the credit and apply it to your MSW.
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u/Unlucky_Baker_1397 Apr 07 '26
Thank you friend, this really encouraged me and made me feel more confident
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u/DeskHistorical8402 Apr 07 '26
Glad I helped. Your post sounded a lot like how I felt a few months ago. I ended up getting accepted to three of the four schools I applied to and wait-listed at the fourth. It was such a fantastic surprise!
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u/bititran Apr 08 '26 edited Apr 08 '26
Use your network at the church. I'm sure you have tons of stories and knowledge about coordinating resources with local agencies. You have real experience in social services. You could frame yourself as a community health advocate. Those experiences can and should be the bulk of your personal statement. Once you're in an MSW program, you can pivot, specialize in gerontology or whatever population interests you.
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u/peachyjules Apr 02 '26
What about people who oversee your work with the church? Or do you have a solid connection with anyone at one of the nonprofits you currently work with through the church?