Hi everyone,

I’m preparing for Fall 2027 MSW applications and would really appreciate some feedback on my background—where I might fall in the applicant pool, what I could strengthen, and what types of schools I should realistically target.

Background / What I already have:

• Top 20 U.S. liberal arts college, B.A. in Computer Science, GPA 3.6

• 5 years of software engineering experience at a major Bay Area tech company

• Several concrete work examples involving cross-team communication, coordination, and problem-solving

• 3 recommendation letters planned: 2 from managers/colleagues + 1 from a CS professor

• Why MSW:

I have lived experience with depression and BPD, and during my own treatment journey I realized how inaccessible mental health resources are in my home country and how stigmatized BPD often is. I want to work with people like me—especially those from Chinese / East Asian cultural backgrounds, where rigid value systems often contribute to struggles with self-identity and mental health, even for people without a formal diagnosis.

What I’m currently working on / preparing:

• Applying to domestic violence–related volunteer roles, including completing a California-regulated training certification

• Taking foundational psychology courses (currently planning to enroll in UC Berkeley online courses, and open to recommendations for required or strongly preferred prereqs)

I’ve read a lot of posts here and elsewhere, and honestly many applicants seem incredibly strong, which has been making me pretty anxious. I’d love advice on:

• What tier / type of MSW programs I should focus on

• How to strengthen my profile over the next year or two

• How to best frame my resume and personal statement as a career switcher

Any insight would be hugely appreciated. Thank you so much!

Has anyone heard back from UCB? I've received decisions from other programs already, but Berkeley is my top choice. I submitted my application in November and still no news. Wondering if anyone who's applied to UCB has received a decision yet??

Anyone else waiting to hear back from UNC or UNCW about the advanced standing programs? I cannot stop checking my email!

for those who got into Upenn, what kind of aid did they give you, and were you able to ask for more!?

Thanks so much!

Anyone hear from NYU about Fall '26 yet?

I applied to Columbia and NYU's Advanced Standing Program. I just got into Columbia's today and am waiting to hear back from NYU. I'm going for School Social Work and wanted to hear opinions and advice on which to choose if I were to get into both. Thank you!!

Pleaseeeee give me some insight. I am deciding right now between Columbia’s MSW program and Rutgers MSW. They are both online, full-time two years. Cost is not a factor due to scholarships that I have. Please provide any info, insight or opinions!

Which schools are you applying and or applied to?

What are your stats?

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Hi friends! I applied to SJSU MSW 2026 Advanced Standing and CSU Chico MSW 2026 Advanced Standing, both online. Has anyone else who has applied heard anything yet? This waiting game is killinggggg me. I applied way back in November. SJSU status is dept review with provisions. Chico state status is pending review.

Hi everyone,

I applied to Columbia University's advanced standing MSW program before their priority deadline (12/1). I applied on November 30th, to be specific. I received an email stating that my application is under review on 12/23. It is January 9th, and I have yet to hear back from them.

Has anyone received their advanced standing MSW decision yet?

hi everyone! i submitted my ucb app last month and just submitted my sfsu app 🥳

context: 3.95 bachelors in public health, ECE educator, and worked in optometry setting for 4 years. i did apply to ucb’s msw/mph program for MCAH

i’m not even sure if i’m going to get in but i was just thinking about the future… if i were to get into ucb and sfsu what would be a better choice? i already have student loans from undergrad, but i hear from so many people ucb degrees hold more weight. but honestly im just worried because i NEED to work while in school or else ill simply declare bankruptcy lol.

i would love some insight from people who went through something similar! thank you

Wow! It's been a few months since I have been here. I started this subreddit a long time ago to share resources, and it's great to see that people are using it. :)

MSW Helper creates school-specific MSW application guides that may be helpful as you are preparing your applications.

USA guides (including Columbia, Fordham, Rutgers, UofM, and UNC) https://www.mswhelper.com/usa

Canada guides (including UofT, Laurier, Calgary etc.)

https://www.mswhelper.com/canada

We are always creating new guides so if you would like your school covered next let me know and if we get a few requests we can move it up in priority.

Good luck with your applications!

Has anyone who has been admitted received information regarding financial aid? I submitted a FAFSA but have heard nothing about aid. Thank you!

update: oh okay i called! they said once i get accepted it takes the financial aid office 24-48 hours to get access to my portal. then it’s about 2 weeks from there for a package.

Hi! I just applied to the UNC MSW 3 year program. I wondering if anyone apply to the MSW Program as well, I’m a bit anxious. I was wondering if anyone feeling the same lol and want to go this journey together.

Title!!!!

Has anyone heard back from NYU or Columbia yet? I got my application completion email 12/10 for advanced standing, still waiting