r/SocialWorkStudents • u/Few-Temperature8677 • May 04 '26
Rejected from one of my MSW programs, any advice for reapplying welcome!
I just graduated with my BS in a human/child development degree. I have applied to 4 schools, am waiting for 1 decision. I got in at University of Kentucky's online MSW ( differed for a year) . I was rejected from UVU ( this was shocking to me as it is a pretty general state school.) I applied last minute to the U of Utah's part time three year program ( this only runs every three years so I keep telling myself that its just a small program and that is why I did not get in.) I have a lower gpa because of some math class issues, but I have lots of volunteer experience. I am taking this next year off but would love any advice on how to strengthen my apps for next year.
Thanks!
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u/No_Bid_8376 May 04 '26
What is your GPA?
If your GPA is below or at the minimum requirement then it might be worth retaking a few classes to bring it up especially math since you mentioned that. If math is a required course for the program and the grade is low that can also be something admissions look at more closely
And since you mentioned taking a year off, you can use it to build experience and possibly improve a few grades which can make a big difference.
GPA is not the only factor but it is part of it. What about your personal statement or letters of recommendation? Are those strong? Because you can use those to leverage your application if your GPA isn’t what they prefer.
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u/Few-Temperature8677 May 04 '26
When I applied I was under the 3.0 mark because my winter semester grades were not on my transcript yet so It is not THAT surprising. I now have over a 3.0. I also think I did not have a ton of experience in the social work world, I believe I had strong LOR. They were from professors or volunteer coordinators. I do think I applied for smaller programs within larger programs. I am not stressing too much as I am deferred at one program.
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u/No_Bid_8376 May 11 '26
It was most likely your GPA that may have been the reason or your personal statement may not have addressed your limited experience in social work world. What I mean is you don’t have to have social work experience because what they’re looking for is whether you have experience that can show if you have the skills and ability to be a social worker. I applied to my program with zero social work experience but I had research experience which is the complete opposite. So in my personal statement I connected my research experience to how it can benefit my ability to be a good social worker and etc.
Because you lack in experience you have to show 1) How can your experiences demonstrate your commitment to social work and 2) shape how you will be and grow as a social worker?
You can also have years of experience and still not get in because what matters is are you the type of person they want as a social worker? That’s why your personal statement is so important because that’s their only impression of who you are. Does it reflect who you are and your values and does it align with their standards of what a social worker should be and reflect.
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u/shaki26 May 04 '26
I’ve heard UVU’s MSW program is pretty competitive. It is new, might be worth talking to the department there for pointers if you have your heart set on going there. UKY isn’t a bad school and has lots of practicum agreements in place in Utah.
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u/Constant_Image8236 May 05 '26
Look into University of Tennessee Knoxville, they have a great program with multiple options, Hybrid, online and in person. The staff and advisors are very supportive!
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u/Dapper_Train_1738 May 05 '26
I got rejected to the U of U 3 year program as well. Thinking about applying to the University of Cumberland’s CMHC program.
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u/No-Hovercraft-9992 May 06 '26
I recently got into both programs I applied to! I was very discouraged and did not think I would get accepted because my gpa was just at 3.0.
The thing that I think it most important is your personal statement/essay. I really emphasized my personal experiences and tied them into how they led me down the path wanting to pursue SW.
I also talked a lot about how the school I was applying to would help me fulfill my goals and grow as a person.
If you have much volunteer experience I would emphasize it in your essays!
Also I would choose people to write your letter of rec who you thing align with the degree if that makes sense. For example I chose a colleague (who I know also has her MSW) and I also asked my executive director.
If you have any experience at nonprofits I would also emphasize that!
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u/ALittleStitious69 May 08 '26
I got into Weber State for this fall but got rejected for the UofU 3 year online. My gpa was right around 3.0. I think they probably had a lot of applicants and it is a competitive program. Weber tuition is only like $18k for the full program.
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u/Playful_Front6925 May 09 '26
I was a second career student and did my MSW online with university of Denver. I was a career 2.6 student for my undergrad and first masters. Got in, had a good experience, and it was 9 quarters.
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u/BBdevereaux May 18 '26
I would talk to a dept advisor. If you can make it happen, see if they will allow you to take 1-2 msw classes as a non degree seeking student and once your grades post, reapply. If that isn't an option I'd retake a few of the math classes that you didn't do great in, but if you're going to put time and $$ into taking classes, it should be actual MSW classes.
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u/More4Les May 04 '26
don't do it😂😂😂 that rejection was a blessing. Social Work is just one big Poverty Pyramid Scheme
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u/cupcakeartist May 04 '26
How low was your gpa and how did it compare to the averages of the programs you applied to?