Applicant Handbook

THE SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICANT'S HANDBOOK The Complete Guide to Selecting and Applying to MSW Programs

2nd Edition


by Jesús Reyes

A book from the publisher of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER: THE MAGAZINE FOR SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS AND RECENT GRADUATES.

Click here to order the Kindle edition of The Social Work Graduate School Applicant's Handbook: The Complete Guide to Selecting and Applying to MSW Programs.

Order the print edition from our online store.

Are you thinking about getting a master’s degree in social work?


Find out from a former admissions director how you can improve your graduate school application.

In The Social Work Graduate School Applicant's Handbook, you will learn about the admissions process from an insider’s perspective. You will discover what will help (and hurt) your chances of being accepted to the school of your choice, and you will find tips on deciding which school is right for you.

Read this book and find out:


• What factors to consider when determining your interest in a school of social work • What admissions committees look for in an applicant • Whether your GPA and test scores matter • How to gain social work related experience that will help your application • Who to ask for letters of reference (and who not to ask) • What to include in your personal essay • Which schools are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and why this is important • Where to find out about social work licensing in your state.

SPECIAL FEATURE—schools of social work provide tips to applicants and tell the most common mistakes applicants make, and also provide information about their programs!


NEW IN THIS EDITION—now includes information on schools in the U.S. and Canada

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...


My social work education and experiences...have been invaluable to me as an elected official.... Pursuing a career in social work, specifically at the master's level, deserves serious reflection, research and the utilization of as many informational resources as you can find. Mr. Jesús Reyes' book provides you with both general information and specific advice on how to make an informed choice on which educational institution to attend. I urge you to give yourself time to digest the information provided by Mr. Reyes and go with your heart, wherein your strength lies.

Ciro D. Rodriguez, Social Worker and Former Member of Congress (From the Foreword to the First Edition)

If you are applying to MSW programs, Reyes' guide...will quickly become a favorite resource.

Tara Kuther, Ph.D., About.com Guide to Graduate School

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! This book was exactly what I needed and what I was looking for. It has the answers to my questions and helped alleviate some of my fears about applying to graduate school.

Janet Berch, BSW


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jesús Reyes, AM, ACSW, is Director of the Social Service Department of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. As former assistant dean for enrollment at one of the top ranked schools of social work in the United States, the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, and as a private consultant to MSW applicants, he has advised thousands across the country on their school applications and personal statements and on ways to improve their chances of getting into the school of their choice.

Click here to order the Kindle edition of The Social Work Graduate School Applicant's Handbook: The Complete Guide to Selecting and Applying to MSW Programs.

Order the print edition from our online store.



Table of Contents


Preface

PART I-WHAT APPLICANTS SHOULD LOOK FOR IN SCHOOLS Chapter 1-The MSW Decision Chapter 2-General Criteria for Evaluating MSW Programs Chapter 3-Comparing Academic Programs Chapter 4-Field Work Options Chapter 5-Special Issues Chapter 6-Support Services for Students and Graduates


PART II-WHAT SCHOOLS LOOK FOR IN APPLICANTS Chapter 7-Evidence of Academic Preparation Chapter 8-Potential for Graduate Work Chapter 9-Exposure to the Profession Chapter 10-The Biographical Statement: An Overview Chapter 11-The Biographical Statement: The Questions Behind the Questions Chapter 12-Less Than Perfect Undergraduate Records: What to Do Chapter 13-You're Accepted: What's Next? Chapter 14-The Doctoral Decision

PART III-SOURCES FOR YOUR SEARCH Appendix A: MSW Programs in the U.S. and Canada Appendix B: In Their Own Words: Responses to a Survey of Master of Social Work Programs Appendix C: Social Work Licensing Boards Appendix D: MSW Application Tracking Sheet Appendix E: Making You Visit Count: Questions to Ask and Things to Look For Appendix F: Biographical Statement Worksheet Appendix G: For More Information

Index

Click here to order the Kindle edition of The Social Work Graduate School Applicant's Handbook: The Complete Guide to Selecting and Applying to MSW Programs.


Order the print edition from our online store.