MSW ADMISSIONS ESSAY

The admissions essay is one of the most important parts of your application packet. It is your opportunity to share with the Admissions Committee information about yourself that will be used to evaluate your readiness for the program and the profession of social work. Make certain you give the committee members well-written description of your experiences, interests, values and career objectives. Please follow the essay outline addressing each of the questions below. The essay must be typed, double-spaced and at least seven (7) pages in length. Please include a cover page and reference page (these two pages are in addition to the 7 essay pages). Your writing should be clear, well organized, show strong evidence of critical thinking, and demonstrate mastery of grammar, spelling, and American Psychological Association (APA) style. www.apastyle.org Essay Outline 1. How did you first become interested in the social work profession? How has this changed over time? Discuss your motivation to pursue the MSW degree. What attracts you to Union University’s MSW program? 2. What experiences have you had in serving others? Has anyone been a role model for you in shaping your decision to be a social worker? Please elaborate. 3. Discuss a social problem that concerns you and why. How does that social problem relate to issues of diversity, social justice, or at-risk populations? 4. ADVANCED STANDING APPLICANTS ONLY: Based on the NASW Code of Ethics, identify an ethical dilemma related to the social problem you discussed. www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.asp