Hi! Lauren here- Director of Recruitment and Admissions for the University at Buffalo School
of Social Work. We recently updated our application essay
questions, so I wanted to give you a few details about the new questions and what we're looking
for. A quick note that we are using this as a writing
sample, so make sure at the very least, it is well written, with proper grammar, punctuation,
spelling, sentence structure, etc. Let’s get into it!
The first question is “Briefly, yet critically, discuss a social issue or problem that is
important to you and motivates your decision to pursue an MSW degree.”
Whatever you choose, make sure you do some research on it so you can critically discuss
the factors surrounding this issue and how you hope to make an impact as a social worker.
If no social issue immediately comes to mind, then consider this question as a starting
point: if you could change one thing about your community, our society, or the world,
what would it be? Start your research there. (Google is your
friend). Alternatively, you may want to think about
a certain population you are passionate about and research issues that may be impacting
that specific population, whether it be children, veterans, refugees, etc.
The bottom line is that we want to see your critical thinking and writing skills! Can
you research and analyze information and share a position that is grounded in data?
This question will likely take the most “homework” to answer well, so make sure you’re prepared.
The second question “Tell us why you are pursuing the profession of social work at
this time, and why the UB School of Social Work's MSW degree program is a good match
for you,” asks about WHY you are pursuing social work and ALSO why you think our school
is a good fit for you. Everyone has different reasons for wanting
to be a social worker so this is your chance to tell us about your journey to this profession.
Did you have any experiences that impacted your desire to pursue social work?
Did you have a job or did you take classes that exposed you to the profession?
Are you a career-changer that is switching directions?
This is your chance to show us that you understand what social workers do and explain why you
want to make it your career at this point in your life.
Additionally, do some research on our program. There are hundreds of accredited MSW programs
in the US alone, so why is ours the right one for you?
You can peruse our website and identify some aspects of our program or school that resonate
with you. (Yes, I know our program is affordable but hopefully that’s not the ONLY reason
you are applying). Attending an information session or watching our informational videos
are also a good way to learn about our program. The third question is “What personal skills
and knowledge, and/or professional and academic experiences have prepared you for a graduate
level social work degree program?” This is really asking about your preparedness
for a graduate level social work program and fit for the profession.
What skills do you have and what have you learned through experience that will allow
you to be successful? Have you thought about how you are going to
manage your time and balance competing priorities? Is there anything unique about you and how
you will contribute to the profession? As always, details are better than generalities.
For example, instead of saying “I am a natural helper” tell us a specific story about the
time you went above and beyond to connect someone with a needed resource.
Or tell us about an experience you had where you had to draw upon the types of knowledge
or skills that a social worker would need. Finally, there's a fourth question that will
apply to some of you. If you have: an undergraduate GPA below 3.0; low or failing grades); been
on academic probation; or been Dismissed from, or denied readmission to any college or department
major, then you will need to explain the issue(s) and be specific as to how you have addressed
it and your readiness to move into graduate level study.
I must urge you all, before you apply, to actually look at all of your transcripts.
If you don’t already have a copy for yourself, get one. Oftentimes students completely misremember
how well they did in school, especially if it’s been a while since they've graduated.
So look at your transcripts as if you were on our admissions committee and try to identify
any areas of concern. This is your chance to a) give us context
for what was going on at that time in your life and b) own and reflect on the situation.
We want specific details about what has changed or what is different now that is going to
allow you to be successful. Have you learned new study skills and what
are they? Was there a specific situation that was resolved
that impacted your study previously? Have your commitments changed to allow for
more time to commit to your studies? In hindsight, if you had a second chance,
what would you do differently to improve the outcome?
We want you to be as specific as you can regarding your strategies for being successful as a
student and as a professional social worker. Finally, don’t be afraid to show us who
you are and what you are passionate about. Happy writing!