MSSW: Online Application Personal Narrative Statements
Essay 1
(Please note that the online application text box will hold four double-spaced pages)
How did you become interested in social work? What relationships or experiences - personal, educational or professional -caused or confirmed your interest in this profession? What indicated to you a need for professional education?
Students are expected to understand and respect human diversity, promote social justice and social welfare through the empowerment of at-risk populations, and demonstrate a commitment to the values and ethics of the social work profession. What is your understanding of social work? What has contributed to your understanding of and desire to work with disadvantaged groups? What groups or issues would you find challenging?
Discuss those personal qualities and abilities you feel will be helpful to you in the social work profession. What do you currently see as your strengths and areas for improvement?
Discuss your professional interests and goals. Indicate which fields of practice, client groups, and special social problems interest you and why. What contributions do you hope to make as a professional social worker? If you have trained or worked in another field, what are your reasons for such a change?
Essay 2
(Please note that the online application text box will hold two double-spaced pages)
What do you hope to gain from a graduate education? Why do you believe that UT-Austin School of Social Work is a good fit for your needs?
Essay 3
(Please note that the online application text box will hold two double-spaced pages)
Discuss a current social problem that you believe is relevant to the practice of social work. Share what ideas you have for how the problem may be addressed or prevented, and what role you might play as a Social Worker.
Essay 4
You may indicate N/A if these questions do not apply. (Please note that the online application text box will hold one double-spaced page)
If your GPA does not meet the minimum standards for admission, the School of Social Work must petition the Graduate School for a conditional admission. Please indicate special experiences or circumstances that would support a petition for conditional admission. Discuss how, if granted admission to the MSSW program, you plan to address potential obstacles to successfully completing the program.