application essay for msw graduate school

APPLICATION QUESTIONS One of the most important aspects of your application is your ability to communicate, in writing, that you meet all of the requirements of IUSSW. This is to be accomplished through the application questions and a writing sample. It is of utmost importance that all materials are written exclusively by the applicant. Any indication that someone else has substantially helped with or written this statement is grounds for rejection of the applicant or dismissal from the MSW Direct Program. Application Questions Please copy and include each question in your responses. Your responses will aid the Admissions Committee in assessing your qualifications for professional social work practice. We assess your application on qualities such as the ability to think analytically and conceptually; clarity in self-expression; responsiveness and sensitivity to diversity; commitment to improving social conditions; and the ability to function creatively, responsibly and independently. 1. What is your perception of the profession of social work and how do you account for your interest in this field? This could include a history of paid or volunteer experiences that support your choice of social work as a profession. 2. The social work profession goes beyond working with individuals, groups and families to also include advocacy, public policy, leadership and management, community organizing and development. How do you see this fitting into your career as a social worker? 3. The concept of cultural pluralism emphasizes respect for diversity of values, heritages, customs and lifestyles. We are interested in your experiences with people from diverse populations. For each of the following diverse groups, describe how you have worked with each. If you have gaps in your exposure to diversity or value dilemmas, what is your plan to broaden your effectiveness to work respectfully and effectively with each of these populations? a. Ethnicity (race, culture) b. Spiritual tradition different from your own c. Age d. Disability e. Socio-economic status f. Sexual orientation 4. When social workers are in a situation where they must choose between two relevant, but competing choices, and where each choice may have an undesirable consequence for the parties involved, this is called an ethical dilemma. Describe an ethical dilemma you have experienced. Discuss your decision-making process and factors which contributed to the ultimate outcome. Please protect confidentiality, and DO NOT reveal names of individuals or organizations.17 5. An online graduate program provides learning opportunities that require an investment of time and energy. You will need to plan to spend an average of 20 hours per week devoted to your two online courses each quarter. In addition, you will need to complete two field practica experiences, with internship hours averaging 16-24 hours a week, depending upon the number of quarters over which each practicum extends. Please note in most cases practica field agencies can only accommodate daytime hours. Discuss why you are prepared to be in an online graduate program at this time in your life/career. Please describe plans that you are making to adjust your personal and professional life in order to successfully participate in this rigorous educational endeavor. 6. Your ability to participate in an online graduate program requires that you have a reliable internet connection and adequate hardware. Please describe how you plan on connecting to the program and the kind of computer equipment you plan to use. Font: 12 point Pages: 6-8 pages of text, no more no less, excluding title and reference page Spacing: Double spacing, one inch margins. Format: Include title and reference page Citation style: American Psychological Association (APA) preferred For assistance with APA see [login to view URL]