social work personal statement university

• UB Directory
• School of Social Work >
• Admissions >
• Application Requirements >
• MSW Application Process >

Application Essay Guidelines

Your personal statement essay is an important component of your application. The essay must include critically reflective responses to the below four (or five, if applicable) questions. 

Required Essay Questions

• Briefly, yet critically, discuss a social issue or problem that is important to you and motivates your decision to pursue an MSW degree.
• A key part of the UB School of Social Work’s mission is promoting social justice as one of the six core social work values outlined in the Code of Ethics. Please discuss how your lived experience has contributed to your understanding of social justice. In your response, you may include how race or other factors have impacted your life, whether through discrimination, inspiration or otherwise.
• 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.
• What personal skills and knowledge, and/or professional and academic experiences have prepared you for a graduate level social work degree program?
• Undergraduate GPA below 3.0; 
• Low or failing grades (for example, D, F, U); 
• Been on academic probation; 
• Dismissed from, or denied readmission to any college or department major,

Please explain the issue(s) and  be specific  as to how you have addressed it and your readiness to move into graduate level study.

Formatting your Essay

• DO NOT use a question and answer format. Write a full essay answering ALL questions above.
• Questions may be answered in any order to fit the narrative of your essay. 
• Your essay should be double spaced, in 12-point font. 
• Please keep your answers to the first four questions to no more than 7 pages double-spaced.  

Question 2 is optional for spring 2024 applicants.  All current questions are required for applicants for summer and fall 2024 and beyond. 

(updated tips video coming soon)

Clearing Universities & Courses

Clearing advice.

Recommended Clearing Universities

Popular Course Categories

Course search & discover.

Start the search for your uni. Filter from hundreds of universities based on your preferences.

Search by Type

Search by region.

Recommended Universities

University of Kent

South East England · 96% Recommended

Ravensbourne University London

London (Greater) · 88% Recommended

University of Surrey

South East England · 98% Recommended

Search Open Days

What's new at Uni Compare

West London Institute of Technology

WLIoT provides students with higher technical skills that are demanded by employers, learn more here!

Surrey has been shortlisted for the University of the Year 2023 - find out more here!

Ranking Categories

Regional rankings.

More Rankings

Top 100 Universities

Taken from 65,000+ data points from students attending university to help future generations

About our Rankings

Discover university rankings devised from data collected from current students.

Guide Categories

Advice categories, recommended articles, popular statement examples, statement advice.

What to include in a Personal Statement

Personal Statement Tips

Personal statement examples social work personal statements.

Discover personal statement examples written by students accepted onto social work and related courses. Read through the examples to help shape your own personal statement.

Play a role in improving vulnerable lives

Unlock the power to transform lives with Bangor's Health and Social Care Degree, make a meaningful difference with your career.

Social Work Personal Statements

Submitted by anonymous

BSc Social Sciences Personal Statement

Human behaviour is complex and constantly evolving. Since studying A ...

Submitted by Lola

Social Science Personal Statement

I want to study Sociology at a higher, more advanced level. The reas...

Submitted by Anisa

Social Science (Foundation) Personal Statement

After researching all areas of law, criminal law is one of the aspect...

Recommended Course

Social Work Personal Statement Advice

A Social Work personal statement is an essential part to your UCAS application. Every single student has to complete a personal statement. This gives universities the chance to see what kind of person you are and to gauge just how interested and passionate you are about the subject you're applying for. In terms of what your Social Work personal statement should be about, you should treat this as a chance to convey just how passionate you are about the subject and why you would be an asset to the university. Before writing a Social Work personal statement, you should take a look at some Social Work personal statement examples beforehand to gauge an idea of what you should include and what the structure and tone of the statement should be. Your personal statement is only 4,000 characters long, so make sure that you are using that character count to the best of your ability. With regards to what to include in a Social Work personal statement, you should make sure you talk about the things that make you tick. You should talk about your passions, your interests and what your career goals are. These things are essential for a Social Work personal statement and universities will be looking out for them, so make sure you mention them!

undergraduate Universities

Undergraduate uni's.

Uni of Kent

417 courses

Ravensbourne

Uni of Surrey

437 courses

Uni of Roehampton

268 courses

West London IoT

Northeastern Uni

Goldsmiths, UOL

273 courses

Uni of Sunderland

200 courses

Uni of Portsmouth

542 courses

Cardiff Met Uni

304 courses

Middlesex Uni

469 courses

245 courses

Uni of Chester

399 courses

Uni of East London

317 courses

Uni of Winchester

161 courses

Uni of Suffolk

109 courses

Escape Studios

Swansea Uni

780 courses

238 courses

Uni of Hertfordshire

419 courses

528 courses

Coventry Uni

445 courses

Uni of Bradford

197 courses

Uni of Leicester

267 courses

Uni for Creative Arts

323 courses

Leeds Beckett Uni

327 courses

Uni of Bedfordshire

336 courses

Heriot-Watt Uni

208 courses

Staffordshire Uni

272 courses

414 courses

Uni of Westminster

Anglia Ruskin Uni

460 courses

Kingston Uni

378 courses

UWE, Bristol

249 courses

Leeds Arts University

Uni of Essex

797 courses

Wrexham Uni

168 courses

355 courses

Uni of C.Lancashire

438 courses

Uni of Huddersfield

458 courses

Uni of Brighton

253 courses

ARU Writtle

104 courses

Bath Spa Uni

295 courses

Edge Hill Uni

243 courses

Uni of Hull

Nottingham Trent

539 courses

Edinburgh Napier

184 courses

Uni of Reading

393 courses

Queen's Uni

411 courses

Find the latest from Uni Compare

University of Roehampton

Interested in studying Engineering? Roehampton are building a new sustainable engineering and technology building - learn more here!

Goldsmiths offers creative, cultural and social courses - click here to learn more!

• Future Students
• Parents/Families
• Alumni/Friends
• Current Students
• Faculty/Staff
• MyOHIO Student Center
• Visit Athens Campus
• Regional Campuses
• OHIO Online
• Faculty/Staff Directory

College of Health Sciences and Professions

• Departments & Schools
• History, Mission, Vision
• College Directory
• Dean's Office
• Faculty Development Opportunities
• Research and Awards
• Scholarships
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Grover Center Information
• Policies and Forms
• Communications
• Dublin Center
• Dublin Academics
• All Academic Programs
• Undergraduate Programs
• Graduate Programs
• Undergraduate Minors
• Graduate Studies
• Certificates
• Undergraduate Honors Programs
• Undergraduate Student Services
• Graduate School Prep
• Parent Resources
• Online Programs
• Clinical Education
• College Curriculum Committee
• Online Education
• Alumni Spotlight
• Ohio Alliance for Population Health
• Opioid Response Initiatives
• Student Organizations
• Appalachian Rural Health
• Global Health Initiative
• Hearing, Speech and Language Clinic
• Kids on Campus

Helpful Links

Navigate OHIO

Connect With Us

Social Work Personal Statement Outline

Personal Statement Outline

A personal statement must accompany all applications for a social work major.  The statement must address all of the following points in relation to the student:

• Articulate your understanding of social work as a profession.
• Explain your desire and interest in pursuing a career in the social work profession, incorporating experiences from your own background that have affected this decision.
• Identify and explain your personal qualities, strengths, abilities, or skills that equip you for a career in social work.
• In light of program goals and objectives (see pages 7-8 of this handbook), note areas that you may have for personal growth that need to be addressed during the course of professional preparation.
• Describe experiences (paid, volunteer, or extracurricular) that you have had in helping people, especially those with backgrounds or cultures different from your own, and analyze how this made an impact on your choice of social work as a career.
• Identify any academic considerations that should be taken into account in the Admissions Committee’s review of the application.  These may include such things as outstanding recognition in a particular area, personal or professional weaknesses that you may be aware of, knowledge of or experience with research applications, abilities in proposal writing, or others.

The format of the narrative should adhere strictly to the following guidelines:

• Statements are to be typed and double spaced, with 1” top, bottom, and side margins.
• Statements are to be at least two (2) pages in length but are not to exceed four (4) pages.
• Pages are to be numbered consecutively, with numerals appearing in the footer of each page.
• The following are to appear in the upper left corner of each page:  student’s full name, Personal Identification Number (PID), current address, telephone number, and e-mail address.

• Log in
• Site search

Masters in social work personal statement

If you'd like to become a social worker but didn't study the subject at undergraduate level then a Masters degree is essential for entry into the profession. You'll need to write a personal statement that coveys your commitment and passion to social work

Writing a personal statement for a vocational postgraduate course, like the MSc or Postgraduate Diploma in social work requires a slightly different approach from what you might be used to when applying for academic courses, as you're not only applying for a course, but to train for a particular profession.

You will be expected to:

• discuss your motivations to train as a social worker
• reflect on your experiences to demonstrate that you have a realistic insight into the role of a social worker and how they work to support people
• provide evidence that you have, or are developing relevant skills and qualities for the role
• show that you have the academic suitability to undertake a postgraduate level course.

For many social work courses it is a requirement to have undertaken relevant work experience in a social work or social care setting. You can see in the example statement, rather than describing the experience and tasks undertaken, you will need to reflect on how your experience has shaped your motivation to train as a social worker and what you have learned about the role. You will also need to provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated the skills, qualities and professional values of a social worker.

This example should be used for guidance only. Copying any of this text could significantly harm your chances of securing a place on a course.

Masters in social work personal statement example

I gained my first insight into social work while studying a 'Social work perspectives' module during the first year of my degree in health and social care. Learning about the ethics that underpin social work practice challenged my assumptions about the role social workers play, demonstrating the importance of the role for empowering vulnerable people and coordinating support to overcome challenges to health, safety and wellbeing.

I was able to observe this in practice during my placement at a supported living service for young people with learning disabilities. Social workers were integral to enabling the young people to safely transition to independent living, advocating for them to secure appropriate accommodation, coordinating access to disability services and providing support to develop independent living skills and money management. Without this advocacy, many of the young people may never have had the opportunity to live independently.

I have recently started a placement working with a local mental health charity, spent a year volunteering with Citizens Advice and am currently volunteering with the Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT). Through these experiences I have observed the challenges faced by different groups of people, many of which can be alleviated or managed through empowerment of individuals and access to the right support. Becoming a social worker would enable me to work with diverse groups and support them to overcome these challenges and live more successfully within our society.

Through my experience, I have responded to individuals with empathy and respect and have demonstrated that I can uphold the values and ethical principles of the social work profession, while resiliently managing the challenges of working under pressure and supporting those who may not always be receptive to me. As a volunteer adviser at Citizens Advice I was often the first point of contact for individuals facing stressful and time-pressured problems, such as eviction or debt. I responded calmly and focused on the issues at hand, taking a non-judgemental approach to the individual's circumstances by clearly explaining why I was asking particular questions and how this would enable me to direct them to the appropriate support. At PACT, I facilitate family play sessions with prisoners and their children. I have taken the time to build rapport with the individual and their families; focusing on the person's identity as a parent and ways I can support them to feel they have a positive societal role. As a social worker it is important to treat people holistically while promoting dignity and wellbeing, these examples show my potential to respond in a positive, impartial way regardless of people's circumstances.

Many of my interactions at the mental health charity are with individuals in challenging circumstances, who are reluctant to seek help from external services due to poor past experiences. Many of my interactions have been with people who are angry, frustrated or suspicious. I take the time to listen to their concerns, provide reassurance and identify an initial starting point. When faced with particularly challenging or complex cases I do not hesitate to seek advice from colleagues or request a referral, always involving the individual in this process. These experiences have enabled me to recognise the importance of multi-disciplinary teams to meet complex and multi-faceted needs. These interactions have better prepared me to work with people who may present in a challenging way due to their circumstances and have helped me to develop the resilience to manage those interactions professionally and calmly.

My degree has prepared me for both the academic study and practice elements of the MSc in Social work. The interdisciplinary nature of my degree has introduced me to approaches from sociology, philosophy, health, policy and psychology, which provide a strong foundation to build upon in the social work course. In safeguarding modules I was introduced to the legal and policy frameworks underpinning practice when analysing a number of recent serious case reviews. This developed my ability to analyse complex situations where the application of law and policy is not always straightforward. Undertaking practice placements will enable me to further develop and apply this knowledge to real scenarios, building my confidence in making effective, evidence-informed decisions.

My dissertation project evaluated the impact of a local mental health charity's peer support programme, enabling me to develop a strong understanding of the ethics of participant research. I developed the methodology, completed the literature review and carried out primary research. This has prepared me with the core academic skills to evaluate research and develop evidence informed approaches during the Masters course.

Undertaking placements and volunteering alongside my degree has seen me organise my time effectively, consistently meeting coursework deadlines and completing work to a standard that has put me on track to achieve a 2:1, while receiving positive feedback from placements on my reliability. This demonstrates my ability to successfully balance academic work alongside the demands of practice placements during the Masters.

My work experience has motivated me to pursue a social work career in mental health, advocating for those who may not be in a position to advocate for themselves. The course will equip me with tools and approaches for working with service users in a range of circumstances, from those in crisis to those who need practical support to manage their condition in the community. I particularly look forward to professional placements where I can apply my learning while supported by experienced practitioners to navigate this complex area of social work. The MSc in Social work will build upon the knowledge and skills gained through my degree and experience, equipping me to undertake this challenging and demanding role.

Find out more

• Search for postgraduate courses in social work .
• Take a look at the social worker job profile.
• Discover more about social work courses .
• Learn more about personal statements for postgraduate applications .
• Read up on the BASWs Code of Ethics for Social Workers .

How would you rate this page?

On a scale where 1 is dislike and 5 is like

• Dislike 1 unhappy-very
• Like 5 happy-very

Thank you for rating the page

How to Write an Effective Personal Statement for Grad School

Written by Michelle, Founder of MSW Helper

Schools of social work are looking for your ability to think critically and contribute to the social work field. This is more important than your grades and experience. I know this because I’ve seen people with high grades and a ton of experience get rejected from the program because they weren’t able to articulate their critical thinking skills (and I’ve seen it go the other way too, where applicants with low grades and little experience get accepted because of their strong personal statement).

So, let’s talk about how you can write an effective personal statement for your grad school application.

Michelle is the Founder of MSW Helper, where she helps Master of Social Work Applicants write top notch personal statements for grad school. Michelle understands how stressful applying to the MSW can be, and strives to help applicants feel confident about their applications. 

Check out her website to learn more: https://www.mswhelper.com/

What schools of social work are looking for

In my experience, most schools of social work ask about these key areas:

• Your experiences that motivated you to become a social worker, including personal, professional, academic, and other experiences
• A discussion of a social problem and how social workers can work towards solving it
• Your goals as a social worker

In addition, schools of social work typically assess your personal statement for the following:

• Evidence of critical and analytical thinking skills
• Potential contribution to the field of social work
• Your ability to communicate clearly and succinctly

This is how you can demonstrate all of the following key areas seamlessly.

Contribution to the field

Let’s look at a personal statement of a past MSW applicant:

Applicant name: Sally ●        Experiences : Sally works at a women’s shelter and talks about what she learned there. ●        Social Justice Issue : Sally decides to talk about an issue within child welfare. ●        Goal : Sally mentions that she wants to get an MSW so that she can qualify for a job at the hospital.

There are a few issues with Sally’s personal statement.

First, there is no cohesion between her experience, social justice issue, and goals, which makes it hard for the reader to understand why she wants to pursue an MSW and how she’ll be an asset to the field.

Second, Sally is talking about how an MSW will be beneficial for her, which comes off as a bit self-serving. When writing a personal statement, it’s important to talk about how pursuing an MSW will allow her to help others.

With this in mind, let’s see an example of how Sally could improve her personal statement:

Applicant: Sally ●        Experiences : Sally works at a women’s shelter and talks about what she learned there. ●        Social Justice Issue : Sally discusses an insight from her time at the women’s shelter, and backs it up with research that proves that her observation is part of a larger social problem.  ●        Goal : This issue that Sally noticed at the women’s shelter inspired her to get her MSW so that she can address that issue and support her clients in a different capacity and advocate for women’s rights at the macro level.

Better, right?

In this version of her personal statement, Sally demonstrates a high level of critical thinking by talking about her insights and backing them up with research, and she demonstrates her potential contribution to the field by discussing how a Master of Social Work will allow her to serve others in a greater capacity. 

If you’re planning to write a personal statement, a great place to start is to think about insights and problems you’ve observed from your work, volunteer, placement, and personal experiences, and use those insights to develop your social justice problem.

Evidence of critical and analytical thinking

In addition to demonstrating your potential to contribute to the field, there are some tangible ways you can demonstrate your critical thinking skills.

First, make sure you understand what social work actually is.

This might sound obvious, but there are a surprising number of applicants who have a pretty limited understanding of what social work entails. I don’t blame them. The media often portrays a specific image of what social workers look like (usually involving child welfare, case workers, or therapists).

However, social work is so much more than that. Social workers work at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of society, and can work in many areas at each of these levels.

Also, many applicants pursue social work out of a desire to help others, but it’s not good enough to say that in your personal statement. There are a lot of other jobs you can do that would allow you to help others. Think about how social workers are different from other helping professions (such as nurses, psychologists, police officers, teachers, lawyers, etc.).  Why do you want to be a social worker and not another helping profession?

Understanding what social work is will help you provide a stronger and more thorough answer to the question of “why” you want to become a social worker.

Finally, connect your insights to the bigger picture by integrating research into your personal statement .

It’s one thing to talk about the issues you’ve noticed from your experiences, and it’s another to connect your insight to the bigger picture with the help of research.

Let’s look at Sally again.

Sally’s role at the women’s shelter is to help her clients who experienced domestic violence find housing. Sally noticed that many of her previously housed clients got evicted and ended up back at the shelter.

Sally also did some research and found studies to suggest that women who experience domestic violence have an overall higher rate of housing instability due to barriers such as income loss and lack of social support.

This knowledge motivated Sally to pursue a Master of Social Work so that she can move into a policy role to advocate for income and social support for women who experience domestic violence.

Connecting experience to research will demonstrate a high level of critical thinking.

Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly

When it comes to writing your personal statement, it’s not only what you say, but also how you say it. Admissions committees are typically assessing your personal statement for your writing ability.

Make it easy to read : Admissions committees read literally hundreds of personal statements each application season, so it’s likely that whoever reads your personal statement is going to quickly skim through your personal statement to find your answers. With that in mind, it’s important to make your personal statement as skimmable and easy to read as possible.

You can do this by adding headings that match each question or prompt so that the reader can easily see that you did answer each prompt.

You should also be concise and get rid of filler words and sentences that don’t directly answer the prompts.

Finally, you should always try to include an introduction and a conclusion in your personal statement where you summarize your experience, social justice problem, and goals. This will allow the reader to get your whole story in a few sentences, and leave them with a strong impression at the beginning and end of your personal statement.

Treat your personal statement like an academic writing sample: Many applicants don’t realize that the personal statement is a sample of your academic writing and research skills. One way to stand out is to treat your personal statement like a school paper. I often advise applicants to use full APA formatting when writing their personal statement, as this will make your personal statement look more professional and will stand out from the crowd. 

Creating Your Own MSW Personal Statement

When writing a personal statement for your MSW, it’s important to demonstrate your potential contribution to the field, critical thinking skills, and strong writing ability. If you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to writing an effective personal statement that stands out.

Search the Top Programs in Social Work

Specialty msw programs.

Advanced Standing MSW

100% Online MSW

MSW with No GRE for Entry

MSW with No BSW Required for Entry

Full Time Online MSW

Hybrid MSW (Online & Campus)

Campus Based MSW (by State)

Captivating conversations with social work professionals. Gain insights into your own social work education and career journey in this new series hosted by Anna Shull, LMSW.

• Online Course

Write a Master’s in Social Work Personal Statement (10 Top Tips)

Are you looking for educational and career advancement after completing your Bachelor of Social Work?

You’re probably wondering now how to write your Master’s in Social Work Personal Statement, a requirement for admittance to a postgraduate course. Well, wonder no more! Read on for top tips to make your statement stand out and impress the admissions board.

Help! What is a Personal Statement?!

Not all colleges ask for a personal statement for a Bachelor of Social Work. So, if you’ve never done one and don’t know what to include, don’t panic. I’ll explain it all. Some colleges will give you a prompt to answer, but it is a short essay. In it, you explain why you are suitable to study a Master of Social Work course.

What Should I Include in my Statement?

• Your education – where did you study and what grades did you achieve?
• Your experience – what work or volunteering have you done? If you have experience related to social work, include that.
• Your goals – What are you going to do after earning your master’s degree?
• Your challenges – what challenges or obstacles have you faced? How did you overcome them?
• Anything else relevant

You might feel ready to write a Personal Statement now that you know what to include. Don’t rush off yet, though. Listen to the following tips first. They’ll help make your composition more outstanding.

10 Top Tips for Writing a Master’s in Social Work Personal Statement:

Although a personal statement isn’t a long essay, it is very important. It is a significant part of your application, so don’t rush it. Work out what you are going to say, and how you are going to say it. A mind map can be useful in identifying everything you want to include in your essay. It groups your ideas and will help you create a structure for your composition. Try it! Having a plan also makes getting started less daunting. It’s hard to start when you are staring at a blank page. A page with a plan written on it isn’t blank anymore, so you’re already started. Winner!

This is a basic mind map for general essay writing that I did as an example. Branches and sub-branches can be added or subtracted as needed or desired.

2. Let Your Personality Shine

One of the most important things when you are writing a personal statement is to make it personal. It says so in the title! The admissions board wants to know who you are. They will read hundreds of personal statements, so you need to make yours stand out. Through your essay, your reader should know who you are as a person and why you would excel in the master’s course. Make sure you tell them!

3. Tell A Story

Using a narrative style to tell your reader about yourself is more engaging. A dry, informative essay might tell your reader some facts. But it won’t stay with them. Bring your essay to life by writing it as a (true) story. This will be much more memorable and that is what you want. When your reader puts down your statement, you want them to remember who you are and what you said. Think of it as writing a memoir . It focuses on certain chapters of your life that highlight your suitability for a career in social work.

4. Explain Your Drive

What makes you want to pursue a career in social work? Presumably, you want to take a master’s in social work not only because you want to work in, it but because you want to excel in that field. Was there an event or a person in your life that gave you this drive? This is part of what will make your statement stand out from the rest. Think about the first time you thought about studying social work…what happened? It will pique the interest of your readers and make them want to know you a little better.

Specialization in social work needed a genuine desire to care for others, especially those who needed help most – the sick, orphans, the elderly, and those who were down on their luck.

5. Sell Yourself

Above all, you need to sell yourself to the admissions board. Your Master’s in Social Work Personal Statement is the key to doing that. Be sure to highlight the traits which make you ideal for a career in social work. Cite real-life examples to back up your application. Just saying you are compassionate and caring won’t make you stand out. But telling about the time when you took care of a lost child until his mother was found, will. Do you see the difference? You also need to let the admissions board know what studies you have already undertaken. Where did you do your Bachelor of Social Work ? Are you moving on to your master’s so that you can provide therapy? Make sure your essay reassures your reader that you would be a great fit for their college!

6. Your 5 (or 10) Year Plan

College admissions boards want to know that you have a career plan in place. Prove to them you have goals and have thought beyond the next year or two. Consider what you plan to do with your master’s degree and what your next steps are from there. Will you have a bustling therapy practice in 10 years? Will you be supporting vulnerable adults in your community? Whatever your goals in social work are, make it a point to outline them.

7. Challenges

Don’t be afraid to talk about challenges you have faced or times when life didn’t go your way. Some people might use their essays to focus on their achievements and successes. So, going the other way will set you apart. Especially when you emphasize the lessons you’ve learned from each setback. This is a perfect opportunity to tell your reader how you overcome problems and move forward. It shows resilience and optimism.

The bitter chapters in our lives can either make or break us. The expression of a strong desire to triumph over any adversity, not only for yourself but for others, could add more power to your Master’s in Social Work Personal Statement.

8. It’s All in the Details

If the college you are applying to has guidelines and prompts, make sure you follow them! There is likely to be a word count, perhaps in the region of 500 words. But not all colleges are the same, so make sure you know the limit for the one you are applying for. Colleges often have their preferred formatting style. Check their website or call to confirm if you don’t know what it is. You want to create the impression of someone who has good attention to detail . Don’t fall at the first hurdle by not following the rules for essay submission.

9. Strong Start, Excellent End

What you say in the body of your statement is important. But you also need to make sure you have a strong start and end. From the first sentence, you want to draw your reader in. Have a great hook – start with a question or relevant quote or statistic. You want to grab your reader’s attention right away and make them want to read more. You also need a strong finish. Your conclusion needs to create a lasting impression. You want your essay to stand out so that they remember you at the end of the day.

Competitive swimmers are taught to increase acceleration in the first and last 5 meters of each lap. Have that mindset in writing your essay – start and finish strong.

10. Proofreading / Editing

Once you’ve written your Master’s in Social Work Personal Statement, you might think you are done. You are not! You need to dedicate time to editing and proofreading your statement to make sure it is as good as it can be. A great idea is to try reading it out loud. This will help you assess your sentence structure. Struggling to catch your breath? Your sentences are too long. Does it sound repetitive? Try using different phrases or changing your sentence structure. When you spend a lot of time on an essay, it’s difficult to remain objective about it. If you have a friend who will read it for you, let them. They could offer a different perspective and suggest improvements. You should also take the time to double-check those details. After all, a career in social work will involve report writing and you need to be a great communicator in doing that. You can use your statement to show off these skills, too.

These tips will help you write a Master’s in Social Work Personal Statement that stands out from the crowd. Remember, you are selling yourself through your story. Don’t be afraid to put your personality on the page. When the admissions board finishes reading your essay, they should feel like they know you. You should have shown them you will excel not only in the course but in the actual fieldwork. Your essay is the next step in advancing your career in social work! Next up, you may want to explore a guide to creating enticing essay hooks .

Digital marketing course: Join my full AI Marketing course, with over 6h and 30 minutes of video lessons and 5 bonuses and learn the skills necessary to thrive as a marketer in the digital era.

Rafal Reyzer

Hey there, welcome to my blog! I'm a full-time entrepreneur building two companies, a digital marketer, and a content creator with 10+ years of experience. I started RafalReyzer.com to provide you with great tools and strategies you can use to become a proficient digital marketer and achieve freedom through online creativity. My site is a one-stop shop for digital marketers, and content enthusiasts who want to be independent, earn more money, and create beautiful things. Explore my journey here , and don't miss out on my AI Marketing Mastery online course.

BSW Personal Statement

Personal statement for the baccalaureate of social work program.

In order for the Admissions Committee to obtain a clearer picture of who you are, why you have chosen to enter the social work profession, your readiness for undergraduate education, and what motivates you to apply to the Binghamton University Baccalaureate of Social Work Program, we ask you to write a personal statement and submit it with your application.

This statement, which is an important part of your overall application, should not include a detailed description of your entire life; it should briefly cover important experiences, interests, and abilities as they relate to your seeking professional training in the Baccalaureate of Social Work program.

• The statement should be divided into two subject areas: personal evaluation and career objectives .
• The statement should be between 2-3 double-spaced, typed pages .

Personal evaluation

Describe why you think you would make a good social work student as well as an effective social worker.

Career objectives Describe why you want to be a social worker and what you would like to do in the future.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share by Email

Last Updated: 10/6/20

• Personal Statements
• Social Work Personal Statement

Social work Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

While many of the potential candidates for this course may be drawn to it by painful and difficult personal experiences in their own lives, my motivation is just the opposite. I have been lucky to have a very secure upbringing, in a traditional, two parent home, with the love and support of my family and extended family around me at all times. I appreciate how lucky I am to have had this, and I want to give something back to society by helping others who have been less fortunate.

I have always been a people person and tend to be the first choice ‘shoulder to cry on’ for friends of both sexes. I have been told that I am a good listener and I find it easy to not only sympathise, but also to empathise with other people’s problems. These talents have been recognised at my school, where I have been a student counsellor for the past year. In this role, I help fellow students to talk about their problems and liaise with the relevant parties, such as teachers, house masters and the school pastoral care leaders. I hugely enjoy this work, as I can see how much difference a friendly face can make in times of trouble, as well as the impact of practical help and representation when you are feeling too emotional or confused to act for yourself. 

Having decided on a career in social work early on, I have steered my studies towards this field, taking sociology, psychology and geography at A-level. While the geography may not seem immediately relevant, the issues discussed in this subject do have a genuine impact on people’s lives. I enjoy the lively debates that arise in all these subjects, especially sociology, and this has led me to establishing a debating society at my school, which I currently chair.

Outside of school, I am an active member of my local church, and am a youth leader at the out of school club. This club was created to give kids somewhere to hang out where they could feel safe and stay out of trouble. We play pool, darts and card games in the winter, and move outside for more active fun in the warmer weather. The youth group has an annual camp in Wales, and last summer I was chosen as a group leader, responsible for 25 kids aged from 11 to 15.

Although my own life has been comparatively easy, I am under no illusions as to how difficult life can be for others. My village borders a council estate with high unemployment and many deep-rooted social problems, and many of my friends are from this area. I have seen both the worst of these circumstances, in a friend’s mother who took her own life, and the very best, in which social workers have made a real difference in building communities and solving problems to give people much needed hope.

I know that my age and background will be a challenge for me in the field of social work, and that I will have to work hard to gain the trust and respect of the people I work with. However, I believe that I have the patience and abilities to succeed. This course will back those abilities with the knowledge and techniques I need to do well in this field, and so I do hope that you will consider me as a candidate.

University Guides

• Accommodation
• + much more!

Sign up for news & advice about applying to uni

• Universities
• Fees & Finance
• For Parents
• International Students
• Terms and Conditions

School of Social Work

MSW Admissions

Application overview        .

For fall 2024, our regular standing program is enrolling in our Central Oregon, Eugene, Online and Portland options.  Please see below for application due dates.  Applicants are allowed to apply to only one program option.  We will start accepting applications September 1.

For summer 2024, our advanced standing (46 credit) program is enrolling in our Eugene, Online and Portland options.  Advanced standing is available to applicants with a Bachelor's of Social Work awarded within the last five years by a CSWE accredited program.  

The School of Social Work admits applicants once a year to the MSW Program starting fall term only (summer term for Advanced Standing). All application materials, including letters of reference, must be submitted electronically and received by the due date. Late application materials are not accepted.

Learn about the admissions process »

• Application Due Dates
• Application Checklist
• Transfer Students
• International Students
• Estimated Program Costs

Application Due Dates by Program Option

Application due dates for portland option.

The PSU School of Social Work MSW program admits once a year in the fall term. The following table shows the timeline for admission to the MSW program Portland 2yr, 3yr, or 4yr Options in fall 2024.  Applications are due by 11:59pm Pacific time on the dates listed below.

Application Due Dates for Distance Option: Central Oregon and Eugene

The PSU School of Social Work MSW program admits once a year in the fall term. The following table shows the timeline for admission to the MSW program Distance Options in fall 2024.  Applications are due by 11:59pm Pacific time on the dates listed below.

Application Due Dates for Online Option

The PSU School of Social Work MSW program admits once a year in the fall term. The following table shows the timeline for admission to the MSW program Online Option in fall 2024.  Applications are due by 11:59pm Pacific time on the dates listed below.

Application Due Dates for Advanced Standing Option

The PSU School of Social Work MSW program admits once a year in the fall term (summer for advanced standing). The following table shows the timeline for admission to the MSW program Advanced Standing Option in summer 2024. The Advanced Standing Option will be available at Eugene, Online and Portland Campus.  Applications are due by 11:59pm Pacific time on the dates listed below.

MSW Application Checklist

You may apply to the MSW Program in the School of Social Work at Portland State University by submitting a single application online. All application materials, including letters of reference, must be submitted electronically. Links to the application will be available when the program for the coming year is open.

Basic Information

• Your contact Information
• Personal Information including your citizenship status, DOB, gender, ethnicity, etc.
• The program option you are applying for admission (e.g. Advanced Standing, Campus, Online, Distance)
• Your residency status for tuition purpose

Review the Criminal Conviction Statement »

Educational Information

• Bachelor’s degree with a Liberal Arts foundation from an accredited college, university or equivalent
• Advanced Standing applicants must have a BSW degree within the past five years from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• TOEFL scores if your undergraduate degree was not received from a U.S. college or university. See English Language Proficiency Requirements
• List of every college or university you attended.
• Scanned copy of an unofficial transcript for the schools where a bachelor's degree was awarded and/or any graduate level courses were taken.  Transcripts from high schools and community colleges are not needed.  
• Minimum cumulative GPA requirement: To be considered for regular admission, applicants must have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or the equivalent or a graduate GPA of 3.0.

Review Liberal Arts foundation course list »

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts.

You must upload, using a PDF file, unofficial transcripts for each and every college or university you earned a bachelor's degree or completed graduate level coursework. Unofficial transcripts include:

• Web based transcripts that you download from your institution (institution name should be visible on transcript)
• Photocopies of official transcripts (please include both front and back)

Official Transcripts

Once you have been offered admission, you will be required to submit official copies of your transcripts and/or documents for GPA and degree conferral verification. This is required before you will be given access to register for classes. Failure to provide official documents may result in registration holds that could delay your registration. Official transcripts should be sent to PSU by mail or electronic submission directly from each college or university attended. Enrollment in courses is contingent upon the receipt and verification of these official documents (which must show the awarding of degrees where appropriate). The official transcript will be compared to the document you uploaded in the online application.

Submit copies of your transcripts »

MSW-Specific Information

• Resume, including Social Work-related experience: Employment, volunteer, internship and other
• Choose references from your work, educational, and volunteer experiences who can address your qualities that make you suitable for social work. Do not use relatives, therapists, or personal friends as references.
• At least one reference should address your ability to do graduate-level academic work.
• Please read carefully the statement on the Reference page in the application system regarding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
• Letters of reference must be uploaded electronically to the application by the recommender (a link will be provided to the recommender to upload their letter). Letters cannot be submitted or uploaded by the applicant.
• A three- to four-page statement of purpose

View instructions on writing your statement of purpose »

Application Procedures for Transfer Students

The School of Social Work may admit students who have successfully completed MSW coursework in another CSWE accredited MSW program. In reviewing an application, we look for students who have experience in or related to social work prior to beginning their social work studies and have demonstrated strong academic and field performance. Students are notified of admission in late April for admission in the fall. We do not admit mid-year to the MSW program.

Transfer Credits

The MSW Program allows for some transfer credits to be applied toward the MSW degree.  Transfer credits must be from another CSWE accredited MSW program.  The SSW Director of Student Affairs reviews all transfer credit petitions and if approved forwards them to the MSW Program Director and then to PSU Graduate Admissions for approval.  Credits from another discipline or from foreign institutions are generally not transferable.  Students may not receive credit for life experience or previous work experience nor have any field experience or generalist courses waived on this basis.

A master's student must earn a minimum of two-thirds of the credits required for the degree after formal admission to the graduate degree program at PSU and must earn a minimum of two-thirds of the credits required for the degree at PSU.  For example, the MSW program requires 78 credit-hours, as a transfer student, 42 credits must be completed in residency at PSU.  This leaves up to the equivalent of 36 quarter credits that may be transferred into the MSW program (P/NP courses are not transferable).  In most cases, transfer students who have completed the generalist year of field work will not be required to take those credits.  Completion of the required coursework may take more than one academic year. After admission, coursework will be evaluated for comparability to required PSU courses and an individual course of study plan will be developed.  Other conditions regarding transfer credits may apply.

Transfer Student Application Process

To apply, please provide a completed MSW Program Application and the following supplemental transfer materials:

• Study plan and syllabi for all coursework completed or in process from current MSW program.
• A statement from your current MSW program indicating you are in good academic standing using this form.
• Letter of reference from MSW Field Instructor.
• Field placement evaluation, if applicable.

Submit supplemental transfer materials to [email protected] .  

Application Procedures for International Students

The MSW Program welcomes applications from international students. The student body at Portland State University includes students from many countries. The greater Portland area is home to industries, stores, restaurants, and cultural activities reflecting the diverse populations in the Portland metropolitan area.

In addition to submitting the MSW Program Application, international applicants must also submit:

• Official degree certificate/diploma equivalent to a United States four-year bachelor's degree from a college or university recognized as an institution of higher education by the Ministry of Education in the relevant country. View PSU's International Minimum Academic Requirements »  
• Official Translation of Transcripts »
• Evidence of English Language Proficiency Requirements »
• Financial documentation demonstrating adequate financial support for at least the first year of study

International applicants with a bachelor's degree in social work from outside of the United States will need to complete the International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service (ISWDRES) .

MSW Estimated Program Costs

These charts are provided to help you estimate the minimum tuition and fees for program completion. Please note that each year the tuition and fee rates change. Please refer to the PSU Tuition and Fees page for the most up-to-date tuition and fee rates.

Prospective and current students are invited to apply for scholarships that are available to any Portland State University student and specific to School of Social Work students.  For more information about scholarships, please visit the SSW Scholarships and Awards page. 

Scholarship applications are submitted through PSU's Scholarship Universe .   Click the preceding link for due dates.  Prospective students should not wait until they receive a decision on their admission application to apply for scholarships.    

Estimated Tuition and Fees (2023-2024)*

Advanced standing option (46 credits) , 2-year option (78 credits), 3-year option (78 credits), 4-year option (78 credits).

• Program cost estimates are based on the 2023–2024 MSW tuition and fees only. 
• Online courses have an additional $22 per credit technology fee.
• Students in the Central Oregon and Eugene option will be required to take 7 online electives (21 credits).

Additional Information

Read MSW frequently asked questions (FAQs) »

PSU tuition and fees »

Sign up for our mailing list for more information »

View SSW information sessions calendar »

MSW Admissions »

General MSW inquiries »

Cimone Campbell » SSW Director of Student Affairs

John Waddingham » MSW Student Affairs Assistant

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Guide

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

Social work personal statement example 17.

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. This is a quote that has always meant so much to me, especially when I was faced with many problems in my life. I have always had a great interest in helping and working with others, as far back as I can remember. Facing my own personal problems at the tender age of six made me insightful beyond my years. My own mother had an alcohol problem and when my parents divorced my father gained custody of my siblings and me. As the eldest child I grew up fast, I helped care for my brother and sisters on a daily basis.

My childhood involved a lot of social workers and court interventions that helped me gain an understanding of how social workers can intervene and help. It helped me develop empathy and sensitivity towards others, essential skills that a social worker requires. My personal problems made me determined to become a social worker and use my own experiences to help others facing similar difficulties.

I am currently in my second year of my Access diploma in Social Sciences. I studied sociology as one of my subjects last year. I really enjoyed this subject and especially enjoyed carrying out my coursework research on family diversity. I also previously studied Health and social care and covered a wide range of topics that relate to social work. I have previously worked at a children’s indoor play centre, a nursing home and home help. I am currently on voluntary placement in a disability centre. This has allowed me to cover a wide range of social services areas and it has given me a taste of each field I will be covering in a Social Work Degree. Working in each of these fields has helped me understand how to show respect and integrity to every individual I work with. I am a non- judgemental person and realise that different people face different problems.

I have researched Social work to a great extent to allow me to fully understand how complex a job within this area will be. I accessed the NISC and read up on practice policies as well as speaking to my auntie who has 20years experience as a social worker. I found that Social work will require honesty, the ability to problem solve, determination as well as a lot of patience and perseverance. These are all qualities I gained through personal and work experience and that make me ideal for this degree. I am committed and work well under pressure, completing my first year in my access diploma while pregnant and returning to my second year four weeks after having my son is one example.

I enjoy spending my spare time with my children, this always helps me relax and unwind after a very stressful day as they always put a smile on my face. I am part of my local Sure Start parent and toddler group that provides brilliant opportunities for individuals in deprived areas. I recently completed the baby massage course with my youngest son and I will be completing a nurture course soon that will provide me with extra skills needed for working with children. I have also completed a course in suicide prevention, an area that has unfortunately torn many families apart. These have all given me experience of what social work entails.

I want to study Social work as I want to use my professional knowledge and skills to help people make the most of their own abilities and empower them to be the best they can be. I want to assist people in solving their own problems as well as empowering them to develop skills so that they can do it themselves. Working in Social Services will allow me to devote my time and skills to help people function to the best of their abilities. Becoming a Social worker would not be just a career to me, it would be a vocation.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by bambieyes87 for application in 2012.

bambieyes87's Comments

I sent this personal statement to Ucas and received word back for a second personal statement for social work. I then forwarded my second statement and received an interview. I attended my interview on 23rd and have not heard any word yet. They said no news is good news and a couple of girls in my year have already received rejection letters. fingers crossed!!!

Related Personal Statements

I received word at end of.

Tue, 01/05/2012 - 09:52

I received word at end of April from two universities offering me conditional offers for social work. I ended up the only one from my access course gaining a place. Hope this personal statement is of some help :)

Congratulations and good luck

Fri, 21/09/2012 - 13:39

Congratulations and good luck x

Excellent personal statement.

Sat, 08/12/2012 - 17:39

Excellent personal statement. I've just finished mine. Yours was great to give me a guideline. Why did you have to do second personal statement?

Add new comment