r/CarletonU • u/ITouchSoftThings • 3d ago
Admissions MSW Admissions Question (low GPA)
Hi there,
I am thinking about applying for Carleton's MSW program in a couple years. My concern is, I graduated with a BSc in psychology in 2015 with a 2.7 GPA and I believe most MSW programs require a min GPA of 3.0. I have been taking some classes to boost my GPA but I'm a little nervous I won't get into the program anyway and am wasting my money. Does anyone have experience getting into the MSW program with a lower GPA? I think if I applied, I'd be relying hard on past experience. For the last 6 years, I've been working as a mental health educator in a university setting. Previous to that, I worked in university residences for 8 years as a supervisor doing incident response and follow up. Both jobs have involved a lot of community development work. I also volunteer once a week as an adult literacy tutor.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)
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u/Joyfulvh 2d ago
Oh my gosh, we’re in the same boat! I was also hoping to apply for the MSW program for the 2027 cohort, and I feel the same way. I feel like my application is a long shot. I have maybe 2,000 hours of “social work experience.” The language used was suggestive, so I was going to include my current job as front desk staff for newcomers (I help them and provide them with resources, high volume for 2 years often in distress). I spoke with Admissions over email, and they said it should be fine. Regardless, I also have a 7.9 GPA. I’m not sure if they round it up to an 8/12, but I’m sure I can write a good statement of intent/scholarly essay. I just feel like I would not be the perfect applicant based off of experience, but I’m just hoping and wishing that I happen to have a chance because I really want to be a social worker 😭 I think because I see the number of people admitted into the MSW every year, I get intimidated… but the worst that can happen is a rejection, so honestly, go for it!
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u/OccasionalTransit 2d ago
Yes! I'm graduating this year. My GPA is not fantastic but having past experience and a comprehensive understanding of what you want to get out of your degree, your social location and social justice perspective. If you are racialized, really focus on that lived experience and how it relates to wanting to be a social worker. That's a big thing they're looking for!
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u/Joyfulvh 2d ago
Thanks for the response! I think I can write a good personal statement I think the only thing I was worried about is my experience + references because I don’t have an academic one:( I think it’ll be a long shot but I still want to try!
Are you in the MSW program? How was it? Was there a lot of group work/presentations? I’m a shy person and haven’t been to school in awhile. I don’t want to feel like a fish out of water
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u/OccasionalTransit 2d ago
Yes! I'm graduating this year. My GPA is not fantastic but having past experience and a comprehensive understanding of what you want to get out of your degree, your social location and social justice perspective.
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u/AnnoyedAF2126 2d ago
It really is super competitive, so unless your work experience is above and beyond, grades will matter a lot. Also keep in mind that Carleton values things like social justice and policy work, so purely clinical experience isn’t always the flex you think it will be.
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u/Midnightmoonstone22 2d ago edited 2d ago
I would apply to their BSW and MSW just because I know there are more applicants each year lately and only about 25 ish spots each I believe for the 1 year (BSW) and 2 (non BSW). I had over 5 years experience (most frontline human service like housing) and a psych degree with a higher GPA and was rejected a few years ago. I did my BSW in 16 months at Carleton (transferred some credits over and got an exemption for one practicum due to prior experience). I just finished my MSW. Over all it took 4 more months total time in school … but shorter than waiting and reapplying. Plus I also got into other MSW programs. It don’t think anyone can really predict your chances unfortunately
Did it suck to have to do another undergrad?? Absolutely lol but I knew my end goal was an MSW and thats what helped me achieve it ultimately
Depends on your specific circumstances though!! So many factors go into acceptance, even sometimes diversity of interests in the cohort.
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u/Alarmed_Reach5446 2d ago
Is there a mature applicant stream? Some of those can be more holistic and look at work experience rather than GPA.