Are you considering applying to a Master of Social Work graduate program but worried about your low grades? Don't let that hold you back! Although it varies depending on the school, MSW admissions committees generally look at applications holistically. That is why they require more than just your academic transcripts.

Social work is so much more than an academic field, and as social workers, we need to have empathy, align with social work values, and contribute to the field in a positive way. None of this can be reflected through your GPA, which is why Schools of Social Work use a holistic approach when reviewing your MSW application.

When I applied to my Master of Social Work, I often compared my GPA and experience to other applicants, and it made me doubt myself even more. Here are my thoughts on the grades and experience you need to get accepted to grad school.

Master of Social Work (MSW) programs have comprehensive application processes; They look at your experiences, your references, your personal statement, and of course, your grades.

It can be worrisome when applying to competitive programs when your grades aren’t what you hoped they would be. However, since the application is so comprehensive this means that if you play your cards right, you can use the personal statement to highlight other areas of strength, or you can even put a positive spin on why your grades are low.

Here is what I recommend when working with MSW applicants: