Waitlisted From an MSW Program? Here’s What It Means
If you have completed (and survived) the process of applying to different MSW programs and waited the many months to finally get an answer, it can be disappointing to receive a response that’s not what you hoped for. Although this disappointment is totally natural and valid, your journey to an MSW is not over! This blog post will aim to normalize the feelings of being put on the MSW waitlist while also shedding some light on what to expect through the process. In this post, I will review why MSW programs use a waitlist, what it really means to be waitlisted, what your chances are of getting off the waitlist, and what to do if you don’t get off the MSW waitlist.
Why do MSW Programs use a Waitlist?
If you are applying to your MSW, I’m sure you already know just how competitive these programs can be. Schools can receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications, while having only a limited number of seats to offer students. This puts many schools in the position of selecting between many very qualified applicants, trying to balance limited spots with the high demand they are experiencing. As students often apply to multiple programs, the MSW waitlist can be a way for schools to offer space to another suitable candidate if someone else decides to attend a different program. Due to this limited space, and schools wanting to fill all available spots, the waitlist can help avoid leaving these valuable spots empty. The waitlist gives applicants a heads up that they may be let in, which is helpful for the applicants’ planning purposes, while also providing the school with security just in case applicants drop out last minute or decline their offers.
What Does it Actually Mean to Be Waitlisted from an MSW Program?
If you have not heard it already, I want to tell you that if you have been waitlisted, it says nothing about you being “good enough” for the MSW program(s) you applied to. If you’ve been waitlisted from an MSW program, you’re still in the running! This decision from the admissions committee means that they thought you would be an ideal fit for the program, and they are willing to offer you a spot. I’m not here to tell you that you aren’t allowed to be disappointed – you absolutely are. In fact, I have personally been waitlisted and rejected from programs before and you know what – it sucks! But after you sit with those feelings, allow yourself to view being put on the MSW waitlist as a positive sign. Many applicants get rejected from programs (which is okay too, and a part of the process), but your application was deemed qualified for program entrance. I hope that after a little bit of time feeling disappointed, you can see that although maybe not your ideal decision, this decision does not mean you weren’t a good fit for the program that you applied to.
What Are Your Chances of Getting Off the Waitlist?
First, it’s important to understand that we don’t know exactly how schools create their waitlist, or how they decide who gets off the waitlist. I wish I had all of the details about how this process works, but unfortunately, it’s hard to predict, and each school does it slightly differently. I can, however, tell you what I do know, and that is – many factors influence the waitlist and waitlist movement, such as school funding, deferrals, and even the school’s desire to have a cohort with varying experience and areas of interest. Naturally, many applicants ask how they can strengthen their chances of getting off the waitlist. In this regard, I feel that knowledge is power, and the most you can do is educate yourself about the process, so that you have all of the information to plan accordingly. So, reach out to the admissions committee, ask how the process works, and at the same time, you’re showing your ongoing interest in their program!
Plan B: What If You Don’t Get Off the Waitlist?
In the same “knowledge is power” vein, I do feel it’s important to think about what you will do if you don’t get off the waitlist. Whether you are thinking of reapplying (as many applicants do before being admitted), accepting an offer from a different school, or gaining experience, it’s helpful (and empowering) to brainstorm your plan B. This is personal to you, but I encourage you not to view this year as “wasted” as you wait to embark on your main goal. Many social workers don’t follow a straight path, and I feel this experience of things not always going to plan is so valuable in our work. Instead, I encourage you to explore your interests, whether a new job, volunteering, or maybe an elective course to learn more about an area you are interested in. All of these experiences will only strengthen your application or resume, which can help you with your future plans, whatever they may be!
Related: I was rejected the first time I applied to the MSW program - here’s what I did to get accepted
To wrap up about the MSW waitlist…
In conclusion, if you’ve been waitlisted from MSW programs, don’t worry, your path to social work is not over! Although feelings of disappointment are normal, valid, and accepted, your future is bright. Remember, being put on the waitlist is a good sign; the admissions committee thought you were qualified and ready to enter their program if they only had more space. If you aren’t admitted off the waitlist, you can use this time to stay connected to your social work goals, improve your CV, or save up for when you get admitted. At the end of the day, if this is a goal you are committed to, then your passion and perseverance through this process will make you all the more ready to support clients in the future.
Read more: Applying to Master of Social Work Programs
