PS Your statement should be 3–4 pages, typed and double-spaced. Please save as an MS Word document or PDF and upload it directly to the online application (instructions are included in the application). We ask that you submit a personal statement as part of your application to the MSW program. The purpose of this statement is to obtain a clear understanding of your background, why you have chosen to enter the social work profession, your readiness for graduate education, and your motivation to apply to the Boston University School of Social Work. Please describe how your academic, professional, personal, and volunteer experiences have prepared you for graduate studies in social work. Please note that this statement is considered a writing sample and is reviewed for content and writing quality. Please touch on the following areas in your essay (as applicable): Discuss why you believe the Boston University School of Social Work is best suited to meet your graduate education needs. How do you believe you will manage the rigorous demands of coursework and field education during graduate study? If you have low or inconsistent grades in undergraduate (or graduate) study or have attended multiple schools to earn a degree, please discuss any issues you may have faced to help us better understand your academic background. Identify your strengths and areas in need of improvement that are relevant to the social work profession. What inspires you to pursue this profession? If you have clear career goals, please tell us what type of work you see yourself engaged in after earning the MSW. GPA Please note that, to apply for our program, a conferred grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (B) is required for all undergraduate study. CV CV is required Fee $95 non-refundable application fee RL Three professional and/or academic references are required. In the Reference section of the online application, you will be able to submit a form directly to each of your references. They will receive an automated email prompting them to complete the online reference form and to upload a supporting letter. A reference is required from a faculty member or advisor if you are currently in school and/or from a supervisor if you are working. Other references may include people familiar with your current or past work or volunteer experience, preferably a manager or supervisor. References from family members, personal friends, personal therapists, or employees are not acceptable. In addition to the three required references, a reference is required from the instructor of any Boston University School of Social Work course in which you have been a non-matriculating student. Transcript Please upload your transcript to the Academic History section. An admissions representative will contact applicants if there are any problems with their uploaded transcript. DO NOT mail or electronically send University-issued official transcripts until directed to do so. Your acceptance to our School, if applicable, will be conditional until we receive University-issued official transcripts in sealed envelopes or electronically from each college or university attended. If you accept our offer of admission, please mail official transcripts to: Boston University Online Processing Center 851 Trafalgar Court, Suite 420 W Maitland, FL 32751 or have them sent electronically to: admissions@onlinemsw.bu.edu