No Experience -- Getting into an MSW program?

Hello. I just graduated with a B.S. in Psychology earlier this year. I have a 3.68 GPA and I think that I will do really well on the GRE (especially the verbal and analytical sections). I have pretty much NO work/volunteer experience in the human services/social work fields. I haven't volunteered since high school (terrible, I know -_-) and the only job I've had was working as an office assistant for two months.

I have been looking into social work and I am 100% sure that this is the occupation for me (it matches my values and my life goals PERFECTLY) so I want to get into an MSW program and get my MSW. (I am kicking myself now for not getting a BSW ^_^) HOWEVER, I've noticed that a LOT of schools really want you to have human services/social work experience (some school don't even want a GRE score, which really surprises me) and, of course, I don't have any.

So, I was wondering, do any of you guys know of any schools that focus more on grades and less on social work/human services experience? Or should I just volunteer or get a job in the human services/social work fields? If I do that, how long should I volunteer/work? (A few months? A year?) I am just really frustrated because I want to get into a social work program ASAP. I would do ANYTHING to get into a MSW program and I am not even kidding.

ANY help would be greatly appreciated. Seriously. You are helping a future fellow social worker. :D Thank you for reading this and have a wonderful day.

*Bump*

I am currently applying for MSW. A lot of schools focus on experience because a lot of Social Workers are working directly with people. Grades are fine but I really do not think getting an "A" equals having a great rapport with people. I am guessing you are trying to get in next fall 2010(?). The deadlines are probably in January/ February. I know a lot of Social Workers and you may want get some human service experience. Volunteer about 10 hours a week if you can. The longer you volunteer the better. When you are in the Social Work program you have to perform a practicum (more than likely 3). While the non-profit is interviewing you they will probably ask if you have some experience. Also while filling out your application you have write some pretty lengthy essays. You have to put more than just you have passion to help people. I hope this helps.

Natasha, thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it. Good luck applying to MSW programs. :D

katherine, such a comment was incredibly unhelpful and rude. I hope that one day you learn to treat others the way you want to be treated.

I think that it is great that you want to become a Social Worker. We need dedicated individuals that are willing to take on the risks and important positions that Social Workers hold.

As for your lack of experience, I would volunteer. In addition, you may be able to find an internship that will provide you with experience. Did you complete an internship for your Bachelor's Degree? If not, life experience may help you if you can express yourself clearly. Were you in Girl Scouts as a child? Did you have an abusive childhood and feel compelled to help others? All of these things count as experience.

Thank you so much for your help. I just found out that I have been accepted to at least one program so far, so I have accomplished my goal. :D

Good job and good luck in your program!

Thank you, Natasha. I really appreciate your words.

hellow sir/madam:) .. i m doing bcom nd this my last year nd i wnt to join msw course.wht should i do .some are telling that u have to give entrance exam .is it neccessary ? i really feel bad that i didint join bsw. bcoz i dont had any idea about this course,but nw aftr knowing about this msw course i m so excited to do something for the society.
i want to earn money for the needy person so that i can help them.
plz suggest me . what should i do in future related to social wrk.will i get job related to social wrk like rural development etc. ??

Hi Queenie!
The chances of you seeing this are probably slim as this post is a few years old, but I am hopeful that I will get a reply. I am in the exact same situation and I am wondering how this all turned out for you. which course of action did you take? Please email me at queenahsilat@aol.com if you see this.

Hi Queenie!
The chances of you seeing this are probably slim as this post is a few years old, but I am hopeful that I will get a reply. I am in the exact same situation and I am wondering how this all turned out for you. which course of action did you take? Please email me at queenahsilat@aol.com if you see this.

Hi Queenie!
The chances of you seeing this are probably slim as this post is a few years old, but I am hopeful that I will get a reply. I am in the exact same situation and I am wondering how this all turned out for you. which course of action did you take? Please email me at queenahsilat@aol.com if you see this.