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Do I have to apply to both universities' graduate schools?
No, just one. Admissions rotates between the two universities every four years. Currently, the Graduate School at UNCG is handling admissions paperwork.
The admitting institution has no bearing on class location or faculty.
Applications are available through the UNCG Graduate School. Applications are only available online. Supplemental materials must also be included; these materials must be printed and submitted to the Graduate School via mail.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be postmarked by January 15. They also must be received at the correct Graduate School. Applications received at one university when the other is handling admissions are not automatically transferred.
UNCG is currently handling admissions.
No. We do not require an undergraduate degree in social work. Past students have had undergraduate majors ranging from art to zoology. The only requirement is that the undergraduate degree be from an accredited college or university.
What are the items you look at?
GRE, GPA (undergraduate), experience in the field of human services (paid, internship, or volunteer), personal statement, and references. All five are equally weighted in the admission rating/decision making process.
What GRE score do you require?
We do not require that you attain a minimum GRE score. Part of the reason is because of our admissions ratings process, in which GRE scores are only one of five items rated. A low GRE score, in and of itself, should not dissuade you from applying. Your GRE must have been taken within five years of applying to our program.
Where do I send my GRE scores? Which test do I take?
While you may choose to submit your scores only to the admitting institution (currently UNCG), we would prefer if you submitted your scores to both Graduate Schools. If at all possible, do not submit them to the individual departments.
If you're not sure yet when you plan to apply, report them to both schools, just to be on the safe side.
GRE scores are good for five years from test date.
We require only the GRE General test, not any of the subject tests.
My GPA is lower than your requirement. Is there anything I can do about this?
Yes. Our policy is here.
I didn't take statistics/biology. Can I still apply?
Yes. If admitted, it will be provisionally, and you will have until the end of your first semester to take the class. Prerequisite courses may be taken at any accredited institutions, including community colleges in a state system. We strongly suggest that students take prerequisite courses before beginning their JMSW coursework due to the heavy course load of the JMSW program.
Please contact the JMSW secretary by e-mail or at (336) 334-4100 to ensure the course meets requirements before enrolling.
I'm not sure I meet the prerequisites. Can someone review my transcripts?
The JMSW secretary may be able to look over your transcripts to see if you meet GPA and course requirements for admission.
Can I transfer credits from other programs?
Under certain circumstances. The details of our transfer policy are here.
Do you have an advanced standing program?
The JMSW Advanced Standing Program Option will begin accepting applications in summer 2007. It will be a one-year program. Classes begin in May 2008.
How can I make my application more attractive?
Most applicants no longer have control over their GPA or GRE scores. This leaves three areas: experience, references, and personal statement.
- Experience: If you feel you need a little more experience, try volunteering in a social service agency.
- References: Choose professional or academic references over personal ones. Remind them that they will need to complete the reference form even if they choose to write a personal letter. The reference form must be completed!
- Personal statement: Follow the guidelines provided exactly. Thoroughly proofread, including the use of spell- and grammar-checking programs. If writing is not your forte, enlist the aid of a friend to give your statement a once-over.
Do not include materials that were not requested in the application packet, such as papers, portfolios, or news clippings.
How can I schedule an admissions interview?
Interviews are not required in the JMSW admissions process. If you feel there are specific issues that the admissions committee needs to know about, you may include a brief statement (1-2 pages) in your application.
Can I visit campus and talk to some faculty?
Due to the busy schedules of our faculty, individual appointments generally cannot be scheduled. Prospective applicants are welcome to visit either or both campuses on their own.
More formal campus tours can be arranged through the Graduate Schools on either campus.
We do hold an information session on the first Saturday of December at NCA&TSU from 10 a.m.-noon in Gibbs Hall. JMSW faculty members are available at that session to answer your questions and provide an overview of the program. Information on the specific date each year is provided in the JMSW admission application.