Caling all for advice

[BMC]

I need some frank advice, anyone interested.
I decided to go back to school to be a social worker, for which I get turned down to the program. So I figured, ok I need to increase my grades, then apply again. So I'm in this class and I'm getting B's. I know B's are not bad grades really, but they are not sufficient to get into Social Work or any other professional program. What do I do?
Thank you again for your suggestions!

[lynnifer]

Normally as long as your money is as green as the next person's .. they let adult students into universities. I'm living proof as I've taken a couple of courses at Waterloo (Ontario) .. which I consider a very prestigious school.

[BMC]

So you think I should just keep going?

[DaleB]

............

[roc21]

im a lil confused...what school are u in now? and who turned you down?

[BMC]

Hi roc21! I'm in Calgary Alberta and it was the department at the university that denied my request. What do you think?

[RJC]

Am I understanding correctly, you applied for Asocial work program at a uni/college but they told you your highschool grades (Bs) weren't high enough?

[LaMemChose]

Ask the department chair what you can do to make yourself a stronger candidate for the program. Explain how and why becoming a social worker matters to you and what you feel you have to offer in the field. Is it your enthusiasm? Your knowledge of community resources? Empathy for others? Is there a social worker who has made a huge impact in your own life or that of someone close to you?

Would volunteer hours at a shelter or food pantry or hospital help? Are there certain courses you should take to up your odds? Do you need to score A's in future coursework?

Ask what it takes and then, do just that. Send a short, handwritten note after your meeting with the chair (if you are able to write- if not, print and mail it) thanking her/him for her/his input.

Keep in touch with the chair as you work for your goal.

You can get into the program and graduate if you put in the work. Go for it!

[chick]

Originally Posted by BMC

I need some frank advice, anyone interested.
I decided to go back to school to be a social worker, for which I get turned down to the program. So I figured, ok I need to increase my grades, then apply again. So I'm in this class and I'm getting B's. I know B's are not bad grades really, but they are not sufficient to get into Social Work or any other professional program. What do I do?
Thank you again for your suggestions!

Lamem makes good points about meeting with the department and finding out how you might improve your chances next time.

Programs usually have an open house for potential candidates, so you should look into that. This will give you an opportunity to check out the program and get some feedback from staff and current students to help you see if the program is a good fit for your needs, interests, and goals.

Any volunteering is good, but I'd suggest you focus your volunteering to your stated interests and goals so you can tie some of your service related activities to your overall plans, including how the SW program will help you in reaching those goals.

Work on developing your admissions letter (eg. letter of interest). What you say may be what tips the vote in your favor or not. I dont know the Canadian system, but if they require a letter, you really need to articulate a clear and focused reason for wanting to study SW.

One more thing, if you already know if you want to focus on either clinical/direct practice or something more administrative/policy, then apply to schools with that focus and frame your letter/interests with that in mind.

[BMC]

My grades from my previous degree weren't high enough.
I did go see the department head and she told me that the department had 300 applicants for 70 spots. The department chair suggested I go to college for two years and then reapply.
I could do that I'm just concerned about:
My age. I'm 35 years old- am I getting too old.
The money, I would have to get into debt to go and I think I could really only work part-time. I wonder if it's worth it?
On the other hand, I don't have anything else to do
What does everyone think?