Social Work

 

Holloway Hall

MSW Admissions: Common Questions


How strict are the Application Deadlines?

The deadlines for applications are made so that even applicants who wait until the last day to submit their application can still have a decision in time to seek advising before registration.  These deadlines are also built around the busy schedule of the university and the department.  You are encouraged to contact the MSW Program Assistant, at 410-677-5363, before the application deadline if you feel that you have extenuating circumstances that will prevent you from meeting the deadline.  The MSW Program, however, retains the right to defer late applications to the following admitting term.

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How can I attain application materials?

The Salisbury University application for graduate program admission is available online at www.salisbury.edu/apply.  Submitting the online application greatly reduces the time required to process your application.  If you are having a problem accessing our web application, contact the Admissions Office (410-543-6161).  Note: If you area permanent resident of Maryland, you must complete and submit the Residency Information form, which is a part of the on-line application, in order to be considered for in-state tuition. 

The application materials specific to the MSW program, or the "MSW Packet" can be printed off the web from the Admission Forms page.  You  can also request hard copies by phone: 410-677-5363; or e-mail: msw@salisbury.edu

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Where do I send my application materials?

The Salisbury University Graduate Application, Application Fee and all transcripts are sent to the Office of Admissions.  All other application materials are sent to the MSW Program.  You do not need to have transcripts sent to both places.

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What happens if I send the application materials to the wrong place?

Your initial application documents (application, residency form, all transcripts) should be addressed to Admissions:

Admissions House
Salisbury University
1200 Camden Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21801-6602

 

Application documents specifically required by the MSW program (letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume, etc.) should be addressed to the Social Work Department:

Graduate Social Work Department
Salisbury University
1101 Camden Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21801-6860

The MSW Program works closely with Admissions to insure that your documents reach the correct location, so your application materials will very likely arrive in the right office.  It is your responsibility to assure that your documentation is addressed correctly, however, so you should contact the Social Work Department (410-677-5363) if you have any questions about where to send a particular document.

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Do I really have to submit transcripts from every community college, college and university I attended?

Yes!  Admissions must receive official copies of all your transcripts before they can enter them in our permanent records and forward your application file to the graduate Social Work Department for an admission decision. 

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Can I be denied by the Admissions office?

The role of the graduate Admissions office is to document and enter your application and official transcripts in our permanent records; they do not make graduate admission decisions.  Failure to submit all necessary materials to the Admissions Office, however, will prevent an admission decision from the MSW Program.

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I applied to the Advanced Standing track, do I have to apply separately for the Regular program?

No.  Applicants for the Advanced Standing Program who fail to meet admission criteria are automatically considered for Regular status. 

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How long do my personal statements need to be?

The suggested length of personal statements is two to three pages.  The faculty reviewers, however, judge based on quality and content, not length.

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My referee's still have not completed my recommendation form, what should I do?

Remember that referees are busy people that have concerns and responsibilities beyond writing your recommendation.  Because of this, it is often a good idea to find more referees than you need.  This way you can better ensure that your application makes it in on time.

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Am I penalized if all of my references aren't in on time?

You are in charge of all of your application materials.  Contact the people you desire to write your references as soon as possible.  Don't lose contact once they agree to write the reference.  It is your responsibility to make sure that your referee follows through and submits their recommendation.  We require three completed recommendations.

Does the legal information disclosure include disclosing traffic tickets?

Students are only required to disclose legal issues that have resulted in an arrest or a conviction.  Typical traffic violations do not fall under either of these categories.  Applicants need to be aware that review of driving records may be required as part of the Application to Field process.
 

Questions?  Contact the MSW Program Assistant:
Phone: (410) 677-5363
Email: msw@salisbury.edu

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