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Can I apply to both the Full-Time MSW Program and the Part-Time MSW Program at the same time?
No. We can only consider an application for one program. Applying to both programs will mean that your application will not be considered for either program.
Do you accept applications from application services, such as the Social Work CAS (Centralized Application Service)?
No. You must use the UW-Madison Graduate School Application.
What are the prerequisites for admission to the MSW Programs?
Visit Prerequisites for the MSW Programs for more information.
What is a social science course?
Visit Social Science Credit Guidelines for more information on what constitutes a social science course and to determine whether you meet this program prerequisite.
Can I apply if my undergraduate GPA for my last 60 credits is below a 3.0?
Yes. If your last 60 credit undergraduate grade point average is below 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, it is important for you to provide a detailed explanation of any special or unusual circumstances that may have affected your GPA. In the supplemental application, you are asked to “please explain any special circumstances that may have affected your GPA.” A text box is provided and there is no word limit.
Visit Master of Social Work Full-Time Program Application Instructions and Information or Master of Social Work Part-Time Program Application Instructions and Information under the “Social Work MSW Supplemental Application” section for more information.
Will I be required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
The GRE is not required for admission. If your last 60 credit undergraduate grade-point average is below 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, GRE scores can enhance your application and provide evidence of your readiness for graduate study.
Visit Master of Social Work Full-Time Program Application Instructions and Information or Master of Social Work Part-Time Program Application Instructions and Information under the “Social Work MSW Application” section for more information.
How many letters of recommendation should I submit?
You should submit three letters of recommendation; any additional letters will not be considered.
Visit Master of Social Work Full-Time Program Application Instructions and Information or Master of Social Work Part-Time Program Application Instructions and Information under the “Three letters of recommendation” section for more information.
What do I do if my recommender does not submit a letter?
If it is BEFORE the application deadline, identify and contact a new recommender and log back into your UW-Madison Graduate School Application with your original application login username and password. You will click the “Recommendations” button and be able to add a new recommender at any time.
If it is AFTER the application deadline, your application will be considered incomplete.
I went to UW-Madison. Do I need to submit an official UW-Madison transcript?
You need to submit a UW-Madison transcript, but it can be an unofficial transcript (i.e., your Student Record which you can access in your Student Center through MyUW). If you attended any institution other than UW-Madison, you are still required to submit transcripts from those schools.
I am a current student. Do the grades for the semester in which I am now enrolled need to be on my transcript?
No. You can upload a transcript to the application that does not include your current semester grades.
The envelope containing my official transcript indicates it will no longer be considered official if I open it. Am I allowed to open the envelope?
Yes. Visit Master of Social Work Full-Time Program Application Instructions and Information or Master of Social Work Part-Time Program Application Instructions and Information under the “Transcript(s)” section for more information.
When I apply, am I automatically considered for admission with Advanced Standing or with some exemptions from the generalist foundation year courses?
No. First you are admitted to the program and then Advanced Standing and exemption decisions are determined. Visit Prospective Graduate Students for more information about Advanced Standing and Exemptions Exam Information and Schedule for more information about exemption exams.
When will I be notified of my admissions decision?
Visit the “Application Status” tab on MSW Applications for more information.
When would I find out if I received any scholarships/awards from the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work?
Full-Time MSW Applicants: For scholarships/awards that do not require an extra application, decisions are sent out within one week of acceptance letters . For scholarships/awards that require a completed internal scholarships/awards application, decisions will be communicated with awardees in early March. Only applicants selected for a scholarship/award will receive notification. If you do not receive an offer decision you have unfortunately not been selected for a scholarship/award. Please email scholarships@socwork.wisc.edu for more information.
Part-Time MSW Applicants: All scholarships/awards decisions will be communicated with awardees in May. Only applicants selected for a scholarship/award will receive notification. If you do not receive an offer decision you have unfortunately not been selected for a scholarship/award. Please email scholarships@socwork.wisc.edu for more information.
Can I get an extension on my confirmation deadline?
We do not allow extensions for the confirmation deadline unless there is an emergency
When I click the link to activate my NetID so I can confirm my acceptance, I am asked for a 10-digit activation key. Where can I find this key?
The 10-digit number is your campus ID, which is provided by the Graduate School after you have been accepted. It can be found in the email the Graduate School sent you when requesting your official transcripts
Is it possible to be connected to a current student to discuss their experience in the MSW Program?
Yes. Please reach out to the School’s Recruitment and Awards Coordinator via email: recruitment-ft-msw@socwork.wisc.edu
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