MSW Application Process & Checklist

Note: We are no longer accepting applications for Fall 2013 for the two-year or three-year programs at Chestnut Hill campus. The new application for Fall 2014 will be available in October, 2013.  There is currently still limited availability for our three-year Worcester program.

1. Application Form: Submit the electronic application form. If possible, it is recommended that applicants submit their application form as soon as possible to create a file. You do not need to wait to submit the electronic form until all supporting documents have been obtained.  Personal statements can be uploaded at a later time, if necessary.
   
2. Three References: We require three letters of recommendation using the MSW Recommendation Form (PDF). References should know you well enough to evaluate your potential in the field of social work. If you've worked in a social service agency, one reference should be your most recent employer or supervisor. If you are currently or were recently a student, one reference should be a faculty advisor or instructor. General references on file in college placement offices are usually not adequate for the purposes of this application. The Eagle ID number requested on the form will be emailed to you once you submit your application. Leave that field blank if you do not yet have that information. Boston College does not contact your references; it is your responsibility to provide them with the recommendation forms.
   
3. Personal Statement: You must submit an essay no longer than five double-spaced pages, addressing:
   • What led to your choice of social work; personal growth stemming from your family, community, and educational background; instances of you giving and receiving help; other careers you considered; and relevance of current and/or past work experience to your choice of a major field.
   • What you expect to gain from your professional education; reasons you chose Boston College; and your goals or plans in your service choice of Clinical or Macro intervention methods.
   • How you plan to address work and other responsibilities during your course of study; how you will finance your education; and how you will do these things in addition to course and field work.
     
   • See "Application Status" below for instructions on submitting your essay electronically via the Admissions Status website.
4. Transcripts: Sealed copies of official transcript(s) of all previous college courses you have taken are required. Separate study abroad transcripts showing your grades are not required if the credits are included on your undergraduate transcript. If separate study abroad transcripts are submitted the grades will be calculated as part of your GPA.
5. TOEFL: Students who speak a language other than English as their native language must provide evidence of proficiency. A minimum score of 80 on the iBT (internet-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. GSSW School Code is 5939 and GSSW Department Code is 95. For exceptions and more information for international applicants, visit the International Applicants page. No other standardized tests are required for admission.
6. Application Fee: If you submit an electronic application, you should be given an option to pay the $40 application fee online. However, if you are not prompted to pay after submitting your application, you can process your GSSW application fee payment online separately or submit a check or money order payable to "Boston College." The application fee is not refundable. If you are a full-time volunteer with a recognized non-profit service organization such as the Peace Corps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, City Year, or AmeriCorps, you are qualified to receive an application fee waiver. Simply submit a form or letter certifying your dates of service, or one of your required recommendation letters on organization letterhead.
7. Application Status: After you have submitted the electronic application, you should see a confirmation page and receive a personal identification (Eagle ID) number via email. Please use this number:
   • to upload your personal statement as a PDF document on the Application Status website
   • on your recommendation forms
   • to check the status of your application on the Application Status  website

NOTE: The GSSW application is self-managed, and you will not be contacted if your application is missing materials. 

Please return all of the above items to:

Boston College Graduate School of Social Work
Admissions Processing Center
P.O. Box 227
Randolph, MA 02368-9998

For deliveries via courier:

Boston College Graduate School of Social Work
McGuinn Hall, Room 221
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Contact Us

617-552-4024
swadmit@bc.edu