PhD Application Process & Checklist

It is the applicant's responsibility to complete and submit:

1. Application Form: Submit the electronic application form. Applicants should submit their online 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. Your Eagle ID number and BC username and password will be emailed to you once you submit your application.
   
2. Three References: Use the PhD Letter of Recommendation Form (PDF) and submit references from three individuals familiar with your academic and scholarly work. At least one of the references must be from one of your past professors. Please indicate your retention or waiver of your right of access before giving this form to those providing references. The recommender must seal the envelope and sign across the seal before submitting.
3. Personal Statement: A two- or three-page typewritten statement describing:
   • Your reasons for pursuing doctoral education at Boston College at this time; specific academic and work experiences that have prepared you for doctoral education.
   • Your educational objectives while in the doctoral program.
   • Your future professional objectives.
4. Transcripts: Sealed copies of official transcript(s) of all previous college and graduate courses taken.
5. GRE Score: An official score report from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) earned within the last five years. GSSW School Code is 3219 and GSSW Department Code is 5199.
   * Note: The GRE is making substantial changes as of August 1, 2011. Please refer to the ETS website for information on the modifications, test dates, and return report delays.
   
6. TOEFL Score: If your native language is not English, submit an official score report from the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL). GSSW School Code is 5939 and GSSW Department Code is 95. For exceptions and more information for international applicants, visit the International Applicants page.
   
7. Resume: Include your resume or a chronological list (starting with the most recent) of all relevant employment since high school, including summer jobs and internships you consider significant. Please also include all relevant volunteer or other experience with service-oriented groups. For each job or volunteer experience, please include your title, the number of months and/or years you held the position, and the number of hours worked each week.
8. Writing Sample: Submit a piece of writing that shows evidence of ability to think creatively and to write clearly. Published articles, a master's thesis, unpublished papers, or term papers may be submitted as evidence.
9. 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.
   
10. 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, resume, and writing sample as PDF documents 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 in one envelope, if possible, 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

Financial Aid

Please review PhD Financial Aid. All accepted doctoral students receive merit-based financial support. For a majority of students, this multi-year financial aid package includes full tuition and a substantial stipend.

Students may also apply for need-based financial aid through the university. In order to receive consideration for need-based aid, applicants must file several forms with the Boston College Financial Aid Office.

Interviews & Admissions Decisions

The doctoral admissions committee may request a personal interview as part of the application process. Applicants will be notified in writing as soon as possible regarding decisions on admission. The GSSW should be notified immediately of any change of plans or address after the application is submitted.