University of Michigan MSW Supplementary Statement Guidelines
The University of Michigan’s MSW program is one of the most respected and sought-after in the field, attracting a diverse range of applicants each year. Like many top programs, UofM takes a holistic approach to admissions, evaluating various aspects of your application to understand your potential as a future social worker.
One key component of their application is the supplemental essay - a crucial opportunity to showcase your unique perspective, experiences, and readiness for graduate study. However, crafting a strong response to these prompts can feel daunting. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to approach the University of Michigan’s essay prompts with confidence and clarity, ensuring your application stands out for all the right reasons.
Does the University of Michigan require supplemental essays?
Yes, the University of Michigan requires applicants to submit a supplementary statement as part of the MSW application process. The statement must be 3 pages double-spaced pages in length and must address 3 pre-determined prompts.
Below, we will review each prompt and how to answer each prompt in a compelling manner:
Prompt 1: Discuss a social justice issue that you would like to address in your career. What skills and knowledge would you like to obtain in the MSW program to support your career objectives?
UofM this question to assess your understanding of systemic inequalities, your ability to think critically, and how you connect theory to practice. Your social issue allows the admissions committee to gain insights about your values, insights, and potential to contribute to the social work field.
When answering this prompt, you should choose a social issue that connects to your goals as a social worker. For example, if you intend to become a child welfare social worker your social issue should also be in the realm of child welfare. While it can be tempting to choose a different topic to diversify your application, choosing a social issue that is connected to your goals shows the admissions committee that there is an unmet need in your area of interest and that you are dedicated to pursuing social justice in that specific area.
Be sure to also discuss why you are specifically choosing UofM‘s MSW program to support you in meeting your goals. What can the school offer you? Do they have any courses, specializations, or other opportunities that are connected to your area of interest? Be sure to review the program guidelines and the school’s mission and values to guide you in developing your response.
Related:
How to choose a social justice issue in the personal statement
5 mistakes you’re probably making when writing your social issue
Prompt 2: Describe how your personal and intellectual qualifications and past human service experience have prepared you to serve individuals, communities, and/or organizations in your field placement as an MSW student.
When answering this prompt, you should give the admissions committee some background about your experiences, where you are coming from, and why you wish to pursue a Master of Social Work Degree.
The most common mistake we see with this prompt is when applicants focus on listing their experiences and skills without critically analyzing them or explaining their significance. UofM is likely asking this question to assess your alignment with the social work field and your motivations for pursuing social work.
In this prompt, you should reflect on your experiences and why these experiences have motivated you to pursue a Master of Social Work degree. For example, maybe through your work you realized there was a gap or an unmet need, and pursuing an MSW will help you gain the skills and qualifications needed to support your clients in a different way.
Related:
Prompt 3: As you uphold the profession’s core values and School of Social mission and vision, describe your commitment, readiness, and the specific steps you will take to contribute to anti-racism as a student and professional social worker.
The University of Michigan asks this question because the ability to self-reflect and a commitment to anti-racism are core tenets of the social work profession. The school wants to understand your commitment to social work values, your ability to reflect, grow, and think critically, and your readiness for graduate school education.
When answering this prompt think about the following questions:
Has there ever been a moment where working in diverse environments challenged or enriched your perspective?
How you have critically examined your own biases, assumptions, and privileges?
What actions you have taken to challenge racism in personal, academic, or professional settings?
How will these experiences influence your future social work practice?
Related:
University of Michigan Q+A
How do I start my supplemental essays?
Starting the MSW essays can be tricky! I recommend starting by brainstorming before you start answering the prompts. This will help you form a mission or goal for pursuing your MSW and can serve as an anchor for answering the prompts.
Check out our personal statement template to assist you with brainstorming for your supplemental essay for the University of Michigan.
Can I talk about personal experiences?
At MSW Helper, we believe that many social workers enter the field because of personal experiences and hardships that they experienced. In addition, the insights gained from personal experiences can be an asset within the field of social work.
In prompt 2, the University of Michigan says: “Describe how your personal and intellectual qualifications and past human service experience have prepared you…” The wording of this prompt indicates that you may discuss personal experiences in your supplemental essay.
When discussing personal experiences be sure that you are intentional about how your experience contributes to your desire to become a social worker. It should be connected to your insights, social justice issue, and/or goals. Don’t make the mistake of simply adding it for the sake of adding it, as it may come across as oversharing!
What is the acceptance rate at the University of Michigan?
The University of Michigan receives approximately 1,300 applications each year, and they admit 430. Therefore, the University of Michigan’s MSW program has an acceptance rate of 33 percent.
89% of applicants who used MSW Helper got accepted to MSW programs last year. Learn more about MSW Helper here.
Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE is not required for admission to the MSW degree program.
Does the University of Michigan require an interview?
No, generally the University of Michigan does not require an interview for their MSW application process. However, they may request an interview if they have questions about your application. Interestingly, you may also request an interview with the admissions committee. This will give you an opportunity to explain any concerns you may have about your application, and show your fit with the program. Visit their website for more information about UofM’s MSW interviews.
What GPA do I need to get accepted to the University of Michigan’s MSW program?
The University of Michigan states that the average GPA of admitted MSW students is 3.5. However, they state that they do review applications holistically, so if your GPA falls below the average it’s possible to get accepted by showing your commitment to social work and your potential to contribute to social work in a meaningful way.
If your GPA falls below the average, it will be crucial that your supplementary essay is well-written to make up for it. Check out MSW Helper’s personal statement editing services for support with your supplementary essays.
What if I don’t have social work experience?
You will be required to submit a two-page resume as part of the application process. You should include a section for relevant experiences as well as a section for “non-relevant experiences”. Keep in mind that even if you don’t have social work experience, you can still tailor your resume descriptions to show how your past experiences helped you gain transferable skills and insights! Check out our resume guide for details on how to do this effectively.
Where can I get help with my application?
Our team of application advisors at MSW Helper can meet with you to map out a plan for your application and edit and critique your supplemental essay and resume.
Here is what a recent UofM applicant has to say about MSW Helper:
“As the first person in my family to pursue a graduate degree, I found MSW Helper incredibly helpful!
Michelle was great at helping me brainstorm my personal statement and make connections between my personal experiences and my social work career goals. I'm a verbal processor, which made having the one-on-one call a game changer.
I applied to 5 schools because I was nervous I wouldn’t get into any. I was accepted into 4 schools and waitlisted for a pretty competitive program! It is worth the investment.”
