Yes, it’s that time again.
In addition to applying to Rutgers and some other regional places, I’ve also decided to apply to Columbia University, which is currently ranked #1 in the country for Social Work. I have no idea what my odds are of gaining acceptance, but their MSW program in Social Enterprise Administration/Services for Immigrants and Refugees has me drooling all over myself, so I have to give it my best shot.
I am currently attempting to compose a winning Statement of Purpose that addresses all appropriate bullet points required under admissions guidelines, and that brings me to a question.
Exactly how much ass am I supposed to kiss in these things? I know it is customary in most academic fields, particularly with doctoral study, to name specific professors you would like to work with and why, and to give at least a cursory paragraph detailing why University X is the ideal place. But Social Work applications seem to break all kinds of standard academic rules, and I’m not applying for a doctorate yet – just a Master’s degree, in their largest program (900 students I think.) My instructions for admission don’t even request so much as a ‘‘Why do you want to attend Columbia?’’ and I am trying to figure out if I should include that information in my statement.
The reason I ask is because I already have to cut a lot of good stuff out, and I feel like including this statement will be incredibly redundant and a waste of essay space. I would imagine that every application includes this paragraph, and it’s the same paragraph for each applicant.
These are my closing paragraphs which deal with the work I’d like to do and respond (partly) to the prompt, ‘‘Describe a social problem of significance to you & possible ways of addressing it.’’ Do you think it will be sufficient, or should I name specific professors too?
[QUOTE=Please Accept Me]
I have given great consideration to my career goals as a social worker. As I have demonstrated many of the qualities of humanitarian leadership both professionally and in academic contexts, it has become clear that I will most excel with a concentration in Social Enterprise Administration at Columbia University. My experiences working for a nonprofit organization have motivated me to learn more about how to plan and manage social services with greater efficiency and effectiveness. Ultimately I would like a position in the upper-level administration and management of a nonprofit organization that serves the mental health needs of immigrants.
Through my community work in the mental health services and in my current place of employment, I have developed a sensitivity and awareness of the needs of those with psychological disorders. Immigrants in particular are vulnerable to psychological problems, as many of them face a traumatic upheaval from their home country and find themselves in a foreign environment with little social or governmental support. Many of our clients suffer ongoing major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and even Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of their difficulty adjusting. Additionally, they come from varying cultural backgrounds, many of which stigmatize mental health problems and make it very difficult for individuals to come forward and seek help when it is needed. Women appear to be especially vulnerable in this regard; they must often manage childcare along with labor responsibilities and are generally expected to do so with little complaint.
I wish to utilize all academic resources at my disposal to tackle this challenge. I am most interested in analyzing the effectiveness of the current programs and services that we have put into place, and investigating ways to improve them. My long-term goals include both systematic academic research and direct practice which will ultimately lead to a successful doctoral candidacy in the field of social work. I believe the key to solving this problem involves the willingness to facilitate communication between all parties involved – the greatest source of insight that we have regarding immigration is the immigrants themselves. We must not be hesitant to ask them exactly what they need. The solution lies not only in listening to their voices, but in thoroughly documenting those voices, integrating them with what we have learned about creating effective social service organizations, and implementing the actions necessary to improve life conditions for immigrants everywhere. We have borne witness to their burning; it is now our responsibility to make sure their light is amplified for the benefit of everyone in our community. I can think of no higher honor than to achieve that undertaking as a Master of Science in Social Work at Columbia University.
[/QUOTE]
note: the penultimate sentence is a reference to a quote I extrapolated on at the beginning of the statement: ‘‘What is to give light must endure burning.’’ (Viktor Frankl)
also, earlier in the statement I provided a lot of concrete examples of things I’ve done and achieved, so I figured it would be okay to close on a more general note – is that correct?
Thanks,
Christy
