As the deadline for applications to the School of Social
Work is April 1, I thought it would be helpful to address questions you might
get from students.
The application can be found online at http://socialwork.iub.edu/bsw_program_bloomington_admission.php
Students can apply to the school after completing 12 credit
hours. They must also have either completed S141 Introduction to Social Work,
or are currently enrolled in this class.
The minimum GPA to apply is 2.5, but if students have a
lower GPA, they can submit a form that is included in the application explaining
the reason for a low GPA and how a student expects they can raise their
GPA. We often accept students with a GPA below 2.5 if their
explanation adequately addresses their academic progress.
While GPA is important, we do not base admissions only on a
student’s GPA and we do not start with the highest GPA and work down from
there. There are several components to the application and we consider
all of them. We also give more weight to grades in social work classes
than, for example, a math class. Finally, we do look at trends. If a
student had a rough semester, but shows steady improvement, that is more
important than the overall GPA.
All applications received by April 1st are
reviewed after spring semester grades are official. Students learn if
they are accepted to the school or not by late May. This means that
students will register for the fall semester classes before knowing if they
have been accepted. It is especially important for students who are
sophomores to come to the school for advising so we can help them decide what
classes to register for.
If students have specific questions about the application
process, please refer them to the school. There is always someone
available to answer questions. To set an appointment they can call
855-4427.
Thanks for your assistance.
Bruce McCallister
Lecturer/Student Outreach Coordinator
