Personal Narrative Statement Outline
Limit your narrative to 5-6 typed, double-spaced pages with 12-point font, and number your responses to correlate with the questions below. Be sure to abide by the page limit and the above stated guidelines.

Name (top of first page)

1. Are you applying for the full, part-time or advanced standing program?

2. Why are you pursuing a MSW at this time? Please describe any volunteer, work or life experiences that contributed to your choice of social work as a profession.

3. The NASW Code of Ethics identifies six core values of the social work profession, describing them as “the foundation of social work’s unique purpose and perspective.” The core values are: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. Briefly summarize how your own values are generally compatible with these professional values, giving specific examples.

4. It is imperative that social workers become culturally competent and exemplify sensitivity to ethnicities, religions, beliefs, and lifestyles that may differ from their own. Briefly describe any experiences you have had that will strengthen your ability to work proficiently with diverse clients.

5. Identify one social problem that interests you, and briefly explain how you think social workers might address this issue.

6. The admissions committee is seeking a diverse group of students who can enrich the overall classroom learning experience. What special attributes or personal characteristics do you have that you believe will advance the scholarship experience of your peers in the social work program?

7. Signature and date