BASW Faculty Review

Guidelines for Scoring Admission Statement

Outstanding:  The applicant responds to both questions in a logical, well-organized manner with a well-developed writing style.  The applicant provides a detailed account of the development of their interest in social services, and of their work (volunteer or work experience) within an agency setting.  From the written statement, it is clear the applicant has an accurate understanding of social service agencies and what social services provide.  The statement demonstrates a commitment to help others, a focus on people in need.

Very Good: The statement contains fairly well developed writing skills that still communicate the applicant's ideas.  The statement does provide some rationale for their interest in social services and an adequate understanding of social services agencies or what agencies provide.  The applicant indicates a desire to help others.  Overall, the statement is limited in the applicant’s development of their ideas.

Fair:   The statement for the most part communicates the applicant's ideas.  While most of the interest and understanding of social services is adequate, there is some confusion or limited understanding of social services.  The statement overall has limitations on the applicants understanding of what social services are and lacks developed ideas about helping others.

Poor:  The statement demonstrates writing skills, which are so limited that the communication of ideas is inhibited.  The statement does not reflect an understanding of social services or a coherent reason for seeking a degree in social services.  Little mention of helping others or an understanding of those in need is obviously missing in the statement.  Overall the applicant's motivation about obtaining a degree in social work is unclear.