If I am still in my undergraduate BSW program, can I apply Non-Binding Early Decision (my first terms grades will not yet be finalized when I submit my application)?

Yes, you can apply Non-Binding Early Decision providing that you supply us with a student copy of your transcript by the January 5 deadline.  (This is something you can normally get off line from your undergraduate program).  We would then need to you to submit an official copy of this transcript, preferably by the end of January, to confirm the student copy of your transcript.  (An extension may be granted if the transcript is not available by the end of January).  Offers of Admission would be contingent upon the successful completion of your BSW degree.

What if I graduated from my BSW program a long time ago; do I still l need to answer the question about the nature of my BSW practicum?

Yes.  Please try to describe your practicum to the best of your recollection.  Obviously, we will be more interested in the work you have been doing since you graduated, but we would like to know a little about the training you received in your BSW program.

Can I work while I'm in the Advanced Standing program?

Yes.  This program has been designed so that you are in the field 3 days a week for most of the 15 month internship period.  Classes are once a week in the evening for 10 sessions in the fall and then in the spring.  This schedule provides you with enough flexibility to work any of the other 4 days in the week.  This work option allows students to defray costs while in school.

About the Case Summary – What if I didn’t see any clients during my BSW field work internship?

If you did not see any clients, please indicate as much and describe for us what was involved in your field experience; reflect upon whatever contact you might have had with populations to which social work has been committed.

I completed my BSW but have also had experience with clients before (or after) my BSW.  From which setting should I draw for my Case Summary?

We recommend you use the setting that provided you with the most direct contact experience with client populations.  Your goal will be to provide as rich a description of your interaction with clients as possible so that we can better assess your experience and skill level.

If I am not accepted with advanced standing (the 18 month program), will I be considered for the full 27 month program?

Yes.  There are three possible decisions offered through the BSW AS application process:  acceptance with advanced standing (18 months), acceptance without advanced standing (27 months), or decline.

What letters of recommendation would serve an application for BSW AS best?

If you are currently in or have recently (past 3 years) graduated from your BSW program, we would strongly recommend a letter of recommendation from your internship supervisor and at least one from BSW faculty member.  The other two letters would vary depending on the opportunities you may or may not have had to work or volunteer in human service settings either on-campus or in your community.  The Director of Admission is happy to help you assess options which would best serve your personal circumstances.
Those who have been away from their BSW program for more than 3 years are encouraged to include a letter from your current supervisor.  Other possible letters include those from:  a co-worker where you work; a contact from a community/volunteer endeavor in which you might be involved; allied professionals with whom you have collaborated, etc.

Why are all the BSW AS field placements within a two hour radius of Smith College?

BSW AS field placements are unique placements designed to advance clinical training through an intensive and extended 15 month internship; ongoing and regular oversight of these placements will take place over the course of the 15 months by Smith field staff.  In addition, unlike 27 month MSW students, BSW AS students will take one course during their first fall term, their spring term, and their final fall term; this requires that students be within a travelable distance from Smith.

I am a military servicemember hoping to provide services to veterans and their families after graduation.  What kind of field experience will I have if I apply to the BSW AS program?

BSW Advanced standing placements are designed to meet the School's second year field objectives and, whenever possible, to help prepare students for areas of specialized interest.  A military service member might prefer to train in a broad-based setting that serves a wide range of individuals and families, or might prefer to specialize in service to military individuals and families by interning in a VA Medical Center.  The field department will work with students to determine the setting that best meets both learning and longer-term career goals.

Yes.  Like 27 month students, BSW AS students would be asked to apply for the first 12 months of financial aid at the time they apply for admission (by January 5 for non-binding early admission and by March 15 for regular admission).  Awards for the first 12 month period will range from $1,000 to $15,000.  BSW AS can apply for aid for their second 6 months in January of their first year; the second awards will range from $1,000 - $7,500.  (For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at gzaikows@email.smith.edu)

Will I be considered for the Dean’s Merit Scholarship and or the Scholarship for Military Servicemembers if I apply BSW AS?

Yes.  All applicants, whether for the 27 month program or the BSW AS program, are considered for  the Dean’s Merit Scholarship; no additional application materials are required to be considered for the Dean’s Merit Scholarship.  Likewise, all applicants (27 month or BSW AS) who are military servicemembers are considered for the Scholarship for Military Servicemembers as long as your application is received by January 5 (please refer to the Scholarship for Military Servicemember for more details.)  A separate letter detailing your interest in and commitment to working with veterans and or their families post-graduation is required to be considered for this scholarship.

When will I know whether I have received either the Dean’s Merit Scholarship or the Scholarship for Military Servicemembers?

Notification that you have been awarded one of these scholarships will be mailed with your letter of acceptance.