good personal statements for social workers

Guide to Crafting a Perfect Social Work Personal Statement

As you prepare to write your social work personal statement, remember that it’s not just about your personality. The goal of this statement is to offer insight into your skills and experiences. It’s your opportunity to demonstrate how well-prepared you are. 

When crafting your social work personal statement, keep in mind several fundamental questions: What are you trying to accomplish? Who do you want to become? What is the population you want to serve, and how can you best communicate that to your audience? 

What Are Social Work Personal Statements

Your social work personal statement typically takes the form of a personal essay that describes experiences and goals that are relevant to a social work program.

Key Components of a Personal Statement 

This essay is usually part of the packet of information that you’re required to submit to an admissions department. Your social work personal statement typically includes the following information:

• Your Past Experiences: Have you already volunteered or worked in social work fields? What experiences have prepared and inspired you? 
• Your Educational Goals: What have you accomplished so far, and what education goals do you plan to achieve? 
• Your Career Goals: What do you want to do with your career? What role do you want to take on in social work?
• Your Challenges: What obstacles have you faced? 

You’ll probably include any details pertinent to your admission into the program. Be sure to include the relevant information that the committee will need to know as they review your personal statement as part of your application packet. 

Why Social Work Personal Statements Are Important

A social work personal statement is a meaningful way to differentiate yourself from the rest of the applicants. What will set you apart and make the committee remember you? 

Social work is a growing field, and the job outlook for social workers is promising. There were more than 700,000 social worker jobs in the United States in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Jobs in the industry are projected to increase by 12% through 2030, which is faster than average. 

Who Needs To Write Social Work Personal Statements? 

You’ll probably write a social work personal statement if you’re applying for a master’s program in social work. In some cases, you might need it for a bachelor’s program as well. Of course, once you’ve spent the time to write this statement, you can repurpose it for scholarship and grant applications, cover letters, and a range of other needs in your career and future life. 

In other words, the work you do here and the time you spend will not be wasted. You can also reuse what you create here for your future applications and endeavors at work, as part of your academic career, and beyond.

Steps for Writing a Social Work Personal Statement 

Your process for writing your social work personal statement will probably be the same as what you’ll follow for any other essay or college paper. Here are the basic steps you’ll probably take as you create your social work personal statement.

Assess the Audience

Think about who you’re writing for, what they are looking for, and what specific details you should include. You’re probably writing for a committee but think about their academic background. Work to fulfill their expectations. 

Prepare an Outline and Conduct Research

Create an outline of the points you want to include. Fill in your points with relevant research and examples from your personal and professional experience. Don’t worry about having too much research or too many points in your outline. You can always cut it down later. 

Write a Draft

Start writing based on your outline, filling in additional details as you go along. Don’t get too tied to making it perfect at this point. Make sure you’ve covered all the guidelines for the social work personal statement. Is it on-topic and relevant to the topic and course of study? 

You should have multiple revisions of your social work personal statement as you add further details to what you’re saying and how you’re saying it. Let the essay sit for a few days if you have time. You’ll see areas of confusion, but you’ll also be more open to changing the work if you’ve given it time to sit and stew. 

As part of the revision process, make sure to read your social work personal statement out loud. Run the paper through spelling and grammar checkers to make sure you haven’t made any mistakes. 

Reach out to friends and professors who might be willing to help you in the review process. You’re not alone on this path, and you can gain great insight when you ask for input from others. 

Social Work Personal Statement Examples

You’ll find quite a few examples of social work personal statements online, but they’re not all high-quality examples. Most of the best examples are available from universities or social work organizations. Here are a few you can use to get your mental gears turning.

• Studential – Social Work Personal Statement Examples
• Social Work Haven – Examples of Social Work Personal Statement  
• Acrosophy – Social Work Personal Statement Examples

While these examples can offer great inspiration and ideas, be sure that your final essay is completely original. If you copy and paste any of these examples, you run the risk of setting off red flags for plagiarism, which typically results in the rejection of your application. 

Where To Find Prompts for Social Work Personal Statements 

You may be surprised by how many places you can find prompts for social work personal statements online. Even as you follow those guidelines, be sure that you read your essay. It should reflect who you are and what you want from social work. Here are just a few prompts: 

• MSW Personal Statement Prompt
• My Perfect Words – Personal Statement Prompts
• The University of Buffalo – Application Essay Guidelines
• Shepherd University – Personal Statement Writing Prompts

These prompts can offer great insight as you write your social work personal statement, but make sure you keep the precise guidelines for the program you’re applying for. It’s easy to get caught up in unrelated topics and directions that have nothing to do with what they have asked you to write about. 

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Social Work Personal Statement 

When you’re writing your social work personal statement, you need to maintain a laser focus on what you’re writing and how your succinct work will further back up your other materials. Here are a few other tips you should rely on when you’re writing the perfect social work personal statement. 

Stay Focused

Don’t get distracted by other topics or the total amount of information you can include. Focus on making sure you highlight why everything in your personal and professional life has brought you to this point, where you’re ready to commit to social work. 

Your writing process might be slightly different, but don’t forget the importance of planning and researching for your essay. Then write everything you think to include. Remember that your pre-writing phase is not the final copy.

Proofread 

Make sure you have enough time in this process to let your social work personal statement sit for at least a few days before you proofread it. You need to have a fresh approach to your writing, so you won’t be so attached to what you wrote before. 

You’re not doing this alone, even though it might feel like it sometimes. There are lots of other people who are willing and able to help you if you just ask. If you’re taking a college class, you could reach out to the professor for input or even visit the school’s Writing Center. 

Additional Resources 

Your social work personal statement may be one of the most important documents you create in your career. The good news is that you’re not alone in your effort to craft your social work personal statement and move forward with your education and career. Here are a few additional resources that will help you along the way: 

• Social Work Advocates magazine
• Social Work Journal
• Choices: Careers in Social Work
• Encyclopedia of Social Work Online
• Social Work Career Development: A Handbook for Job Hunting and Career Planning

As you immerse yourself in these resources, you can and should use what you learn as jumping-off points for future growth and development in your field. Keep track of the areas of study and research that interest you the most.

Be aware of those instances where you feel inspired and passionate. Tap into those areas of interest when you write your social work personal statement. Help the reading committee to understand why you care so much about social work and how you want to make a difference. 

10 MSW Personal Statement Examples (with Commentary)

Get inspired by some of the best MSW personal statement examples below.

These personal statement examples are inspired by actual essays from students with whom we’ve collaborated, essays that contributed to their successful admissions. For confidentiality, key details have been altered.

If you’re looking for Personal Statement Help, Get Started Here !

Table of Contents

Example 1: NYU MSW Personal Statement Sample

Prompt: ‘why i want to be a social worker’ essay.

At the tender age of five, as my family faced the challenges of immigrating to the United States, I quickly became attuned to the complexities surrounding us. This early brush with adversity sparked my quest for understanding, especially in the realm of adolescent experiences. Growing up in a household where my mother tirelessly cared for us, while my father remained emotionally distant, I learned to seek solace in introspection and daydreaming. These experiences laid the foundation for my deep empathy towards others and a commitment to understanding them beyond surface-level perceptions.

My ability to empathize with others, particularly adolescents, has been a guiding force in my life. Working with XXXX as a counselor, I revisited my own teenage years, recognizing the crucial need for guidance during this transformative phase. This realization has fueled my determination to specialize in counseling and therapy for adolescents, a path I am eager to pursue through NYU’s Master of Social Work program. I am convinced that effective counseling during adolescence is pivotal in shaping capable, responsible adults.

My internship at XXXX Health was a turning point. Observing clinical behavioral health therapists and working alongside a psychiatrist specializing in post-incarceration life, I gained profound insights into the long-lasting impact of disrupted adolescent experiences. Hearing the narratives of former inmates underscored the importance of early intervention in defining one’s identity. This experience intensified my desire to work with young individuals struggling to find their place in the world.

Choosing NYU Silver was a natural decision. The school’s esteemed faculty, particularly Dr. Kirk Jae James, resonates with my journey as an immigrant. Dr. James’ dedication to overcoming his challenging past and disproving stereotypes is not just inspiring; it mirrors the resilience and determination I strive to embody. His work with those affected by mass incarceration aligns closely with my aspiration to be a clinical therapist who can bring change to young lives.

New York City, the vibrant and diverse backdrop of NYU Silver, also greatly appeals to me. The city’s rich history of nurturing notable figures like Andy Warhol, Roy Halston, and Jean Basquiat speaks to its capacity to foster self-discovery and belonging. I am excited to immerse myself in this melting pot of cultures and ideas, which will undoubtedly enrich my learning and practice in clinical therapy.

My personal history, particularly my father’s struggle with his traumatic childhood, has taught me that resilience and determination are key to overcoming adversity. His journey, though fraught with challenges, has instilled in me the belief that embracing the unknown and being steadfast in one’s goals can lead to remarkable achievements. Carrying this lesson with me, I step into NYU Silver poised to embark on a journey towards becoming an influential clinical therapist for adolescents.

My path to NYU Silver is more than an academic pursuit; it is a commitment to my dream of guiding adolescents through their most vulnerable years. By combining my personal experiences with the comprehensive training at NYU Silver, I am ready to make a meaningful impact in the field of clinical therapy, helping young individuals navigate their formative years with understanding and resilience.

Commentary:

• Personal and Cultural Background : Effectively connects early experiences as an immigrant to developing empathy, crucial for social work.
• Professional Aspirations : Clearly links past experiences with seniors and an internship to a focused interest in clinical therapy for adolescents.
• Academic Motivation : Draws a parallel between personal experiences and the inspiration found in NYU Silver’s faculty and New York City’s diversity.
• Resilience and Determination : Reflects on lessons learned from family, particularly the father, instilling a belief in achieving ambitious goals.
• Career Vision : Articulates a strong desire to impact adolescent lives, demonstrating an understanding of the field’s challenges and opportunities.

Verdict: The personal statement is heartfelt and well-structured, showing a clear link between the candidate’s background, their professional drive, and their chosen academic path. The reflection on personal and family resilience adds depth, positioning the candidate as a motivated individual ready to leverage their experiences for meaningful social work.

Example 2: Columbia MSW Personal Statement Sample

• Part 1: Reflecting upon your decision and motivation to pursue the MSW, describe how attending CSSW will enable you to meet your goals as a social worker. What are your immediate and long-term social work goals?
• Part 2: Describe a social problem of significance to you. Please discuss it in regard to societal contributions to the origin of the problem, experiences that have contributed to your identification and understanding of the problem, and possible ways of addressing the problem.
• Part 3: Choose two attributes and provide examples as to how you exemplify these traits. Choose one attribute you would like to improve. How will attending the MSW program at CSSW help you in doing so?

1. Motivation and Goals for Pursuing MSW:

From a young age, I have been acutely aware of the disparities and injustices in my community. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood in Chicago, I witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of poverty, limited access to quality education, and the cycle of violence. These early observations fueled my passion for social work, specifically my desire to develop community-based programs aimed at youth empowerment and education. My immediate goal is to work in a non-profit organization focused on urban youth development, while my long-term ambition is to establish a foundation dedicated to providing educational resources and mentorship programs for at-risk youth.

Attending the Columbia School of Social Work (CSSW) will provide me with the critical skills, knowledge, and network necessary to achieve these goals. CSSW’s commitment to social justice, its comprehensive curriculum, and the opportunity to learn from esteemed faculty and diverse peers will equip me with a nuanced understanding of social issues and effective intervention strategies.

2. A Significant Social Problem:

The social problem that resonates most with me is the school-to-prison pipeline, an issue rampant in many urban communities, including my own. This problem arises from a combination of societal factors such as underfunded public schools, zero-tolerance policies, and systemic racial discrimination. My understanding of this issue deepened through volunteering at a local youth center, where I encountered numerous teens who had been expelled from school and were at risk of entering the juvenile justice system.

Addressing this problem requires a multi-faceted approach, starting with policy reform to prioritize education and rehabilitation over punishment. Community-based intervention programs focusing on mentorship, counseling, and educational support can play a vital role in diverting at-risk youth from the criminal justice system. At CSSW, I hope to explore these interventions in-depth and develop effective strategies to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline.

3. Personal Attributes and Areas for Improvement:

Empathy : My empathy has been a guiding force in my social work journey. A poignant example was when I volunteered at a local youth center. There, I met a teenager named Marcus who had been expelled from school. By actively listening and engaging with him, I learned about his challenges at home and his struggles with learning disabilities. Understanding his situation, I worked with the youth center staff to develop a personalized educational plan and connect him with a mentor. This experience deepened my ability to empathize with individuals from diverse backgrounds, recognizing the unique challenges they face.

Resilience : My resilience was particularly tested when I spearheaded a community project to revitalize a rundown public park. The project faced numerous setbacks, including funding shortages and bureaucratic hurdles. Despite these challenges, I mobilized the community, organized fundraising events, and negotiated with local officials. The successful completion of the park not only provided a safe space for children but also reinforced my ability to persist in the face of adversity, a crucial trait for a social worker.

Area for Improvement – Policy Advocacy : My experience in grassroots initiatives has been rewarding, but it also highlighted the limitations of addressing social issues without policy change. For instance, while volunteering at the youth center, I realized that individual interventions, though beneficial, could not alone prevent the systemic issue of school expulsions leading to juvenile detentions. This recognition has fueled my desire to improve my skills in policy advocacy, an area where I see great growth potential. CSSW’s program, with its emphasis on policy practice, will be instrumental in helping me acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to advocate effectively for systemic changes.

Conclusion:

Attending Columbia School of Social Work will be a pivotal step in my journey to becoming an impactful social worker. I am eager to engage with the CSSW community, learn from diverse experiences, and contribute my perspective towards creating meaningful change. I am committed to using the knowledge and skills gained from CSSW to fight for social justice and empower the youth in communities like mine.

• Clarity of Motivation : The essay effectively communicates the candidate’s personal experiences and observations of disparities in their community as key motivators for pursuing social work.
• Goal-Oriented : Clearly outlines immediate and long-term goals, demonstrating a focused vision for a career in social work.
• Understanding of a Social Issue : The candidate’s insight into the school-to-prison pipeline, informed by volunteer experiences, indicates a deep understanding of this complex social problem.
• Attributes and Self-Improvement : Demonstrates empathy and resilience through specific examples. Identifies policy advocacy as an area for improvement and connects this to CSSW’s curriculum.
• Personal and Professional Growth : The candidate’s experiences, challenges faced, and the growth they seek align well with the offerings of the CSSW program.

Verdict: The candidate’s personal statement is compelling and well-crafted. It showcases a strong personal connection to the field, a clear understanding of relevant social issues, and a desire for professional growth that aligns with the CSSW program.

Example 3: UC Berkeley MSW Statement of Purpose Sample

Please address each of the following in your statement:

• Describe your aptitude, motivation and preparation for graduate study in the field of social welfare; your future career goals in the profession of social work; and achievements that demonstrate your professional promise and leadership potential as a social worker.
• Describe your academic and professional areas of interest in social work, including your chosen area(s) of specialization.
• Demonstrate your understanding of contemporary issues and challenges in the professional practice of social work by posing a question or identifying a relevant problem/current issue you would like to explore, and how you might address it from the perspective of a masters’-level social worker.

My journey into the world of social work began with a deeply personal experience – caring for my youngest daughter who faced developmental and language delays. This challenge opened my eyes to the struggles of parents with special needs children and sparked my commitment to helping vulnerable groups. I founded a non-profit organization to support children in rural Russian orphanages, which expanded my drive to assist not only children but also adults suffering from trauma and PTSD. This path has led me to pursue the Master of Social Welfare program at Berkeley, where I aim to deepen my knowledge and skills for effective global impact.

My background is richly diverse. As a mother of four bilingual, multicultural children, I developed a keen interest in early bilingualism. For my thesis at XXXX State Linguistic University, I explored bilingual language development in infants and toddlers, focusing on methods used by parents raising bilingual children. This research, recommended for publication as a guide for multilingual families, heightened my awareness of the challenges immigrant families face globally. It solidified my resolve to find research-based solutions to social issues, a commitment I bring to Berkeley’s rigorous program.

Professionally, I thrived as a XXXX Director for XXXX in Russia, where I honed leadership skills by building a team of passionate educators. A notable achievement was our collaboration with XXXX Department, providing educational programs to young patients. This experience was transformative, broadening my perspective on social change and reinforcing my desire to make a meaningful difference.

As a certified life and leadership coach, I focused on assisting Russian-speaking immigrants and refugee women, many confronting dire challenges like domestic abuse and PTSD. These encounters underscored the need for specialized social welfare skills, steering me towards a Master’s in Social Work. My goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in trauma and PTSD, and to contribute on an international scale, possibly with organizations like Doctors Without Borders.

Recognizing the critical role of language in social work, I have been learning Spanish and French to better connect with diverse patient populations. My linguistic background enhances my ability to engage effectively in multicultural settings. To gain practical experience, I completed a 90-hour training at Crisis Support Services of XXXX and began volunteering on their crisis line. This hands-on involvement, particularly during these challenging times, has further motivated me toward my LCSW goal.

UC Berkeley’s MSW program, known for its diverse student body and commitment to public service, is the ideal environment for me to grow. Surrounded by peers and faculty who share a dedication to social justice, I am eager to expand my understanding and prepare for a career dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities.

• Personal Experience as Motivation : The statement effectively uses the candidate’s personal experience of caring for a child with developmental delays as a catalyst for their interest in social work.
• Global Perspective : Showcases a strong commitment to international social issues through work with Russian orphanages and immigrant communities.
• Professional Achievements : Highlights relevant professional experiences, including leadership roles and work with vulnerable populations.
• Educational Goals and Alignment : Clearly articulates the desire to specialize in trauma and PTSD, aligning with Berkeley’s MSW program’s strengths.
• Multicultural and Linguistic Skills : Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of cultural competence in social work, supported by multilingual abilities.

Verdict: The candidate presents a compelling mix of personal motivation, professional experience, and academic alignment with the MSW program at UC Berkeley. Their diverse background and specific career goals make them an ideal candidate for the program.

Example 4: Cal State Fullerton MSW Personal Statement Sample

The quality of the writing in the personal statement will be evaluated, as will the applicant’s ability to thoroughly address the questions outlined below:

• Describe how your personal background and life experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a graduate education in social work. Please include any challenges or hardships you may have overcome on your journey.
• What are your expectations of graduate education at Cal State Fullerton in terms of your own development? Indicate any problems or limitations that should be taken into account in planning your graduate program.
• Specify your career objectives as a professional social worker as you now conceive them. Indicate the fields of practice in which you are interested.
• Describe your experiences with diverse populations and groups, and how those experiences have contributed to your interest in social work. Which population (defined by culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, psychological and/or physical functioning) would you like to serve and why?

While managing an in-school feeding program, I watched a 7-year-old boy take a modest meal at school, and save half for his siblings at home. Another girl expressed joy for the school meals she relied on. These encounters, and others like them, deeply impacted me, highlighting the critical issue of child hunger and food insecurity. My resolve to expand our school feeding program was fueled by these experiences, successfully growing it from 7 to 1,053 schools over five years.

After graduating, I joined the Philippine XXXXX in 2001, managing the Business and Peace Program in the XXXXX Region. Here, I worked with XXXXXX, identifying young Muslims for internships that fostered leadership and peace.

In 2008, I transitioned to the XXXXX Foundation, developing community programs and managing the in-school feeding program, which fed 40,000 children at its peak. These experiences solidified my commitment to child welfare and my belief in the power of social work.

Managing the feeding program, I faced ethical challenges, like discovering fund misappropriation by a local agency officer. I addressed this by establishing direct communication with schools and conducting random checks, ensuring program integrity.

Then in 2013, I took a break to focus on family and moved to XXXXX. Motherhood enriched my perspective, making me more empathetic, resilient, and dedicated to child welfare. Now ready to re-enter the social work field, I seek an MSW degree to update my skills and knowledge.

Post-MSW, I aim to influence policies and contribute to community-based solutions in the Philippines, aspiring to work with large non-profits and eventually with international agencies like UNICEF.

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened child poverty in the Philippines, underscoring the urgency of my mission. At CSU Fullerton, I plan to study social work theories, understand child welfare systems, and apply these learnings to the Philippine context.

With a Master of Social Work degree, I am poised to join the effort to advance children’s welfare, equipped to make a significant difference in their lives. The Filipino children cannot wait. They need all the help they can get. And with a Master of Social Work degree from CSU Fullerton, the battle will have been half-won.

• Personal Narrative as Motivation : The statement effectively uses the applicant’s personal experiences with poverty, domestic violence, and addiction to illustrate a deep-rooted motivation for pursuing social work.
• Community Involvement and Professional Experience : Highlights significant community engagement and professional achievements, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and positive change.
• Challenges and Ethical Considerations : Discusses challenges faced during professional work, showing problem-solving skills and ethical awareness.
• Academic and Career Goals : Clearly articulates how an MSW will enrich the applicant’s knowledge and skills, aiming to influence policies and create community-based solutions.
• Personal Growth and Family Perspective : Reflects on the lessons learned from being a stay-at-home mother, tying this to a renewed enthusiasm for child welfare work.

Verdict: The statement presents a well-rounded candidate with a compelling personal connection to social work, reinforced by active community involvement, ethical professional practice, and clear career goals. The applicant’s experiences and aspirations align well with the MSW program at CSU Fullerton- making them a strong candidate.

Example 5: Cal State Long Beach MSW Personal Statement Sample

How did you become interested in social work? What motivated you to choose social work as a profession?

My passion for social work and advocacy for equality is rooted in a fundamental belief: no voice should be silenced in the pursuit of a just society. Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed how advocates for equality are often marginalized, their concerns unheard. This fuels my commitment to actively work towards a just world, where standing up for justice is a right for all.

As a child of Mexican immigrants, I experienced the harsh realities of a low-income household. This upbringing ingrained in me deep empathy and an intimate understanding of the struggles faced by underprivileged communities. My parents’ relentless hard work and sacrifices, despite economic hardships, have been a constant source of inspiration. They taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of community support.

My professional journey in social work began at XXXX Community Development Corporation, where I took a lead role in organizing a landmark meeting with elected officials. We successfully voiced community concerns, addressing critical issues like infrastructure and public safety. This experience honed my skills in advocacy and highlighted the power of active listening and engagement.

Furthering my commitment, I volunteered at XXXX Volunteers in Medicine, assisting in providing healthcare to those unable to afford it. Here, I learned the critical role of accessible healthcare and the importance of educating communities about healthy living. These experiences have solidified my resolve to pursue a career in social work, focusing on advocating for essential services and support for underprivileged communities.

My aspiration to become a licensed clinical social worker, specializing in children’s mental health, aligns perfectly with the academic rigor and diverse environment offered by the Master of Social Work program at CSULB. As an undergraduate at CSULB, I was captivated by the program’s depth and the diverse perspectives it embraced. The experiences shared with students from varied backgrounds deepened my understanding of the multifaceted challenges in our society.

I am fully committed to investing my time and resources in the coursework and fieldwork placements at CSULB. The opportunity to study in a stimulating environment, surrounded by professionals who share my passion, will provide a solid foundation for my career. I bring with me a wealth of practical insights from working with low-income communities, the homeless, the elderly, and drug users. These experiences, I believe, will contribute significantly to our class discussions and align perfectly with CSULB’s mission of supporting vulnerable and oppressed populations.

My journey in social work is a commitment to those who struggle to be heard. At CSULB, I aim to further my skills, knowledge, and understanding, preparing myself to be a force for change and a voice for the voiceless. My goal is to ensure that every child, family, and community I work with gets the opportunity to thrive, just as I strive to make a meaningful impact in the field of social work.

• Strong Personal Connection : The statement effectively connects the candidate’s personal background as a child of Mexican immigrants to her empathy and understanding of underprivileged communities.
• Professional Experience : Highlights relevant work in community development and healthcare, which demonstrates practical skills in advocacy and community engagement.
• Academic and Career Goals : Clearly articulates the ambition to specialize in children’s mental health, aligning with CSULB’s program.
• Commitment to Social Work Values : Demonstrates a deep commitment to social justice, aligned with the mission of CSULB’s social work program.

Verdict: The personal statement is comprehensive and well-constructed, effectively demonstrating the candidate’s passion, relevant experience, and alignment with CSULB’s Master of Social Work program. The candidate’s background and professional aspirations make them a strong fit for the program.

Example 6: San Jose State University MSW Personal Statement Sample

In the heart of a small migrant community, where the sting of social inequities was a daily reality, my path toward a career in social work began to take shape. My childhood, marked by the challenges of racial discrimination and economic struggle, instilled in me not only resilience but a deep understanding of the complex social fabric that shapes communities. It was these formative experiences, coupled with my time volunteering at a local shelter, that solidified my dedication to advocating for social justice.

Professionally, my experiences have been closely aligned with the values at the core of social work. Serving as a community organizer, I worked alongside local leaders to tackle critical issues like housing affordability and healthcare accessibility, gaining valuable insights into the world of policy advocacy. Another pivotal role was as a counselor for at-risk youth, where I developed a keen understanding of the challenges faced by young people from diverse backgrounds. This role was instrumental in refining my skills in empathy and communication.

Looking ahead, my immediate goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a focus on trauma and PTSD. In the long run, I aspire to establish a non-profit dedicated to providing mental health services to marginalized communities. These ambitions are rooted in a deep-seated commitment to effecting lasting change for those society often overlooks.

San Jose State University’s MSW program, renowned for its emphasis on culturally competent practice, particularly with Latinx and other minority groups, aligns perfectly with both my personal and professional values. The program’s exceptional faculty and comprehensive curriculum stand out as ideal for nurturing my academic and professional growth.

In conclusion, I am confident that my time at San Jose State University will not only refine my existing skills but also expand my perspectives, equipping me to become an effective, empathetic social worker. I am eager to embrace the tools and knowledge that the program offers, to champion social justice and make a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need.

This MSW personal statement sample effectively showcases the candidate’s journey and motivation towards a career in social work. It does well in several key aspects:

• Personal Experience : The statement begins with a compelling narrative about the candidate’s upbringing in a diverse, challenging environment, effectively linking personal background to their interest in social work.
• Professional Alignment : The candidate skillfully ties their professional experiences, like community organizing and counseling, to the core values of social work- to demonstrate a clear understanding and commitment to the field.
• Future Goals & Alignment with the Program : The statement outlines specific short-term and long-term professional goals, aligning them with the strengths of San Jose State University’s MSW program. This demonstrates the candidate’s purposeful choice of program and their understanding of how it will support their career objectives.
• Flow and Clarity : The essay is well-structured, with each paragraph transitioning smoothly into the next, maintaining a clear and engaging narrative throughout.

Verdict: The statement presents a well-rounded, sincere, and focused candidate with a clear vision for their future in social work. It makes a strong case for their admission.

Example 7: Wayne State University MSW Personal Statement Sample

Your statement must address the following items:

• The National Association of Social Workers set forth important guiding principles to address social workers’ ethical responsibility to clients, colleagues, employers and employing organizations, the social work profession, and society.
• Describe how these ethical standards would shape your professional social work practice. How would you reconcile any conflicts between your personal values and the requirements of the profession?
• Describe why you believe you are a good fit with the mission of the Wayne State University School of Social Work, particularly its urban mission.
• Social workers are committed to social justice. Please describe your thoughts on a particular social and economic justice issue and how you intend to use your professional social work degree to address these issues.

As an African American with Native American roots, I have firsthand experience with the challenges faced by underserved communities. This background has deeply influenced my desire to pursue social work, driven by a belief in compassion, commitment, and competence. I aim to amplify my impact in this field by enhancing my skills, and I believe the MSW program at Wayne State University is the ideal setting for this growth.

My life in Detroit has exposed me to the myriad challenges of urban environments, from food deserts to unsafe public spaces and high crime rates. The city’s struggle with deindustrialization has led to job losses, property abandonment, and heightened poverty, which I believe positions me uniquely for Wayne’s urban mission. Understanding these issues firsthand, I feel equipped to contribute meaningfully to solutions.

In my current role with a youth assistance program, I work to prevent youths from entering the juvenile system and help rehabilitate those already involved. Our sessions include group counseling, academic enrichment, and life skills training, aimed at early intervention to improve life quality and academic performance.

My practice as a social worker is grounded in the ethical standards set forth by the National Association of Social Workers. I prioritize service above self-interest, as evidenced by my role as a Direct Care Worker for my sister with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am committed to social justice and understand the importance of dignity and respect for every individual, regardless of their background. My experience with Wayne State University’s XXXXXX program has further reinforced the value of human relationships in social work.

I recognize the potential conflicts between personal values and professional responsibilities. In such cases, I intend to adhere to the profession’s ethical standards, ensuring that my personal beliefs do not hinder my ability to serve clients effectively.

The Wayne State University School of Social Work’s urban mission resonates with my experiences and aspirations. My understanding of Detroit’s unique challenges aligns with the school’s focus on urban social work. I am particularly interested in addressing issues of poverty and economic disparity, leveraging my post-masters degree to initiate impactful programs like fundraisers for low-income students and collaborations with local food banks.

I am aware of the challenges in understanding certain aspects of social work, such as the dynamics of gang involvement. To address this, I plan to engage in continuous learning about various community issues to enhance my ability to serve diverse populations effectively.

My journey has not been without its challenges. While I have been actively involved in addressing the needs of victims of gang violence, I recognize a gap in my understanding of gang culture. To bridge this gap, I am committed to learning more about gang dynamics, history, and the socioeconomic factors that influence gang membership. This knowledge will be crucial in my work with at-risk youth, allowing me to provide more targeted and effective interventions.

Balancing the demands of graduate studies with work, family, and financial responsibilities will be challenging, but my experience in the Wayne State University XXXXX program has equipped me with valuable skills in time management and prioritization. I am prepared to fully commit to the MSW program, confident that it will transform me into an impactful social work professional aligned with Wayne State’s mission.

• Alignment with University’s Mission : The statement effectively aligns the student’s personal and professional experiences with Wayne State University’s urban mission.
• Ethical Awareness : Demonstrates a clear understanding of social work ethics and a commitment to upholding these standards in practice.
• Conflict Resolution : Thoughtfully addresses potential conflicts between personal values and professional responsibilities, indicating maturity and professional readiness.
• Commitment to Social Justice : Shows a strong dedication to social justice, particularly in addressing economic disparities and poverty.
• Continuous Learning : Emphasizes a willingness to learn and grow, especially in areas like understanding gang dynamics, which is crucial for effective social work.
• Personal Experiences : Successfully uses personal experiences to illustrate a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities.
• Realistic Approach : Acknowledges and prepares for the challenges of balancing graduate studies with other life responsibilities.

Verdict: The applicant shows a strong alignment with the program’s focus, demonstrates ethical awareness, and possesses a clear commitment to social justice and continuous learning. The statement shows maturity and readiness for the challenges of graduate study in social work.

Example 8: University of Pittsburg MSW Personal Statement Sample

Please describe in your personal statement the following:

• Influences in your life that led you to select social work as a profession
• Why you are applying to the University of Pittsburg School of Social Work
• How an MSW will help you achieve your career goals
• Your special skills and abilities, your strengths as well as your limitations
• How your abilities will contribute to your development as a professional social worker
• Discuss a contemporary issue that is of concern to you

Printed on my grandfather’s funeral brochure was an old Irish proverb: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” This sentiment has resonated with me deeply, as I have experienced significant loss in my life, from cancer to accidents and suicide. These experiences have not only shaped my understanding of grief but also steered me towards a career in social work, specifically in gerontology and hospice care.

During my final quarter at XXXXXXX State College, I met a hospice social worker whose impact on families dealing with end-of-life situations was profound. Her approach to helping families accept, celebrate life, and find peace in farewells deeply inspired me. It was then that I realized the power of social work in providing comfort and dignity in life’s final stages.

I am applying to the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work because of its strong gerontology program and its commitment to addressing contemporary issues like the impact of COVID-19 on the aging population. The pandemic has starkly highlighted the disparities in our healthcare system, especially concerning end-of-life care. I aim to contribute to this field by developing solutions to these emerging challenges, ensuring dignity and comfort for all in their final moments, regardless of their racial or socioeconomic status.

My work experience in childcare and hospitality has equipped me with patience, empathy, and a strong work ethic, qualities essential for a career in social work. Additionally, my volunteer work with XXXXXXX and the XXXXXXX has given me valuable experience in community service. However, I recognize my tendency to be overly trusting as a limitation. In the field of social work, discernment is crucial, and I am actively working on balancing empathy with professional objectivity.

At the University of Pittsburgh, I am particularly interested in courses like Grief and Loss: Interventions, Implications, and Understanding, and Direct Practice with Older Adults. These courses, coupled with field education in aging, hospice, or hospital settings, will be instrumental in achieving my career goals.

My commitment to serving the Pittsburgh community stems from my deep-rooted connection to the city. Witnessing the impact of the university’s alumni in the field has further motivated me to pursue my MSW here. I am fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead in the field of social work, but I am confident that the guidance and training offered by the University of Pittsburgh will equip me to tackle these challenges effectively.

My personal experiences with loss, combined with my professional aspirations and commitment to social justice, make me a suitable candidate for the MSW program. I am eager to contribute my skills, work ethic, and unique perspectives to the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and to grow into a compassionate and effective social worker.

• Connection of Personal Experience to Career Choice : Effectively links personal encounters with loss to a passion for social work, particularly in gerontology and hospice care.
• Alignment with Program’s Strengths : Clearly identifies why the University of Pittsburgh’s program, with its focus on gerontology, is a strong fit for the candidate’s career goals.
• Discussion of Contemporary Issues : Addresses the impact of COVID-19 on the aging population, showing awareness of current challenges in social work.
• Self-awareness and Growth : Acknowledges personal limitations, like being overly trusting, and the intention to work on balancing empathy with professional objectivity.
• Relevant Skills and Experience : Highlights experiences in childcare, hospitality, and volunteer work, which showcase skills valuable in social work.

Verdict: The statement demonstrates a clear connection between personal experiences and professional aspirations. It aligns effectively with the program’s focus, displays awareness of current social issues, and shows a commitment to personal growth- making the candidate a strong fit for the University of Pittsburgh’s MSW program.

Example 9: Case Western Reserve University MSW Personal Statement Sample

Discuss significant factors influencing your decision to pursue a Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA).

• Your essay should include information regarding your interest in the social work profession, your intended concentration/specialization, and career goals.
• Please reflect on how any past school, community, volunteer, professional work, and leadership experiences will contribute to your success as a graduate student.
• Describe how you see yourself contributing to the vibrancy of our student body and school community.
• Describe any strengths or limitations that might influence you being successful in your field placement.
• Finally, please include why the Mandel School is a good fit for your educational goals.

My decision to pursue a Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) at the Mandel School is deeply rooted in personal and professional experiences that have highlighted the profound impact of social work. My journey began with observing the complexities of mental health within my family, which instilled in me a passion for understanding and advocating for mental health care.

Growing up, I watched a beloved family member struggle with mental health challenges. Witnessing their battle and the ripple effect it had on our family stirred in me a resolve to support others facing similar trials. This resolve only deepened with the birth of my daughter, Eve, when I encountered my postpartum mood disorders. Through receiving treatment and support, I was empowered to overcome these challenges, which further fueled my aspiration to assist women grappling with similar issues.

In my professional role as a Health Coach and Personal Trainer, I’ve had the privilege of supporting clients like John and Anna, whose mental well-being was intertwined with their physical health goals. These experiences have honed my ability to listen empathetically and devise holistic approaches to wellness that I believe will be invaluable in my social work practice.

My immediate career goal is to establish a private practice focused on women’s mental health, particularly addressing postpartum mood disorders. I am inspired to create a space where women can seek help without stigma or silence. In the long term, I aspire to influence mental health policy, advocating for accessible care and support systems that recognize and address the silent struggles many women face.

The Mandel School’s commitment to academic excellence and its vibrant student body resonate with my educational and professional ethos. The school’s innovative approach to social work education, particularly in mental health, makes it an exceptional fit for my aspirations. My compassion, coupled with my professional experience and personal journey through mental health challenges, will contribute to the rich tapestry of the Mandel School community.

Ultimately, I envision my time at the Mandel School as a transformative experience that will not only deepen my understanding of social work but also equip me with the skills to make significant contributions to the field. With a community that fosters diversity of thought and experience, I am confident that my educational journey here will prepare me for a fulfilling and impactful career in social work.

• Personal Connection : The statement effectively establishes a personal connection to social work through the candidate’s family experiences with mental health.
• Professional Relevance : It highlights relevant work experience that translates well into social work competencies, particularly in understanding clients’ holistic needs.
• Clear Career Objectives : The candidate articulates well-defined short-term and long-term goals that align with their personal experiences and professional aspirations.
• School Alignment : There is a strong emphasis on how the Mandel School’s ethos resonates with the candidate’s goals, suggesting a thoughtful choice in their application.
• Contribution to Community : The statement outlines how the candidate’s unique experiences and compassion will add value to the student body and fieldwork.

Verdict: The candidate’s personal statement is compelling, demonstrating a strong, authentic motivation for pursuing an MSSA and a clear vision for how the Mandel School will help fulfill their career objectives.

Example 10: University of Pittsburg MSW Personal Statement Sample

• Influences in your life that led you to select social work as a profession.
• Why you are applying to Pitt’s School of Social Work.
• How an MSW will help you achieve your career goals.
• How your abilities will contribute to your development as a professional social worker.
• discuss a contemporary issue that is of concern to you.

At just seven years old, I witnessed the harsh realities of poverty, domestic violence, and addiction within my family. These experiences instilled in me a passion for social work, especially after seeing how social workers supported our family through my parents’ mental health and addiction challenges. This inspired me to pursue a career in this field to use my background and skills gained from an MSW program to assist individuals and families in their recovery processes.

Growing up, our family was caught up in a custody battle, leading my siblings and me to frequently navigate foster care and courtrooms. My parents’ struggle with addiction was alleviated by the support of social workers and case managers, who provided housing, food assistance, service coordination, and counseling. Tragically, both my parents eventually succumbed to drug overdoses. Though painful, these experiences further reinforced my commitment to social work and helping others facing similar struggles.

In recent years, I have been actively involved in social justice activism. My roles as a community organizer and development director for XXXXX Summer Camp, a non-profit empowering girls and non-binary youth through music and mentorship, highlighted the need for improved mental and behavioral health services. Volunteering as a delivery driver and food packager with XXXXX Aid during the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of community support for those in need.

My experience in event coordination, donor relationship building, and electoral campaign work has enabled me to contribute to meaningful change in my community, such as the successful XXXXX Wage initiative in Oregon, which improved the lives of countless workers. Serving on the XXXXX Democratic Committee for Ward Four, I have amplified community voices and supported candidates who advocate for accessible mental and behavioral health services, safe and affordable housing, and environmental protection.

A contemporary issue that concerns me is the effectiveness of harm reduction techniques in treating mental health and dual-diagnosis clients. I aim to explore how these techniques can be integrated into traditional substance abuse treatment models to better meet the mental health needs of individuals like my parents. Additionally, I am interested in how mental health professionals and addiction treatment providers can collaborate to provide comprehensive care for dual-diagnosis clients.

Obtaining an MSW will empower me to become a skilled, compassionate, and trauma-informed clinician. My goal is to contribute to accessible mental and behavioral health services, particularly for trauma survivors, and advocate for inclusive, culturally responsive, and restorative justice practices.

I am empathetic and easily connect with people, and my resilience in adversity will contribute to my development as a professional social worker. These qualities have supported me in helping my sister Cheyan and in my social justice work.

I chose the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work for its highly-ranked program and specialization in mental health. This program aligns with my goal of employing harm reduction strategies for dual-diagnosis clients. Additionally, its proximity to my family will enable me to support them while pursuing my education.

I am eager to return to the University of Pittsburgh and embark on this transformative journey to become a professional social worker. The MSW program will enable me to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need compassionate and trauma-informed care. I am confident that this program will honor my family’s legacy and empower me to create positive change for countless individuals and families in need.

• Personal Experience as a Motivation : The applicant compellingly uses their personal history of overcoming poverty, domestic violence, and addiction to demonstrate a deep-rooted motivation for pursuing social work.
• Community Involvement : The statement highlights significant community engagement and activism, showcasing a commitment to social justice and change.
• Professional Development : Details about event coordination, campaign involvement, and leadership roles show the applicant’s ability to effect change and work collaboratively.
• Academic and Career Goals : The applicant clearly articulates their interest in harm reduction techniques and their intent to enhance their skills through the MSW program.
• Personal Qualities : Empathy and resilience are emphasized as strengths that will aid in their development as a social worker.

Verdict: The statement presents a well-rounded candidate with a powerful personal connection to social work, backed by active community involvement and clear professional goals. Their commitment to addressing complex social issues, coupled with their personal strengths, shines throughout the statement.

Before you go…

You should be inspired enough to craft your authentic MSW personal statement. But you still need experienced eyes to deeply review it for flow, tone, logical structure, and clarity! See how I can help you below…

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Related Articles:

Social Work Personal Statement Guide (w/Examples)

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Master of Social Work Personal Statement Example

If you’re applying to your Master of Social Work, you probably know that the personal statement is one of the most important documents in your application. It’s also usually the most daunting.

Most people don’t know how to write a personal statement that stands out. As a result, applicants struggle to show admissions committees their unique skills, strengths, and experience.

In this article we will be reviewing best practices and a social work personal statement example. You can also get a copy of the MSW Personal Statement Template to help you brainstorm for your personal statement.

What Schools of Social Work are looking for

The vast majority of schools of social work are looking for you to talk about the following in your personal statement:

Your personal experiences (from your life, professional experiences, schooling etc).

A discussion of a social problem and how social workers can work towards solving it.

Your motivation or goals for becoming a social worker

Schools may also often ask about things like ethics, alignment with the school, values, conflict, and how you intend to manage the demands of the program, but almost every school asks the above two questions, so this is a great place to start.

Create cohesion in the personal statement

One way to really stand out in your personal statement is to create cohesion between your experiences and the social justice issue you discuss. This gives the admissions committee the impression that you're driven by your mission to become a social worker and contribute to the field in a meaningful way.

MSW personal statement example

Discussing personal experiences.

Schools often ask applicants to talk about their personal and professional experiences in the personal statement.

What you need to do is think about the insights you gained from your experiences. Many applicants make the mistake of regurgitating their roles and responsibilities from their resume, but admissions committees are looking for you to take it deeper in your personal statement.

Example: “As a South Asian woman, my depression and anxiety went on a lot longer than it should have because the stigma and shame I experienced from my family and the inability to find a therapist who understood my culture prevented me from getting the help I needed.”

In this example, instead of just talking about the fact that she has personal experience with depression and anxiety, she was able to draw insights about challenges faced by people in her culture.

Example: “As a volunteer at a community centre, I noticed that the clients who used our services did not match the demographic in the community as a whole. This led me to believe that certain groups faced barriers to accessing services because of stigma and a lack of culturally relevant services.”

Whether you are talking about personal or professional experiences be sure to connect your experience to the “big picture.” When thinking about your experiences, what is really going on at the micro, mezzo, and macro level?

The social justice issue:

Once you’ve uncovered insights, you can talk about a social justice issue related to your experience and goals.

Example: “The research shows that people from South Asian cultures are more receptive to social workers from the same background who understand their needs, yet, there is a lack of South Asian social workers to meet this need.”

Using research in your personal statement shows the admissions committee that there is a need for social workers in your area of interest, and that you have the critical thinking skills they are looking for as an academic.

Keep in mind that the personal statement is not meant to be a research paper. 1-2 points to back up your insights is perfect when writing a personal statement. I also recommend citing your paper properly with APA Formatting (or whatever formatting style you are used to).

Your goals as a social worker:

Finally, you should connect your experience and social justice issue with your goals as a social worker.

Example: “My goal is to become a clinical social worker who specializes in working with people from South Asian cultures, and to use my lived experience to connect with clients and fill this gap.”

When you create cohesion between your experiences by discussing your insights, and using those insights to inform your social justice issue and goals as a social worker, you’ll create a compelling personal statement, and you’ll make it a no-brainer to admissions committees that you’ll make a meaningful contribution to the field of social work.

Why it’s important to create cohesion in your personal statement

When Master of Social Work applicants answer the personal statement prompts in a random and unplanned manner, it gives the reader the impression that the applicant doesn’t have strong reasoning behind why they want to pursue a Master of Social Work.

For example , don’t talk about children's mental health if your goal is to become a hospice social worker.

Master of Social Work Template

If you are applying to your Master of Social Work grab a copy of the Master of Social Work Personal Statement Template. This easy to fill template was designed to help you identify your insights, potential social justice issues, and your goals in a cohesive way.

Click here to get the personal statement template.

Designed to help you brainstorm your experiences and insights, develop your social justice issue and goals as a social worker in minutes!

Happy writing!

Michelle Bruxer is the Founder & CEO of MSW Helper, and a Registered Social Worker in Ontario.

MSW Helper is a resource hub designed to help future social workers get accepted to their dream MSW programs. Through our personal statement editing services and free resources, we’re here to help you write your MSW personal statement with confidence.

MSW Helper is the ONLY grad school application service designed specifically for students who are applying to social work programs. Learn more about MSW Helper here.

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Guide to Effective Social Work Personal Statements

Table of Contents

A social worker is someone who helps people navigate life’s challenges. They use a variety of skills, including emotional intelligence, communication, and problem-solving, to help people achieve their goals.

Social workers help clients understand how circumstances impact them and offer support and guidance to create positive change in their lives. If you need help crafting a  social worker personal statement , don’t fret. You’re in the right place.

Understanding Personal Statements

Personal statements are short paragraphs that showcase a person’s values, qualities, and character . They are important in all applications, whether job or college. 

The rationale behind personal statements is they help recruiters understand an applicant better. Personal statements are less about writing skills and more about effectively representing your best traits. Even so, many people still have a difficult time writing effective statements. 

Don’t get discouraged if you count among them. Here are some tips to help you write a compelling social work personal statement.

Tips for Writing a Social Work Personal Statement

Social work personal statements don’t have to be difficult. You need only follow a few rules to deliver a compelling representation of your values and character. 

Start by Introducing Your Passion

Begin your social work personal statement like any other essay. – With a compelling introduction.

Whether you’re applying to a university program or a job, recruiters will care about your passion and dedication to social work. Your first statement should show your connection to the field and your willingness to study. 

Use Clear, Concise Language

Your personal statement’s main purpose is to give recruiters a glimpse of your personality . Clear, concise language is the best way to deliver a strong message and allow readers to accurately understand your thoughts.

While you can add Social Work jargon, make sure to limit them. You wouldn’t want to muddle your message by overusing them.

Give Specific Illustrative Examples

Specific examples are key to showcasing your value and passion as a social worker. Specific examples also give the reader an idea of your social work experience and which cases you can handle. Remember that the most life-changing experiences will always have the most vivid details.

Leverage Emotion

Social work can get extremely stressful. For someone to forego expressing their emotions can be strange, given a social worker’s exposure to the harsh realities of the job. Don’t be afraid to show how your experiences made you feel and how they changed you. 

Showing your emotions makes for an authentic personal statement that is more likely to capture attention.

Proofread Your Work

Finally, take the time to go through your work. While mistakes are far from a reason to disqualify your application, they can hurt the impression you leave. Check your work for any spelling and grammatical errors and correct them accordingly.

Social Worker Personal Statement Samples

I am an experienced social worker, and my years of practice have instilled in me the capacity to comprehend individuals’ unique situations and needs. I can remain empathetic while maintaining a practical approach to problem-solving.

Additionally, I have developed the ability to exercise diplomacy in difficult conversations. This has been essential for fostering relationships between service providers and community members. 

I am confident that I possess the necessary experience and skill set to be an asset to any organization.

I aim to pursue a career in Social Work. I believe that gaining a degree from a reputable university is the best way to start my journey. My current role involves working with families in vulnerable home situations, guiding them through what can be an incredibly difficult process. This has given me first-hand experience of the positive impact that social work can have on people’s lives. I’ve also learned the importance of understanding both sociology and psychology when it comes to providing support. 

I am passionate about developing my skills and learning more to offer better care to those who need it most. I’m confident that a Social Work graduate course at a good university would give me the tools I need. It will also equip me with the necessary knowledge for different roles within the field. 

I look forward to continuing my studies and establishing a successful career where I can help make life better for disadvantaged families. I will apply all of my enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work to achieve this.

I have been working with children for years, helping them face the day-to-day issues of their health and well-being. Through my professional experience in a variety of roles, I have helped people from diverse backgrounds. They’ve learned to open up, read pages that changed lives, and play together as a group. 

They know they can rely on me. 

This has given me an invaluable opportunity to pursue social work in graduate school. Here, I am confident I can help more people in need and hone my craft even further. Knowing some require assistance is humbling yet empowering. It drives me to better myself daily to be fully equipped to make a positive impact.

As a Social Work student, I have committed myself to the well-being of children for years. My experience in working with them has given me invaluable insight into how best to approach them and provide the care they require. 

While not every situation is the same, my listening capacity lets me quickly ascertain each child’s circumstances. As such, it brings me great pleasure to make meaningful contributions toward empowering these vulnerable members of society.

As a social work student, I have deeply invested in advancing the well-being of underserved communities. With unwavering commitment and compassion, I strive to provide support for those who are facing difficult circumstances. 

As a lifelong learner and advocate for the marginalized, I work to refine my knowledge and develop innovative social work strategies. 

A  social worker personal statement   is a relatively easy task as long as you follow a set structure and apply our tips. Always remember the purpose of your content, and write with purpose. May you have a prosperous social work career! 

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Graduate School Admissions: Writing an Effective Personal Statement

By: David C. Prichard, Ph.D.

This article focuses on the central role that the personal statement plays in the MSW application process. Strategies are presented for writing an effective statement that will highlight and emphasize applicant strengths congruent with the values of particular Schools of Social Work. The author has chaired the MSW Admissions Committee at the University of New England (UNE) over the past three years, and has assisted in the review of several hundred MSW application packages. During this period, the application procedures were completely revamped, and UNE was subsequently acknowledged in 1995 by the Council on Social Work Education in its Site Visit Report for reaffirmation of accreditation as having developed an admissions process that is "one of the more elaborate, perhaps, in social work education," and for using " . . . as primary sources of decisions, its applicants' personal statements and references." It is from this background that the author offers practical insights and suggestions for writing a personal statement that will increase the likelihood of a good match between student applicant and MSW program.

The Admission Process

Admission policies and procedures among Schools of Social Work vary widely; so too, do the criteria used to evaluate MSW applicants. In general, schools use GRE scores and academic transcripts as quantitative measures to predict academic success. The personal statement, letters of reference, and the application form (including employment and other social work-related experience) are qualitative indicators that may be used to suggest the "fit" between the applicant and the particular school. As the validity of GRE scores comes under increasing criticism (Donahoe & Thyer, 1992), Schools of Social Work, like UNE, are increasingly relying on the personal statement as a qualitative measure of the likelihood of an applicant's "success" with a particular MSW curriculum.

UNE may be representative of a more heavy emphasis on narrative to evaluate MSW applicants. In this approach, two faculty review each student application on the following 6 criteria:

• work-related (paid and volunteer) and life experiences;
• meaning attached by applicant to work-related (paid and volunteer) and life experiences;
• previous academic and professional training;
• composition and content of personal statement;
• references, and;
• experience with and understanding of human dignity, empowerment, social justice, and oppression.

GRE scores are not considered, and the use of undergraduate GPAs is minimized. The faculty reviewers are made familiar in advance with the application materials, particularly regarding where data related to each of the six evaluative criteria may be located within the materials. Reviewers are instructed to consult the student's personal statement for data in all categories but references; the data in all categories are in turn measured against the School's mission statement. Given this approach to evaluating MSW applications, applicants should craft their personal statements carefully, keeping the School's mission statement in mind.

The Personal Statement and the School Mission Statement

The personal statement should reflect careful consideration of the schools to which the applicant has chosen to apply. It gives applicants the opportunity to highlight experiences and reasons for their interest in the field, and allows the school's Admissions Committee to evaluate the compatibility between the values and goals of the applicant and those of the school, while maintaining and assuring diversity within the student body. Without question, well-developed personal statements have contributed to the acceptance of many applicants; poorly written ones to the non-acceptance.

The values and goals of Schools of Social Work vary greatly, and applicants should seek schools whose mission statements fit well with their own values and goals for practice. What are the values and principles that form the foundation of the school? Applicants should reflect upon these carefully. What do they mean? If a school emphasizes the concepts of oppression, social justice, empowerment, dignity, compassion, and respect, what do these mean and how has the life of the applicant been affected in these areas? One of the tasks of the applicant is to tap into her internalized experience of these values to allow the richness of her life to come alive.

The purpose of a well-written personal statement is three-fold. First, it should describe how the applicant's interest in social work developed; second, it needs to consider the applicant's perception of personal strengths and areas in need of development in relation to becoming a professional social worker; and third, it should describe an understanding of the school's mission statement in relation to the applicant's experience and vision of professional social work.

What events in her total life experiences have led the applicant to the field of social work? What is her story, and how did it lead her to apply to this specific school? This is the opportunity to show the link between what may appear on the surface to be disparate life experiences. It is the chance for the applicant to narrate her story and come alive to the faculty reviewer and become a living, thinking, feeling human being with a life full of meaningful experiences.

A Case Example

Using the values of the mission of the UNE School of Social Work, let's examine how an applicant might incorporate the values of the School to carefully craft a summary paragraph in a personal statement. The mission statement of the UNE School of Social Work states, in part, a commitment ". . . to the values of human dignity, individual and cultural diversity, individual and collective self-determination, and social justice . . . to struggle against oppression including all forms of discrimination, social and economic injustice, and violence . . . assessment of social, psychological, economic and organizational oppression, (and) their impact on people's lives, and the strengths people have developed to endure, resist, and change . . . and to promote human relationships grounded in mutuality, compassion, and dignity."

An applicant might present her life and professional experiences using the language and terminology consistent with the values of the stated mission of the School. A paragraph in the personal statement, then, might read as follows:

The values that the School presents in its mission statement are not just words for me. As a lesbian, I have lived the oppression of a society grounded in heterosexist patriarchy, and have experienced firsthand the social and economic injustices suffered by my women and lesbians friends, as well as the working poor. A quiet person by nature, I have discovered a voice that I did not know I had. I have added my voice to those seeking equal rights for same sex partners and continue my struggle to receive health care benefits for my partner of 15 years. I have come to recognize and value the strengths and resiliencies I have developed by necessity to survive the neglect and abuse of my childhood and use these in my ongoing struggle against the discrimination and societal injustices that I experience as a woman and as a lesbian.

Notice how this excerpt from a fictional applicant allows the applicant to come alive to the reader in a passionate, enthusiastic manner while clearly using the language and the values presented in the mission statement of the School. It should be clear that the values of the School and those of the student appear compatible and that there might be a good match here.

In the following fictional excerpt, note the apparent incongruence between the values and goals of the applicant and those of the School, suggesting a poor fit between the School and applicant.

In conclusion, I have always been intrigued by psychological issues, and have actually done quite a lot of reading in the field. I feel that I am an excellent communicator and that I would be able to help clients deal with their problems. My ultimate goal is to become part of a group private practice, and although I am concerned about the current insurance problems and third party reimbursement concerns, I believe that there continues to be a need for MSWs to help people with their psychological and social problems. I believe that the MSW is the most powerful degree to have to provide psychotherapy to clients, and that we will become increasingly recognized by HMOs and managed care companies as the most effective providers. This is the degree that will most aptly enable me, as a psychotherapist in private practice, to help those afflicted with mental illness to become more productive members of society.

Either of these excerpts may be acceptable and, perhaps, even appropriate, depending on the School to which the applicant is applying; however, given the summary of the values of the above School, the first excerpt clearly represents a better fit than the second. In the first we experience a strengths-based perspective and a genuine sense of the struggles and of the "voice" of the applicant-the person behind the words; in the second, we see a more traditional pathology-based perspective and an emphasis on the career ambitions of the applicant.

Recommendations

Four general recommendations are offered to applicants. First, they need to come to a clear understanding of their own values and career goals, and how these are informed by their total life experiences. Second they should come to a clear understanding of the values and goals of the School of Social Work to which they plan to apply. This may be accomplished through faculty, field instructor, and alumni interviews, review of mission statements, review of past core curriculum syllabi, and a library search and review of the literature produced by current faculty. Third, they need to determine which Schools have values that are compatible with their own. Fourth, they need to develop personal statements that reflect the influences in their lives that contributed to an interest in the profession of social work. These statements should reflect a clear understanding of the mission statement of the particular school.

In summary, the purpose of the application process is to give the applicant and the school the chance to screen one another. Applications should be completed only after careful examination of the mission and goals of particular schools, and personal statements need to show a clear understanding of and connection to the values and goals of the school and its curriculum. Perhaps the most useful recommendation for potential applicants is to take the time to reflect on and write out the values and beliefs that guide their lives, inform their behavior, and provide meaning to their life experiences, and to seek out schools that are compatible to these. This done, the personal statement should flow naturally and genuinely, because it will be based on the knowledge, truth, wisdom, and authenticity of personal life experience.

David C. Prichard, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Social Work and Chair of the MSW Admissions Committee at the University of New England.

Copyright © 1996 White Hat Communications. All rights reserved. From THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER , Fall 1996, Vol. 3, No. 2. For reprints of this or other articles from THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER (or for permission to reprint), contact Linda Grobman, publisher/editor, at P.O. Box 5390, Harrisburg, PA 17110-0390, or at [email protected] .

All material published on this website Copyright 1994-2023 White Hat Communications. All rights reserved. Please contact the publisher for permission to reproduce or reprint any materials on this site. Opinions expressed on this site are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Writing an Effective Personal Statement for a Social Work Position

Learn how to write an effective personal statement for a social work position that highlights your passion, qualifications, skills, and goals for the future.

A personal statement is an important component of a social worker's job application, as it provides an opportunity to showcase the individual's values, skills, and experience. Social work is a rewarding but challenging profession that requires a high level of commitment and empathy. A well-written personal statement can help demonstrate an applicant's fit for the role and their passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others.

When writing a personal statement for a social work position , it's important to start by highlighting your passion for the field. This could include discussing the experiences that have motivated you to pursue a career in social work, such as volunteering at a shelter, mentoring at-risk youth, or working with individuals experiencing homelessness. Discuss your personal philosophy and approach to social work, and how you plan to contribute to the field.

In addition to your passion for social work, your personal statement should also emphasize your qualifications and experience. This could include discussing your education, training, and professional experience. Highlight any relevant coursework or certifications you have obtained, and discuss any practical experience you have in the field. If you've worked with a particular population or in a specific area of social work, be sure to discuss this in detail, as it demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the field.

It's also important to highlight your skills as a social worker, such as your ability to build rapport with clients, your empathy and compassion, your strong communication skills, and your ability to work collaboratively with other professionals. Provide specific examples of situations in which you've demonstrated these skills, and how they have contributed to positive outcomes for your clients.

Finally, it's important to discuss your goals for the future, and how you see yourself contributing to the social work profession over the long term. This could include discussing your interest in pursuing additional training or education, or your desire to work with a particular population or in a specific area of social work. By highlighting your long-term goals, you demonstrate your commitment to the field and your desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

In conclusion, a personal statement for a social work position should highlight your passion for the field, your qualifications and experience, your skills as a social worker, and your long-term goals. By crafting a thoughtful and well-written personal statement, you can demonstrate your fit for the role and your dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

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5 Helpful Tips for Writing Your MSW Personal Statement

For those in pursuit of their master in social work, the MSW Personal Statement is an important stepping stone all must confront along the way. What exactly is this personal statement all about? Here's the scoop, in the form of five helpful tips for writing an effective MSW personal statement.

Stay Topic-Focused

One of the primary things one should keep in mind throughout the process is the core purpose of the personal statement. This statement is meant to provide your school with some information with which to further understand your own personal goals, past accolades, and reasons for pursuing the MSW. It's also meant to gauge your overall commitment to the cause of social work as well as an ability to provide a comprehensive and effective essay. A great sample rundown of the expectations of the statement can be found here .

Prewrite Thoroughly

This is a significant essay that really needs to be done thoughtfully. To get a good start, just like in any other type of writing task, prewriting can really help you to start to gather a wide range of ideas into related bits of information that could be included in the final product. Begin by simply listing all ideas that come to mind involving the material you are being specifically asked for. Keep a pen and paper or cell phone, or other means to record thoughts with you while out so you can record valuable thoughts that may materialize on the subject. To take prewriting a step further, consider linking your ideas together according to relation to each other or their common contribution to the main topic.

Proofread Aggressively

Proofreading is yet another elementary step in the writing process taken for granted by a surprising number of writers. Even when you have proofread once, you can still find otherwise hidden problems by proofreading several more times. As important as this particular product is, you should spare no time at all in thoroughly proofreading what you intend to submit. Another great aid here can be found in seeking out the opinions of multiple other people as to the efficacy of your final piece.

Consult With Others

Sometimes, one of the very best things we can do in such an important endeavor is to seek the outside assistance of others. Whether it's for the purpose of proofreading, as mentioned above, or for guidance from faculty or student advisors on general matters of context, reaching out is nothing more than a fantastic sign of your drive to succeed here. Another great resource to consult with is the student who already successfully satisfied this step of the MSW process.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Finally, and maybe even most importantly, try to give yourself ample time to get this task done. To the trained eye reading hundreds of these statements each year, signs of rush hidden to you will likely show in the quality of your final product. To make the task even more manageable, split it up into five or more mini-tasks. Assign yourself due dates for each task comfortably along the breadth of your calendar. When there is free time to spare between these dates, use it to comfortably start making progress into the next phase in the process.

Those highly educated in the field of social work are holders of a truly noble understanding in society today. The five tips discussed here are meant to provide some extra basis from which to gain a great start in producing an effective personal statement.

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How to Write an Effective Personal Statement for Grad School

Written by Michelle, Founder of MSW Helper

Schools of social work are looking for your ability to think critically and contribute to the social work field. This is more important than your grades and experience. I know this because I’ve seen people with high grades and a ton of experience get rejected from the program because they weren’t able to articulate their critical thinking skills (and I’ve seen it go the other way too, where applicants with low grades and little experience get accepted because of their strong personal statement).

So, let’s talk about how you can write an effective personal statement for your grad school application.

Michelle is the Founder of MSW Helper, where she helps Master of Social Work Applicants write top notch personal statements for grad school. Michelle understands how stressful applying to the MSW can be, and strives to help applicants feel confident about their applications. 

Check out her website to learn more: https://www.mswhelper.com/

What schools of social work are looking for

In my experience, most schools of social work ask about these key areas:

• Your experiences that motivated you to become a social worker, including personal, professional, academic, and other experiences
• A discussion of a social problem and how social workers can work towards solving it
• Your goals as a social worker

In addition, schools of social work typically assess your personal statement for the following:

• Evidence of critical and analytical thinking skills
• Potential contribution to the field of social work
• Your ability to communicate clearly and succinctly

This is how you can demonstrate all of the following key areas seamlessly.

Contribution to the field

Let’s look at a personal statement of a past MSW applicant:

Applicant name: Sally ●        Experiences : Sally works at a women’s shelter and talks about what she learned there. ●        Social Justice Issue : Sally decides to talk about an issue within child welfare. ●        Goal : Sally mentions that she wants to get an MSW so that she can qualify for a job at the hospital.

There are a few issues with Sally’s personal statement.

First, there is no cohesion between her experience, social justice issue, and goals, which makes it hard for the reader to understand why she wants to pursue an MSW and how she’ll be an asset to the field.

Second, Sally is talking about how an MSW will be beneficial for her, which comes off as a bit self-serving. When writing a personal statement, it’s important to talk about how pursuing an MSW will allow her to help others.

With this in mind, let’s see an example of how Sally could improve her personal statement:

Applicant: Sally ●        Experiences : Sally works at a women’s shelter and talks about what she learned there. ●        Social Justice Issue : Sally discusses an insight from her time at the women’s shelter, and backs it up with research that proves that her observation is part of a larger social problem.  ●        Goal : This issue that Sally noticed at the women’s shelter inspired her to get her MSW so that she can address that issue and support her clients in a different capacity and advocate for women’s rights at the macro level.

Better, right?

In this version of her personal statement, Sally demonstrates a high level of critical thinking by talking about her insights and backing them up with research, and she demonstrates her potential contribution to the field by discussing how a Master of Social Work will allow her to serve others in a greater capacity. 

If you’re planning to write a personal statement, a great place to start is to think about insights and problems you’ve observed from your work, volunteer, placement, and personal experiences, and use those insights to develop your social justice problem.

Evidence of critical and analytical thinking

In addition to demonstrating your potential to contribute to the field, there are some tangible ways you can demonstrate your critical thinking skills.

First, make sure you understand what social work actually is.

This might sound obvious, but there are a surprising number of applicants who have a pretty limited understanding of what social work entails. I don’t blame them. The media often portrays a specific image of what social workers look like (usually involving child welfare, case workers, or therapists).

However, social work is so much more than that. Social workers work at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of society, and can work in many areas at each of these levels.

Also, many applicants pursue social work out of a desire to help others, but it’s not good enough to say that in your personal statement. There are a lot of other jobs you can do that would allow you to help others. Think about how social workers are different from other helping professions (such as nurses, psychologists, police officers, teachers, lawyers, etc.).  Why do you want to be a social worker and not another helping profession?

Understanding what social work is will help you provide a stronger and more thorough answer to the question of “why” you want to become a social worker.

Finally, connect your insights to the bigger picture by integrating research into your personal statement .

It’s one thing to talk about the issues you’ve noticed from your experiences, and it’s another to connect your insight to the bigger picture with the help of research.

Let’s look at Sally again.

Sally’s role at the women’s shelter is to help her clients who experienced domestic violence find housing. Sally noticed that many of her previously housed clients got evicted and ended up back at the shelter.

Sally also did some research and found studies to suggest that women who experience domestic violence have an overall higher rate of housing instability due to barriers such as income loss and lack of social support.

This knowledge motivated Sally to pursue a Master of Social Work so that she can move into a policy role to advocate for income and social support for women who experience domestic violence.

Connecting experience to research will demonstrate a high level of critical thinking.

Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly

When it comes to writing your personal statement, it’s not only what you say, but also how you say it. Admissions committees are typically assessing your personal statement for your writing ability.

Make it easy to read : Admissions committees read literally hundreds of personal statements each application season, so it’s likely that whoever reads your personal statement is going to quickly skim through your personal statement to find your answers. With that in mind, it’s important to make your personal statement as skimmable and easy to read as possible.

You can do this by adding headings that match each question or prompt so that the reader can easily see that you did answer each prompt.

You should also be concise and get rid of filler words and sentences that don’t directly answer the prompts.

Finally, you should always try to include an introduction and a conclusion in your personal statement where you summarize your experience, social justice problem, and goals. This will allow the reader to get your whole story in a few sentences, and leave them with a strong impression at the beginning and end of your personal statement.

Treat your personal statement like an academic writing sample: Many applicants don’t realize that the personal statement is a sample of your academic writing and research skills. One way to stand out is to treat your personal statement like a school paper. I often advise applicants to use full APA formatting when writing their personal statement, as this will make your personal statement look more professional and will stand out from the crowd. 

Creating Your Own MSW Personal Statement

When writing a personal statement for your MSW, it’s important to demonstrate your potential contribution to the field, critical thinking skills, and strong writing ability. If you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to writing an effective personal statement that stands out.

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Why study social work (personal statement)

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In applying for social work, you will need to write a social work personal statement that explains why you want to study social work . 

In this article, I have appended my own personal statement below. This was the personal statement I submitted that eventually helped me to get a place in the University of Nottingham (UK). I hope it gives you an example to learn from.

Also, I wanted to add some tips that helped me write a personal statement. 

1. Set a deadline for your personal statement. 

No work will ever be perfect. Yet we often fall into the fallacy of writing and rewriting, editing and re-editing. We think we can make the perfect personal statement that will land us in social work. 

We can’t make it perfect. Before you start writing, you need to know when you have to stop and submit. There is a saying in Chinese that goes, 画蛇添足 (painting legs onto a snake). It tells the story of an art competition. During that competition, an artist, in his quest for perfection, ended up adding legs to his painting of a snake. Naturally, he lost. 

The moral of the story is that there will never be a perfect picture, or perfect personal statement. What matters is that you have tried.  

2. Start writing your personal statement. 

Often, our quest for perfection or plain procrastination stops us from writing. Frequently, we try planning in detail, without actually writing. In my experience, I was pushed for time. I had been awarded a scholarship, but no university place offered to me. Due to the urgency of the matter, I had to write quickly. I had to submit. 

There was no time to think. 

Similarly, rather than spending too much time thinking, simply start writing. Writing has a magical way of sorting out your thoughts. Later, you can always come back to edit it. 

3. Include real-life examples of why you want to study social work. 

As you can see below, I included examples from my own experiences being helped by a social worker and helping others as a volunteer. The truth is: facts tell, stories sell. Stories give the applications panel another side to you. They make you real. 

In writing your stories, be clear about what your role was. What did you contribute? What did you do? What was your impact? Did anyone praise you?

Secondly, link it to the wider motivation for social work. What did your experience teach you? How did it push you to decide on a career in social work? 

Lastly, you need to clarify. Why does social work matter to you?

4. Edit your personal statement. 

Grammatical and spelling mistakes are a no-no. They show that you have not spent as much effort as you should have on your personal statement. When editing, print out a copy of your personal statement, and then read it out loud. 

Secondly, reading it out aloud helps you to hear the arguments. It lets you see if the arguments make sense, flow well, and are cogently linked together. 

This advice, from Cal Newport’s book, How To Be A Straight A Student, helped greatly. You can read it if you would like to get your first too!

5. Give your personal statement to someone else to read. 

Fortunately, I had a friend who was a social worker. She agreed to read my personal statement. From that reading, she gave me valuable feedback on what I could improve on. 

Having someone else to read removes our blind spots. Having interacted so much with your personal statement, you might be too emotionally invested in it to remove parts that are not as good. Therefore, having someone else helps to make your essay much better. 

I hope the advice here helps you to write a better personal statement on ‘why study social work?’

Example of personal statement

This was the personal statement I wrote that eventually allowed me to be accepted into the University of Nottingham’s BA Social Work course.

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” Indeed, I have come to see how a life well-lived is one through which we give out of the largesse of our hearts. With a desire to engender positive change in the society around me, contributing to the community that has nurtured me, studying social work develops the expertise needed to aid the communities around me. 

My desire to study social work stems from a wish to help people deal with the befuddling complexities of life, for which there is often no proper problem-solving method, and certainly no correct answer. What piqued my interest in social work was a first-hand encounter with social workers, who inspired me to take up social work myself.

In college, I remembered seeing my mother bent over the toilet bowl, vomiting out the remains of her previous meal. Days later, she was stripped of her once lustrous, beautiful hair. Watching my mother buried under blankets, trying to keep warm, I was overcome by a sense of helplessness. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in June. The months after were a harrowing experience. 

So often used to the pillar of strength my mother represented, to see her reduced to such a state, ravaged by the destruction of cancer, terrified and frightened me. As the eldest in the family, I had to take on additional responsibilities at home on top of my academic workload. It was arduous juggling the various obligations. There were times when exhaustion overtook me, causing me to fall asleep in my uniform, waking up only to fight another day. 

However, I was fortunate to have the guidance of a social worker, who helped me regain emotional balance. She enabled me to stand on my own two feet again, anchoring myself in the midst of the changes that were happening around me. Just as I have been so helped, I desire to offer lifebuoys of aid to others, assisting them in finding greater emotional stability and eventually soaring towards a more fulfilling life.

Intrigued by the complexities of social work, I joined YGOS, a welfare organization reaching out to youths from disadvantaged backgrounds, as an intern. There, I worked with youths who were doing poorly academically and exhibiting behavioral problems. I enjoyed the opportunity I had to personally mentor these youths, working closely with them to improve their academic grades and attitude towards learning. Having a hand in molding them positively, revealed the possibilities that social work offered in eliciting real change in the community around me.

The myriad of opportunities that an overseas education offers me excites me. Exposure to a different welfare system will further my perspectives on the various welfare models in the world, and broaden my horizons on the pros and cons that each welfare system inherently possesses. Studying overseas will push me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to live independently. Experiencing another culture, environment, and country will open my eyes to the diversity in the world, and begin seeing the world in a different lens. 

Beyond school, I volunteer regularly with the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore. In one of my earliest experiences volunteering, I was teaching a boy to write the alphabet “A”. After struggling for thirty minutes, he threw up his arms, exclaiming, “I don’t know how to write this!” For him, the writing of such a simple alphabet had already prompted so much difficulty. 

It was a reminder that in the search for the academic “A”s in our lives, it is such a blessing to even have the chance to search. Volunteering regularly has equipped me with empathy, which will aid me in better understanding my clients’ needs, finding lasting solutions for them.

Through social work, I hope to impact the world, shaping it, one person at a time, community by community, walking with my clients through some of their darkest emotional tunnels, and helping them to find the light again.

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I have always been a people person and tend to be the first choice ‘shoulder to cry on’ for friends of both sexes. I have been told that I am a good listener and I find it easy to not only sympathise, but also to empathise with other people’s problems. These talents have been recognised at my school, where I have been a student counsellor for the past year. In this role, I help fellow students to talk about their problems and liaise with the relevant parties, such as teachers, house masters and the school pastoral care leaders. I hugely enjoy this work, as I can see how much difference a friendly face can make in times of trouble, as well as the impact of practical help and representation when you are feeling too emotional or confused to act for yourself. 

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Trump trial recap: Listen to clip of Trump, Michael Cohen allegedly talking hush money

Michael Cohen took a Manhattan jury step by step through Donald Trump's alleged efforts to buy the silence of adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the waning weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign.

Under gentle questioning from prosecutors, Trump's former fixer said the reality TV star told him to "Just do it" when the time came to pay Daniels $130,000 to stay quiet about a purported sexual encounter .

"Women are gonna hate me," Cohen recalled Trump saying of the potential bombshell. "Guys may think it's cool, but this is going to be a disaster for the campaign." Cohen testified that he, Trump, and Trump Organization executive Allen Weisselberg together discussed how the reality-star-turned-president would reimburse Cohen for the payment he'd made to Daniels.

Listen to a recording that jurors heard of Trump and Cohen allegedly discussing a hush money deal here:

Cohen served time in federal prison for lying to Congress, tax evasion, and for his role in the hush money payments. Trump is charged with falsifying business records to cover up the true purpose of his reimbursements to Cohen.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Here are key events from Monday's proceedings, the first-ever criminal trial of a former president:

Trump blasts judge, prosecutor again while leaving court

Former President Donald Trump repeated familiar arguments against his New York hush money trial as he left court for the day, complaining that Judge Juan Merchan is “corrupt” and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg hasn’t proved his case.

“This is a scam,” Trump said. “It’s a terrible thing that’s happening to democracy in this country.”

More: A guilty verdict? Donald Trump and allies are bracing voters for the worst

Trump has criticized Merchan because his daughter works for Democratic politicians, but a state ethics board cleared the judge to preside over the case. Trump also criticized Bragg for bringing a case that the Justice Department, the Federal Election Commission and Bragg’s predecessor as district attorney declined to prosecute.

In a nearly seven-minute address, Trump read a series of statements favoring him or criticizing the trial by academics, legal experts or lawmakers who support him, such as Ohio GOP Sen. J.D. Vance .

“We have a corrupt judge,” Trump said. “He ought to let us go out and campaign.”

– Bart Jansen

Monday proceedings end; Michael Cohen to continue testifying Tuesday

Judge Juan Merchan declared an end to Monday's testimony. Michael Cohen will be due back on the stand for more testimony Tuesday morning.

– Aysha Bagchi

Trump promised to name Cohen 'personal attorney' to the president, ex lawyer says

Cohen testified that Trump said he would name Cohen personal attorney to the president. Cohen said Trump made that promise around the same time of the meeting where Cohen, Trump, and Weisselberg discussed reimbursing the payment to Stormy Daniels. He said the promise happened either in the meeting or shortly afterwards.

Why Cohen's testimony on meeting with Trump and Weisselberg is key

Cohen's testimony on Donald Trump approving the scheme for reimbursing Cohen is important for the prosecution. Trump is charged with falsifying business records to cover up that a series of $35,000 payments to Cohen in 2017 were reimbursements for the hush money Cohen paid Daniels.

Prosecutors need to not only show the records were false − but also that Trump himself had an intent to defraud. This testimony speaks to Trump's knowledge of the alleged scheme to reimburse Cohen while falsifying what the payments to Cohen were for.

More: What happens if Trump is found guilty in hush money case? Prison is certainly an option.

Key testimony: Cohen says Trump approved reimbursement scheme

In key testimony for the prosecution, Cohen testified he met with Donald Trump and Allen Weisselberg and Trump approved the plan to repay Cohen for the Stormy Daniels hush money through a scheme that involved stretching out payments over 12 months in 2017. 

In Trump's presence, Weisselberg said during the meeting that the money would be repaid as a monthly retainer for legal services, Cohen testified. A legal retainer is an agreement with a lawyer about compensation that reserves a lawyer or pays for future services.

Weisselberg said the money to Cohen was a monthly retainer even though the three men were actually discussing repaying Cohen for the hush money, as well as giving him a bonus and repaying him for a separate expense, according to Cohen.

"He approved it," Cohen told jurors, speaking about Trump.

Trump added, according to Cohen: "This is gonna be one heck of a ride in DC."

Trump promised to 'take care of' Cohen's insulting bonus, the former lawyer testifies

Cohen said, after learning his year-end bonus had been cut by two thirds, he was angry and immediately went to Allen Weisselberg , Trump's chief financial officer. "I used quite a few expletives," Cohen said.

"You didn't lay out the money, I did," Cohen said he told Weisselberg, speaking of the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. He complained the best he got was a substantially reduced bonus.

"Take it easy, you know that Mr. Trump loves you," Weisselberg responded, according to Cohen. Weisselberg promised they would make sure Cohen was taken care of, saying they were going to make things right after the holiday, when everyone returned to the office.

More: Allen Weisselberg, ex-CFO of Trump Organization, sentenced to 5 months for perjury

"I was, even for myself, unusually angry," Cohen said. Hus fury was less about the number than the "disrespect that came with it," he said.

Cohen described later getting a call from Trump. "Don't worry about that other thing – I'm going to take care of it," Trump said, according to Cohen. Trump explained he had spoken with Weisselberg and knew Cohen was angry, but promised they would take care of it.

Cohen 'beyond angry,' 'personally hurt' by slashed 2016 Trump bonus

Michael Cohen described doing a "double take" at his 2016 year-end bonus after seeing Donald Trump , by then president-elect, had cut it by two-thirds. Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger asked Cohen how he felt. "Beyond angry," Cohen said.

Trump's former hatchet man went on about his feelings: "Truly insulted, personally hurt by it, didn't understand it, made no sense."

Cohen said that, after all he had gone through, including with the $130,000 hush money he paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, "it was insulting that the gratitude shown back to me was to cut the bonus by two thirds."

Eric Trump smirks as Cohen describes crushed ego over top White House job

Michael Cohen said he was disappointed that his name hadn't been included among those considered for the critical job of Trump's White House chief of staff. "I didn't want the role. I didn't believe the role was right for me" or even that "I was even competent," Cohen testified. But he wanted his name on the list.

Just after Cohen said that, Eric Trump turned his face to the left and smirked. The Trump son is seated in the first row of benches behind the Trump defense team.

Cohen went on to say his feelings were more about his "ego" than anything else. "Again, it was solely for my ego."

More: Who is Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg? Prosecutor has battled Donald Trump in court before

Prosecutor expects questioning of Cohen to go into Tuesday

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger said at the start of a short afternoon break in testimony that she expects her questioning of Michael Cohen to go into part of Tuesday. 

Hoffinger was responding to a question from Judge Juan Merchan . The Trump defense team will have the chance to cross-examine Cohen after the prosecution has finished its initial questioning.

More: 'Women will hate me:' Trump's concerns on 2016 scandals were about campaign, Cohen testifies

Read Hope Hicks, Michael Cohen emails responding to hush money story

Jurors were shown a Nov. 4, 2016 email exchange between top Trump aide Hope Hicks and Michael Cohen over how to respond to a Wall Street Journal story on a Trump hush money deal involving former Playboy model Karen McDougal. The exchange took place just four days ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

You can read the full exchange here:

Cohen recommended blaming 'liberal media' for Wall Street Journal hush money story

Jurors were shown a Nov. 4, 2016 email from 2016 Trump campaign press secretary Hope Hicks proposing four possible responses to a request for comment from the Wall Street Journal. The Journal published a story that day on the hush money deal between former Playboy model Karen McDougal and the parent company for the National Enquirer.

Hicks' proposals denied knowledge that McDougal's story was being shopped around. But the proposal Cohen sent back was more vague. It said the accusations were untrue and alleged "the Clinton machine" and "the liberal media" were trying to distract the public.

Trump's secret code name was 'David Dennison' during hush money deal, Cohen says

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger is taking Michael Cohen through documents tied to the hush money deal with Stormy Daniels. In at least one document, Cohen said he signed "DD" for Trump, who was referred to in the agreement by the pseudonym "David Dennison."

More: Who is Michael Cohen, the 'pathological liar' at the center of Trump's hush-money case?

Trump said, 'Don't worry, you'll get the money back,' Michael Cohen tells jury

Cohen said he and Allen Weisselberg told Trump that Cohen was going to pay the hush money to keep Stormy Daniels quiet ahead of the 2016 election. Trump was "appreciative and, 'Good, good,'" Cohen said, seeming to describe Trump repeating that word twice.

"He stated to me, don't worry, you'll get the money back," Cohen added.

Cohen said he wouldn't have paid for the $130,000 for the non-disclosure agreement without an understanding that he would get paid back.

Cohen asked Weisselberg to pay Stormy Daniels: testimony

Michael Cohen said he had a discussion with Allen Weisselberg the potential hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. Cohen asked Weisselberg to make the payment, but Weisselberg said he was too stretched for cash. Weisselberg described having grandchildren in prep school and summer camps that he was paying for.

"Don't worry about it," Weisselberg allegedly told Cohen about paying Daniels. I will "make sure you get paid back."

'Just do it': Trump allegedly told Cohen on Stormy Daniels hush money

Cohen said he was feeling pressure in October of 2016 about Stormy Daniels because he feared she would give her story about Trump to the Daily Mail.

Cohen said he spoke to Trump about it. "Just do it," Trump allegedly told Cohen. Trump instructed Cohen to meet up with then-Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg "and figure this whole thing out."

Cohen describes interview with Wolf Blitzer on Access Hollywood tape

Cohen described giving an interview to CNN's Wolf Blitzer after the release of the Access Hollywood tape in October of 2016. "I advocated for Mr. Trump in the best light possible," Cohen said of the interview. He added that he told Blitzer he had never seen Trump "act in this sort of manner before."

Cohen told jurors he was, at the time, doing everything he could to "change the direction of the comments."

Cohen asked about call to Trump on Oct. 18, 2016

Jurors were shown a text message from Melania Trump to Cohen, asking Cohen to call Donald Trump. The text was sent on Oct. 18, 2016 at 8:53 a.m. Cohen said he would normally have been in the office by that time and believes he called Trump from a landline at the Trump Organization .

Cohen discusses opening bank account with false information

Cohen described opening a bank account at First Republic Bank for a limited liability company he wanted to use for a potential hush money payment to Daniels. Cohen confirmed to prosecutor Susan Hoffinger that he provided the bank with a false description of the purpose of the account.

Cohen's former banker at First Republic Bank, Gary Farro, has already testified. He said if he had known Cohen was setting up a shell company that didn't have a business behind it, he wouldn't have helped Cohen . However, when Cohen said he was opening a new company to collect fees for consulting work in real estate deals, it didn't raise alarm bells for Farro, he said.

Eric Trump calls Michael Cohen’s testimony ‘rehearsed’

Former President Donald Trump has been ordered not to comment on jurors or on witness participation in the case, but that hasn’t stopped his surrogates, including son Eric Trump , who attended court Monday.

“I have never seen anything more rehearsed!” Eric Trump said in a social media post about the testimony of Trump’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen.

Michael Cohen testimony has resumed

Michael Cohen began testifying again at 2:03 p.m. EDT, after a lunch break.

Court on lunch break until 2 p.m. EDT

Judge Juan Merchan declared a break in Michael Cohen's testimony for lunch. "See you at two," Merchan said.

'He wasn't thinking about Melania. This was all about the campaign.'

Cohen testified that Trump instructed him to push out paying Stormy Daniels as long as he could, and to just get past the election. Trump allegedly said if he won the election before the story could be released, the story would then have "no relevance." Trump added, according to Cohen: "And if I lose, I wouldn't care."

According to Cohen, Trump also asked how long he – Trump – would be on the market for, and then answered his own question: "Not long." Cohen testified he understood that to mean Trump's concern, when it came to the potential Daniels story, was about the election, not his wife.

"He wasn't thinking about Melania. This was all about the campaign," Cohen said.

Cohen said he was instructed by Trump: "Push it past the election day." "I was following directions," Cohen added.

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger showed jurors communication between Cohen and then-Daniels lawyer Keith Davidson, who has already testified. Cohen explained that Davidson was pushing for the hush money to be paid by Oct. 14, 2016.

However, Cohen told jurors he had a clear plan: "Delay."

'Women will hate me,' 'Guys may think it's cool': Trump allegedly said on Stormy Daniels story

Cohen testified that Trump instructed him, when it came to a potential Stormy Daniels story ahead of the 2016 election: "Just take care of it." Trump also characterized it as a "total disaster," according to Cohen.

"Women are gonna hate me," Trump allegedly said. "Guys may think it's cool, but this is going to be a disaster for the campaign," Trump added, according to Cohen.

Cohen said Trump was thinking of the coupling of the story with the Access Hollywood tape, which had already hit the press. Trump allegedly said, "This is a disaster" and "Get control over it."

'She was a beautiful woman,' Trump said of Stormy Daniels: testimony

Cohen said he asked if Trump had an affair with Stormy Daniels and Trump didn't answer the question. However, when Cohen asked Trump what Daniels looked like, Trump allegedly responded: "She was a beautiful woman."

Trump boasted women prefer him to 'Big Ben' Roethlisberger in Stormy Daniels conversation: testimony

Trump said he and Ben Roethlisberger had met Stormy Daniels, Cohen testified. Trump added that women prefer him even above someone like "Big Ben," Cohen told the jurors.

–Aysha Bagchi

'Do it. Take care of it.': Trump to Cohen on Stormy Daniels, per testimony

When Cohen went to Trump about learning from Dylan Howard about a story from Stormy Daniels concerning an alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, Cohen said he made a suggestion about how to handle it. Trump responded, according to Cohen: "Do it. Take care of it."

Trump told Cohen he knew who Stormy Daniels was: testimony

Cohen said he went to Trump and told him he learned from Dylan Howard about a story that Stormy Daniels had a sexual encounter with him.

Cohen asked Trump if he knew who Daniels was. "He told me that he did," Cohen testified.

Cohen said he told Trump about a website called "TheDirty.com" having posted about a relationship between Daniels and Trump during a golf outing going back to 2006.

'Catastrophic': Cohen's thought when he learned of Stormy Daniels story

Cohen described learning that porn star Stormy Daniels was trying to sell a story of a sexual encounter with Trump. He said his thoughts were that it was "catastrophic, that this is horrible for the campaign."

Cohen said he learned of it from then-National Enquirer editor Dylan Howard.

Chris Cuomo text to Cohen: 'You going to defend him?'

Jurors were shown text messages that Cohen testified were between him and Chris Cuomo , who was then an on-camera journalist at CNN. The messages were exchanged soon after the release of the Access Hollywood tape featuring Trump boasting about grabbing women's genitals.

"You going to defend him?" Cuomo asked Cohen.

Cohen responded with three separate messages, first, "I'm in London," second, "I have been asked by everyone to do shows starting Tuesday," and third, "Not sure what I will do."

Cuomo replied with two messages, first, "Will be too late" and second, "He is dying right now."

Cohen said the concern at the time was that the tape would be significantly impactful when it came to the campaign, especially with women voters.

'Put a spin on this': Trump to Cohen on Access Hollywood, per testimony

Cohen described having phone calls with Trump about the Access Hollywood tape while Cohen was with his family and friends in London having dinner. Cohen stepped out to take the calls, he said.

Speaking about what Trump said, Cohen testified: "He wanted me to reach out to all of my contacts in the media. We needed to put a spin on this. And the spin that he wanted put on it was that this is locker room talk – something that Melania had recommended, or at least he told me that that's what Melania had thought it was – and use that in order to get control over the story and to minimize its impact on him and his campaign."

Cohen says Hope Hicks called him about Access Hollywood tape

Michael Cohen described getting a call from Hope Hicks during the 2016 presidential campaign about the infamous Access Hollywood tape, in which Trump boasted about kissing women without waiting and grabbing their genitals.

3 GOP lawmakers support Trump and blast judge, prosecutor, Cohen

Three Republican lawmakers who attended Trump’s hush money trial Monday blasted the judge, prosecutor and star witness, Michael Cohen, on the courthouse steps.

Trump is prohibited from commenting on Cohen, his former personal lawyer, because of a gag order from Judge Juan Merchan.

“This guy is a convicted felon who admitted in his testimony that he secretly recorded his former employer,” Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, said of Cohen. “Does any reasonable, sensible person believe anything that Michael Cohen says? I don’t think that they should.”

Vance also said Democratic operatives were handling the case, including Merchan because his daughter works for Democratic political candidates, and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

“What’s going on inside that courtroom is a threat to American democracy,” Vance said. “This is a disgrace and I wanted to show some support for my friend.”

Sen. Tommy Tuberville , R-Ala., complained that the courtroom is depressing and authorities are trying to impose mental anguish on Trump.

“The DA comes in and acts like it’s his Super Bowl. Maybe it is, to be noticed,” said Tuberville, a former football coach at the University of Alabama. “I’m glad to stand by President Trump. I’m a friend of his. I’m here more as a friend than backing him as a candidate for president.”

Tuberville also blasted Cohen as a convicted felon.

“This guy, he’s giving an acting scene,” Tuberville said. “How can you be convinced by somebody that is a serial liar? There should be no reason anybody should listen to this guy.”

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., also criticized Cohen as a convicted, disbarred perjurer.

“The people of the state of New York know this is a sham trial,” she said.

Cohen describes failed effort to buy Karen McDougal's story from Pecker's company

After American Media Inc, the parent company for the National Enquirer, bought Karen McDougal's story, Cohen tried to arrange a deal to pay the company $125,000 to buy the story, he said.

David Pecker, who headed the parent company at the time of these discussions, already testified that the $125,000 figure was arrived at because the remaining $25,000 of the $150,000 the company paid McDougal was meant to value other things the company was getting as part of the deal with her, such as articles under her name.

Cohen described an effort to pay the $125,000 for the story in a way that would shield what was happening and separate the transaction from Trump. Jurors saw a document in which the parent media company would assign the rights to McDougal's story to a company called "Resolution Consultants LLC." They also saw a document characterizing $125,000 as an agreed upon "flat fee" for "advisory services," which Cohen testified was not truthful because the $125,000 was actually to get the life rights to McDougal's story

However, Cohen said Pecker told him the $125,00 was no longer necessary because Pecker felt he had gotten a lot from the McDougal deal. Pecker allegedly told Cohen a McDougal front cover on Men's Health Magazine "had sold more copies than they had not only anticipated," but than "they had ever sold." Pecker noted he had a second cover to come from McDougal as well as 24 stories under her name through the deal, which Cohen said Pecker described as "excellent."

Vice presidential candidates travel to New York to back up Trump

A bevy of potential Republican vice presidential possibilities are flocking to New York this week to audition for Trump.

While Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance attended the court session Monday, other running mate candidates are expected to travel to New York City for a Trump fundraiser on Tuesday.

That guest list includes South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott , Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum .

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem , who suspended her book tour because of so many questions about shooting her dog, is also expected to attend Trump's fundraiser in Manhattan on Tuesday.

Vance is scheduled to be with Trump at another fundraiser in Cincinnati on Wednesday, an off day for the trial.

– Kinsey Crowley

Cohen describes conversation with Allen Weisselberg on McDougal hush money payment

Cohen says he used to have a good relationship with Allen Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer of the Trump Organization. Weisselberg is currently in jail for committing perjury in Trump's New York civil fraud trial.

Cohen described having "maybe 10, 12" conversations with Weisselberg about the hush money deal with Karen McDougal, including about how to pay the money. Ultimately, the parent company for the National Enquirer paid McDougal $150,000.

In one of the conversations, Weisselberg told Cohen, per Cohen's testimony: "If we do it from a Trump entity, that kind of defeats the purpose." Weisselberg allegedly went on to explain the payment mechanism needs to "create a barrier" between the deal and the Trump world. Weisselberg sait to think about ways to raise the $150,000, according to Cohen.

Cohen says he stopped recording after getting what he needed from Trump

The recording between Trump and Cohen ends as their conversation is ongoing, which may be a significant focus for Trump's legal team when they have the chance to cross-examine Cohen later in the trial.

However, Cohen just gave an explanation. He said he stopped recording because he captured what he meant to capture: a statement from Trump that would "appease" David Pecker when it came to Pecker's concern about being paid back for the $150,000 to Karen McDougal in the hush money deal.

Read transcript of Trump-Cohen recording played for jurors

Prosecutors have shown the jury a transcript of the recording between Trump and Cohen that we have been listening to, which Cohen said was about arrangements to buy Karen McDougal's story of an affair with Trump.

You can read the full transcript here:

Jury hears recording of Trump and Cohen allegedly talking about McDougal deal

The prosecution just played a recording for the jury of Trump and Cohen having a discussion. The jurors have already heard this recording in the trial.

"I need to open up a company for the transfer of all of that info regarding our friend, David," Cohen tells Trump on the recording.

Cohen just explained to jurors that "David" was "David Pecker," and the company was a way to have "separation," to keep the deal away from Trump. He said that was "for privacy purposes" and "for the benefit of Mr. Trump."

'Fantastic. Great job.': Trump quoted on McDougal hush money deal

Cohen said when he told Trump the hush money deal had closed to buy the rights to Karen McDougal's story of an affair with Trump, the then-presidential candidate responded: "Fantastic. Great job."

Trump eyes closed, appears at least somewhat awake

Trump still has his eyes closed as Michael Cohen is testifying. I just counted to 50 at 11:05 a.m. EDT, with a "Mississippi" in between each number, and Trump never opened his eyes. He did move his head to his right and later to his left during that time, so he does appear to be at least somewhat awake. His behavior continues to contrast with his son, Eric Trump , who seemed to be watching Cohen testify throughout that time.

Cohen describes $150,000 deal for McDougal's story

Cohen described the agreement he was told the National Enquirer's parent company reached with Karen McDougal to buy her story. McDougal would get $150,000 and the media company would provide her with 24 penned articles under her name, Cohen said. She would also be on two covers of one of the various magazines the media company owned, Cohen added.

Jurors shown texts as Cohen says he was trying to reach Trump about McDougal

Jurors were shown text messages of Cohen trying to reach Trump on June 16, 2016. Cohen testified he wanted to update Trump on a meeting between then-National Enquirer editor Dylan Howard and "McDougal's people" about potentially buying the rights to her story of an affair with Trump.

'She's really beautiful': Cohen quotes Trump response on former Playboy model's story

Cohen said he brought up Karen McDougal to Trump, after Cohen learned she was shopping a story around. McDougal is a former Playboy model who says she had an affair that overlapped with Melania Trump's pregnancy. Trump denies the affair.

According to Cohen, when he raised McDougal with Trump, the real estate mogul responded: "She's really beautiful."

McDougal was a potential witness in this trial, but the prosecution has now said it won't call her.

'That's great,' Trump allegedly said of purchase of doorman's story

Cohen described updating Trump once the deal for buying the Trump Tower doorman's story was completed. "That's great," Trump responded, according to Cohen.

Cohen updated Trump 'immediately' on doorman story purchase process

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger asked Cohen if he updated Trump when he got updates about the process of preventing a Trump Tower doorman's story from becoming public. "Immediately," Cohen replied.

That's helpful testimony for the prosecution in tying Trump to at least the hush money payment to the doorman. A later hush money payment that went directly from Cohen to a lawyer for Stormy Daniels is the payment that's at the core of the charges against Trump.

'You handle it': Cohen describes purchase of Trump Tower doorman's story

Cohen just testified about the process under which American Media Inc., the parent company of the National Enquirer, purchased the story of Dino Sajudin, a doorman at Trump Tower. The story – which has been widely questioned, and denied by Trump – was that Trump fathered a child out of wedlock with a housekeeper. Sajudin didn't say he had any personal knowledge about it, but said he had heard the story.

Trump told Cohen to make sure the story doesn't get out, Cohen said. "You handle it," he quoted Trump as saying. Trump also allegedly told Cohen to speak to employees and let them know the potential story was being taken care of.

Cohen described working with David Pecker and Dylan Howard to buy the life rights to the story, which is a way to prevent the person with the story from sharing it with other publications.

'Just be prepared. There's gonna be a lot of women coming forward.': Trump, according to Cohen

As Trump was planning his 2016 presidential campaign, he said to Cohen, according to Cohen's testimony: "Just be prepared. There's gonna be a lot of women coming forward."

National Enquirer was helping Trump campaign, Cohen testifies

Cohen described the National Enquirer helping the 2016 Trump campaign by publishing negative stories about Trump's political competitors. David Pecker, the former head of the National Enquirer's parent company, described this earlier in the trial as well. Jurors were shown at the time several articles that were run, such as a March 30, 2016, article titled: "TED CRUZ SEX SCANDAL – 5 SECRET MISTRESSES."

Cohen also described a meeting jurors have been previously told about in Trump Tower in August of 2015. At that meeting, Pecker previously testified he promised to be "eyes and ears" for the campaign, helping Trump and Cohen prevent negative stories about Trump from getting out.

Cohen describes speaking to Trump about presidential run in 2011

Cohen described speaking to Trump about running for president in 2011. He said he brought Trump an article about the idea of Trump running, and he set up a website, "shouldtrumprun.com." Many people came to that website, which was further proof Trump's popularity was so strong, Cohen testified.

Asked why Trump didn't run then, Cohen said Trump had acquired several large real estate projects, and there was another season of The Apprentice. "You don't need Hollywood, Hollywood needs you," Trump said, according to Cohen.

But Trump promised Cohen he would run for president in the next election cycle, Cohen said. For years thereafter, they would talk about Trump running in 2016, Cohen said.

Is Trump sleeping in courtroom?

Trump's eyes continue to be closed as Michael Cohen testifies. I just counted to 50, with a "Mississippi" between each number, without Trump opening his eyes or moving his head. It's 10:16 a.m. EDT, and Cohen is currently testifying about communications with Dylan Howard, the former editor of the National Enquirer.

Cohen says he and David Pecker sometimes wanted non-traceable communication

Cohen said he met David Pecker, who used to head the parent company of the National Enquirer, at a function on Long Island many years ago, and were re-acquainted later. Pecker has already testified that he participated with Cohen and Trump in a "catch-and-kill" scheme to snap up stories that could hurt Trump in the 2016 election.

Cohen said he and Pecker would sometimes communicate over an encrypted messaging application, Signal. Asked why they used that application, Cohen said: "Depending upon the matter, sometimes we thought that encryption, not having the event traceable, would be beneficial."

Trump believed an email address created risk of indictment: Cohen

Cohen said he generally communicated with Trump either in person or on a cell phone. He is still talking about the time he worked for Trump before the 2016 presidential election.

"Mr. Trump never had an email address," Cohen said. "He would comment that emails are like written papers, it's, he knows too many people who have gone down as a direct result of having emails that prosecutors can use in a case."

Cohen also said Trump liked to be kept abreast of developments from all his executives. "Keep me informed, let me know what's going on," Cohen characterized Trump as saying. "As soon as you had a result or answer, you would go straight back and tell him, especially if it was a matter that was troubling to him."

Cohen worked about 50 feet from Trump's office, spoke 'every single day'

Cohen described working "maybe 50 feet, 60 feet" from Trump's office in the time before Trump ran for president in 2016. Asked how often he met or spoke with Trump at the time, Cohen said: "Every single day, and multiple times per day."

Cohen helped Trump with now-shuttered Trump University

Cohen described beginning to work for Trump with an agreement to a $375,000 base salary. "Bonus of course was to be discussed," Cohen said after prosecutor Susan Hoffinger asked about a bonus. Cohen just described re-negotiating bills for Trump University, a now-shuttered institution. Trump settled fraud lawsuits tied to Trump University for $25 million.

Cohen also said he would speak to members of the press in a threatening way about stories that were bad for Trump, telling them to take the stories down.

Trump's eyes closed as Cohen testifies

Donald Trump's eyes are closed as Cohen is testifying. I just counted to 30, with a "Mississippi" in between each number, without Trump opening his eyes. I stopped counting, but his eyes remain closed. That's in contrast to Eric Trump, who is seated in a bench row behind his father and appears to be watching Cohen testify.

Sens. J.D. Vance, Tommy Tuberville join Trump at New York trial

Trump was joined at his New York hush money trial on Monday by his son Eric and Sens. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, and Tommy Tuberville , R-Ala.

Vance patted Trump on the shoulder after he railed against the prosecution to reporters outside the courtroom.

Other lawmakers have joined the former president at previous court sessions, including Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., as Trump has complained the charges represent election interference to keep him off the presidential campaign trail.

Michael Cohen begins testifying

The prosecution called Michael Cohen to the witness stand. Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger is asking Cohen introductory questions. He said he is 57 years old. His marriage is going on 30 years, he said. His father survived the Holocaust. He was introduced to Trump by Trump son Donald Trump Jr.

Judge denies prosecution's request to show jury Weisselberg deal

Judge Merchan opened proceedings today by denying a request the prosecution made on Friday to show jurors a severance agreement that the prosecution believes would offer a reason why former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg hasn't testified. Merchan said the agreement doesn't prove an element of an offense Trump is charged with. "It doesn't move the ball in any way" in terms of satisfying your burden of proof, Merchan told prosecutors this morning.

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass said on Friday the agreement appears to put Weisselberg at risk of losing $750,000 in severance pay if he talks to the prosecution.

Weisselberg is currently serving a five-month jail sentence for committing perjury during Trump's New York civil fraud trial.

Trump calls payments to Cohen legitimate ‘legal expense’

Former President Donald Trump didn’t mention his former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, before entering the courtroom Monday for his New York hush money trial, but continued to blast the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Judge Juan Merchan for what he called election interference.

Cohen is expected to testify about paying porn actress Stormy Daniels to remain silent before the 2016 election about her claim of a sexual episode with Trump. Trump, who is charged with falsifying business records to reimburse Cohen, has denied having sex with Daniels and argued he was paying Cohen for legal expenses.

“We don’t call it construction work. We don’t say for concrete work. We don’t say for electrical work. We paid a lawyer a legal expense,” Trump told reporters outside the courtroom. “It’s perfectly marked down. The other side doesn’t know how to handle it but they say, ‘Let’s indict him anyway.’”

Judge arrives for Day 16 of Trump trial

Judge Juan Merchan entered the courtroom at 9:32 a.m. EDT for today's proceedings. "Good morning, counsel. Good morning, Mr. Trump," Merchan said after the legal teams identified themselves.

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg present today

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is in the courtroom today. He entered at 9:23 a.m. EDT, shortly after former President Trump. Bragg has attended some but not all of the trial proceedings. He is seated in a bench two rows back from the prosecution table.

Trump arrives with son and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance

Former President Donald Trump entered the courtroom at 9:22 a.m. EDT. Trump's middle son, Eric, is here. Eric Trump has attended some previous days, including while Stormy Daniels testified. Sen. J.D. Vance , R-Ohio, accompanied the Trump team today as well.

Senator Bob Menendez trial happening down the street

The latest criminal trial of Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., starts today in a federal courthouse just blocks from Trump's New York hush money trial. Menendez faces allegations he took bribes, including cash and gold bars , in exchange for agreeing to help the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Federal prosecutors say the New Jersey senator as well as his wife, Nadine Menendez, conspired for him to act as a foreign agent.

Prosecutors arrive for Day 16 in hush money trial

The prosecution team entered the courtroom at 9:12 a.m. EDT. We are still waiting on the defense team, the judge, and the jury.

Read trial transcripts from Stormy Daniels, Hope Hicks

The court is publishing daily transcripts of proceedings, so you can read key testimony from more than a dozen witnesses , including Stormy Daniels and former top Trump aide Hope Hicks.

Transcripts and evidence are posted online at the New York State Unified Court System's media website. Records from each day are typically available by the end of the following business day.

− Kinsey Crowley  

Can you watch Trump's hush money trial?

No, the trial won't be televised or available to watch online or aired on TV.

New York court rules  state that audio-visual coverage of trials is not permitted unless a representative of the news media submits an application and the judge allows it.

Records show an application was submitted to cover the arraignment, but not the trial.  Judge Juan Merchan   rejected the request  to televise the arraignment.

– Kinsey Crowley and Aysha Bagchi

Where is the Trump trial?

Trump’s hush money trial is happening at the New York County Supreme Court in New York state, according to  a media advisory.  The location is 100 Centre St., Criminal Term, Part 59, Room 1530.

The proceedings normally start at 9:30 a.m. EDT, and the trial typically includes an off day on Wednesdays. 

–  Sudiksha Kochi

Was Trump's trial postponed?

If you heard about the former president's trial being delayed, that doesn't apply to his hush money case.

Last week, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon  postponed indefinitely  Trump's trial on charges he hoarded classified documents after leaving the White House.

Cannon had tentatively  scheduled the trial to start May 20  but removed that date without setting a new one. She said she would set a new date that takes into account  Trump’s right to a fair trial  and the public’s right to the fair and efficient administration of justice.

− Bart Jansen and Marina Pitofsky

Who is Stormy Daniels?

Stormy Daniels , born Stephanie Clifford, is an adult film star.

Daniels says she had an affair with Trump in 2006, months after  Melania Trump  gave birth to Barron Trump. Trump's former lawyer  Michael Cohen  paid her $130,000 to stay quiet about the alleged affair ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Trump's lawyers tried to block Daniels from being called to the witness stand, but New York  Judge Juan Merchan ruled  that  Daniels can testify  because her allegations are "inextricably intertwined" with the criminal allegations.

− Kinsey Crowley ,  Bart Jansen

Who is Michael Cohen?

Michael Cohen  is the longtime lawyer and political fixer for Trump, but he has become an open critic of him in recent years.

In 2016, Cohen paid $130,000 in hush money to Daniels after her alleged relationship with the then-real estate mogul. "Everything was done with the knowledge and at the  direction of Mr. Trump ," Cohen said at a House hearing.

David Pecker, the first witness on the stand for the hush money trial, has testified he frequently communicated with Cohen about stories regarding Trump and his opponents leading up to the 2016 election. 

− Kinsey Crowley

What does Trump’s trial schedule look like?

Trump’s hush money trial is expected to last six to eight weeks after its April 15 start, according to  a media advisory  from New York’s Unified Court System. The courtroom normally opens at 9:30 a.m. eastern time, and the court takes off on Wednesdays. 

Judge Juan Merchan  ruled that court will break on May 17 so Trump can attend his son Barron Trump's high school graduation, and on May 24 due to a juror scheduling conflict.

− Sudiksha Kochi

What time does Trump's trial start today?

Proceedings in Donald Trump's hush money trial are expected to begin at 9:30 a.m. local time in New York.

– Marina Pitofsky

What is Trump on trial for?

Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors say he falsified records to hide unlawfully interfering in the 2016 presidential election by violating campaign finance laws through the hush money to Daniels. Trump has pleaded not guilty.

Will Donald Trump go to prison?

Theoretically, Trump could go to prison for as many as 20 years if he's convicted on all counts. However, legal experts told USA TODAY that's highly unlikely. Most said he would probably face a sentence ranging from just probation to up to four years in prison. They also said, even if Trump were sentenced to incarceration, he would likely be free during his appeal.