Personal History Statement:
The Personal History Statement is required from all applicants. You must upload your statement as a single PDF file to the corresponding page in your online application.
Your Personal History Statement should describe how your personal background and experiences have informed your decision to pursue a graduate degree in social work. Your statement should:
Present a compelling image of you as a person, and your potential for success as a member of the Berkeley Social Welfare graduate academic community.
Highlight your understanding of or experiences with a non-traditional educational background, or groups historically under-represented in higher education.
Direct readers’ attention to the evidence of your promise for higher education, and address any potential deficiencies in your academic record.
Your Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose.
Statements should follow general APA Style Guidelines(link is external). They should be typed, double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11") with 1" margins on all sides. Please use a clear font that is highly readable. APA recommends using 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
Do not exceed the page limit guideline: 1-2 typed, double-spaced pages.
Review the Graduate Division's essential tips for "Writing the Personal Statement."(link is external)
Proofread your statement for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors before uploading them to your online application.
Double-check that you are uploading the correct file to your online application.
Statement of Purpose:
The Statement of Purpose is required from all applicants. You must upload your statement as a single PDF file to the corresponding page in your online application.
Please address each of the following in your statement, within the 3-5 page limit guideline:
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 master’s-level social worker.
Statements should follow general APA Style Guidelines(link is external). They should be typed, double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11") with 1" margins on all sides. Please use a clear font that is highly readable. APA recommends using 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
Do not exceed the page limit guideline: 3-5 typed, double-spaced pages.
Review the Graduate Division’s essential tips for “Writing the Statement of Purpose.”(link is external)
Proofread your statement for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors before uploading them to your online application.
Double-check that you are uploading the correct file to your online application.