Comparison of Faculty Ratings of Applicants and Background Characteristics as Predictors of Performance in an MSW Program

Abstract

Admissions decisions are critical in gate-keeping for social work because so few students are screened out after admissions. Faculty often evaluate MSW applicants to assess the intangible personal qualities that make a good social worker. Are faculty admissions ratings better predictors of performance in graduate school than background characteristics such as undergraduate major, undergraduate GPA and experience? A study of 106 graduates of one MSW program found that background characteristics were better predictors of performance than the faculty's overall applicant rating. Performance indicators were academic grades and field instructors' ratings of practice skills at the end of generalist and advanced field placements.

Key Words:

• Gate-keeping
• admissions
• academic performance
• field performance
• social work education