Applying to the Undergraduate Social Work Program
CUNY USERS
Sign in with your CUNYfirst credentials to begin or continue your application.
CUNY LoginThe Social Work Application Portal will be open from March 1, 2026, to June 27, 2026.
The Program accepts digital applications through Dynamic Forms (DFs) only.
Accessing the Application
- Students with CUNY credentials can sign in through the CUNY Login Portal to access and return to a saved application.
- Students without CUNY credentials must create an account here and then use their Non-CUNY Login to begin or continue the application.
Before starting the application, please have all required materials prepared to ensure a smooth and timely submission process. Students who begin an application can save their progress as a draft and return to complete it before the deadline.
Required Materials
- CUNY EMPLID
- Unofficial transcript(s) from all colleges attended
- Essays (All essays must include your full name and CUNY EMPLID on each page.)
Undergraduate Social Work Application Essay Questions
Please respond to all required essay questions below. One-word answers or single-sentence responses do not provide sufficient information to evaluate your application. Each question must be answered fully and thoughtfully.
Reminder
Strong written and oral communication skills are essential to professional social work practice. As part of the application process, applicants are expected to demonstrate writing proficiency and the ability to clearly articulate ideas, reflections, and critical thinking.
Applicants to the Social Work Program should demonstrate the ability to:
- Communicate effectively in writing and verbally, with a commitment to continuing to strengthen these skills
- Show interest in the helping profession, specifically social work
- Use critical reasoning, self-reflection, and integrity to promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities
Your ability to demonstrate these skills and qualities is a key consideration in the admissions review process.
Required Essay. Include your full name and EMPLID on each page.
Instructions: Write a well-constructed autobiography (minimum two pages) that demonstrates writing proficiency and helps the admissions committee understand you and your academic journey.
In your autobiography, please address the following:
A. When did you first become interested in social work?
B. What are your thoughts and feelings about the social work profession?
C. What events, experiences, or people have been influential in shaping your interest in social work?
Include your full name and EMPLID on each page.
Required Essay: Include your full name and EMPLID on each page.
“Social justice means people from all identity groups have the same rights, opportunities, access to resources, and benefits. It acknowledges that historical inequalities exist and must be addressed and remedied through specific measures including advocacy to confront discrimination, oppression, and institutional inequalities, with recognition that this process should be participatory, collaborative, inclusive of difference, and affirming of agency.” —
Atteberry-Ash (2023, p. 44) Source: Atteberry-Ash, B. E. (2023). Social work and social justice: A conceptual review. Social Work, 68(1), 38–46. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swac042
Instruction: In a minimum of two well-developed paragraphs, respond to the following questions in your own words:
A. What population or area of interest are you drawn to in social work?
B. Describe one way you would like to use principles of social justice to create opportunities for individuals within this population.
C. Why do you believe you are particularly suited to work with this population?
D. Discuss both your strengths and limitations related to working with individuals in your chosen area of interest.
Examples of populations include, but are not limited to:
- Older adults,
- Children and adolescents
- Individuals and families experiencing housing or food insecurity
- People living with mental illness
- LGBTQ+ communities
- Urban and rural communities
Optional Essay: Include Full Name and EMPLID
You may use this essay to reflect on your academic background and personal experiences to address any discrepancies or challenges in your prior academic record.
Instructions: In 200–300 words, provide additional context and describe the steps or strategies you plan to take to support your success in the Social Work Program.
