Written Letters of Recommendation Guidelines (rev01/18)

Howard University School of Social Work MSW application requires three (3) three letters of

academic recommendation. Those three (3) letters of recommendation should be from two

individuals you interacted with as an undergraduate: professors, academic advisors, faculty

mentors, and one university-based internship/work/volunteer supervisor.

BSW applicants requesting advanced standing status need recommendations from their Field Director, Field

Instructor and a professor.

The recommendation letter should address several of the following areas:

• Written Communication: Is the applicant an effective writer? Does the written work

submitted demonstrate a mastery of the convention of English and follow the APA writing

guideline? Is the written material clear, well-organized and forceful? Is the applicant

articulate in oral expression?

• Intellectual characteristics: How do you rate the applicant in overall intelligence? How well

does the applicant learn and retain information? What is your assessment of the applicant's

skill in analysis and logic? What is the applicant's ability to deal with complex or abstract

matters? Does the applicant show evidence of creativity? Has the applicant's academic

record been affected by special circumstances such as work, social or academic background?

What is your assessment of the applicant's analytical skills and ability to grasp new ideas?

Does the applicant have the ability to apply his/her knowledge creatively?

• Industry and self-discipline: To what extent is the applicant persistent, efficient and

motivated? Is the applicant able to work independently? Is there any reason to doubt the

applicant's commitment to graduate study or diligence as a student?

• Personal effectiveness: Does the applicant possess the qualities of maturity and personal

adjustment requisite for graduate study? Would you choose the applicant for graduate study

under your tutelage? Does the applicant enjoy the trust and respect of fellow students and

peers?

• Potential for graduate study: What is your prediction of the applicant's probable

performance in graduate school? Does he/she have any specialized skill or studies in the

field? Does the applicant have an aptitude for the chosen field? How does this applicant rate

with other candidates who have been evaluated? Summary judgments which rank the

applicant with past and present candidates are desired.

• Knowledge of field of study: What is the applicant's depth and breadth of knowledge in the

field? Does he/she know how to use the methods in the field of study or have the experience

in research? Where applicable, does the applicant have the requisite laboratory techniques?

Letters should be addressed to:

Sandra A. Gammons, LGSW

Director of Admissions,

School of Social Work

601 Howard Place, NW

Washington, DC 20059

Contact Information:

202.806.6450 Phone

202.387.4309 Fax

socialworkadmissions@howard.edu