Reference Instructions for the DSW Application

DSW Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s professional, academic, and/or leadership abilities. At least one letter should be from a current or former supervisor or another individual who has directly observed the applicant’s professional social work practice. A former graduate instructor is encouraged when appropriate but is not required.

What is the reference process?

• The school collects references electronically via an emailed prompt to the reference person.
• The applicant will need the name, contact information, and email address for their reference person. The applicant will enter this information into the DSW application.
• We recommend that the applicant enter their reference person’s information into the DSW application as early as possible in the application process.
  • This will give those submitting a reference sufficient time to receive the email from us and complete their reference by the deadline.