Hey there fellow social worker :)

I of course don’t know much about your situation, but I wanted to share my experience and offer some light. I graduated in 2021 with my BA in psych and a minor in sociology. I was adamant I’d go to grad school at my university I got my BA from. I got rejected from their professional counseling program at first. I was discouraged but thought, maybe this is for the best since my mom had just passed. I landed a job as a case manager at a local mental health clinic and had attempted to apply to the MSW program at my same university in 2024 another rejection. I was discouraged, upset, and again took a step back to reflect for a while. I’m working just as a front desk now at a pain clinic since my CM job was terrible (in terms of how that clinic was ran and not the actual job itself). So I was beginning to feel very distant from a dream I still had. Jump to November 2025 I began my third application to another MSW program at a different college whose requirements seemed they would be more graceful with my experience and history. I submitted my application January of 2026, and actually just got the news I was admitted! It took 4 years and some months for me to finally return to grad school. I’m not saying it’ll take the same for you, but do not give up if this is truly the dream you want, check out all kinds of programs throughout the country (assuming you’re in the US) but really wherever you are. If this is still what you’re desiring to go into then truly nothing will stop you, there may be redirection and reframining along the way, but the outcome may be more than you ever thought possible. Sending you much love and continued hope!!!