poppy_msw

I definitely remember stressing about this last year. The reference part of the application is definitely the most anxiety producing part of applications (honestly, even more than the waiting). I thanked all my references for their support and I wrote a really honest assessment of what I felt was missing from my application (experience) and how I intended to get it up to par. All my references wrote back to say that they would definitely support me if and when I applied again, which felt really good. I ended up only re-using one of my references but I still wrote back to those that supported me last year when I got accepted this year -- and they were really supportive and happy to hear that I got into my program of choice. My advice would be not to over-think it too much. If those people have supported you already by writing a reference they are cheering you on and likely will support you again.

Do you think it's anywhere in the neighborhood of realistic to retain a part-time job while in the program? I would love it if I could continue working one or two days a week.

Yay AMetallo! Fingers crossed for you that lots of people decline their places!! Sending positive vibes your way

They haven't announced any waitlisted individuals so far. I feel like there's still some acceptances to go out.

Hi ShayRonee, As of my Dec application I had just over 1000 hours of volunteer experience mostly as a peer counsellor for various sites (sexual health, human trafficking, intimate partner violence, rape, etc) I also have over 2000 hours of paid experience as a program manager doing community development in remote First Nations communities (though I'm based out of Toronto). I have a feeling there will be another round or two of acceptances at UofT. The offer I received from needed to be accepted and returned by the end of April. I was in the second batch that got accepted March 24. I imagine the first pool will send their acceptances and/or regrets and they'll be another wave in mid/late April. Probably they'll be another wave early May. Just speculation here!

Me too!!! fjklafjklaf!

Just wanted to chime in to say that I've been silently reading here with my fingers crossed as well. I applied to UofT and York's 2-year MSW this year. This is my third (and final!) year applying for MSW programs. I think I need to move on with my life this year if I don't make it Last year I was wait-listed at UofT so going in I was feeling somewhat optimistic that I might make it this year. Hearing that folks have already heard back makes me really lose hope. I know it's still early but I also know that my odds are now diminished:many of those available seats are now filled. Best wishes to everyone here. I know how agonizing waiting is! I know it hurts a lot to really want to enter this program, grind away at improving your CV and still not make it. Although it might not be my career path, I feel heartened to know that this generation of social workers are beyond a doubt total all stars!! I know all of you that have gotten in already really deserve to be there!

Hi yorkbsw_hopeful -- I was accepted about a month ago the post degree program. They required us to give our response a few weeks ago, so there should be a second batch of acceptances soon based on those replies. Good luck!

smpalesh, I believe you are wrong about York's post degree BSW. I think York has a different credit system than many other universities. ie: at York a 4 year consists of 120 credits, meaning that the 54 credits would likely take two years.

I just wanted to give an update about York's post-degree BSW: I just noticed I received an email yesterday (although it had hit my spam folder) inviting me to that program. Anyone who's applied may want to check their myfile accounts. Good luck to everyone waiting and deciding.

I think email/mailed cards are generally a better option. I always feel a bit weird about gifts with any dollar amount attached to them. I feel that, maybe homemade cookies are a nice gesture. Honestly, people are usually happy to help out and understand that as part of their rolls (especially professors). I think a hand written card is a nice way to go that will definitely make your referees feel their time was appreciated. Oh yeah, and always let them know when you do get your acceptance of course!

Hi Jaylynn, There was actually a good piece of advice on this matter at the UofT information session I attended. The admissions office said that if you had a referee that was lagging behind that you could contact them directly and they would re-send the request for the reference. That's kind of a nice way of doing it, because they're getting the reminder but it's not coming directly from you. If you email/phone Angela Umbrello she should be able to help you out !

Hi everyone, I'm a new applicant for 2014 but I've spent a couple years trying to tailor my CV and improve my grades to give it the best stab I can. I read the 2013 thread in its entirety before starting my applications which left me feeling both happy that there's such a supportive community here (yay future social workers) and also really anxious that I won't make the cut for the programs I'm applying too. There were so many applicants that talked about their high GPAs and their wealth of experience that only got waitlisted (!) Nevertheless I'm making my applications this year. I'm not getting any younger and I feel prepared to enter. Because many of the programs in Ontario seem to require 2 years full time work/volunteer work in the field I'm only applying to UofT's MSW... Talking to Laurier, for instance, about my chances didn't give me much hope. I'm also applying to a slough of post degree BSW programs, so I'm hoping that I am going to be able to make a move towards my profession of choice this year!! The MSW can wait if necessary I also wanted to ask you guys, especially folks not coming from BSWs, their feelings on the soft requirement for so much full time experience in the field. I've personally found it challenging in a few ways. I live in Toronto, a city that graduates many social workers, so finding paid work in the field has proven impossible-ish. I've been volunteering a few places I really love for years now, however that time definitely doesn't amount to 2 years of full time work... I'm left questioning how other applicants are meeting these standards. It almost feels that one wouldn't be able to work a job (to pay the bills) and volunteer enough to get those hours easily. It makes me worry about replicating a traditionally class bounded profession by seemingly requiring a whole heck of a lot of unpaid labour which not everyone can afford to give. Blah blah blah. Thanks for letting me vent that thought/worry (!) Anyway, thanks for all your informative and supportive posts. Thanks for letting me share my anxieties. And good luck to all my fellow applicants this year!