KatRousi

I just got an email at 6:30 tonight. It didn't change on MYFILE yet, it will in 3-5 business days.

Thank you so much! 4th time is a charm with MSW apps it seems!

AHH, I just got an email from Emma, I got into York!!

LOLOL, no problem! We can all relax for another week

WOW, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I am thrilled for you!

WATERLOO UPDATE: I caved and called the school (I couldn't resist) and they are processing decisions this week (whatever that means) but we will know on Quest by early March for the MSW. Our Quest status will go from "application" to either "accept," "waitlist," or "deny." So sit tight to all of us who applied! Early March will be here very soon and in the mean time I will stop checking Quest every half an hour (haha!)

Oh I actually made a mistake, I applied to the two-year at York twice (along with Laurier, McGill, and Carelton) and applied to U of T 3 times for the two-year. So its been a hell of a ride! U of T was the only MSW I applied to for fall 2014, but I also applied to York's 2-year BSW and Lakehead's HBSW (both Orillia and Thunder Bay). I, too, found out about the 'plan B' when it was too late! I had to wait a year to apply as well. Orillia was my first choice, but they can't provide acceptance to both campuses and I got into Thunder Bay. I think its because of my Northern experience, the same thing happened to a colleague of mine who worked up North with me. From my experience, it was a blessing in disguise and I liked the program at Thunder Bay campus, and I know my friend who initially wanted to go to Orillia feels similar to me. The program is not perfect by any means, but you get a BSW in a year and the placements are great! In terms of the gap year between, I have had a few gap years (lol) and I recommend getting out there and gaining more experience. Take risks with positions - both paid and volunteer - and diversify your CV while also adding various lenses to seeing the world, which will only enhance your abilities as practitioner. If you can, venture to the North. I know many schools are eager to have this perspective in the classroom, as I was told by York when I called before the application was due. That would be my advice, I took every year I didn't get in as an opportunity to better myself as both an applicant and a professional. If Plan A had worked out, I would have already graduated my MSW and have been working for over a year, haha! Its all about the Plan B.

I did the one-year HBSW at Lakehead at the Thunder Bay campus. Its a great program, I recommend it and Thunder Bay is an amazing place to learn about/practice social work. The placements are amazing since there is only one school of social work in the city. I was teaching DBT modalities in group therapy and had my own clients by the time I finished placement. When I was hired after placement as an addiction counsellor, I essentially had all of the same duties, so placement was almost as hands-on as a paid position at the agency. I hope you get into Waterloo! getting a BSW in 10 months is awesome, its essentially a little more than the foundation year in the two-year MSWs, from my understanding at least. When do you hear back from them?

I have applied to York's two-year MSW 3 times and I was rejected as well even though I was a strong candidate. I am pretty sure it was my GPA. Because they have SO many applicants, they eliminate people based on GPA first. That is what I heard from a friend who did her MSW at York, and I also know that most of her classmates had A's when they were accepted. When I spoke to someone on the phone from York this year, she said that its just the sheer volume of applicants, they have so many great candidates! She also told me now that I am applying to the Advanced Standing program, by chances are MUCH higher. If you haven't already done so, I would recommend applying to BSW programs as well. The advanced standing MSW programs are less competitive. I applied to York's BSW two years ago and I was accepted with my GPA. Did you apply anywhere else?

I know the feels! Good luck to everyone waiting to hear back from Waterloo!

hm... I am a little confused, but regardless, I hope we are haring back this week!! Thanks for the update (hopefully we both make the cut!)

Yes, I do have a BSW - I forgot that is a requirement for the program (my brain is foggy with all of the applications I have done over the years!! LOL - My mistake!) Isn't the program just a one-year advanced standing program? Or was the person referring to full-time and part-time studies (by 1&2 year)?

Is this for advanced standing? My heart is beating so fast!

I applied! I am anxious as well! I am trying not to check Quest too much, I will keep ya'll posted! Good luck!!

Hey emily, I applied to York's Advanced Standing MSW program for similar reasons as you. I also applied because I heard their funding is great (part of the reason I didn't apply to U of T - I need the funding!) When did you see you weren't accepted? I am so sorry to hear that, btw. I have been there and it can be tough. If you really want acceptance, however, keep applying! Where else did you apply to? My application says "No Decision Yet" Good luck with the other applications!

Just graduated, and its 12,000 (because its 4 semesters - its two years in one)

Thank you so much for your response, CalendarGirl! It made me feel a lot better. I understand the application process is long for the schools and its an easy way to eliminate candidates - however I am human and I made an error in not being diligent. It frustrates me that I sent in all of the other documents on time, it was a mistake on my referees part after several correspondences outlining dates the forms were due. It has happened before when I applied to Carleton, my referee sent my u of t reference to Carleton by mistake and they informed me about it which gave me time to rectify it. It would have been wonderful if I received a message from Calgary as well, but some schools are more understanding than others. I tried to state my case on the phone this morning, but the person I spoke to was very firm in their answer. I may try to formulate a more concrete case tonight and try and call tomorrow, but acceptances have already been sent out so I don't think there is anything they can do at this point. I find social work departments are more human in their approach to applications than many other streams, but it depends on the school and faculty (my experience with Lakehead was incredible in that regard, so maybe I expected the same?). She said I wasn't the only one this happened to and that it doesn't matter if he thought he sent the form, they never received it and its their policy to not review an application that is incomplete. Thank you so very much for your support either way! I have been upset with myself all morning and it means a lot to hear someone else remind me that I am human and that these things happen. This is the first time I have had any problems with an application, I am usually so on top of my app game, but it happens. Good luck to you on all of your applications!

Hey everyone, and congratulations on your acceptances!! I am so thrilled for everyone who was accepted to the advanced-standing programs. I am still waiting to hear from Ryerson, York, and Waterloo for the advanced-standing programs. I know Ryerson will start sending out their responses early to mid March, I am starting to feel anxious now and kicking myself a little for not applying to u of t! Does anyone know when York or Waterloo advanced standing acceptances start rolling in? I originally thought I applied to the University of Calgary (clinical stream) - but I checked on my application today and as it turns out, one of my references didn't complete the form. I don't know how I missed that on my status. I called the school today, and essentially they didn't even look at my application - its like I never applied. I feel incredibly frustrated as my referee said he completed the form (he completed my York form very early) and there were other apps going on so I didn't confirm online. I feel frustrated with myself for not being more diligent with my U of C app like I was with my other applications. I was trying to avoid being obsessive about checking the status of my applications and being on Grad Cafe, but it has not worked out well for me. I know a reference is our responsibility, but I also feel like my application should have been reviewed and I should have had points taken away for not having my second reference, as opposed to it not being reviewed at all. I am not sure if I am placing blame elsewhere or if I am justified to feel this way, but I am both frustrated with myself and also the frustrated with the school for not even taking a look at the remainder of my application (but I am mainly frustrated with myself). Anyway, I wish everyone else luck, I guess I just needed to vent/express my thoughts and also leave a reminder to all to be diligent and not take anyone's word for it in this process.

Hey! I worked in the Northern Cree Communities in Quebec along the James Bay (there are 9 nations in total). There are tons of opportunities there. I worked for Youth Fusion as an after school leadership programmer, but there is also Elephant Thoughts (tutoring) and other positions with the Cree School Board and Cree Health Board. I loved Youth Fusion and I miss my job and the youth all the time (they still call me randomly, haha!) - it was exhausting and I worked wayyyy more than I was paid (I also picked up hours as a substitute teacher) but the relationships I built made it all worth-while! Katimavik is another organization I would look into, I believe it is a volunteer organization but I have heard positive things. Youth Fusion has expanded to Nunavik recently and they are always looking for people. Positions begin in January - I would contact Alanah or Laura directly if you are interested.

If you have any questions about Lakehead's HBSW, feel free to inbox me!

Hey All, I am procrastinating from writing my York statement that is due today (oooppps!) so I decided to check in on Grad Cafe and introduce myself. My name is Kat, and I am originally a Torontonian - but I received my first undergrad from McGill. My GPA was okay - around a 2.8 (3.5 in my last two years) - and I was rejected from two-year MSW programs 3 years in a row (11 applications total) despite experience in the field and a very strong personal statement. I was devastated at first, but I never gave up - I kept diversifying my CV and being rejected allowed me to have some INCREDIBLE experiences that have made me a better social worker and student - ones I would have never had if I was accepted right away. I even had the opportunity to work as a youth programmer in a Northern Indigenous community (with only 600 people) and I cannot rave more about the experience. It is that experience that lead to my acceptance to the one-year HBSW at Lakehead and the two-year BSW at York. I just graduated the HBSW program in Thunder Bay and I was hired as after my placement as a youth addictions counsellor in residential treatment on a short-term contract. I miss my job every day, I absolutely loved the work and my team. I am currently applying to advanced-standing MSW programs - I am applying to York, Ryerson, Waterloo (online - health focus), and the University of Calgary (clinical stream). I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep pursuing this goal if it is what you want. My plan A did not pan out, but I kept working at it. I graduated Lakehead with an A+ average on the president's list, dean's list, and with first class standing, not to mention the amazing work I did at my placement. I know it sounds like I am touting my own horn, but if you want it enough, it will come with hard work, persistence, and a dash of luck. The A+ came after a lot of hard work and essentially isolating myself in my bedroom in order to study for such an intensive program, but it was 100% worth it. I would recommend applying to Lakehead - both Orillia and Thunder Bay (though Thunder Bay is more recommended) as a plan B. I am now at an incredible position not only for acceptance into programs, but also for funding (which is the reason I did not make my 4th application to U of T this year - not enough funding for MSW students from my understanding and not enough of a critical approach to social work education, which in my opinion is essential, even if you would like to work in a clinical setting). If anyone has any questions, feel free to respond. Good luck to everyone who is finishing up their York applications today!!!

Just graduated the HBSW program and practicing social work in Thunder Bay is an amazing experience, I would recommend it!

Hey I am not too sure if anyone responded to you, but I was in a similar position as a McGill grad from my BComm! I actually applied to two-year MSW programs 3 years in a row with amazing experience but I was rejected - until I got into the one-year HBSW at Lakehead! Now my GPA is an A+ and I am highly competitive in the advance-standing MSW programs. Having a CYW, however, puts you in a unique position and my GPA from McGill was more like a 2.8 - Lakehead's HBSW program has 500 applicants for 20 spots so it was highly competitive as well, but I had experience in Northern Indigenous communities working with youth, a great CV, and I am pretty sure I nailed the personal statement exam, which is why I was accepted (they look at grades last) ... Do they consider your CYW grades at all?

Hi Bettyg, I think you should definitely apply, I LOVE the program in Thunder Bay. I would call Lakehead with your questions, but just so you know, they only take 25 people in Thunder Bay out of 475 applicants, so chances of acceptance are not as high as you may think. I am not entirely sure about the numbers for Orillia, but I applied both to Orillia and TBay, with Orillia as my first choice. They can't accept one student to both programs, so I was only accepted to Thunder Bay (probably because I have experience working in an isolated northern community). I would call the school of social work and ask Sonya about the Orillia program, she can tell you more about the amount of applicants last year for the 60 spots available. I know that the last thing they examine is your grades, so they get to know you as an applicant first. The exam is also incredibly important, as is experience. There is a PhD and former lecturer at Lakehead in my class this year, and this is several people's 2nd or 3rd degree, so it's pretty competitive. I was very surprised to find that out when I called and spoke to Sonya last year. That being said, the wait list moves so if you are waist listed, you have a much higher chance of admittance than UofT, for example. And honestly, the program is so busy that 6 months FLIES by, I can't believe I am half-way through a degree. The way I see it, if you are focused on your studies, it doesn't matter where you are in the country. I haven't even had a chance to venture out in Thunder Bay because all I do is study and go to class, and that was especially true in the summer. Living somewhere for 6 months to get an HBSW, boost your GPA, become an RSW, and put yourself in a better position for OGS when its time to apply for an MSW is worth it, in my opinion at least. Not to mention chances of acceptance to advance-standing MSWs is MUCH higher. I have absolutely no regrets, even though I wish I was closer to my family in Toronto and my partner in Montreal. Doing the HBSW was the best decision for me, even though I was accepted at York for the 2-year BSW, where I could have lived at home.

For the online exam, there is no work limit for the first question, which for me was "why do you want to pursue social work…" I actually really loved the online exam because you had to be quick on your feet and they got a real feel for applicants and their perspective of what entails good social work. I would recommend answering the questions that Sonya sends prior to the exam in prep. There are ethics questions as well, and ones that are not on the exam. From what I understand, after talking to my prof in my first summer course, lake head spends a lot of money hiring people both inside and outside of social work to objectively read the on-line exam and grade the applicants based on a scale. Then they overview them as well, this is to ensure there is minimal bias. So the process is incredibly thorough. In terms of grades, that is the last thing Lakehead looks at, which is contrary to the other schools. I did my undergrad at McGill, which is a ridiculously difficult school, so my undergrad average for the last two years was a B+, which is why I wasn't accepted all of those years (that and luck, seriously, it's 50% of the process). So they really get to know you as an applicant before they reject or accept you. I was accepted in the first round, so right away, but half of my classmates were wait listed. that wait-list does move, so don't be sad if you are wait listed. I would also recommend applying to Thunder Bay campus. It's an extra $30. I don't know a lot about Orillia, but I know the classes are bigger and half of the professors are not permanent, which can make a difference. I also know that the winter classes are on-line. I will say the summer and fall were INSANE, but like I said, my nose was glued to my book from day one, and I started reading before classes began. With my dedication to studying, I am pulling a 4.0 right now in a really intense program, which will put me in a wonderful position when I apply for my MSW, and for OGS applications as well. FOR THOSE OF YOU LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCE: Before I was accepted to Lakehead, I did have a lot of experience, and it was quite vast. But in January of last year, I ventured up to Northern Quebec to work in one of the nine Cree communities in after school programming. It was honestly the best decision I ever made, I took a huge risk, but I absolutely loved my community, the people, and my students. I am still in contact with many people and receive regular messages and discussions from my students. The company is called Youth Fusion, they are now hiring for the Cree communities and Nunuvik. It also really opened up my eyes to Indigenous issues in Canada, which growing up in Toronto in an Immigrant family, I was not exposed to as much as someone from Thunder Bay or other parts of Southern Ontario. It also sparked my interest to learn about Indigenous issues on my own time, and I excelled in the Social Work with Aboriginal Peoples class this year. Although I didn't take the position to beef up my resume, it really did in the end, and I am fairly certain that is why I was accepted to Lakehead. Anyway, I thought I would pass that along to those of you looking for a unique, wonderful experience. I absolutely loved it, I was the Leadership and Healthy Living Project Coordinator.