nutella14

For one year though right??! I feel highly invested in making sure purplegrey doesn't faint from this news. IT'S ONE YEAR IT'S OK IT'S OK. Breathe. Also I am loving these memes and guided relaxations, haha.

Hi blh22 Last year, 2-year applicants to U of T received their packages by mail on April 7th and started to see acceptances on ROSI on April 3/4. Angela has confirmed by email (to me and one other person on here, through a generic reply) that acceptances will be sent out this year between mid-February to mid-April. So I expect it will be the same. In 2013 2-year applicants received their packages by mail on April 15th.

Another timeline update (again, not sure if it's been posted)... last year, people started receiving acceptance emails for York's 2 year program at the very end of March (around ~March 29-31st). It seems like they also sent out waitlist emails on the same date saying "you've been recommended for admission but we don't have a spot for you at this time" etc. Even those it's only about a week difference from U of T it seems so much closer. Just a little over a month! Not holding out too much hope for York as it's so competitive, but I'd like to know either way at this point.

Congratulations!!! So exciting good for you

Hey everyone I lurked through past forums to find a definite date when U of T sends out 2 year acceptances. I don't know if it's been posted here before so here's what I found: Last year U of T mailed out acceptance packages for the 2 year program on April 7th. Some people posted earlier that week (around April 4th) saying their ROSI had changed to say they were accepted. In 2013 it seems like packages were received by mail on April 15th.. not sure if/when ROSI showed changes. So I'm going to try not to think about it until April 1st. Probably won't work...!! Also I emailed Angela (at U of T) to ask when 2-year candidates need to accept their offer. She said you need to put down a $150 deposit by June 1st to secure your spot in the 2-year program. So if you're on the waitlist, this is probably why people aren't accepted off the waitlist until late May and then into the summer. The waitlist sounds excruciating Hang in there everyone!!

Hey wxyyyz Did you get those numbers from the forum or from York?? I emailed them in October and they said: "We receive over 500+ applications for the 2 YR MSW program and we accept 20 applications. Most students that we accept have an A range GPA, that is not to say that we do not and have not accepted students with a B+ average however, the higher your GPA the better. This program is a very competitive program to gain entrance to."

jjmr89 One thing to consider -- It sounds like you want to work in Calgary and therefore would register as a social worker with ACSW (Alberta's provincial association) Alberta has a specific regulated designation for Clinical Social Workers. So does BC. Ontario does not -- in Ontario, you can register as an RSW or a Social Service Worker; there is no Clinical Social Worker designation. So this is why UBC-O and Calgary call themselves clinical programs, but U of T does not. There are specific requirements to register as a clinical social worker in Alberta and in BC. Both require some specific coursework. So, you should make sure that the electives offered by U of T include the courses you would need to register. As far as I can tell you can complete a regular MSW (like at U of T, or even UBC - Vancouver which doesn't designate itself as clinical) and meet the requirements either through i) taking the right electives in your advanced year, or ii) taking supplemental coursework after you graduate. I'm pretty sure the U of T advanced program would be fine but you may want to double check. ACSW's requirements: http://www.acsw.ab.ca/public/faq/clinical_registry

Hey everyone It's so nice to hear from more of you (especially those who have been reading for a while and are just joining now) - I like reading your posts and remembering that I'm not alone in this long, looooong wait! My Plan B is to travel and then find work. My contract is up at the end of June so I'll be travelling and relaxing for July/August -- planned unemployment, which I'm actually extremely excited about!! I know that I need a solid break before starting grad school (which I haven't ever had), if I get in this year. If I don't get in, I'm planning to travel a bit more extensively, reapply for Fall 2016, and then look for full-time work again. At this point I am hoping to either be flat out rejected or accepted. I really, really do not want to endure a waiting list. The waiting list SEEMS better than a rejection (and for some of you, it would be) but I honestly cannot tolerate uncertainty all the way up until September. I would rather just know, come to terms with a rejection, and move ahead confidently with my Plan B. I read on a previous forum that someone was accepted to the U of T 2-year MSW less than a week before classes started in September!! The thought of having to wait until then, and then potentially dropping all plans and maybe moving on short notice, is just excruciating. :S

I think "no limit" means just that - there is no limit. As long as you are describing each position in a fairly succinct way, then the length of your CV simply reflects the amount of experience you have. If you have 10-15 years of volunteering and professional experiences, your CV is going to be long. No limit means no limit.

I did it. I can't believe it. I just submitted York and U of T. Despite feeling good about these applications over the weekend, a last minute wave of self-doubt struck and the last few hours have been stressful to say the least!! But they're IN, SUBMITTED, AND DONE! Now I just need to force myself not to read them again and overthink things between now and March/April!! Congrats to everyone else who submitted applications today!! I just have one left.. Lakehead (Orillia). Going to do that one in early January, then the online test that month. I will be so happy when this is done!

ME!!!! Ah! I'm finishing my York and U of T applications today (hopefully). It's significantly harder than I expected to stay within the word limit. I'll be able to, but a lot of my time has been taken up by editing it down to fit. I have my CV done (just some final reviewing) but the statements aren't there yet. Good luck everyone!

Anyone else applying to the 2-year York MSW? Wondering how you chose to approach the written statement (500 words, unstructured with no specific questions!!) Did you write it like an essay, or break it down into subheadings?

To Heif1 and Natalie Toronto... I absolutely don't think a SSW diploma would be looked down upon. That makes absolutely no sense. You're getting more education in the field that you're intending to study. You'll be better equipped as a social work student. Don't worry about it. There are so many different qualifications for health professionals - social workers may work in settings alongside child & youth workers, personal support workers, educational assistants... etc., all college educated. Yes, the MSW is required for advanced practice, but there is no way that having an SSW would hurt, or that attending college would look bad in some way. College teaches you much more practical skills than a liberal arts university degree, anyway. This is a plus on your application, for sure!

Hi everyone I have a question about the UofT MSW application. The first question for the written statement is "What experiences motivate you to (a) become a social worker; or ( continue your social work education?" The second question is "Describe your attributes and experiences (e.g.: volunteer/ work.) that you believe are relevant to social work." To me, the second question is clearly asking about professional experiences that relate to social work. How did you interpret the first question? Is this a place to talk about personal experiences that have motivated you to pursue social work? Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!

Thank you so much for all this info about the HBSW!! I'm not applying to Thunder Bay because I need to stay close to Toronto (within driving distance). I'm hoping to do exactly what you're doing - get into the HBSW and really boost my grades further, then hopefully land an OGS! Fingers crossed.

Hi Kat Thanks so much for such a detailed post about the HBSW program!! It's really helpful to hear. I'm applying to the Orillia campus only. Do you know anything about the Orillia program? I assume the program itself is the same. Do you have any advice for the application and the online exam? Thank you so much!

Hi Bettyg I'm in the same boat!! I am going to apply to the Lakehead HBSW (Orillia), but have the same reservations as you do. I've never even been to Orillia. However, I've rationalized in my mind this way.... it's only 6 months, and 6 months would go by quite quickly (especially in such an intense program). I wouldn't be ALONE in Orillia, I would be starting a program with 60 other people. And, as you said, I will be seriously kicking myself if I don't get into an MSW and I don't have the HBSW as a backup. I had originally planned to only apply to MSW programs; if I don't get in, I would just work for a year and reapply. But I figure now that there's no guarantee that I would be able to improve my application during that year -- what if I can't find relevant job experience? I figure that by doing the HBSW, I'm boosting the strength of my application and (hopefully) boosting my grades as well. I have a competitive average (A- in final year) but I would like to apply for OGS and SSHRC funding for my MSW, and I'm hoping doing the HBSW would let me boost my average further. And I'll be in Orillia with nothing to do but study!! Ultimately I figure spending 6 months in Orillia and getting my MSW in two years is better than it taking 3 years. I don't have a car either. There is public transit in Orillia and a bus route from downtown to the Lakehead campus. There is also a bus line that has regular trips to Toronto: http://www.ontarionorthland.ca/index.php/en/ Greyhound's schedule isn't as good as this company. I'm also guessing that other HBSW students will driving back to Toronto pretty regularly on weekends. Rent is cheap in Orillia... from Kijiji it looks like you could find a room in a house shared with other students for ~$400-$500 all inclusive. So... that's how I've rationalized it in my mind!! U of T is still my top choice, so that's what I'm hoping for. OH and the downside of the HBSW (aside from Orillia itself) is that tuition is quite high - around $11,000-$13,000. It's a full-year condensed program so I guess that's why. That doesn't include books or living or anything. Has anyone on this forum done the HBSW program?? I'm curious about the workload, the quality of the program, etc.

.... you sound like a strong applicant! I don't know how to say this but it sort of stresses me out that you didn't get in with all that experience, lol. I guess the application and statement counts for a lot after all. Which is good in a way because if you work on them more this year, I'm sure you have a good shot!! I'm applying to the 1-year Lakehead HBSW program in Orillia. Are you applying to Thunder Bay or Orillia??

Hi everyone I am considering applying to Lakehead 1-year BSW program (Orillia campus) and I"m wondering if anyone on here is currently doing this program, or knows much about it? My hope would be to live in Orillia for the in-class portion (July - December) and then land a placement in Toronto, and live there Jan - June. This program would be my backup. The workload sounds very intense so I am wondering about that (8:30 - 4:30 every day in the summer). The bonus seems to be that after finishing the program, you are eligible to register as an RSW. Thoughts? Anyone know more about the program, faculty, Orillia..? Thanks!

Hi smpalesh Just want to echo what jenste and purplegrey have said - you got this! You were waitlisted for a very competitive program last year. You are still the same person, with the same qualifications, experiences, and grades that got you into that position last year. Except you're also a year wiser and more experienced with the application process. Tweak and update your personal statement to whatever extent you are able to this time, and submit it by the deadline. Everything will unfold as it should Good luck!

I suggest just getting in touch directly with York. Call them today to ask - much better than depending on second hand information!! Good luck!

Is anyone applying to the University of Victoria (UVic) 2-year MSW program?

Hi LP3 This is my first time applying to grad school, but I've taken several years off since finishing my undergrad. I've been working, volunteering, clarifying my life direction/goals. My work experience (mental health field) directly impacted my decision and my confidence that social work is the right thing for me. Plus, I've been saving money for grad school. It's easy for me to say, but I'd encourage you to focus on what you value and what you want. It's your life. You're the one who will be doing all the work (readings, papers, practicum) during grad school - so, to end up in a Master's program without i) really wanting to be there, and ii) really wanting to be in grad school NOW (instead of waiting)... you're selling yourself short. I've really valued my time working. I was not the best student in terms of self-discipline and time management, and I can honestly say I've been able to develop those skills by working full-time. I think I'll be able to approach my studies with much more professionalism and discipline this time around. Besides, I think almost all of my profs have strongly recommended taking time off before grad school. Unless you're doing something like clinical psych where you have 7 years of school ahead of you, so taking a break prolongs it, then I've almost exclusively been told that time off/time working is advisable. If you've only ever been a student, you lack the real-life context to understand the things you're learning -- for any program. In terms of explaining it to family and friends, I think that once you really find peace in your decision and are confident you're doing the right thing for yourself, then it might be a bit easier. You can try saying, I've decided that waiting a year is the right choice for me. Or... I've decided to get more experience, I've decided to save more money to avoid student loans, etc. Easier said than done. Good luck

That being said, the U of C website includes a list of the types of experience that will count towards "hours". The list is much more flexible than other universities, from what I have seen. For example, U of C will count being a camp counsellor towards your hours of experience. http://fsw.ucalgary.ca/calgary/prospective-students/master-social-work-msw/how-apply Click Step 7 "Examples of relevant social service experience: Group home/residential worker Crisis line volunteer Camp counsellor with children and youth Teacher’s assistant Hospital volunteer Research assistant in human services research Overseas social development experience Child welfare worker (protection, guardianship, policy analyst) Counsellor in a non profit agency Case manager in hospital and/or health and/or mental health setting Social planning in a municipal setting Teacher Please note that this is not anexhaustive list. Applicants can make a case for special considerations of particular life, volunteer, or work experience if they can indicate connections to social work."

Yikes! .... not that encouraging, haha.