nutella14

Anyone know how many people apply vs. how many people are accepted to the 2 year MSW programs at U of T, York, and UVictoria? I heard McGill gets ~ 200 apps and accepts 35 to the 'qualifying year'. Thanks!

I think the context of a therapeutic relationship or helping relationship - even informal - is totally different than a grad school application. In a helping relationship 'self-disclosure' is an entirely different issue due to the power dynamics at play and the necesssarily "one-way" focus of the relationship. These things aren't relevant for an application, though other concerns may be valid (concerns about professionalism, etc.) I'm sure this is the approach you've taken, but if you are including this in your statement then I would suggest focussing not just on what experiences you have had, but what you've learned from it and where you are now. Experience with oppression/trauma/personal struggle alone doesn't automatically translate into skills or perspectives that would make you an effective social worker, but it can if you have grown because of it. Best of luck with your statement

Hi LP3 What was the context behind the advice not to disclose your mental health status/experience? I can understand that advice for applying to jobs as there can still be stigma and discrimination (or at the very least, a lack of empathy), but legally an admissions committee couldn't discount you based on your mental health experience. I guess I'm wondering if sharing this kind of information would strengthen an application.

Is anyone else applying to McGill's Qualifying Year MSW program? (the first of their two-year program) Just curious. I'm applying to: UVic, U of T, York, and McGill (all 2 year). Question from people who have applied before: How did you approach the personal statement? I am specifically wondering whether it is appropriate to talk about difficult life experiences that have led me to consider social work as a career (e.g. trauma or mental health). Is this considered unprofessional, or a reasonable and even compelling approach? Thanks!!

Hi soapaddict I found this website to be helpful. It's a site called WorkBC that profiles industries and jobs in BC -- however, I suspect that the information isn't wildly different from other provinces (like Ontario). http://www.workbc.ca/Navigator/occupations/4152

Hi there Has anyone been accepted to the UBC MSW Foundation program?? What kind of GPA and previous experience did you have? If anyone has other helpful information on this, that would be great Thanks!

Congratulations!! That's really exciting. Sorry to say I can't be much help, as I don't know what program is better! I'm looking to apply for Sept 2015 and am wondering if you could share what kind of previous volunteer/employment experience you had?? I'm trying to gauge whether my experience is relevant enough, based on others... I know this totally didn't answer your question - Congrats and best of luck with the decision