wishingonuoft

I think in person would probably be fine

I signed and mailed it out with registered mail to make sure they got it, and I got an email from Angela a few days later with a "welcome to the program we've received your acceptance" type message. I also submitted my cheque by mail, there's no way to pay it on ROSI because it's not like a typical payment, but you can always ask. I doubt they would be okay with scanning because I feel like otherwise they would state it as it would be more convenient for everyone...they probably do what they do for a reason.

I *COULD* be wrong (!!!), but I think I read last year someone's status changed to referred to the department and that meant they got in.

My status changed to "decision made" 4 business days after my ROSI updated to invited

When I emailed Terry Gardiner regarding what counted as relevant experience he replied saying this, hope it helps! "Our suggestion regarding volunteer experience is that you look for opportunities that speak to your interests and passion. What is important is that you are able to demonstrate a track record of connecting with people."

The way I submitted my application was by the format they specified, so for each section I specified X amount of hours/month. I just added up the figures on my resume and got 2100 hours (I also realized I forgot to add 400 hours from a co-operative education placement I had in high-school that was super relevant, oops). I think for U of T at least, number of hours shows you're committed but it's more complicated than that -- i.e. I've facilitated transition clinics for youth at Sick Kids hospital who are entering the adult healthcare system, overall that has clocked me in at maybe 10 hours...but that's a more valuable 10 hours than 100 hours at some of the more minor volunteer commitments I've had, you know?

The research methods course I submitted with my application was a 2nd year level course and I got an A- in it (I've subsequently taken advanced statistics courses that have killed me and my GPA, so it was definitely my best mark). However, I have also been a research assistant in several labs as well as had strong research components to projects I've been involved with (i.e. youth mental healthcare system reform). I have a feeling that if all of my research experience was limited to an A- in a 2nd year introduction to stats course that I'd be at a disadvantage with the application.

I'm finishing my undergrad now and I was accepted in the first wave, but I imagine that if an applicant doesn't have a research methods mark yet that would put them at a large disadvantage since that is one of their only admission criteria.

Does anyone else have like, less than zero motivation to study right now? I have literally not studied in 2 weeks, and opening a textbook feels like Everest.

I am wondering this too, and if it's too late to do so? Just super unclear about how OGS' work!

I personally don't plan on working while I'm completing U of T's 2 year because I want to put all of my eggs in one basket so to speak and make sure I excel academically, however I'm going to gauge things after starting the program. If I think getting a job would be reasonable then maybe I will. Those who I've spoken to who are currently in the program told me that they have part time jobs and it's been very manageable for them. Different strokes for different folks!

Congratulations goodnews and poppy_msw!!!!!!!!!!!!! Long time coming fingers crossed for everyone else today!

You can find the student number on the SGS page under "application summary" --> "Reported Student Number", your applicant number is not the same as the student number, it is not a sign you didn't get in all the best!

Hey Franki! I have personally worked directly with clients in various settings but it has not explicitly been "social service work", similar to you it has been mostly mental health support and I have worked on some larger projects related to mental health policy. All of my work has been part-time and voluntary. It sounds like you have some wonderful experience and having a Masters that has involved a lot of research is great considering U of T's focus on research. In terms of jobs I also found when browsing that the job market in social services very much favours those with social work degrees, but I imagine the fact that you have education beyond that of a BA in addition to your experience will only make you a more competitive applicant for them. Wishing you the best and hoping you get some good news in the coming weeks!

In terms of program structuring--some stuff I've been told from someone currently in the 2 year (that may not be clearly stated on the site, and also are based exclusively off of what the student told me): - No exams -Each course has ~2 assignments that make up the entire course load (about 10 courses the first year) - First year practicum can either be taken in Winter or Summer, however selection is completely random so you select your top choices for placement and then it's a draw for who gets it - Tuition can be paid in a lump sum in the Fall or have partial deferral for student loans and is approximately 11k/year -In second year you declare your specialization (no specialization quota, for example if all 140 students declare mental health and health as their speciality they all get it) I have no idea about the part-time program. From what I heard in the information session I attended, it is HIGHLY competitive to get a part-time spot (like under 15 spots), so it's a bigger risk. Not sure about the structure of the program for part-timers, but I would recommend emailing Terry Gardiner (he is responsible for student outreach and runs the info sessions for FIFSW). He is an amazing resource, I literally started emailing him questions about the program 3 years ago and he has always been super helpful with any and all questions. Hope that helps!

A number of you PM'd me about my experience so I thought I'd finally make a post about it! I'm just completing my undergraduate degree now. My average at the time of the application was low B+ (3.3 GPA), and after updating it with my previous semesters marks I got it up to a mid-B+. I think my application strengths were in my experience, references and written statements. A brief summary of some of my experience: -worked as a youth lead on a national mental health collaborative aiming to reform the youth mental health-care system -2 years as a phone operator as well as member on the executive board of a crisis line - worked in both hospital settings and community health settings with youth transitioning to the adult health-care system (facilitating groups, providing feedback on programs, and creating materials for the youth) -facilitated a program for chronic health self-management via Sick Kids hospital - worked with youth, barrier free, and elderly persons with dementia in a community health centre on various programs as a facilitator -member of various organizations on campus that aim to empower and advocate for diverse populations -completed a certificate program where I was able to examine diverse populations from a critical lens -1 year volunteering in a lab, followed by 1 year as a research assistant in a lab As a result of some of my bigger projects I was fortunate to be connected with some very strong references in the field, which I am very grateful for. I really hope you can feel confident in your applications by believing in your experience and what you have to offer the program. Stronger aspects of your application can most definitely make up for weaker ones, so if you're worried about how one aspect might really pull you down (as I worried) I would not lose hope! Good luck to you all, I hope I will be meeting you all this coming semester, and I hope that tomorrow brings more acceptances! If you have any more specific questions please feel free to PM me

I just opened my offer of admission letter for u of t's 2 year feeling more real now. I didn't receive any funding but I didn't anticipate that with my GPA.

My mom just urgently called me and pretty much sang "YOU'VE GOT MAAAIL" into the phone, so my acceptance has arrived! I won't be opening it until this weekend though so I can't speak to if I got any funding, but I doubt it!

I was gonna post an image of what the accepted Rosi page looks like but I don't see how to insert an image into the posts... so here is a link http://postimg.org/image/c9vdgq35l/

Last year's waiting game had 68 pages of posts altogether, we're at 79 pages and it's only mid-march #eager

My mom checked the mail about an hour ago and there wasn't anything there yet. My mom's place is a 6 minute drive from the FIFSW building...so the letter isn't going far!

It seems that everyone who was accepted on Friday had their SGS status update today!

I was just wondering how long you have to accept the offer, and if it says you have to maintain an average of some sort in your final year of undergrad (should that be the case or a generic thing they put for all applications)?

Omg, congratulations that's incredible!

I can relate, but from what I've heard in the past U of T requires a decision within 4 weeks, which is plenty of time for a hurricane to hit and still get your acceptance in on time!