magfish

Not from UBCo, but I know that in previous years people have either: a) sent an email and asked for an extension, which some schools are happy to grant, or b ) paid the deposit and then forfeited it if they didn't end up attending. Congrats and good luck on the tough decision!

I did the exact same thing!!! Waitlisted at U of T and rejected at Laurier in 2015, I did the 15 month post-degree BSW at St Thomas in NB. Honestly, I was broken hearted about it all - it meant another almost two years of long distance in my relationship, a perceived huge delay to my future career, and I considered it unnecessary, which was honestly probably just my ego talking. I'm on the other side of it now. I graduated just over a year ago (December 2016) and decided not to apply to an MSW right away. I've been working food service for the last basically year and although a lot of that was disheartening, it has been a really good experience. I was not ready to do my MSW, honestly. Just because I had a gender studies minor didn't mean I knew much about social work. I didn't love my program BUT I learned a LOT about what I want to do and what I don't, and what I'm WILLING to do (and able to, for my own mental health). I met some incredible people and ultimately feel way more prepared and ready - even answering the personal statements this time around felt much more... cohesive? I just know more about what I want. And ultimately, I was right three years ago: what I want to do requires a masters degree, and with the state of clinical social work right now I'm safer for myself not in it. I'm sad about it, for sure. I'd rather be using my degree! But, I also have colleagues who rushed through our program (which honestly was a LOT of work - I can't imagine condensing it AND more into just one "foundational" year!) and are now, a year later, burnt out and exhausted. I'm a little frustrated, but in SUCH a better place and am now really excited to actually get into this in the right way for me. ANYWAYS. It felt shitty and like a huge misstep for me, but in the end it was worth it. AND we had people of all ages and walks of life in our class as well. And you're right, honestly, what's one more year? THAT SAID- I'll still send some positive vibes your way and hope you get some good news!

The thing is, most schools just arent transparent enough about how much they weigh certain things. Even when they say they are... theres just so much bias that goes into the application process. I will tell you when I was rejected from Laurier in 2015 the letter said very plainly that "most successful candidates have at least 3500 hours of experience and an A- average". But it sounds like you really do have a ton of experience (which I was also lacking) so it's hard to say. Also, things may have changed in the last three years! I will say, if you don't get in, it's not the end. These are very competitive programs and someones it takes applicants a few tries to get in. Or you nay find a different way to go about the path for yourself. At this point there isn't much you can do but know that you worked hard and, hopefully, what will be will be.

WAIT. They're saying the two year applicants will hear by the end of February? That honestly doesn't sound right. Two years hearing anything before late March is kind of unheard of, even for them? And where does that leave us one years??? Ahhhhh!!!!!!!

What does that even MEAN?!???! Like. Is the 15th mid february?? Is the 10th mid, since the month only has 28 days? What is mid-late???? It could theoretically be any time between now and the end of the month. Ahhhhhhhh I just want to KNOW!!! (Last year the first Carleton acceptance was March 1st so at least we're ahead of them???)

Anyone else waiting on 1 year results just like, freaking out basically all the time? I had a dream last night that I got into my top choice and cried. And last week I had a dream that I DIDN'T get in and I cried. And I'm forcing myself not to check the portals online more than once since I'm sure it'll be another ~month till results (w h Y) but I am suffering alone because I don't know anyone else in the application cycle... Anyone want to suffer with me???

I think you can keep checking where you submitted your documents, but if you want to you can set up a ROSI account! That's what I did when I applied two years ago, though IIRC they all updated around similar times? I don't know if you even can set up an ACORN account and from what I remember from previous years that was only really useful if ROSI was down... Either way, you still probably have at least a month to go for the 1 year program and probably closer to two/three for the 2 year. So, keep checking if it helps your nerves but I wouldn't start worrying too much until mid-February! Good luck!

Hey! Welcome to the thread! It's quieter here than in previous years, so if you want more information you can maybe find some of the older threads and search through them for the schools in question? Are you applying for one year or two year programs? I know there are some schools further up north still in BC that have social work programs that might be worth looking into. I have a friend or two who were at UBCO and seemed to like it! What type of program are you looking for? Do you have specifications about the course content etc? Also, a thing to consider: UVIC's one year distance master's is pretty strict on hours and their requirement is rather high. I'm assuming their two year would be similar, so might be worth getting started volunteering now if you're considering it! ALSO, one last point: if you want to stay in BC long term (which it sounds like you do) then I think you're for sure on the right track wanting to do school here. I mean there are other distance programs you can look into, but since you're going to have to write the BC licensing exam to register it makes a lot of sense to go to a school that can better help you prepare for it! Good luck!

YES! I had to call around last week. Like I said long story but mostly to do with my mom's health and a last minute decision on my part to apply (my partner won't be in Toronto next year and I really, REALLY do not want to do long distance again but it did make sense for me to apply just in case). On the 13th I still hadn't even gotten the info to get into myfile and to say I was panicking was an understatement. The lovely lady on the end of the social work line calmed me down a bit (though she sounded a tad frazzled!) and said "it's not actually advertised, but the 13th is the deadline to have gotten the first part in. You've got two more weeks to get in the supporting documents if you need it. Obviously we don't really tell people that, but we know it's a busy time of year and so you should be okay!!". My last reference only just submitted today!! But at least it's all officially done now! You're right - it definitely WAS therapeutic. My partner was a little worried that I was going to work myself up over it (which is what I did last time!) but it was actually great. Knowing I won't hear till probably mid-February at the earliest means I can put all of this out of my brain for a bit! And the drama from last year was interesting to read. Like I said, the last application cycle I was part of was the 2015 one so I missed everything that went on last year. Anyways. Worth a read if you're bored! As per timeframe, a lot of it seems to depend on the school! It seemed like in last years thread some people were getting ridiculous things like 10 business days (for smaller schools it seemed, or ones that started later) whereas other people had a few weeks or even longer! What most people were recommending if you hear from one who has a fast turnaround is calling in and asking for an extension with the caveat that you're waiting on another school. This seemed to work sometimes. Other times when people were desperate they mostly just paid the deposit (a few hundred dollars, unfortunately) and then had the spot guaranteed even if they later then had to withdraw it. It's tricky and I wish social work was more like other programs where they all hear around the same time!!! Really puts people in a tough spot and schools I think (smaller ones, or 'less desirable' schools) take advantage of this - if they force people to make a decision before they can even hear from a more "prestigious" school they might have an easier time filling their spots!!! ANYWAYS. Here I go rambling again. Good luck!!!

This thread seems SO quiet compared to previous years!!! How's everyone feeling so far? I got everything sorted with my York application (I decided rather last minute to do it and had a bit of a panic, but everything's in and I'm just waiting on one more reference which I'm told is fine as their Dec 13th deadline actually has an additional ~2 weeks after it to get ALL supporting documents in) so now the freak outs have settled in! ANYWAYS. I'm going back through last years thread (wow - there's some drama, jeez... wonder if that's why there are so few of us here this year??) and looking at the first dates candidates stated getting acceptances/rejections/waitlists and figured some of you might be interested! (PLEASE NOTE applications and rejections all seem to go out in waves and make very little sense in general - not hearing by these dates doesn't mean ANYTHING! these are all just based on the people who were commenting, who knows when the applications actually start coming out. I know we are all probably beating ourselves up a bit but: what will be will be. remember: nothing good gets away. also: last year seems to have been a little later for some places and earlier for others - there are MANY factors, I just wanted to see this for my ow personal info!) One year programs: Windor's first acceptance, Feb 7th 2017 (and, around the same time, anecdotal evidence of a few rejections as well) these continue into the next week, and seem to be spread out over a few days Dalhousie (I believe 1 year?), recommended someone to the Dean on Feb 7th (still needed to be "approved by graduate studies" to be official acceptance, but I think that's a formality) Calgary's first acceptances (to the leadership specialization?), Feb 13th (via email) Laurier sends some waitlist emails, Feb 14th U of T's first acceptance, Feb 21st (via ROSI) quite a few this same date, seems to be the "first wave" York's first acceptance, Feb 23rd (via email) Laurier's first rejection, Feb 23rd (via snail mail) U of T's first waitlist, Feb 23rd (via snail mail) University of Montreal's first acceptance, Feb 24th York's first waitlist, Feb 24th (via email) UVic's first rejection, Feb 27th (email) Dalhousie's first (official) acceptance, Feb 28th (email) Carleton's first acceptance, March 1st York's first rejection, March 1st (via myfile) (*part time) York's second "round" of acceptances, March 2nd (*part time) King's (Western) first waitlist, March 3rd (email) King's first acceptance, March 3rd Windsor's first waitlist, March 3rd (email) UQAM's first acceptance, March 7th Waterloo's first acceptances, March 7th Ryerson's first acceptance, March 14th (via phone call) U of T's waitlist begins to move - one person acceped, May 11th another accepted off the wait list early June another accepted June 29th And, I didn't go quite as far, but from 2 year applicants: UBC-O, waitlisted someone around the end of January York's first rejection, recorded Feb 3rd 2017 Carleton's first rejection, Feb 14th U of T's first rejection, Feb 15th Carleton's first acceptances, Feb 23rd UBC-O's first acceptance, March 1st King's (Western) first acceptance, March 6th (via email) more acceptances recorded March 9th, March 13th Western's first waitlist, March 8th (email) Western's first rejections, March 8th someone calls Windsor, are told acceptances have started rolling out, March 14th York's first acceptance, March 16th (myfile) more seem to be rolling out early April York's first waitlist, March 16th (email) U of T's first acceptances, March 23rd (via ACORN, as ROSI was down) apparently, all letters (acceptances, rejections, waitlists) were sent out on this day someone confirmed that ACORN didn't show all statuses - they received an "accepted" snail mail letter with nothing recorded on ACORN someone else confirmed their ROSI said "invited", ACORN said nothing, and they got a letter. who knows at this point! U of T's wait list letters begin to arrive, March 28th (via snail mail) Laurier's first acceptances, April 3rd (via email) Laurier's first waitlist, April 4th (via email) Windsor's first waitlist, April 12th (via myUWindsor) Windsor's first acceptance for the "working professionals" program, May 3rd U of T's waitlist begins to move - two people acceped, May 11th another person accepted off the waitlist, May 30th PHEW I feel like there's a ton of info to unpack there (I got carried away, it's fine). Some schools send out in waves, with rejections first. Some send out all at once (like Western's 2 year program). Feb 23rd was a popular date! Last name doesn't seem to matter at all, alphabetically speaking. Some schools send emails while others you need to check the online systems to get the info early (like U of T's ROSI). Often letters mean rejection/waitlist if you haven't heard anything else, but some people did seem to get acceptance letters before they saw anything on line. I definitely missed some stuff - sorry! But hopefully this is helpful to those of you already starting to worry just like me. Either way. We still have time and there is no point to stressing too much (LOL). May the odds be ever in your favours!!!

From what I've heard of Carleton, they're looking for more "well rounded" candidates and thus your experience may make up for it!! York as well - both are more "structural" programs and I've heard that they are generally more open to more diverse candidates, especially if you focus on this kind of stuff in your applications! I regretted not applying for either of these my first time around, because I think they're a little less "strict" in general, or at least a little more understanding? (again, from what I've heard!) I would honestly recommend NOT applying to the 2 year program at Laurier especially with what you've said about your GPA worries. Honestly, I think it'll be a waste of time and money for you. I was flat out rejected from Laurier's 2 year MSW when I applied, and the letter they sent me said "successful candidates typically have 2 years full time experience AND at least an A- minimum GPA". I think I was hovering between a B+/A- and didn't have quite enough hours. So, maybe your hours will make up for it, but I've heard that Laurier is a much more clinical / research focused school and thus cares a lot about grades and stuff, as in, you need to be above the minimum to be considered. U of T, from what I know, also talks about wanting "well rounded" candidates. I think having the experience is a great point for you and since you do meet the minimum requirements it's probably worth trying it out? Also, they have one of the biggest programs by far which I think is good, a lot easier to get in when they accept ~100+ people versus schools that take 10-20. That's what I ended up doing as well - essay format! I went through with a theme on mental health and I'm pretty happy with it, so I think we made the right call. Thanks!! This is good advice that I maybe should have followed. Unfortunately I'm now on the exact opposite side of the country from where I did my BSW (New Brunswick, now I'm in Vancouver!) and didn't think of this till it was probably too late. Beyond that, STU doesn't have any post grad programs and their career centre was monumentally unhelpful when I went for resume tips, but still not a bad idea for anyone else still writing with time to do this!!

Hey all! Wow - it's shocking how quiet this years thread is compared to the last time I applied (2015)! Anyone else applying to the advanced entry year at Carleton? I'd love to chat about personal statements and mainly, are you writing it as a paper or just answering the questions? I never know what makes more sense!!!

Haha- totally mixed things up there. I personally was wait listed. I meant don't know anyone who WASN'T, but there have to have been people who were outright rejected. I would approach the wait list with little to no hope and if anything be surprised instead of disappointed. I imagine a lot of movement will be very unlikely. Also I don't have a source for the 70. I just remember someone saying something like it in the thread and me being shocked that basically they wait list 50% of the program number, you know? Sorry for major confusion. Aka why I shouldn't be on these forums on my lunch break / not pay of attention!

SW15 I don't know anyone who was waitlisted, but odds are there have to be people who were. If they have 800+ applicants, accept 140, and put 70 on the waitlist... well, you do the math! Is anyone else driving themselves a little crazy over the U of T wait list stuff?? I mean.. I've accepted St. Thomas but it just doesn't feel real - going out east is insane and I've still got a little sliver of hope that it isn't over yet even though for all intents and purposes it is. A rejection almost would have been nicer.... Last year on the forum it looked like quite a few (5 maybe??) got calls on June 4th about the waitlist, and someone else got in early-ish August. In 2013 three or four people got in around May 22nd/24th, and someone there said that in 2011 someone got in as late as Sept 4th!!! I know it's insane and not to base anything off what happened in previous years. For the most part I am not thinking about it, you know? Most days I'm just focused on work and summer and my job, but occasionally it hits me and I drop by here to see if there's any movement or anything like that. Nice to know it looks like people get phone calls for movement. Good luck to everyone, I'm sure at least a few of the people on this board will get in!!!

A lot of it is rationalizing how much I'll like it to offset how upset I am about being away from my partner and family for a year and a half, to be completely honest. But the more I talk about it the more excited I get, so always happy to give in depth responses! Yes, I believe most schools of social work take a structuralist focus (exactly how you describe it) but from what I can gather St. Thomas is more likely to politicize their focus and actually look at structuralist forces and their importance. From reading other course descriptions at other schools I've got the impression that although they take that stance, they don't do much about it, just train you to be a good clinician. Does that make sense? I could be all wrong, but that was the impression I got from talking to the faculty in my interview and reading things about the program. Exactly. Even being three months longer St. Thomas works out cheaper!! Dr. Jamal looks he has so much interesting knowledge, all those humanitarian assistance programs, wow!! I need to spend some more time looking through the other faculty members, the only one I know much about (the one who did my interview, Rory) is leaving. Also, got in touch with residence. They keep a few spots for us and recommend Holy Cross Hall as it has more upper year / mature students. Lauren, the residence manager, was a grad from the BSW program at St. Thomas and has been super helpful with all my questions - if anyone else is interested in going that route.

Okay, bear in mind I haven't looked at Dal so I don't know, they could be similar. But from my understanding, St. Thomas is one of the few structuralist social work programs in North America. I'm coming from a background in history and gender studies and a whole lifetime of community organizations (literally - parents co-founded the alzheimers society in our area and I have been involved since day 1, have just spent the past year as the assistant director of a sexual health resource centre, etc) and that's what I know I want to do. Me related stuff: I know that while I can handle small towns, having the option of getting to a big city is important for me - this kind of rules out Lakehead immediately, the closest actual "city" is Winnipeg, at 8 or so hours drive, whereas from Fredericton I can get to Halifax in four. Fredericton also sounds like a great town - it's a capital city but friends say it's also very much a "university town", which I'm used to and I like. It sounds like they have some neat things going on night-life wise even for a small city, and it looks gorgeous. Cost of living between the two is very comparable, with rent prices around the same, flights around the same. The only difference is that Lakehead's tuition is $13000 and St. Thomas is $8200. So even though St. Thomas is three months longer, I'll still save a few thousand dollars going that route, plus have eight months to work for a bit between St. Thomas and (if I choose to do) a Masters program. Even just looking at the course listing for Stu, I can tell I'd enjoy it. I'm looking here http://w3.stu.ca/stu/academic/social_work/courses/default.aspxand at last years student handbook here http://w3.stu.ca/stu/academic/social_work/schedule/documents/20142015StudentHandbook.pdf (page 10). Honestly, one of the things I really like is the opportunity to take electives (you get two at Stu and only one at Lakehead) and their elective offerings look like they could be really great. Mostly, I think I'd enjoy anywhere, Lakehead does look like it has some neat courses but there are a couple things, you know? Like, at Lakehead I'd have to take another research methods course focused on social work, at St. Thomas I don't have to do that and instead get to take a global policy class instead of just Canadian policy. Lakehead has a mandatory Indigenous studies course, but at St. Thomas I could choose to take one or take something else if it interested me more. Courses at Stu that stand out to me even in the required courses are things like fundamentals of community organizing, organizing for action with diverse groups, the global policy course, and obviously I like the look of the a lot of the electives (feminist counselling! social work and trauma!). And honestly, I really like the small liberal arts vibe of St. Thomas. It'll be kind of refreshing and different coming out of a mid-sized university where I don't even know everyone in my classes, let alone my major or my program. Plus, talking to the interviewers (Rory specifically) about what he liked about Stu kind of solidified it, it seems like everyone has great opinions of the program (people do about Lakehead too though!) and I'm kind of enchanted with the idea of moving really far, getting to explore the east coast... Okay, that was long and rambly. Let me know if I can answer more specific questions. I just kind of word vomited here - can you tell it's exam season and I'm going a little crazy?? I know a lot of this was in comparison to Lakehead because that's what I've been researching, so you may have to sub some of this with your other choices. But, this is where my brain is at right now, so.. Feels kind of good to write it all down!

Hi Rachel!! What a coincidence! I was wondering if I was going to run into people from my interview and if everyone got in. So weird when you only have a phone interview but it's great to hear that you got in as well. Thank you! Congratulations on getting into St. Thomas - and I hope you hear good news from Dal as well! St. Thomas is very much my first choice at the moment and I'm getting pretty excited for the program. Maybe I'll see you there!

There really aren't many one-year BSWs. In fact, I think Lakehead might be the only 12 month one. There's also a 15 month program at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB. Most of the Canadian programs are 2 years, with a few at 3 years as well (even with a degree), as far as I can remember from my research.

Just to clarify - I know it's very tough to get into an MSW, but I think it's a lot "easier" to get into an advanced standing program than a two year? Just insofar as there are way more programs that you're eligible for and a smaller applicant pool in general? Still no letter from U of T on my end, but they've got my Kingston mailing address on file so I'm expecting Monday / Tuesday. My partner is still insistent on being hopeful. I'm kind of giving up.

Congrats!! That's amazing! Still no update on my end but so good to hear that people are still getting in. Hoping for one more round of acceptances before the "middle of the month" deadline which I'm going to pin as the 15th because why not.

Such a pertinent point! I wouldn't have nearly as much experience if I hadn't been lucky enough to get a paying job "in" (more like adjacent to, but in an organization who was super happy to let me work with the social worker on staff when I didn't have stuff to do in my actual role) the field. Plus I've stretched myself thin over my time in undergrad volunteering AND working part time for the past four years, and I'm sure at the very least my academics took a hit, but volunteering is important to me. Especially with all this bullshit of the "unpaid internships" which is super aggravating. So I can only imagine the whole volunteer experience preferences lead to people who have been able to get those experiences because they haven't had to work as much while in school. It's a very annoying/frustrating conundrum!

I agree with the surprise over lack of interviews! I did an interview with St. Thomas (over the phone, because I couldn't go to New Brunswick for a day..) and it was actually a great experience. They said in it that they are one of the few schools left who do interviews and that they all love the process. My interview went really really well, and I am pretty confident that it is a large part of why I got in! (I don't think my "social problems analysis test" went as well). I know it's a huge burden to interview so many people, but it was a great process for me as an applicant and would have been awesome to be able to do with schools like U of T or Laurier.

Forgot to let everyone know got my rejection from Laurier in the mail when I got back into town today. Was totally expecting it - I only have 1600 or so hours and a B+ average. My LORIS never changed either. Still waiting on U of T but starting to get excited for St. Thomas!

Hey Christina! That's awesome, getting the letter in the mail must really make you feel awesome. Do you (or anyone else who got rejected / waitlisted to Laurier) mind letting me know what you see on the LORIS admissions portal page? Is it just the same as before (references) or does it link to a new page that mentions the rejection? Thanks!

Haven't heard, still have the references when I click "Master of Social Work". I think it only changes if you get accepted. Still hoping. It's not over till the rejection letter arrives! Make sure you're logging into the LORIS - Admissions thing instead of just regular LORIS. They're different! I can still get into the admissions portal myself.