Newfor2017

Made a Facebook group for 2 year MSW at Laurier... Search for: Laurier MSW 2 Year Full Time 2017-2018
Thanks !

So who's going to Windsor in a few weeks?!

Hello everyone!
After reading through this message board for the past few months I decided to post something myself in the hopes of getting some much needed feedback. So, any information that any of you are able to share is greatly appreciated 
Firstly, I have recently been accepted to Kings 1 year MSW program and Laurentian's and Lakehead's Msw programs and I wondered if anyone has any feedback about either Laurentian's and/or Lakehead's program? I hadn't seen any other comments about these programs so any input is appreciated. 
Also, I have been wait-listed at U of T and Windsor for the 1 year programs and have yet to hear back from Ryerson so I completely understand the emotions and frustrations that go along with this process.  This forum is a nice reminder that we are not alone in this experience.
Finally, I noticed that there were some inquires about post-degree BSW programs and I wanted to share that I attended University of Victoria's distance post-degree BSW (which I completed in 4 consecutive semesters) and I loved it so please feel free to PM me for more information. 

I still didn't get an email or a notification of admission. I'm happy that there's progress at Laurier at least and I'll finally know if I got in or didn't soon enough. It was my first time applying and this journey has taught me so much that even if I don't get in this year, I'm confident that I'll get in next year. 
Good luck to everyone waiting. It looks like a few people will be declining their offers so if we end up on a wait list there's hope. 

Omg! I got into laurier too! 3rd year applying! I am so excited beyond words! Congrats to all others who got in!!
 

Oh my word! I GOT IN TO LAURIER!!! (My last name starts with a V) 

I actually can't believe it!! :""""D

So I think this week will be the week Laurier starts getting back to us! Good luck everyone, sending out positive thoughts!  

Im finishing up the 1 year hbsw at lakehead right now if you have any questions. tuition was about 15k for the program 

I think that synthesizing all of my academic and non-academic experiences into one well-articulated written statement is the reason I was accepted into the two-year program at U of T. I don't have any field-related experience, nor exceptional grades. However, I put my heart and soul into that paper. I traveled downtown and sat in the social work building while writing it. I pored over the admissions booklet and did research on every single professor at the FIFSW. I got 7 separate people to look over it before handing it in, including a registered social worker. If folks would like, I'd be more than happy to share the specifics of my personal statement--just pm me!

Congrats...best unheard message ever!!!

Turns out I was accepted into ryerson a few weeks ago. A neglected voicemail From ryerson was stored on my phone for a for weeks and I didn't notice! 

I don't know what others are coming with, I can only speak for myself. My choice to apply to U of T was one that was not really a choice for me. You see, I looked at all of the schools offering an MSW in the region and looked at their theoretical perspectives and areas of research. U of T was the only school doing research in my area of interest. The choice was clear. 
Another thing that I think made a difference, was that all of my courses (electives), work experience, research experience all connected with my area of interest and I was able to connect the dots that pointed to U of T. I highlighted this in my statement.
I am not a person who is dazzled by bright lights and rubbing shoulders with the "elite"; it quite literally could have been any school. I would have made the choice with with my goal in mind.
I think that is where reflection is needed...does it have to be U of T? and if so, be honest with your reasons why. 
Im grateful that I have been accepted and I get to continue on my path of learning. I hope you all continue on yours as well. 
PS - I have an SSW - 4.0 GPA, BSW 4.0 GPA (last year), A and A- in research qualitative and stats, 7 years of paid employment in the field of mental health and addictions and very little research experience, mature student with lived experience. 
I hope his helps.

@lindaMSW Please don't feel discouraged that you did not get on the wait list and were rejected in February. I am sure that there are many people who were rejected in February. The thing about this forum is that we're maybe ~50 out of a possible 800 or so who apply to the program. If they rejected you from the 2 year MSW in February, you must not have met some minimum criteria and you should inquire as to what that may have been to improve your chances for next time.
I think it is really important to look at what UofT's program is looking for. Look at their mandate for the MSW program and see if you can get experience in line with that. Try to upgrade courses because they do heavily weigh research experience/grades, but do not forget they also equally care as much about your experience and how you articulate it (I have minimal research experience but had high grades in my research class, and had a ton of experience that were out of the box). 
Put yourself in a position where UofT (or any grad school you are trying to get into) would be a FOOL to turn you down. Hit every mark they're looking for and excel in it. And make sure they are aware of how lucky they would be to have you and your experience. It's not what they can do for you or what you hope to gain from them -- because they know they are a top tier school -- it's about what you can bring to them. Whether that is your experience, grades, lived realities, USE IT in your SOP. Make your SOP as true to you as you can, and get it proof read. I had a friend in law school read over my SOP and ripped it to shreds, but it forced me to be intentional and think deeply about not only why this is important to me but why I am important for them. The finished product brought my professor to tears and she said it was the most heartfelt SOP she had read -- not for sympathy reasons, but for the risks I've taken and experiences I had that makes me an ideal candidate for them. For anyone struggling with the decision that UofT made, think of it as a second chance to take some risks and become a candidate they cannot turn down. 
 
 

In terms of 1 year BSWs in Ontario, folks, here's what I found from calling and talking to all the admissions coordinators - thought this info may be useful to everyone:
1) Waterloo - not really a 1 year. They call it a 1 year, but you need to almost an entire year worth of pre-requisite Social Work Courses. You can register as a non-degree student and take most of them online, but you'll be paying for each course. So it doesn't seem financially feasible. You can take some of the pre-reqs then apply for conditional offer to their "1-year" BSW program
2) York - it's a MINIMUM 2-year program as was mentioned in the information session. They say 2-years full time. It's a post-degree program and requires a cumulative mid-B GPA. That's 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
3) Lakehead - post-grad HBSW can be done at either Orillia or Thunder Bay Campus. The tuition is 11k - 12 k because the school year starts in July (YES - Summertime) and ends at the end of June the following year. So its fee structure is based on a per course sort of system - as I have been told by former Lakehead students. It is indeed a 1-year full year program - so the tuition is seemingly high. Their application process is said to be the most holistic - in that they don't put all the emphasis on the marks. They do require a 70% or higher in your final 10 full year credit courses.
Hope this helps.
For all of you who didn't get in. Don't lose hope. I'll tell you I have the lowest undergrad GPA I have ever heard of getting into graduate school... And to be honest, I thought applying to U of T was a long shot. What I lacked in academic prowess, I made up for in 9 years of experience with a number of social justice organizations ranging from advocacy, activism, working with diverse groups from marginalized communities. I have worked with survivors of violence, mental health & trauma, children and youth, elderly populations, populations struggling with food security, newcomers and racialized people. If you didn't get in this year, take this year to really put yourself out there and work in what you're interested in. Diversify and network and expand your working opportunities. When the time comes to write your written statement, you will be able to speak directly from your experience - and that authenticity will shine through. You have an entire year to come back - and if you really believe that social work is for you, you will make it happen.
 
 

For those waitlisted at U of T, a lot of my close friends in the program got off the wait list my year.  I would say proceed with cautious optimism, it might not happen but it might, and if it does let it be a pleasant surprise. I'm so sorry for those of you that feel discouraged, as I mentioned in a post a while ago I firmly believe that if it's your dream--it'll happen, one way or the other--be proud of your accomplishments in the mean time. The program is *stupid* competitive, not getting in is not a reflection of your abilities or your potential in any way shape or form. I'm positive you will ALL be tremendous Social Workers one day, even if it takes a bit more time. Hang in there and don't forget to be compassionate towards yourself <3 and if you feel you need any extra emotional support, this forum is here for you.

Expect acceptance packages in the mail today! Mine arrived!! So excited

For all whose statuses on ACORN/ROSI have changed, I just called the registrar's office to ask about the "invited" status and it does indeed mean good news  they're sending out the physical letters this week. Congratulations!!

Thank you (and wishingonuoft) for providing some really helpful insight!!! I was debating the use of a car or not, so that answer was particularly helpful. I'm currently working in a school and absolutely adore it, so I hope that I get placements within one of the boards. You guys are so motivating!! I'm so appreciative. 

(Obviously can't speak to UofT2015's experiences but wanted to throw in my 2 cents).
I did my undergrad in psychology and minored in gender studies, the majority of people in the 2 year program do psychology or sociology undergrads but there are lots of other academic backgrounds as well. In terms of transition, it was an interesting one. I went straight from undergrad to grad school, my undergrad was all about memorizing textbooks to write exams, grad school = all papers, no memorization. The first semester of the MSW program is definitely considered to be the most challenging of the 2 years, with lots of papers/assignments due constantly. Second semester tones it down a bit but is still quite demanding given the course load (5 courses, 2 major papers due for each one, = 10 papers). 
In terms of the transition from undergrad to grad school, one thing that myself and my friends found was that while the program is demanding during the first year...it's not hard. I'm queen of writing full paper's the night before the due date and have not gotten a grade lower than A- on anything (and I'm by no means a great writer). The stakes are very low. In undergrad the stress is SO REAL because every paper you write and exam you take makes you freak out about how the mark may affect your chances of getting into grad school...but in grad school, it's pretty much the end goal (unless you want to do your phd one day), and that makes it more relaxed. 
Also, to be honest, a sentiment that I hear expressed over and over and over again from my peers is that you don't learn a whole lot from the courses. I will be finishing the program in a couple of weeks and I'm a completely different person from when I started it, I've learned SO MUCH and feel super confident entering the world of Social Work...but 90% of that learning and skill development came from my 2 practicums. Classes give you some foundation, but they're really not central to your learning in the MSW program, there's only so much you can learn from a book.
TL/DR: first year of the MSW program is demanding, but the stakes are low which makes it more relaxed and profs are easy markers. Get excited for practicums because that's where most of the learning happens!
Pictured below is a pic I just took from my agenda from 1st year of the last few weeks of October.

Yay!!  This is so exciting.  I was accepted into the advanced standing program last month and I feel the same sense of excitement for all you 2 year program students that have just been accepted.  I cannot believe how anxiety provoking this whole process has been.  To those that are still waiting, do not give up hope.  I have a couple of friends that received their acceptance letters on April 1st last year.  For those who do not get accepted, please do not give up.  i applied to the MSW program 20 years ago and did not get accepted....and then life happened over the next 20 years.  Don't wait for life to happen.  Please apply again next year....don't give up.  Take a break and regroup first before you even think about going through this process again though.  I wish everyone all the very best!!!  I have appreciated the support on this group.....thank you.

I know how you feel, I am in the same boat as you. I know the feeling of everything going bad all at the same time, try to get your mind off of it and think about the positives in your life or watch some funny videos on youtube, that always puts me in a good mood even for a while! everything will work out eventually , it always does

...ANYWAY.
Heartfelt congratulations to everyone who heard back from U of T today, it's so exciting and you are all so deserving.
For those whose anxiety is through the roof right now and may have had an emotional night after finding out others have received acceptances, please don't lose hope and please remember to be kind to yourself. This is a long, drawn out, crappy process for everyone and hopefully you get in during the next rounds, but regardless,  this experience DOES  NOT define you or your worth. Remember to keep swimming <3 you'll get where you need to be.

Man, i hope they have more than one round :/. My last name starts with an H. Hopefully something will come up before the weekend.

AHHHhh. just logged onto ACORN (I am not a former UOFT student), and it says I'm invited to the 2017/2018 2 year MSW program!!

omg lucky you!! im pretty sure that means you got in!! then we will most likely all find out when ROSI is done updating by March 28th!