SW Sevante
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Posts posted by SW Sevante
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10 minutes ago, cat_not_kitty said:
Congratulations, MSW2018applicant!! You must be so relieved to know that you've been accepted to the one school you applied to (I was in the same boat). Looking forward to being classmates!
CONGRATS to all those who received acceptance today. An extra special shout out to cat_not_kitty for getting in, not that I had any doubt!!!
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29 minutes ago, skd05 said:
Sorry laurier ?
@skd05I think you are mistaken about the numbers in the 2 year program, unless the friend is graduating in 2018. There is a Facebook group called "Laurier 2 year MSW 2017-2019" that has 87 members. It is a closed group so I doubt that anyone who is not currently in the program can join. This also would align with the information that was provided at the info night where they said the approximate numbers for acceptance was around 80 people. I used to work in Corrections so my investigative work is still pretty good.
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7 minutes ago, 2 Year MSW said:
Anyone know how many applications Western's 2 year MSW program receives and how many laurier's 2 year on-campus receives?
When I attended the Laurier Info Night they indicated that they get upwards of 800 applicants for the 2 year program and they accept an average of 80 students. This fluctuates year to year but this is probably a good average. With that being said, they also stated that they often weed out quite a few applications right off the top because people failed to follow the instructions and/or did not submit a complete application. I would say it's a 10-15% acceptance rate for the 2 year program but don't quote me on this.
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7 hours ago, Jess22 said:
Agreed! The waiting continues and I'm getting more and more nervous as they days go on! Does anyone have an idea as to when we'll hear back from Laurier for the 2 year MSW program?
Your guess is as good as mine. I am pretty sure that I read on here somewhere that Laurier's 2 year acceptances didn't go out until April 3rd last year which means we likely have at least another week of waiting ahead of us. I keep hoping the 'Easter Bunny' will bring us an early treat but the odds are definitely not in our favour, especially when the on-line folks still have not received results. From what I have gathered on here Laurier is usually the last university to send out results.
Bright side: No news, is good news for now, yes?
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2 hours ago, cat_not_kitty said:
You mean other than the sweeeeet funding package they've offered you?
York is actually my best-fit school given its focus on critical social work (though I was horrified to hear about them failing to enact these values when it comes to trans issues, as detailed by Monoo a few pages back). But, as I also said a few MORE pages back (clearly I post too much), since I have a solidly established critical theoretical and applied framework, I chose U of T in order to round out my competencies. The foundation year will give me an opportunity to actively engage with aspects of the field that I will likely spend a great deal of my career critiquing; the specialisation year in the Social Justice and Diversity Stream will allow me to further develop my critical research and practice skills – best of both worlds, hopefully.
I've copied in a post from a 2016 forum member, @serendipitous22, below (can't find their original post, so had to grab the text from another poster's reply). Again, just want to emphasise that I didn't write this and it doesn't reflect my own experiences or opinions (though I do agree with the general takeaway that U of T has a clinical focus and York is an excellent critical social work school). It's a super-detailed post from a student with firsthand experience in the program, though, so I thought it was worth sharing. Obviously, read it with a grain of salt: things may have changed over the past couple of years, this particular cohort might have had fit issues with the program, etc. I've heard from other folks who LOVED the program, as I believe I probably would. Your first choice, Carleton, is a critical school, no?
Perhaps @Monoo could weigh in with additional feedback?
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(Posted March 16, 2016)
"Hi everyone. I'm currently in the MSW program at York University. I remember very well what it was like to repeatedly check my email and the various online application systems, and my mailbox... for those of you who are still waiting, hang in there! I wanted to share some information about my program that I wish I had known when I was applying, and when I was making my decision.
To be completely fair, here is a brief overview of the type of person that I think would be a good fit for the York MSW program:
- You are very interested in critical social work theories, including Marxism, critical race theory, feminism, queer theory, critical disability studies, etc. (*York does not yet have a strong Indigenous component to the program. UVic is excellent at this if that's what you're looking for. Arguably we should all be looking for this, but I digress.)
- You did a BSW that heavily focussed on clinical skills OR somehow have clinical skills already. In this instance, I actually think York would be a really good complement to your existing skills.
- You want to do macro or meso level social work practice, such as: community work, grassroots activism/organizing, research, group work, programming. York is a good choice for this as it focuses on critical social work practice, which translates well into macro/meso social work practice.
- You want to do a PhD and are very interested in theory and want to write a major research paper. U of T limits the number of students who can do a thesis, so York would be a good choice for you as every student needs to write a practice-based research paper (same as a major research paper; note that a PRP is shorter than a Master's thesis) and this is a requirement for many PhD programs.
Unfortunately for me, I don't fall into any of these categories and I have been disappointed with the program. I'm writing this in the hopes that you will have a bit more information than I did when making an admissions decision. There are a total of 20 students in my cohort/class, and we have had many extensive discussions as a group about our shared frustration and disappointment with the curriculum, faculty, and department. I would estimate that: 3-4 students have seriously considered dropping out or transferring (including me), 10-12 actively and vocally dislike/resent/are disappointed with the program, and 5-6 aren't happy or satisfied but are committed to just getting it over with. There isn't a single person in my cohort that has expressed basic satisfaction - let alone enthusiasm - for any aspect of the program, aside from the funding package (more on that later).There were some 'rumours' that went around the forum during my application year that I can now comment on based on my own experience. York does not have established relationships with key clinical practicum agencies in the GTA. York has good relationships with a lot of agencies that would interest you if you're interested in community work, policy, research, or activism/organizing. U of T has exclusivity agreements with many clinical agencies, meaning that the agency agrees to only take on U of T students. These include many hospitals or clinical facilities such as Hincks-Dellcrest, CAMH, and the University Hospital Network. Aside from these exclusivity agreements, many clinical/counselling agencies will not accept placement applications from York students. There ARE some exceptions to this rule, but everyone at York who wants to go into clinical/counselling work then has to compete against each other (and students from other schools) to get those limited placement positions. Generally speaking it is true that U of T has a lockdown on key clinical placement sites.
If you have ANY interest in doing clinical work (counselling, working in a hospital, crisis work, trauma work, individual/family/couples/group therapy), and you are seriously considering attending another program, go there instead of York. This is the bottom line.
Secondly, even if you feel optimistic about securing one of the few clinical placements available, you should know that York does not teach any clinical or practical skills. I knew this when I was applying, but I didn't REALLY understand it. Examples of skills or clinical topics that you will not learn at York include: developing a therapeutic alliance (this term is never used at York), building trust and rapport, phases or stages of a counselling relationship, communication skills (open-ended questions, active listening, reframing, summarizing), assessment skills, documentation skills, treatment planning, crisis intervention, counselling theories, counselling methods, ANYTHING related to mental health conditions (signs, symptoms, therapies).... you get it. There is one class on group facilitation and one class on narrative therapy (the only counselling course); both are electives.
This is because York's MSW programs draw on a wholly different knowledge base than U of T, or other clinical programs. Critical social work draws on critical social theories, like Marxism, feminism, critical race theory, queer theory, critical disability studies, etc. U of T's social work program primarily draws on psychology, the medical model, and psychotherapy as a knowledge base. This is why York's mission statement and admissions process emphasis anti-oppression and social justice, and U of T's mission statement and admissions process emphasize research, "clinical" practice, and evidence-based treatment.
To illustrate this difference, U of T offers classes on Social Work Practice in Mental Health, Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families, Advanced Social Work Practice in Mental Health, and electives related to trauma, counselling theories, cyber-counselling, child and adolescent trauma.... etc. York offers classes called Critical Perspectives in Mental Health and Critical Social Work Theories and Practice Skills. In the latter, you will learn about how and why various therapies (e.g. CBT, solution-focussed, strengths approach) are inherently problematic. You will not learn how to practice any of these therapies, OR even learn how they are done. You will also not learn how to practice any alternative treatments (in fact, you would never ever say 'treatment' at York). York focuses on critical and structural social work, so their critique of CBT, for example, would be that CBT individualizes a person's symptoms (let's say anxiety) instead of looking at the structural and contextual factors (e.g. the person who feels anxious is a racialized person living in poverty and on the brink of homelessness, so York might say that instead of medication and CBT, we should advocate for affordable housing and a guaranteed annual income). This is IMPORTANT and I have valued this, but I am not better prepared to work with someone with anxiety (meaning I still have no clue what to do). (This is why I imagine that a clinical BSW + a York MSW could be a good combination).
So, many of us are stuck and eager to wrap up the program. Some students are doing external training - which, by the way, is incredibly expensive (a one day workshop ranges from $300-$500 and a certificate course in CBT could be $2000). Don't bother thinking, "Oh I'll just take electives at U of T", because there is only a very, very, very miniscule chance that you will be allowed to do so.
One redeeming aspect of the York MSW program is its generous funding package. If finances are an issue for you, then it's worth seriously considering attending York as the funding packages are generous. In the 2-year program everyone gets a $15,000 package ($9,000 in Year 1 through a graduate assistantship (which requires 5 hours work/week) and other money, and $6000 in Year 2 through a research assistantship which doesn't require any work). If you get a York Graduate Scholarship then you get $6000 on top of this package. You will get all of this information in your acceptance letter. York also has very low tuition at roughly $1800 per semester. By comparison, the tuition at U of T is TREMENDOUSLY higher and they don't offer any funding packages. ** This is not inconsequential and despite everything else I've said, the money makes a huge difference **/end rant"
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@cat_not_kitty, I want to personally thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing me with wit, intellect and humor throughout this process. You have truly been a life saver who has a genuine ability to relate to everyone on here in some capacity. I hope you get accepted to U of T. I enjoy your insightful and well researched posts. Thank you for consistently occupying some space in my head while we all await final outcomes. You have tremendous insight which I am certain will serve you well professionally. Good luck and much thanks.
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1 hour ago, SWMommy said:
Thank you!! Wishing you luck as well! I can relate to this so much. You’re right that it is definitely important to remain positive. The anxiety is horrible. Last year I applied to U it T, York, Western, and Laurier. The only one that gave me feedback with my rejection was U of T. They said that I did not have enough 3rd and 4th year classes so I took more this past year. Didn’t apply there this year though. Only Western and Laurier. Western rejected me at the end of Feb saying that I didn’t not score high enough on the experience/references/letter of intent portion of my application. Bit of a bummer but I live pretty far from London so it would have been a stretch. I would have made the commute though! Haha.
Honestly your marks and experience sound like you’re a shoe-in! Your experience is really impressive and I believe a high B is all you need for Laurier!! Did you apply anywhere else?? I have also re-read all of my statements anxiously. I think it’s normal to second guess yourself. Just try and be confident in what you wrote which is easier said than done. I also didn’t include anything too personal in mine.
I have actually only applied once before. This is my second time. I was a little less anxious this time around because I was accepted to another Masters program in early Feb so I have a plan in place unlike last year. I totally get what you’re saying about not being able to picture a rejection mentally. It was tough last year but I got through and it made me work even harder to improve myself this time around. You build it up so much in your head though! And it was hard to tell everyone in my life who knew I was applying that I was rejected. But everyone understood and it was fine in the end...it is such a competitive program I think it takes a lot of people more than one try. I do have a feeling you will get in though!! Hang in there ?
Thanks so much for your support and words of encouragement. It really means a lot to me to hear positive affirmations from someone other than friends and family. I am hoping that Laurier sees my experience as an asset to the program. I only applied to do my Masters at Laurier for a number of reasons. One, being location as I have 2 children so commuting any more than an hour each way every day was just not realistic. I also only really had the qualifications and met the required criteria to apply to Laurier's program. Ironically, my original plan was to do my BSW but a Social Worker told me about Laurier's program and encouraged me to apply. I didn't even think that an MSW was a realistic option for me at the time. I did apply to a post-degree BSW program at McMaster as a back-up plan. I just wrote the Social Work Admissions Test for that 2 weeks ago and it was HARD. I'm not feeling very confident about that test which is also contributing to my anxiety. I am happy to hear that you have a back-up plan this time around. I have one as well but I'm hoping that I won't have to utilize it because I truly feel that the MSW program at Laurier is what I need to do and where my passion is. I wish you all the best and hopefully we can meet in person in the fall.
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1 hour ago, SWMommy said:
Thanks for your response! I agree, it would be a cruel joke lol. I hope that you are right! I received my undergrad from Western in 2011 and then followed up with an SSW diploma. I was employed as a social service worker from 2012-2016. Worked on a First Nations reserve, a custody facility for female youth, and a group home. I dont have THAT many hours of experience though because I had two kids during that time so was at home as well :). I decided to go back to school and upgrade my undergraduate marks to try and get into an MSW program. My Western marks weren't terrible but not good enough. I think my average was about 74%. I have completed 9 courses at Laurier and my average is now at 93%. What about you (grades/experience)? I am sending you good vibes!! Having gone through this process twice I totally understand how hard the anticipation can be. Constantly refreshing my email haha.
Wow, you definitely have some incredible experience and your marks are great. I am very worried about my undergrad marks. I only have a B/B+ average. I did my undergrad at U of Windsor and also went to Conestoga and completed a diploma afterward (3.98 GPA).
I feel like my academics are going to be the deciding factor for me. I'm hoping that my 10 000 hours of experience are seen as an advantage and outweigh my marks. It's so hard to know exactly what they are looking for...although I have heard from other professionals in the field that Laurier really likes well-rounded candidates that have related experience, unlike some universities that focus mainly on academics.
I worked in Corrections with federally incarcerated men and women across Canada in a number of roles for 5 years. I also have done work with at-risk youth, within a addictions recovery house and I currently facilitate a peer support group for working professionals who have experienced an occupational stress injury or have been diagnosed with PTSD. I currently work in Mental Health as a Peer Supporter and run a Mood Disorders Support group but sadly, this experience is not on my application as I started the job after the application due date.
I don't know about you but I have been obsessing over my personal statement lately. I have lived experience but I chose not to touch on it in my personal statement. I don't want to be selected based on that, as I do feel that there is a fine line between lived experience that is beneficial to the field of social work and that which can be detrimental to clients and can lead to early burnout. It took me a long time to be ready to apply to this program and I finally feel like I am ready, hopefully Laurier thinks I am as well.
I guess I have to "let it be" and hope that I conveyed my ability and strengths effectively enough in the personal statement that it will overshadow my ho-hum academic average.
A few years ago I applied to the on-line BSW programs at U of Victoria and Dalhousie and was accepted to both but I was not ready mentally to pursue this line of work at the time so I declined both offers.
This whole process is so anxiety provoking and every day that goes by I question my application more and more. Like, in my personal statement I should have said "this" instead of "that"... UGH.
I wish you all the best, although I am fairly certain that you have been accepted. Which program have you decided to pursue? Full-time or on-line? Also, you mentioned that you have applied twice before, did you only apply to Laurier or elsewhere? Did they provide you with feedback in order to strengthen your application in the future?
I'm trying to remain positive so that I don't send the karma gods bad vibes but I am also preparing for what not getting accepted might look like for me mentally. It's such a difficult process.
I once again wish all of you who are still awaiting a response nothing but the best of luck!!!!!
Always remember, you are not alone!
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4 hours ago, SWMommy said:
Hi everyone! First time poster here. I applied to 4 MSW programs last year and was sadly unsuccessful. This year I applied to Laurier and Western. I was rejected from Western a few weeks ago.
Here is my question: This year I applied to both the full and part time MSW programs at Laurier. I just received an email this afternoon asking me which is my preferred choice (FT or PT). I am unsure if this is good or bad news. Has anyone else received this email? I have received acceptances to other graduate programs but Social Work has always been my dream.
Thank you in advance for your responses. Wishing you all the best during the process. You all seem like you will be wonderful Social Workers.
Hi there,
I would hope that this would mean that you have been accepted to Laurier. If not, that question would be a cruel joke. What is your background if you don’t mind me asking? Experience/marks etc... Asking because I too applied to Laurier and the anticipation is wearing on me. ?
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3 hours ago, cat_not_kitty said:
And it was a long day with no news after all that...
Ah, well – another one down...and what's another few more, I guess, after 3 long months of waiting. At least if nothing comes tomorrow, we'll have the weekend to unplug from the notion of imminent results.
My partner bought a (presumptuous) bottle of champagne on his way home today...I might just drink it anyway.
Drink that champagne! Then you will get another bottle when you get accepted! ?
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Has anyone that applied to Laurier’s 2 year program contacted them to inquire about a timeline for offers? I’ve been presented with an employment opportunity but am awaiting a decision because obviously doing my MSW is my ultimate career goal . I was hoping that we would hear by the first week of April but I read on here that someone who applied to the on-line stream was told they wouldn’t have a decision until the end of April. I was thinking of sending an email inquiry but want to know if anyone on here has heard anything before I send it off.
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1 hour ago, skd05 said:
I just contacted Laurier regarding the online MSW due to start in May and i was told we would not hear until end of April!! That gives us less then a week to prepare for school lol.
That is cutting it close. I guess that means I can expect to be waiting until the end of April at least for the 2 year program. ?
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52 minutes ago, skd05 said:
Confirming this - nothing for the may 2018 start online yet?
I absolutely feel for you. This must be so difficult as before we know it, May will be here. I hope that you hear something soon. Have you contacted the admissions department to inquire about a timeline for acceptances? I guess that the waiting and short turn around before the program will begin has been a true test of your strength, resilience and character during such a stressful time. KUDOS to you for that! Wishing you the best of outcomes.
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1 hour ago, msw0913 said:
Does anyone know when Laurier's 2-year admission will be out? I've only applied to Laurier so my eggs are all in one basket and it's so nerve wrecking!
I only applied to Laurier’s 2 year program so I completely understand how you must be feeling right now. Based on what I have heard/read on this forum and previous years threads I don’t think we will hear anything until after the Easter weekend. I’m hoping that we will hear by the first week in April. From what I have read on this thread the on-line applicants for the May start program still haven’t heard anything. I have read on here that a few people received emailed acceptances for the advanced standing program recently. That’s all I’ve got but know that you definitely aren’t alone in this excruciating waiting game. ?
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43 minutes ago, Mari* said:
Lurker too here, I decided to share here to spare my poor partner who shares my tiny living space!! They've watched me barely handle this anxiety of waaaaaiitttiinnngggggg. Oh my gaaaaaad it has totally hijacked my brain. Killin' me here....! So you see in December I thought I was soooo smart as I gave it my all in my applications and statements and was not aware of my huge huge mistake of not applying more broadly. I only applied to the 2 year MSW York and the 2 year MSW UofT. You see I thought that because my anthro undergrad is from York that this means MSW grad school there is a huge possibility. My MA in an arts field from Carleton had only a tiny cohort of 5 so I imagined York's 20 is a biiggg number. I never thought waait a minute...how many actually applied to that MA arts I did at Carleton...not hundreds and hundreds like at York!! Dumbo dumbo dumbo dumboo!.....And I have no idea whether having that MA from a few years ago will now hurt or helps this MSW application, I have no idea.. I realized I do need to chilll man so I'm telling myself (a) these freakin' hours and days WILL move on lol! and (b) if I don't get in , it might mean I should consider the option of BSW's next year, I'm not sure, it's just because I have a masters already I didn't consider bsw. So question! Let's say I will hear back from them and get rejected from both, does anyone know if it is ever possible for a rejected applicant of MSW to get considered for BSW that same year since the department has all the documentation and reference letters? Is it possible to cover the BSW application fee now and be considered to that or do you have to wait a whoolllee other yearr...that would be a way better option for me than waiting another year.
Ok well sending you all positive vibes and good luck to eeevveryone here... I'm sure you're all doing good work in this world whether it's inside or outside of social work programs, on whatever scale whether helping one person you know or trying to support groups, this world needs more hearts like yours so keep up your awesome work! Peace and good luck!! :-)
Hi there,
I only applied to the 2 year MSW program at Laurier as this was the only realistic option for me. Don't beat yourself up for only applying to 2 programs. At the end of the day, acceptance is only one factor when making this decision. The choice has to be realistic to your personal life as well as meet your professional goals, hence my rationale for only applying to one.
As for the BSW programs, sadly I think that you may be too late. I had a last minute epiphany/panic attack about the possibility of not getting accepted so I applied the the post-degreee BSW at McMaster just days before the deadline. You could always call the faculty of the universities you are considering doing a BSW and inquire. Never hurts to ask, right?!
There is hope. You may still be accepted to one of the programs to which you applied. Also, Laurier has launched an on-line MSW program that takes 2.5 years to complete and offers rolling admissions. Although you are too late to apply to the May start you could always apply for the September start if you are unsuccessful with your current applications.
Don't give up hope. It's only the second week of March and still early.
I'm rooting for you!!!!
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2 hours ago, smntoronto said:
Nope, I didn’t apply to Laurier. I’d be doing it to fulfill requirements at Windsor and Carleton. Have you taken it?
No. I need to take research methodology if I am accepted. I will also be taking this course through Athabasca. Good luck to you!
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58 minutes ago, smntoronto said:
Has anyone completed the SOCI 301 (Social Statistics) course through Athabasca University?
I'm wondering if anyone has any feedback on this course ie: how long it took to complete, was it very difficult, etc.
Thanks
Are you considering taking this in order to meet the research methods requirement? Have you applied to Laurier?
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1 hour ago, rendom5 said:
Heard back from Waterloo and Laurier got into both!
But I’ll be going with Waterloo because of their one line component. So for those who are still waiting for Laurier another spot will open up! Don’t loose faith, it’ll happen!
Congrats! I’m asssuming that you applied for the 1 year stream?
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49 minutes ago, UnknownUser said:
I still haven't heard from Kings or Laurier. Other people who seem to have more experience then me have already been wait listed or rejected. I wonder what that means for me. Yikes.
Don’t lose faith. Only a few people have heard from Laurier and that’s for the advanced track. The 2 year program acceptances for Laurier probably won’t come until late March.
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1 hour ago, MMSW1 said:
Hello
I found out last week via email that I was wait listed at Kings 1 year MSW- I was hooping to relocate there so Im hoping the status will change. Has anyone been accepted to Kings 1 year MSW and declined their offer?
I also applied to Uft for the 1 year MSW Health and Mental Health- I received a conditional acceptance/ offer last week via mail (condition being I complete my research methods course with mid range B as required by the program, as my B- from my BSW did not meet the requirements...In Dec 2017 I applied to do a research course online through Athabasca, but due to work and personal life some things came up and I have not been able to follow through with the completion of the research course) so looks like I wont be meeting the requirement for my conditional UFT offer.
Are you taking the course right now? I think you can request an extension. I need to take this course if accepted into the 2 year MSW stream but was told at Laurier's info night that I didn't have to take it until I knew if I was actually in. I am planning on starting this course on line with Athabasca in April if I am accepted. According to the course description and information on the FAQ page it takes an average 3-4 months to complete but they allow people 6 months and also allow for extensions when circumstances permit. Don't lose hope, I think you can do it!
Is the course load at Athabasca that challenging? I was under the impression that courses offered there are quite reasonable as they often cater to working professionals who are completing courses on the side while working full time.
Maybe I should be proactive and start now? What's the course load like? Is it manageable with working full time? I just don't want to spend $900 on a course if I am not accepted.
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27 minutes ago, MSWapplicant2018 said:
Has anyone got accepted to MSW 2 year program at Western, UofT or Laurier yet? When will those be out?
I only applied to Laurier’s 2 yr MSW and from what I have read on previous year’s threads is that we likely won’t hear anything until the first week of April. I think I recall reading that rejection letters go out first. I think Laurier is one of the last schools to send out acceptances/rejections/waitlists. Let me know if you hear differently.
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3 minutes ago, SW Sevante said:
I didn’t apply to Carleton. Only Laurier. I can’t move and Laurier’s program was the only one I met the essential criteria for so all my eggs are in that basket.
Or the post-degree BSW program at Mac. Good luck with the other applications.
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I didn’t apply to Carleton. Only Laurier. I can’t move and Laurier’s program was the only one I met the essential criteria for so all my eggs are in that basket.
Or the post-degree BSW program at Mac. Good luck with the other applications. It is my first year applying so if it isn’t a success then I guess it will be good practice.
Canadian MSW Applicants 2018
in Social Workers Forum
Posted
Happy Birthday! Don’t lose hope. Fingers crossed for you.