SW Sevante

I’m sorry to hear that you were not accepted. Was Carleton your first choice? Hopefully the next email you get will be positive. This process is challenging on so many levels. The application process, the waiting and then the acceptance/rejection can be nerve wracking. I have tried to come to terms with the fact that it is out of my hands now and my fate is in the hands of the board. I just keep repeating my mantra over and over again in hopes that the karma gods hear what I’m saying and when Laurier sends out their acceptance emails that I find myself on that distribution list. I hope that you find success with another school. Never give up hope.

I’m sorry to hear that you weren’t accepted. Did you apply elsewhere! Sending good vibes your way if you did. There’s always hope!

Foxstock, I am glad that you also got the same impression that I did attending an info session. I completed my undergrad in 2009. I left university in 1995 and went back in 2005 part time while working so I can relate to completing an undergrad a LONG time ago. Lol. I have made peace with the fact that if I don’t get it in that life will go on. Good luck to you!!! Hopefully we can meet in person in September.

I did not apply elsewhere as this is the only program that is relatively local that I met the criteria in order to apply. Sadly, I’m unable to relocate and have 2 children who still need me around so I had to be realistic when I was making a decision with regards to applying. Laurier is really the only feasible option for me to pursue my MSW. I also applied to the post degree BSW program at McMaster as a backup plan. I figure worst case scenario I do that and then apply to to the MSW on line through Laurier after. Did you also apply to Laurier? Anywhere else? It is so hard to really know for sure what they are looking for. I have some people who work in the field tell me that they are confident I will be accepted based on my work/life experience and others who believe that I may not because my average isn’t high enough. I guess time will tell. I really wish they did personal interviews as well, as I believe it would definitely give people like us who don’t have high grades an opportunity to show our strengths. After all, social work requires good communication skills both written and verbal. Obviously, with the number of applicants this isn’t realistic as I’m sure they don’t have the resources to make that happen. Best of luck to you. Hopefully we don’t have to wait until April to find out.

Thanks Magfish! I agree, nothing I can do to change my situation. I did apply to a post-degree BSW program as back up if the MSW doesn’t work out. I applied to the 2 year stream. Would prefer to not have to do an extra year of school as I’m no spring chicken. Lol. But in the grand scheme of life, what’s another year. Good luck to all who have applied. Wish you all the best.

I wanted to ask a few questions regarding the MSW program applicant criteria at Laurier. I am so worried because my GPA was a B-B+ according to the table Laurier provides to calculate your average for the last 10 credits of University. You see, I went back to school after a 10 year hiatus to complete my degree. I did this after I had my 2 kids, was a single mother and worked full time which is why my marks aren't the greatest. I then went on to take a post-graduate certificate at Conestoga and graduated with a 3.98 GPA after I completed my degree which had courses in interviewing, mentoring and coaching as well as working with diverse populations etc which are definitely related to the field. I have been working in corrections in a number of roles for over 4.5 years (teaching anger management and substance abuse programs as well as being an officer) and also have volunteer experience in addictions, mental health and with high-risk youth. My total experience hours are approximately 10 000 hrs in total. I am older (in my 40's) and have significant life experience. I also facilitate a Peer Support Group for those who suffer from PTSD. I am confident that my experience and personal statement are strong but I am very concerned that my average isn't good enough. I did not write about how I went back to school while I was working full time in my statement which may explain my B/B+ average as I believed that it would be self-explanatory in my resume as my education overlaps with my work experience but now I am worried that I should have expressed that more clearly. I also didn't want to look like I was asking for sympathy as I don't believe that my personal struggles should impact a decision to be accepted or not. I got the impression from attending the information night that they look for candidates that are well rounded with related work experience. I did not get the impression that you needed an A average to get accepted as someone posted here earlier. Perhaps I interpreted incorrectly. Just wondering if you have any idea how things are weighted. I thought I remembered them saying it was 25% academic, 25% references, 25% written statement and 25%work experience or something along those lines, basically that they don't weigh one area to be worth more than the other. I'm probably worrying too much about things that are out of my control but I am so worried that I will be overlooked simply because of my mediocre average as I believe that my life/work experience is strong. Any thoughts...