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cat_not_kitty

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    cat_not_kitty got a reaction from SupremeReign in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    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?
    ***
    (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"
    ***
  2. Like
    cat_not_kitty reacted to lish in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Me too!!! I just got accepted into the Laurier online MSW program from September! Sending positive vibes for those that are still waiting to hear back! 
    Maybe we can start a Facebook Group for all of us in the September cohort!
  3. Like
    cat_not_kitty reacted to Arshia1996 in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Hi guys! I just got accepted into Lauriers online MSW program for sept. I’m soooo excited!!! I’m wishing everyone the best and also will be declining my offer at Windsor so hopefully it goes to someone awesome! 
  4. Like
    cat_not_kitty reacted to ashketchum in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Hey everyone, I just thought I'd pop on to say that I've been accepted to the 32-month MSW for Working Professionals from UWindsor in Peel! Ahhhhhhh I'm so excited! This is my third year applying to MSW programs and finally an acceptance! Anyone else who hears back feel free to message me!
  5. Like
    cat_not_kitty reacted to Sooyeah in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Thank You so much!
     
  6. Upvote
    cat_not_kitty reacted to SwagMaster in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Could you email them to let them know? 
  7. Like
    cat_not_kitty reacted to Noelle1 in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    I would say human experience would be anything where you are working with people and providing assistance/support. Nursing is very relevant. You work along side social workers in a multidisciplinary team. I would list all your employent within the nursing feild. I also am a mother and don't have any volunteer hours. I am waiting to hear back for September intake. I would really focus your application around your work experience and relationship building with patients/clients in the context you are working in. If you work in a hospital ypu are very aware of the job duties and support a social worker provides. Nurses do informal counselling and support clients in many ways.
  8. Upvote
    cat_not_kitty reacted to kiki14 in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Oh I forgot to mention that yes it’s possible to receive both the OGS and an entrance scholarship.
    At the advanced standing welcome session, Sharon said OGS would not affect internal awards.
    Personally, I’m not sure how accurate that was since the internal awards are really needs based and designed to maximize the number of recipients so that as many students receive some sort of funding. I myself did not get anything from the internal awards and I think the other funding had an impact, which is understandable.
  9. Upvote
    cat_not_kitty reacted to kiki14 in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Was the email from Sharon or OGS? I looked back in my emails and Sharon informed me of the nomination in late, late May then I got an email from OGS about  final confirmation of eligibility mid-June with a link for that elgibility form.
    From what I recall, the form was fairly basic just confirming your basic information, the program, and the number of sessions.
    After the eligibility check, results were sent mid-July. Something to keep in mind is if you want the full amount with UofT, Sharon recommends doing the Special Studies course over the summer.
    Fingers crossed & congratulations to you both!!
     
  10. Like
    cat_not_kitty reacted to ciders_only in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    From one nominee to another, congrats @cat_not_kitty !!!!!!!! I made peace with the unlikelihood of getting OGS a while back and was just hoping for some form of an entrance scholarship, and I actually screamed at work when I got the e-mail from April. I too hope that the forwarding of nominations to SGS is a formality matter, and I'm trying to remain calm until I get a letter in my hand (much like waiting for my acceptance letter :P ). T'was wondering if either you, @kiki14 were aware of OGS students being ineligible for the Factor-Inwentash scholarship?
  11. Like
    cat_not_kitty got a reaction from ciders_only in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    I received an email from FIFSW Student Services this evening (after business hours) letting me know that I've been nominated by the selection committee for an OGS! My application on the SGS site has also changed from "Received" to "Recommended". So, first of all, WAY earlier than I was expecting, based both on previous years and on available (though conflicting) info on different areas of the application site...I was thinking by end-of-June for nomination.  And second of all, @kiki14 (or other past winners out there), I was hoping you could shed some light on the process for OGS at U of T: should I treat the faculty nomination as an offer that just needs to go through the formality of being confirmed by SGS, or is there a secondary selection process at that level? The email made it seem like the former, but I don't want to get my hopes up only to have them dashed.
    (Thought I'd continue this conversation here rather than start it again in the closed group on FB, just so future applicants have the full story...I found there to be a distinct paucity of info available re the OGS for MSW applicants/students.)
  12. Like
    cat_not_kitty got a reaction from KD.msw in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    I received an email from FIFSW Student Services this evening (after business hours) letting me know that I've been nominated by the selection committee for an OGS! My application on the SGS site has also changed from "Received" to "Recommended". So, first of all, WAY earlier than I was expecting, based both on previous years and on available (though conflicting) info on different areas of the application site...I was thinking by end-of-June for nomination.  And second of all, @kiki14 (or other past winners out there), I was hoping you could shed some light on the process for OGS at U of T: should I treat the faculty nomination as an offer that just needs to go through the formality of being confirmed by SGS, or is there a secondary selection process at that level? The email made it seem like the former, but I don't want to get my hopes up only to have them dashed.
    (Thought I'd continue this conversation here rather than start it again in the closed group on FB, just so future applicants have the full story...I found there to be a distinct paucity of info available re the OGS for MSW applicants/students.)
  13. Like
    cat_not_kitty reacted to magfish in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Hi all - long time no talk!!
    I just got off the York waitlist for the 1 year MSW!!!!!
    Got an email - I don’t have any more information yet but will keep you all updated. My myfile has changed to “admitted” as well!!!
    ❤️ Thanks for all of your support and good luck to everyone else waiting too!
  14. Upvote
    cat_not_kitty got a reaction from lindaMSW in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Congratulations, lindaMSW!! I remember you from when I was reading last year's forum – so happy that you'll be joining us at U of T!
  15. Like
    cat_not_kitty got a reaction from Noelle1 in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Congratulations, lindaMSW!! I remember you from when I was reading last year's forum – so happy that you'll be joining us at U of T!
  16. Like
    cat_not_kitty got a reaction from smntoronto in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Yaaaaaaaay! Congratulations, smntoronto – I know how much you originally wanted to get in to U of T!!!! Now, to make some big decisions ☺️. York is FAR more geared to macro practice from a critical perspective (as I posted lots about earlier in the season). U of T's Social Justice and Diversity stream in the second year teaches macro theory/practice, but the first year will focus on micro, clinical skills.
    Can't wait to see what you decide. Congrats again – I was really pulling for you!
  17. Like
    cat_not_kitty got a reaction from nicoleMSW in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Aww, how absolutely incredible that you're fulfilling such a dream goal – will miss getting to know you, but so happy for you!! To us crossing paths in the future ??!
  18. Like
    cat_not_kitty reacted to smntoronto in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    I got off the waitlist at U of T yesterday afternoon, too! It's a miracle. Is anyone also deciding between York and U of T? I'm having a lot of trouble deciding, especially with York's funding. If I'm interested in doing macro type social work - does anyone have any opinions on which program would be best?
  19. Like
    cat_not_kitty reacted to WhenToPanic in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    I just got a call from U of C this evening offering me a spot in the Clinical 1 year. It sounds like there may be additional spots opening up. 
  20. Like
    cat_not_kitty reacted to chinnz006 in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Hey everyone! I received an email from Angela this morning asking me to call her. When I spoke to her over the phone, she told me there has been some movement off the waitlist and they wanted to give me an offer into the full time one year MSW program!! I am absolutely STUNNED by the news and still trying to digest it!! 
    so that being said- UofT is now offering acceptances off the waitlist!! WOOHOO!! 
  21. Like
    cat_not_kitty reacted to nicoleMSW in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Me too!! I’m currently out of the country and woke up around 3:30am... briefly checked my phone for the time and saw the acceptance... it’s now 5am and I haven’t gotten a wink of sleep! So excited! 
  22. Like
    cat_not_kitty reacted to Aspiringmsw2320 in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    I got off the waitlist for Laurier’s 2-year MSW program :D. 
  23. Like
    cat_not_kitty reacted to msw007 in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Accepted off the waitlist for Laurier’s 2 year program!  
  24. Like
    cat_not_kitty reacted to laurap in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    Was just accepted off the waitlist at uWindsor, and with a scholarship to boot!!! ?? I am totally over the moon!
  25. Like
    cat_not_kitty reacted to lastsupper in Canadian MSW Applicants 2018   
    I did some rough calculations on when we should hear back... the 1-years got their responses around March 2nd, and had three weeks to reply (March 23), and the waitlisted applicants seem to have heard back last week (roughly 1 month later). By that timeline, the 2-years heard back around March 29th, and had about three weeks to reply (April 24). So 1 month from then would be May 22nd. That seems in line with last year -- the waitlist moved near the end of May/beginning of June.
    Still quite a bit of waiting to go!
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