[Canadian MSW Applicants 2018]

16 hours ago, heather.m said:

Hi all. 

I've unfortunately been rejected to both York and U of T for their 2 year MSW programs. I'm hoping to get some advice from those of you who have been through the application process more than once (on how you improved your application for the next cycle), and/or those of you who've been accepted into Master's Programs (not necessarily just at York and U of T). 

Here's a bit of background about me, and what was included in my applications this time around:

I completed a 4 year Honours BA at Ryerson, majoring in "Arts and Contemporary Studies" and minoring in English. My cumulative GPA is 3.73 (on a 4.33 scale), but my GPA for my last year of study is 3.87. I got an A in my research methods course. Work wise, I'm currently employed as a nanny, have worked approx. 2200 hours in that position. Before that, I worked as an Aquatic Coordinator for the City of Toronto in Parks and Recreation (5500 hours). I volunteered for the Yes In My Backyard Festival as their Elected Officials Coordinator (100 hours), and completed a practicum for my degree in which we organized the first ever Social Impact Film Forum (120 hours). I had an unpaid internship with ConferenceCloud Inc. where I worked as a Social Ventures Coordinator (seeking out nonprofit organizations and collaborating with them to utilize the ConferenceCloud platform for their events) (250 hours). 

Looking back on my application now, I realize that compared to everyone else on this forum, I don't have much (or seemingly any) relevant social work experience. I'm feeling extremely lost and confused as to how I'm supposed to gain experience in the field if I do not have a specific education in social work - which is why I was applying to a Masters of Social Work program in the first place. So my question to you all is, how the HECK do you gain experience in the field of social work if you don't have a BSW? What even counts as "social work experience"?! It's now clear to me how important experience is for these MSW applications... I thought that my strong academics and personal statement (which I spent a VERY long time on, and was extremely vulnerable in, discussing my experience with domestic abuse and how that helped inspire me to become a social worker and help those affected by domestic violence) would be enough.

I'm assuming that I won't be able to apply again until fall 2019, since any experience I do gain between now and fall 2018 won't be enough for my application (since they are due in November/December). 

I felt so sure of myself when I first submitted my applications... but this whole situation took such a drastic turn, I'm feeling so unbelievably lost and confused. I'll take any and all advice that you have.

Should I complete a post degree BSW and then apply for the Advanced Standing Masters next time? Should I focus on finding a relevant job and gain experience there and then apply for the 2 year program again? Will that be enough? Should I try and complete a college diploma or certificate in something *related* to social work? I'm so confused 

Sincerely,

One sad reject

 

I'm sorry that sucks . I know the feeling. I applied four years ago to U of T (a year after my undergrad) and didn't get in. When I applied the first time I also had very little experience in the field (worked occasionally as a respite worker, and volunteered at a residential program for at-risk youth). I did my undergrad at UBC in psychology. And had an 80% average in my last year.

Since getting rejected I have worked 2 years at a youth detox as a youth worker. I am currently working as a youth outreach worker (fulltime) and at a safe house for Aboriginal youth (casually). I also took a year off to travel. At the time of my application I had about 5500 hours of social services experience. 

I have heard that in order to be accepted into an MSW program at U of T (and probably most MSW programs)  they want you to have considerable experience doing similar work to social work already...or else they recommend you to do your BSW first. This is why very few people get in right after their undergrad.  

If you are having trouble finding paid work experience in the field I have heard volunteering at a crisis line looks very good on an application. After gaining crisis line experience you should be able to find paid relevant work as well. Also, most MSW programs in Canada value work experience working with marginalized groups. 

Additionally, I took a social work class at UBC after my undergrad to show my interest and demonstrate I could achieve a good grade in a university level social work class. You can also take workshops or obtain certificates such as ASIST suicide training or Trauma Informed training to boost your resume and experience. Not sure how or if this impacted me getting accepted this time but it can't hurt.

Best of luck to you

[Canadian MSW Applicants 2018]

9 hours ago, Corrina_22 said:

Does anyone know from personal experience, or from other members of this blog in the past, if the invited status on acorn was not congruent with their letter in the mail? I'm getting nervous to see the letter, but I got the invited on acorn

I feel the same way... I emailed angela from admissions asking this same question and she confirmed that the invited registration status on accorn means an offer of admission. Saying

 An INVITE status does mean an offer of admission.  Congratulations!

Official offer packages are being mailed out today, and will outline any conditions of admission.

I'm STILL some how skeptical. I need the official letter in my hands to believe it haha 

[Canadian MSW Applicants 2018]

16 hours ago, MSW2018applicant said:

That's what I'm also thinking, but according to the past postings everybody who got invited on ACORN received acceptance letters within a week! So I don't think we have to worry about it...

Thanks for your response. I emailed Angela and she confirmed an invite status on acorn means an offer of admission and that they are sending out admission packages in the mail today.  This is my second time applying to the two-year MSW at U of T... for those of you who don't get in this year don't give up ! Sending everyone good vibes. 

[Canadian MSW Applicants 2018]

Does invited on acorn for u of t for sure mean you are accepted ? I feel nervous about celebrating only to find out I actually didn't lol :/ 

[Canadian MSW Applicants 2018]

6 minutes ago, Meemoo said:

Which did you apply for? 1 year or 2 year? 

Two year . I know a few people on here have already heard back. 

[Canadian MSW Applicants 2018]

4 hours ago, Aslwin said:

I’m also waiting to hear back about the 1 year program and also assuming at this point that I didn’t get in. I remember reading somewhere on this thread that they were going to have their decisions out by March 19th? If so, that means we should find out today at least

My last name starts with W ? Anyone else at the end of the alphabet ? Still hopeful. :/ 

[Canadian MSW Applicants 2018]

Hey I was wondering if anyone else also has yet to hear back from the two year msw program at University of Calgary. Still waiting . Thanks !