ErinCM

I like it. If you're used to a bigger city you may find it kind of quiet and boring, but there is actually quite a bit to do... at least when the province isn't in lockdown. There are also lots of nice parks and beaches to enjoy in the summer.

I am in Ottawa. Gatineau is definitely cheaper for rent, and if you live just over the bridge near Lebreton Flats you can grab the O-Train to Carleton which is pretty quick. However, if you end up working in Ontario your income taxes will be higher for working in a different province than you live in. Also, if you don't speak French it can be difficult living in Quebec.

I'm currently 2 semesters away from completing the non-BSW online program. It is mostly asynchronous which is useful for busy people because you have a week to do each module on your own time. There is some group work at times where you meet by zoom or Google meet or whatever platform you prefer. Every course has a discussion board you're required to post and respond to. It does require commitment and organization and isn't for everyone, but as a parent who works full-time the asynchronous learning has really worked for me. Some of the courses have written "lectures" and some profs have recorded videos of lectures for the students to watch. The program is still very insightful and engaging even being delivered asynchronously.

I got in to the very competitive 2-year MSW online at Laurier because I was an educational assistant. It is very valuable experience for applications.

I don't know much about Quebec schooling because I'm in Ontario, but I can tell you that macro social work is at the systemic level (so developing policy, doing advocacy work etc) while micro social work is working with individuals (clinical, case management etc).

I was a May start and I didn't hear until mid January.

I completed my BA in April and started my MSW at Laurier's online non-BSW program in May. My offer was conditional until I got a letter from the University where I completed my BA saying I had completed all requirements for graduation.

Have you checked out the online program at the University of New England? I was looking at it as a backup if I didn't get in to the Laurier program and they allowed Canadian students to do placement in Canada. I think they had an agreement with CASWE that made it possible. Not sure if it's still allowed as this was a few years ago, but worth a shot.

I don't know why the WLU advisor told you not to include the day camp facilitation in your hours. I did and I was accepted my first time applying. In fact, I was encouraged to include it by my advisor. It is absolutely relevant experience. There is crisis management, programming, behaviour intervention, and counselling occurring all the time in those programs. I would put it in and highlight those aspects of the position. I don't know if that helps you with the decision any...

I am halfway through the non-BSW program at Laurier and about to start my practicum. I am loving the program. I was glad that the program was online because the only part that was interrupted with COVID was placements. They are now allowing them to be in-person, hybrid or remote for the fall. It is an intense program because each course is 6 weeks and you do one course at a time so it's fast and there's a lot of reading and assignments in a short amount of time.

One thing that makes Laurier so popular and competitive is that it is the only University in Canada that offers an online MSW program for students who do not have a BSW.

I messed up translating my college GPA and took like 10% off the actual average. I was still accepted to Laurier.

If you go to the website and download the program document for the online program by filling out your info, an enrollment advisor reaches out pretty quickly. It was the same one who reached out to me initially that helped me through the whole application process and eventually emailed my acceptance. Hope this helps.

I don't know about the other programs, but the Laurier 2 year online program is incredibly competitive. Most of my classmates have at least 7 years experience. I had 10 years as a Child and Youth Care Practitioner and had 3.92 gpa for my BA with an A+ in my social research class and my independent study course. The research courses are the courses that they looked at individually so if you want to improve your application ensuring you have a really good mark in your research course would be a good start. I would suggest just rack up as much experience as you can and keep applying. You could also do your BSW first as the Advanced Standing programs tend to be less competitive. Good luck!

Honestly, I have not met anyone in the program with less than 6-7 years of experience. Most of us have about a decade. It doesn't mean they wouldn't consider it, but I think you would have to have an absolutely amazing application in all other areas. The enrollment advisors are very helpful so you could contact them and they will tell you if it is worth applying. Good luck.