MSW2022MM

Hey Everyone, First of all, I just want to express how grateful I am for this forum and to everyone on it. I'm so glad to have found a way to connect with people that isn't on FB. The supportive messages and helpful tips really mean a lot going through this stressful experience and knowing I am not alone. For those who have been waitlisted (or accepted) for Laurier's online program, would you mind sharing a bit about your background (years of experience, type of experience, GPA)? I am curious to try and figure out what it is they are looking for and what can make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful application as I work to re-apply. For me, I have worked in the same job for the last 6 years (since graduating with my BSW) as a frontline outreach worker and for the last two years I have also been the program coordinator. Academically, I have a 90-95% GPA average (I'm not sure how to translate that into a 4.3 scale) across all my education. Along with my BSW, I have a certificate in Criminology, a Certificate in ASL and Deaf Studies, and a B.A. (Hon) in Human Rights with a Minor in Law. Congratulations to those who made it in and even made it on the waitlist - that is quite an accomplishment and I wish you all the best!

Hey folks - I'm looking for technical support because I think I'm mixing up how to reply directly to a post so it shows in a thread, rather than a new post. I don't want to make the forum messy and I don't think I'm replying to people's questions right! Is there a way to reply directly to someone so it stays in the same thread? The only way I've been able to find is to click "quote" at the end of someone's post but that seems to create a new post rather than a thread. Help please!

I just heard back from Laurier on Friday an unfortunately I did not get in I am thinking of re-applying but unsure how to strengthen my application as I am already above the minimum qualifications they ask for in terms of GPA and hours worked (I have 6 years direct social work experience). It's tough not knowing what they were looking for an not being able to get specific feedback on your application (although I understand there is no way they could do this with the number of applications they receive).

Hey there! It might be worth checking with the schools you are interested in which courses they count towards the GPA calculation. I know U of C only counts the last few years of courses or your BSW (if you have one) and not everything you've ever taken so a few lower grades a long time ago might not factor in.

I also really appreciate the listing by @FrostyMoon - what an incredible piece of work! I went through a similar process of obsessively looking into all the programs and courses offered across the country, it took a lot of time but was helpful in the end. Some other things I've found helpful: reaching out to advisors at the schools to ask specific questions; attending info sessions (I just went to an info webinar for U of C yesterday that was specifically focused on the application process and it was great); speaking with current/former students and faculty of programs I was interested in. @dani973 - Laurier has a specific course on death, dying and bereavement (also offered for the online program). I hear you about not wanting to pigeon hole as well because there are so many areas of social work that sound interesting. With regards to having teaching experience, I think that can be an amazing background. During the U of C application webinar, people were specifically asking about what counted as "relevant work experience" and they were extremely open about it and basically said it is up to you to explain how it is relevant. Someone even asked if being a stay at home parent could be included as relevant work and they said absolutely! It might depend on each school but I was really impressed with how U of C approaches it.

Hi Everyone! I also have not heard back from Laurier yet for the part-time online program (January 2022). Looking at previous posts in this forum, it sounds like they can take a while and not hearing after the expected time is a common experience. Has anyone heard much about what the Laurier online program is like in terms of opportunities for interactions amongst students? I also find it interesting that they do 6-week rather than 12-week courses; I haven't heard of other schools doing that.