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MSW13

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Everything posted by MSW13

  1. I'm glad you called and got some answers, even if they weren't what you were hoping to hear. Last year someone got off the waitlist 2 days before class started. There is still a chance but it is more like winning the lottery at this point. Applications for 2014 should be out by the end of September so you should be able to apply again soon. You may be surprised at how fast things go--before you know it, it will be March and you'll be checking your email/mailbox all over again (at least that is how it felt for me). If it doesn't work out this year, best of luck with plan B!
  2. Jenste, based on what little I've read since yesterday, I have a feeling the same (or something similar) applies to U of T. I think that students would be charged a late registration penalty and if they still fail to pay, they would eventually be removed from their program/courses. However I'm not sure if this would really allow people to take their spots or if they have well into September/October before they are kicked out. Basically, at the end of the day, I 'm not sure if it would really help anyone on the waitlist. This process is so torturous. At this point, I'd be inclined to call the school and just ask straight out if there is any reasonable chance for the waitlist to move this late in the summer and if so, what would be my personal chances of being selected.
  3. The tuition deadline is fact. However I'm not sure if it is 'fact' that they would have to forfeit their spot. edit: I did a quick look around the UofT website and I cant find anything that explicitly says for sure that they would lose their spot if tuition isn't paid by the deadline. If the waitlist doesn't move, I truly hope you reapply.
  4. At U of T, we have until August 31st to pay tuition (or defer if scholarships/OSAP is expected). I suspect that if anyone has failed to do that by the deadline, they may possibly be forfeiting their spot in the program.
  5. Many MSW programs do not offer specializations so I doubt it will hurt you. If you have a particular area of interest, make sure the MSW programs you apply to can offer that type of experience through placement. Also, I'm sure that some of the electives you choose will give you that 'specialization' feel anyway. For instance, if you want to work in mental health, take as many classes as you can in that area. That way you can demonstrate specialized knowledge in your area of interest in a job interview down the road.
  6. I'm only starting as well so my 'advice' is really just a few good pointers received from faculty and students already in the program. Staying organized is key. Make sure you don't procrastinate and plan your time wisely. Faculty is there to support you and help you succeed so keep them in the loop if you are feeling overwhelmed. MSW programs have A LOT of readings. Chances are you will not be able to get to them all so don't beat yourself up if you are falling behind. Just make sure you have read the key articles in their entirety for sure and maybe a few other article abstracts so you get the gist of it. Finally, make sure you have FUN. Balance is so important. You will burn out if it is school 24/7. Good luck!!
  7. Thank you! From what I've read, I actually agree with you completely regarding acceptance stats in American MSW programs. I just felt the need to make the distinction between American and Canadian universities because most MSW programs are actually quite competitive in Canada. As Jenste mentioned, it is nearly impossible to find someone accepted with a 'B' average and minimal experience (I've actually never met someone with these stats). B+ or A- is more likely to be the unofficial cut-off. For Canadian school applicants, this is the reality and if they go into it thinking that almost everyone gets admitted, they will be in for a real let down. Again, thank you for your clarification and I do appreciate your encouraging message and I think you made some really great points regarding the SOP:)
  8. Chrislee, I just wanted to mention that not *all* MSW programs have an acceptance rate of 40%. In the Toronto area (where I reside), the acceptance rate is 20-25%, sometimes much lower. However having said that, you made some really great suggestions. I would also add that it is important not to focus too heavily on what brought you to a career in social work. It is important to demonstrate 'fit' with both the school and the profession. I think too many people make the mistake of saying they want to 'help people' or that they are a 'great listener'. Although important, it does not really show them that you know what you are getting into. Make sure you write a statement that tells them why you chose SW, how your experience meshes with your career goals, and why you chose that particular program.
  9. I would first ask myself if I'm writing what I think they want to hear or if I'm writing what I truly feel. If you are trying to write what you think they want to hear, it can be very difficult to pen because if you are like me (and most others), you are not a mind-reader. Plus, admissions committees can see through these type of statements very easily. Writing from this perspective can start sounding fake because deep down you know that it doesn't truly reflect your personal views. Similar to what Ms. Darjeeling said, I would encourage you to write down your thoughts freely. I see that you are applying to MSW programs. Don't worry about having the 'right' answer, just worry about making sure that you are capturing your relevant experiences/thoughts/beliefs/feelings accurately. Once you have done this, leave it and go back to it after a few days. Now read it over and see where you can weave in what you want to learn from that particular MSW program (ie/ anti-oppressive practice, social policy, research, etc). This will tell them that you have done your research and know the strengths of the school. It will also tell them how you see yourself professionally and how you believe the school will help you get there. Basically, you are demonstrating fit. At the end of the day, just make sure that you have done your best to explain who you are and why you are choosing this academic path. Have someone knowledgeable look it over to make sure you have answered the questions appropriately. If you feel that you still cant write the statement, you need to go back and do more research. Also, know that you are not alone. When writing something as important as a SOP, writers block is common and almost expected. It took me weeks to write mine. At first I just read over the questions. When I had a thought, I would write it down. I had a collection of random thoughts that I eventually pulled together into a statement. I knew that I spoke from the heart (in a professional way!) and did my best. If they didn't accept me, I knew that I could not have done better and I would have been content with that.
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