MSW13

Congratulations on being waitlisted! If you dont mind me asking, what kind of experience do you have? I'm also an advanced standing applicant and I am trying to get a handle on how I compare to other applicants. It has been a while since I graduated and I dont know a single soul who applied this year. I didn't apply to Laurier but I'm anxiously waiting to hear back from U of T!

I'm really surpised and impressed by the amount of great experience you guys have listed here! Are you all applying to the 2 year program or are any of you advanced standing applicants?

Since you've already been accepted to a couple of programs, this should give you the confidence to know that the admissions committee believes you are plenty capable of making the transition. I've been working as a Social Worker for many years and have seen lots of grad students along the way. The vast majority did not have years of experience prior to entering grad school. However, what they did have was maturity and a keen interest in learning. One thing is true, no matter how long you've been doing this job, you will always be in situations that are new to you. It is your ability to handle these situations that will define you professionally, not your age. At least that is my opinion

Just curious about the type of experience people have. We all know what a good gpa looks like, but what about experience? It would be nice to kind of guess where you stand in terms of 'average' experience, but I have no idea what that is! Anyone want to share what they've got in terms of type of experience or months/years doing it?

People get accepted/rejected for all sorts of reasons. Have you spoken with your advisor and asked specifically why you were rejected? You clearly seem to be someone with strong credentials but sometimes it isn't about credentials as much as it is about 'fit'. Dont get me wrong, I would be very upset too. But at the same time, you are not privy to the decision-making process and are really taking a 'best guess' at why they went with someone else. This other person could have brought something to the table that you are not aware of. If I was you, I would try my best to find out where I can improve and try again next year.

I would suggest that you take a course or two (one in research), do really well and get a great academic recommendation. At that point, you could apply directly to the MSW program (2yr stream). Ideally, this will save you a lot of time and also get you back in the academic midset. I haven't been out of school for nearly as long as you but I was surprised at how much things have changed since I graduated. Regarding employment opportunities after graduation, I dont think you mentioned if you have experience already in the human services field. If you dont, it may be difficult to find employment (regardless of your age) because your experience wouldn't necessarily be competitive. Field placement experience is great but employers like to see paid experience. I would like to say that what you are doing is pretty amazing. It is hard to shift careers, especially so many years after graduation. I wish you the best of luck in which ever decision you decide to go with.

Hello all, As I read these forum threads I cant help but notice that there doesn't seem to be many advanced standing applicants. Just wondering, are you out there?? I feel so alone! haha Anyone applying to U of T? Does anyone have any insight into their behind-the-scenes admissions process?

I actually think that when they ask if this is your second time applying it is a good thing. That is, it shows perserverance and drive. I've heard that some committee members are 'kinder' to second time applicants... But, if you are just applying again without making any significant improvements, they may see you as someone who does not have good insight into their skills/abilities and are unrealistic about academic goals.

Has anybody heard from U of T?

How exciting!! Congratulations!!! Was this your first choice?

***disclaimer: this is all my opinion only*** What you also need to consider is the actual program you are applying to. In very general terms, if it is a Masters program that is not thesis based, your application is reviewed by an 'admissions committee' for suitablity to the program. You *must* meet the minimum requirements to have your application assessed. However, if you are applying to a thesis based program where research is a large component and you are required to express interest in working with certain faculty, that professor may likely be the person reviewing your application. Since that is the person you will be working with directly the professor can make the final decision on whether you are an appropriate fit for his/her lab. This is true of American universities as well. It is really the difference between thesis/non-thesis and masters vs phd level applications. Also, this quote is from: http://mygraduateschool.wordpress.com/2012/08/29/getting-into-grad-school-without-top-grades-one-students-amazing-story/ ".... that for some graduate programs, an applicant will only have a shot if they meet the minimum requirement. This will be the case for any program that has a committee, or some other process, that performs an initial vetting of applications and eliminates some of them based on failure to reach minimum criteria. This is how the admissions process works in most programs in which grad students do not have a faculty member responsible for supervising their thesis work. So, that generally means non-thesis master’s programs. Students in almost any doctoral program will have supervisor, however. Importantly, that faculty member is the person who ultimately decides who he or she will take on as a graduate student. The role and influence of the admissions committee varies a lot from one program to the next, but in the majority of programs in the social sciences or natural sciences, there is no initial vetting of applications by the admissions committee. The committee normally does not make selections — those are made by individual faculty members. The committee’s major roles are to administer certain aspects of the admissions process, and to give a final official approval to faculty members’ decisions about whom to accept. Faculty members choose their own graduate students, and although almost any decent graduate programs will state that they have a minimum GPA requirement, this is not always a rule, per se."

As AmyRebecca mentioned, an MSW allows you to be employed as a Social Worker in pretty much any sector of social services. With a BSW, it would be rare for you to find a job in a hospital or a school and it also prevents you from getting a senior management position. Basically, you are limited in how far you can go and an MSW opens those doors. Also, I believe that an MSW is popular because so many people gravitate towards it that have degrees in areas that in themselves dont offer many job prospects. For instance, a degree in psychology is great but unless you go on to the masters level, you cant do much with it. At the University of Toronto, last year they received over 900 applications. At least 700 of those were for the 2yr stream. That gives you an idea of how many people are interested in social work after they have completed their primary degree. The health and social services sector is very diverse and there are so many types of jobs you can get---but you need that MSW!

Sorry to hear that! It sucks getting rejected, especially so early. The same thing happened to me last year. I heard from York at the end of January (by mail). I hadn't been checking the online status because I didn't think I'd be hearing back so it might have been updated before I received the letter. Anyways, it is my understanding that when you get a rejection so early, it is from the graduate admissions dept, not the social work dept. They screen the applications for minimum requirements and reject those that dont meet them. If you feel that your application was good and you met all requirements (ie/gpa) and had all of your documents submitted on time, you can always call and see why you were rejected so soon. In my case, my gpa didn't make the cut. However, I recall others getting rejected from York only to find out that they (York) had made a mistake. For instance, they miscalculated gpa. Good luck to you in your other applications!

Just fyi to those applying to UofT. Last year I had contacted them to ask what the going average was for those admitted to the program. The answer I got: "high B+" was the 'average'. This of course means that you have many people admitted above and below that. I presume that those with a weaker gpa get in due to strong experience etc. Also, people with A- averages have been waitlisted/rejected in the past. I guess it boils down to how well you demonstrated your fit with the program. For instance, if you say you're interested in AOP but they focus on research, you may not get admitted even though you have a killer gpa. The good news is that we are now in Feb so we are inching closer to decisions! Hang in there, guys....

If you did contact them a couple of weeks ago (as opposed to a few days ago), I think it would be okay to call and see if there has been a change in your status. I think the big difference here is that you are not simply being impatient, you are in a true predicament. Now if you call and they still say wait until March, then you have to make a difficult decision. If you sign a contract, are you prepared to deal with the penalty for reneging? Would your wife sign regardless or would this affect her employment as well? Is it possible for you to decline the contract and find employment elsewhere should you not get admitted to grad school or is that really the only job you would want?

That is very tricky! If I was you, I would call/email the school and explain my situation. But *only* if you are being pressured by your employer to sign a contract immediately. If your employer will allow you to sign in a week or two, or in the (unlikely) case that they will allow you to sign now with the condition that you will be voiding the contract if you are accepted, I wouldn't call.

I'm not sure if this is the case everywhere but last year when I applied, I found out very early that I had been rejected (decision dates were supposed to be in March/April but I found out at the end of Jan/early Feb). Only one school rejected me at the anticipated decision date. I didn't realize it then but I didn't meet one of the criteria. So I was instantly rejected by the graduate admissions dept without having my application forwarded on to the commitee for review. So basically what I'm saying here is that it is possible to hear early regarding rejection. However, I should also say that I called the admin secretary and asked about the status of my application (by then I had figured out that my gpa wasn't going to make it). Within days, I got the rejection letter. I dont know if my call prompted her to end my misery or if that is what they do for everybody. Anyways, based on my experience, the longer they take to get back to me, the better

Thanks for your comment. My response was not meant to come across like it did (as I re-read it, I can see that it is a bit harsh--not my intention at all, sorry). I understand you wanting to get started in your career as soon as possible. Yes, social work is not generally considered a career for financially motivated people but you can certainly earn a decent living, especially with a masters degree. I think you have definitely put yourself on the right path regarding volunteer work and I think it is awesome that you are so passionate about social work. What I really wanted to say is that this aspect of you (the passionate and career centered part) is what should shine in your statement. I think it is pretty much understood that part of anyones motivation for higher education is the chance to make more money. You just want to make sure that this is not something that comes across as being you primary motivation (which it is not). I hope I am making sense here! I totally get what you are saying.

You are very passionate about your profession which is great. It sounds like you applied to a lot of places to boost your chances which is also great. Just remember, *if* the worst case scenario happens and you get rejected across the board, this is NOT the end of your career. It just means that you learn from this and strengthen you application for next year. MANY people get rejected, even top candidates. The great thing is that grad school will always be there, whether you apply now, next year, or 10yrs down the road. It is not the end of the world if it doesn't happen this year. I hope this is not coming across harsh--I totally get how you feel.

Congratulations, that's awesome! Thanks for posting. I dont think I've heard of people being notified this early here in Ontario. Yes, regarding York if past years are any indication, you wont be finding out until sometime in June...

Hello! My opinion is that you are on the right track with volunteering in a hospital. You can also volunteer in community organizations that deal directly with older adults--perhaps as a 'friendly visitor'. You can probably find plenty of short-term volunteer opportunities which can add some diversity to your experience. Regarding a minor in public policy. I think that this is probably a good idea since you dont have any other 'direct' educational experience. You can certainly talk about it in your statement---if phrased right, it can make you sound much better rounded. Although many people choose careers for the chance to make more money, I strongly advise against mentioning this as your motivation. Good luck!

Hey Beth, Dont be discouraged! The people posting on this site do not accurately reflect the overall applicant pool applying to different schools. For instance, I would say that there were less than 100 different people posting last year about Ontario schools, that is a fraction of the total number of students admitted. Of those, most were applying to those in the GTA. All it means is that this year more people have 'found' this site who applied to Windsor....it doesn't mean that there are more applicants in total. But if you are really concerned, you can always call the school and ask.

Hello, Firstly, I think it is great that you are thinking about entering the field of Social Work. Secondly, whatever I'm saying here is my opinion only so take it with a good heap of salt From what I have read it should not be a problem to make the transition over to social work as long as you explain your reasons for doing so in your statement while also showing how you have prepared yourself for this field. For instance, have you taken relevant courses? Have you volunteered in the sector? Do you know what population you want to work with? It will be much harder to convince a committee if you cannot demonstrate your interest. For instance, right now you have minimal volunteer experience. Even for someone who has the educational background, inadequate experience is going to hold them back. Also, it is not enough to say that you want to 'help people'. A masters program (no matter which one) will expect that you will have a good grasp of the professional direction you want to take. Every MSW program values relevant volunteer or work experience and all highly rank Gpa as an important indicator of future success in the program. It sounds like you have a solid gpa so that is good. What I would suggest is that you start thinking long and hard about your goals. Also, get as much volunteer experience as you possibly can. Not only will it boost your chances, it will also help you figure out if this is really the field for you. Many people think they want to be a social worker until they get their feet wet and realize that it isn't for them afterall. It would be terrible to learn that you are in the wrong profession while in grad school. Regarding being shy and introverted---I dont think this will be a problem at all. However, social work classes often require you to do role play. If you are uncomfortable speaking in public, this may be a bit uncomfortable for you. BUT, social work is also full of a lot of caring, understanding people who will encourage you to break out of your shell. Dont let this hold you back! I wish you the best of luck! p.s. If you are concerned about your age, 30 isn't old at all and certainly not too late to make a career change!

Hi, Firstly, I am located in Canada and do not have extensive knowledge of services in the USA. However, what I would suggest is doing internet searches on the topics you need more info on as program websites often give you a breakdown of how to access that service. As a social worker, the best way to learn is being out in the field. You will eventually pick up a lot of information through your colleagues and networking with other service providers. Social work is really a field where you learn more on the job than you can in any classroom.

ugh, I hate waiting! Has anybody heard anything from any of their schools? For instance, has the admissions committee begun their meetings yet?