MSW13

Yes, you are quite right. I'm kind of stuck--I graduated back in....well, lets just say it has been a while....and have a bunch of great experience. The only think that I can improve on drastically is the gpa. I'm at that age where I really dont want to take a course just for the sake of boosting my gpa. I want to LEARN something. I'm hopeful that the adcomms will consider every part of my application. But the realistic part of me says that if my gpa is not competitive, they wont really care what else is there. I haven't given up...I'm just being realistic. But I also know that anytime I haven't gotten a job/promotion etc, it has ALWAYS worked out for the best. Better opportunities came along that I didn't see coming. This instance is no different.

When I got my 'unsuccessful' letter at the end of January I faced the difficult truth that my gpa is not competitive. I applied thinking that every other part of my application was strong--I didn't know that they barely scan applications that are great, nevermind those that are less than stellar. I have already started looking for courses I can take to bring up my gpa and try again next year. If I happen to get accepted in the meantime, I will be thrilled not to have to spend all of that extra $$ to take courses I dont really need. I'm saying this not to bring down everyone, I'm just saying it because being proactive is a great way to fill the silence. Knowing that no matter what the outcome is, you have choices can be incredibly empowering.

As much as I would like to, I dont believe that adcoms really look at each and every application. The applications are pre-screened and sorted according to Gpa. If you make the cut, then and only then will they consider the other aspects of the application. This is when fantastic supporting documents can help you leapfrog over the uber-smart applicants. Because the stats of applicants can change from year to year, you really dont know what the 'average' gpa of applicants is this time around. Last year it could have been A-, this year it could be B. So basically, you cant possibly know how competitive you are. For that reason, hang on to the hope that you have a chance even if you haven't heard back yet. Only a very small percentage of people post results here so I'd take what you read with a healthy dose of skepticism. ....but it also wouldn't hurt to start working on a plan B to have all of your bases covered...and hope that you wont have to use i t

As long as you have a gpa above the cutoff (usually a mid B standing, or 3.00 gpa), you willl be considered at most schools. It sounds like your 'bad' grades were earlier during your undergrad. They usually only look at the last two years and if you've got A's during that time, that will only look good Good luck!

I guess the good news is that York U already sent out a bunch of 'unsuccessful' letters. Because you didn't receive one, you can kind of assume that you are still in the game Due to an unimpressive gpa, I am expecting across the board refusals so it has sort of taken the wind out of my sails. Already thinking about how I can better my gpa and try again next year. If your gpa is good and you have at least some relevant experience, chances are good that you will be admitted/waitlisted to at least a couple of your choices. I think York admits so few that it is the hardest nut to crack. However, I dont believe that this in anyway means that it is the 'best' school for social work...

lol...my inner doubter has been silenced (at least temporarily) will fudgeeo cookies.

Good that they weren't your first choice. According to the York U website, in 2010(?) they had 750 applicants in total (1yr, 2yr stream, part time) and they only admitted in a total of 80 students. Only 20 of those were for the 2yr program. Seriously, those make for horrific odds for getting in so I wouldn't take it too personally. Unlike me, you have a decent gpa which should get you in to a few of your choices for sure

I'm glad for you that the crying only lasted 30min Your gpa is good and you definitely have a good shot at any/all of the schools you have applied to. Once you have a solid Gpa, I think that it then becomes all about experience and 'fit'. If you are coming straight from undergrad, it is very hard to get relevant experience that 'speaks' to a particular university. Was York your first choice? You can also take comfort in knowing that people with high gpa's have been rejected from York in the past, only to be admitted to every other school they've applied to!

Oh! I'm so sorry to hear that! I hope you didn't cry for too long---I truly believe that everything happens (and doesn't happen) for a reason. Did you apply elsewhere? I'm hoping that my other two schools show some mercy and take a look at my full application. Although my Gpa isn't super, I have years of great experience. From what I've read on other threads, York is kind of funny about who they admit....do you have any idea of why they might have overlooked you?

Well I got my first (hopefully last) rejection. Looks like the score is 1-0 for Gpa

Thank you for this information. Yes, I feel that I was likely rejected due to my Gpa. Dont get me wrong, it wasn't awful but it was less than the B+ they were asking for. I knew I was taking a chance applying but I was 'hoping' they would look at the entire application before they made a decision. My feeling is that they didn't even look at my Statement of Interest or resume etc. My transcript was enough to get my application shredded. I applied to two more schools but they are just as competitive. This rejection puts things in perspective though. At first I wanted to know all decisions NOW. But after this, I can wait...just to keep the dream alive a little longer All the best to you!

@samanthakl Thanks Yes, I applied to the advanced standing which usually finds out decisions earlier than the 2yr stream. I cant help but wonder if I missed something in the application or I made a fantastic error....or the most obvious reason, my Gpa wasn't good enough. Well, it ain't over 'till it's over. I've got two more kicks at the can. How they notified me: I got the letter in the mail today. Checked 'myfile' to confirm and sure enough, it had been updated. The letter was dated Jan 18th so they may have just updated the online status today. Actually, I wasn't checking it regularly so it might have even been updated last week... I know that all social work programs in the GTA seem to be nutty-competitive. Good luck to you!

Just got my first rejection from York U. My application must have really sucked since I wasn't expecting to hear back until March. Oh well, at least they were kind enough to let me know sooner than later. Surprisingly, I feel almost 'calm' about it. Glad to get this feeling out of the way.. It sucks but it didn't kill me.

After I submitted the last one of three at the beginning of Dec, it took me a few days to get over the buzz. It almost felt like after exams--you *know* they are done but you still have brief moments of panic thinking you might have forgotten something. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions ever since -- some days feeling good (what am I worried about? They just have to let me in, I'm a STAR, damn it!) and on other days, (why would they let me in?) not so much. By mid March, I should know whether this ulcer was worth it or not

Thanks for the info! I guess I will just have to wait and see if I get in this year. If not, I'll have to re-evaluate how badly I want this and what I'm prepared to do in order to get it. If all else fails, I can continue to work with my BSW--just 10-15K less a year for the same job!

@ladybug3 The admissions process is so difficult to figure out some times. I've seen fairly competent people be denied admission while what seems like the flakiest person in the room get admitted to multiple schools. Did they mention if certain streams are more competitive than others? My gpa for UofT is pretty good but not so strong that it makes me feel confident. Because York/Ryerson look at the last two years, it's a bit weaker. Basically, I'm a bit of a late bloomer Mental health/addictions certainly go hand-in-hand. I've worked in mental health and found it to be amazingly rewarding. I also found that many people shy away from it--probably because they find it 'scary'. I dont know this for a fact but I would think that not as many people apply to this stream than others. Do you have the same impression? Oh, and to answer a question from your previous post, yes, I'm from TO. Are you as well?

Thank you for this response! Definitely what I wanted to hear However, I am not in a position to leave the city where I live so I am fairly limited in where I can apply. I dont think I can consider any of the 3 universities I've applied to 'safety schools'. All are fairly competitive with good/great reputations for Social Work. I am hoping that they will review my application although I'm *just* under the cutoff minimum GPA. I've been out of school for a while so naturally I've accumulated lots of experience. I'm one of those people who didn't take school as seriously as I should have and matured after graduating....regrets, regrets!!

For those of you who are in an MSW program or to those of you who are applying, what do you think admissions committees value more, GPA or experience? I realize that my GPA is on the lower end but my experience is rock solid. Any thoughts?? Thanks!

Thanks for the info! I wonder how many of the 600 applications are incomplete? That is, out of the 600+, I'm sure that there must be some that failed to submit all documents/fees etc. As well, I wonder how many of these applicants are applying to the advanced standing and how many of the 125 spots are alloted there? Based on what I've read, it seems that the majority of applicants are applying to the 2 year program. So many questions! I really should have attended the info sessions. However, I'm thinking that they are fairly secretive regardless. Also, it seems much easier to get into MSW programs in the States... I was interested in a few of the streams but settled on Gerontology. That is where the majority of my experience is. I've been out in the field for years. I feel like my application is competitive in all areas except for the gpa. I'm hoping that they will review it...fingers crossed. I guess it really depends on how they start the process. If they automatically discard the lower gpas, then I'm screwed. But if they consider the entire application, then I feel that my application is strong. I hope that they weigh experience just as much as undergrad gpa.... Mental health is an excellent stream. Do you have a certain age group that you prefer?

ladybug3, thanks for this response! I wish I had gone to the info sessions but unfortunately missed them due to schedule conflicts. Did they mention whether they review ALL applications or do they automatically discard those that are weak in a specific area (ie/ a weak gpa)? Like most applicants, I'm probably overly focused on the area that I think is weak in my own application. It would just be awful to have done all of that work on the statement of purpose only to find out that they didn't even read it. For the two year program, do you have to pick a stream (ie/mental health, gerontology)? It must be very competitive. Good for you to have gotten on the waitlist--that tells you that you are 'in', just not enough spots. Did you contact them after you found out on how to strengthen you app this time around? Again, thanks for your response. Good luck to you, although it sounds like you will do just fine

HAHAHA! I totally needed that, thanks for posting As a Social Worker, I've had my share of clients who have fallen for this type of scam. It's nice to see someone giving a little back!

I've applied to UofT, York and Ryerson for the MSW advanced standing. First time applying. I have to say, all of you who are doing this for the second time, I really admire your determination! Is anyone familiar with how admission committees begin the selection process? Do they look at applications as they receive them or do they rank them first?? I'm driving myself (and my husband) crazy with speculation. Good luck to you all

Hello All! I'm so glad to be able to read this thread and know others are feeling exactly as I do! I submitted my applications in Nov/early Dec. I *thought* that being done well before the deadlines that I'd feel a sense of relief and kind of just sit back until results come in. However, the wait has been excruciating! I cant believe it will still be another month or two before I can hope for any response. I hope I get in somewhere because I sure as heck wont be doing this twice! AARRRGGGHHH!! Good luck to you all

Hello All, I'm currently in that never ending limbo waiting to hear back about admissions. I've applied to all local universities, U of T, York U and Ryerson U. Does anyone know of the acceptance rates for these universities? Anyone else applied to the advanced standing? Also, does anyone know which social work stream is most/least popular? I applied early and this waiting is FOREVER!! Cant wait for the spring to get here already!!! Happy waiting, everyone!!