MSW13

I've been having a reccuring nightmare that I was rejected from all three schools I applied to. Oh wait, that wasn't a dream... eeek!

Ha! (That reminds me of a Seinfeld episode when George decided to show up for work without actually being hired). I wish I was more serious when doing my BSW. It wasn't that I found it too difficult, I was just distracted by...life! Who knew it would come back to haunt me years later??! The good news is that there is an easy fix. I just have to take courses and better my standing. Hopefully next year I will get in. ..but something tells me, no matter how impressive your stats are, you are always afraid that you'll be shut out or get little/no funding...

The funding situation is so stressful! I hope it gets sorted out soon and you can start making plans. Yes, I only applied to 3 local universities (Masters of Social Work program). Unfortunately I was barely below the minimum gpa cutoff and was denied at the door. I applied hoping that over a decade of direct Social Work experience might sway them to consider me. However, I didn't realize that the Graduate Dept wont even forward on applications to the Adcomm if they dont meet the minimum gpa, regardless of supporting documentation. (I wish I knew that beforehand!) Next application season, I will probably only apply to 1 of the 3 schools and maybe another one that offers distance education. Although I have a few friends who got their MSW's in the States (just across the border in NY), I cant manage that due to family responsibilities. Plus, the costs are just crazy. Not worth it to drive into Buffalo (aka, the armpit of America ) to accrue that kind of debt. Are you expecting to relocate?

haha! By quoting a well known 80's tune....I'm going to guess that you are at least 28-30yrs old. Do kids these days even know Tears for Fears?? Any word on funding yet? Congrats on getting admitted to some of your schools. Here in Canada, tuition costs are fairly reasonable for masters programs (not sure about phd's though). I know that when I do get in (cuz damnit, I'm going to keep applying until I do!), I will be able to afford the tuition. It would be heartbreaking to go through this application process and get admitted only to learn that I cant go because it costs too much.

Thank you I'm looking forward to taking some courses and having a chance to prove myself academically.

Stephanie, please dont get nervous! You have above the minimum requirement plus you have a lot of experience! You have every reason to believe that you will get accepted to at least one of your schools. Although I have a lot of experience as a paid Social Worker, my average is a B-. They didn't even look at my application because I didn't meet the B minimum. I got my rejection letters from the Graduate dept, the Admissions Committee didn't even see it. They only forward on those applications to Social Work that meet the basic requirements. Sucks for me but I cant complain. It is a fair process. Also, my gpa is something that I can 'fix' and that is what I will do. I think your chances are good! The adcoms know that people in school have limited opportunity to gain direct experience. You cant work as a Social Worker without a BSW degree. What you did is the next best thing, you worked with people! Remember, it isn't just your average that they look at. I highly doubt that the vast majority of applicants have A's. They dont. Your experience and statement can set you apart. Have faith! It ain't over yet. Best of luck

Firstly, I felt the sting of her choice of words just reading what you wrote, I can only imagine what it must have felt like to hear it. In moments like these, it is important to remember that your Gpa is not a reflection of you as a person nor is it a true reflection of intellect. I dont mean to take away anything from people who do exceptionally well. It takes a lot to get the A's and that cannot be minimized. However, getting a B+ is hardly something to hang your head over and no one should make you feel that way. I'm glad you got 'over it'. I would be surprised if you got rejected across the board. The results listed here and the stats of those who are accepted are such a small percentage of people actually admitted so I'd take what you read with a huge grain of salt. Obviously those who have the very impressive gpa's are the ones who will post them. Those who get in by the skin of their teeth would be less likely to make note of it ---that is just my opinion btw, no reseach to back it up! For me, I have been out of school for a while and have well over a decade of direct Social Work experience. I got rejected from all 3 of my choices because my gpa is just barely below the B required for each school. My Plan B is to take courses to meet that requirement. As long as I do that successfully, I feel good about my chances next year. But having said that, nothing is guaranteed so I will just hope for the best!

It seems that many schools send out rejections last. This is beyond cruel and I really dont get it. I mean, it isn't like they need to hold back because they would reconsider any negative decision. However, having said that, there have been enough examples of delays in the process forcing schools to send out decisions weeks later than anticipated. Hang in there, it ain't over till it's over..

haha, well said! Have you heard back from any of your schools yet? Regardless of the outcome, you come across as a witty, articulate, intelligent person. If admissions were based on these characteristics, you'd be a shoe-in anywhere

The silence is no longer killing me. It is the deafening sound of rejection that is resonating strongest now. Well, luckily there is always next year Best of luck to you all!

Re: Ryerson. I'm truly sorry to hear that. I also got rejected due to a low gpa. The cutoff is B and I have a B-. I was hoping my years of experience and strong supporting documents would have been enough to get me in but unfortunately, they dont even look at applications below a B. It is a bit hard to swallow that a percentage or two is the difference between being considered and not. But then again, I am glad that our schools have standards and stick to them. Was that your first choice? Do you feel better about your chances at your other schools?

Thank you. I was lucky to find out early that I wasn't accepted. I'm still waiting for my official rejection from Ryerson but I know I wont get accepted for the same reason I wasn't accepted to my other two schools. I've already started my Plan B and hope to do get in next year. The good news is that it is MARCH!!! You will find out in the next couple of weeks. I *think* they send out the acceptances/waitlists first then rejections. Good luck!! If it is really driving you mad, you can always call the school. I know that many people find that to be 'bad form' but if you are finding the wait unbearable, I would call and ask if decisions have been finalized. At this point in the game, I highly doubt it will do any damage to ask. Btw, I just noticed that you have an 'unofficial rejection' from Ryerson. Did you call and they told you??

This wait is forever, isn't it??! I cant believe that I will be doing this again next year

LMAO! That's right, make sure you give props to the lady! ...especially if your dastardly plan is to downsize all things 'wedding'

Weddings are highly overrated. I've had the 'pleasure' of experiencing the wedding build-up through friends/family and my own. My feeling is that a one day event (that most people have already forgotten by the time they drive themselves home) is not worth the time and $$ people put into it. My unsolicited advice: save your $$ (for a house/furniture/dream vacation etc), and throw a simple party for the people who are near/dear to you and will be around for you when the actual trials and tribulations of married life begin. Oh, and if your significant other can stand you after this graduate school application horror, wedding planning should be a breeze Happy wedded bliss (and application success) to you all on the cusp of significant life changes!

Omg, I'm pretty sure I got this exact letter a few weeks back! Except with the missing 'p.s.' statement of: After carefully reviewing your application, here are some hoops we would like you to jump through just to give you the feeling that you might have a chance in hell next year. Looking forward to receiving application fees"

A quick rejection is always better....kind of like pulling off a bandaid. You dont want to drag that out...

It seems that there are so many factors that determine who gets in/doesn't get in besides gpa and experience. As I mentioned before, one of my friends got in to UofT with a B (or B+, but I'm thinking it was B)average and no experience. Grades definitely help in terms of getting your application reviewed, but if you cannot demonstrate the appropriate 'fit', then it doesn't look like you will get in, regardless of how great your average is. Good luck to everyone!

Yes, I agree with this. I received a rejection from York at the end of January and it was due to a minimum requirement missing. I have no doubt that my application never made it to the admissions committee for formal review. If you meet all requirements then you can expect to hear back as per the dept timeline.

This is exactly why I didn't tell a soul (aside from my references, husband and two close friends) that I was applying this year. I would very likely have thrown an open stapler at the next coworker who asked me if I knew the results, no matter how well meaning. Now, as I switch gears and think about how to improve my chances next year, I dont have the added burden of telling people over and over again, "no. I didn't get in", "no, I cant believe it either", "no, I dont know what I did wrong" etc etc..

Did you apply last year? Do you know if there is any 'perk' to applying for the second time? That is, do you get credit for perseverance?? Hey, at this point where I will be shut out of all 3 of my choices, any sliver lining would be great

I think it really depends on what your Gpa is. If you have a borderline one like a B where it is just enough to get in, then it is in your best interest to pad your application with strong experience. It doesn't have to be direct experience but it has to show that you have the skills and potential to do well in this field. If you have an A average, you may be able to get away will less experience. But again, remember that plenty of folks with a B average have been admitted... I personally know quite a few of them. I also know someone who was admitted with a B or B+ average at UofT who had NO experience whatsoever. She demonstrated her potential through other means. Really, you dont know what your competition is like. However, remember that there is only a small percentage of truly gifted students ahead of you. Most applicants are just like you--strong in some areas, not so much in others. So much of the selection process has to do with factors outside of your control. They obviously have an unwritten set of criteria that we are not, nor will we ever be, privy to. Things like spaces available, streams of practice, mix of students--all stuff you cant possibly know.. At least that is my take on it

Actually, it was UofT that I had called. However, I applied for the advanced standing so they review those applications first. This was approx 2weeks ago (?). My experience with UofT is that they are very good at keeping to timelines. I haven't seen any evidence of them notifying applicants earlier than what they posted (Mid March for advanced standing, April for 2yr program). Hang in there! I submitted my applications at the end of Nov/early Dec and after being nervous/anxious/frustrated, I think I am finally at numb. We got through Christmas/New Years, we can certainly get through a few more weeks

Yes, I can see how that can seen as a problem. I guess I was suggesting a more 'general' type call. For instance, I would call and acknowledge that they are still in the selection phase but I was wondering if the bulk of acceptances have gone out yet. Or I may ask what there timeline is for notifying applicants--that is, when is the latest I can expect to hear an answer by? Hopefully any answer received would provide some level of perspective to the seemingly endless wait. I would hesitate from asking anything more detailed than this. I did call one of my schools regarding a document I submitted. The person looked up my file and volunteered that they are reviewing it now. I wasn't calling for that but it was good to hear. Like I said, they DO expect some calls...they just dont want anyone to be a pest about it.

I know that "they" say to just wait patiently for a response, but truly I dont think that there is much harm in making a quick call asking if decisions have been made. Admissions offices are used to that this time of year and on some level expect it. It only becomes a problem if you call frequently and draw negative attention to yourself. I mean, if they start to recognize your voice then we have a problem...haha If you dont want to do that then try to remind yourself that the longest part of waiting is already over. You will get the results within the next few weeks, guaranteed