Taphlondapadon

Hi everyone, I’ve searched the forum and don’t see much updated information about the U of T OISE Social Justice PhD program. I’m hoping this can be a place to discuss applications and any program specifics. I received an acceptance to the program on February 13, 2020 after a nerve-racking wait. For those still waiting on any program at OISE you can see the stats on how many people applied to each program and how many were first choice candidates here: https://ro.oise.utoronto.ca/RO_Stats.htm My background is in social work. I graduated from U of T’s MSW program in 2014 and have been working in the field ever since. I’m honestly feeling a bit out of sorts with starting a program in education as I don’t know much about the education field/theories/culture. Also, starting a PhD after several years away from academics is quite daunting. I have no idea what to expect come September. Although I did the MSW program at U of T I didn’t spend much time on campus other than for classes and some research work. I remember the environment was quite competitive and although I could hold my own, that kind of culture doesn’t jive with me. Could anyone help with what the culture of faculty and students is like at OISE? For those who have done the Social Justice Phd/Master (or another PhD in the department), how was your experience? Anyone doing a PhD after being in the field for several years? How was getting back into academic shape? Also, has anyone turned down an offer for the program to attend somewhere else? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Still waiting on York.... Good grief!

Nothing from York for me, just checked myfile. York is fantastically late this year... wow! Hopefully everyone hears back before the program starts.

Check out these: http://www.thtcentre.com/ http://www.gersteincentre.org/workshops.html http://www.cantraining.org/ In my opinion the first one is the best value, super cheap, lots of good info. they also offer accredited certificates. I took two courses with them and I thought they were well structured. Cantraining is a bit expensive for any courses over 2 days, they also offer certificates. I took one course with them and it was decent, class size was small. I haven't tried gerstein centre although i've heard they are decent. In addition, check out any universities upcoming events pages for seminars and training. There are always national and international scholars and practitioners giving speeches and workshops at schools, and all the ones i've been too were free! They were all really informative and gave me a good idea of what's going on in the social work field in terms of cutting edge and progressive research. Whatever your specialization is I think knowing about other areas of the field alongside your own will help you to be well rounded and versatile in your research and job prospects.

My two cents: I agree with MSW12. From what I've heard an SSW is quite different than a BSW experience wise and academically. In terms of experience, I think you'd have a better chance finding a stellar place to volunteer/work on your own instead of breaking the bank again. Where I volunteered there was an SSW student who had less responsibility than me and I was just the volunteer! (Granted I had been volunteering there for a while). That's only one case though. Check out www.211toronto.ca to compliment charity village, it lists a wide variety of organizations in the social services. In terms of academics, I'm not sure if a SSW will count because I don't think the courses are equivalent to upper year uni. courses. I have no idea though. They may see your completion of the SSW as continued commitment to the field. If you want/need to pick up your GPA I'd suggest going back for a research methods course and some other courses that are similar to the specialization you're applying for. Also, there are some one and two day training courses and special seminars done by professors and people in the field. They are relatively cheap and give you a lot of knowledge, which you can put on your CV under professional development. This will display to the adcomm. your continued passion and overall commitment towards scholarship and the practical elements of the field. Obviously I'm pushing for one side here, hopefully someone else can chime in with the other side of this slice.

Hi guys, I was offered admission to U of T's two-year program (still waiting on York). Such a relief since I was flat out rejected last year. I'm a bit surprised as my GPA is quite sub-par. I also encourage you guys not to lose hope even if you're rejected, as I was, apply next year. If social work is what you want to do keep persevering and don't give up. I agree with V123 that "luck" and/or the "fit" factor play a large role in acceptances. However, I think applying again will work in your favour if you've improved on your application. Keep your heads up guys, I really hope everyone gets accepted somewhere, we've all worked hard.

Nothing from York or U of T for me either. I've been checking myfile once an hour so far. I saw the acceptance for York on the results page too. Must have been an early acceptance, a friend of mine was accepted in early March a couple years ago as well. Just finished my last exam tonight! Wooo Hooo! Now the real freakout over getting into a program can start.... Round two... fingers crossed. How's everyone doing, you guys still alive and well?

Historical fact of the day : On this day last year York sent out the waiting list message, they seem to be a bit behind schedule this year: Good morning, We're pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to the waitlist for the 2-year MSW program at York University. We would ask that if you do not want to remain on the waitlist, e.g., you have accepted another offer, you please email gradsowk@yorku.ca asking to be removed and we will record your offer as declined. Otherwise, please do nothing and if we are able to offer you a spot we will inform you by letter. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide information regarding where you are on the waitlist or if you will be offered a spot. We've occasionally made offers as late as August but there are no guarantees. Eventually, everyone will receive a letter by mail confirming their status once it has been resolved to either accepted or declined. Thank you and we hope to meet you in person in the fall. With best regards,

NP, thanks for the reassurance! A few more weeks to go. I'm glad i'm in school right now, the end of semester madness is keeping me busy. It's murky waters when I have nothing to do but think about getting accepted... I turn into a grumpelstiltskin. Staying busy is key!

Top choice right now is U of T. I have a friend in their MSW program and he says the instructors and facilities are top notch. However, I did my undergrad at York and enjoy their critical anti-oppresive outlook. I'm kinda regretting not applying to more schools, but I don't want to move out of Toronto if I can help it. I have decent experience working and volunteering in a few community organizations focused on immigrant health and advocacy so I'm thinking of specializing in social justice and diversity. But really... I would like to get some more experience in other fields before I tie myself down to a specialization. I think it's the second year that they make you pick a specialization? So if I get into a program hopefully there's room to dabble in another field or two. Congrats on getting into Carlton! What's the deadline for accepting their offer? Ya fit is a big deal it seems, I know people with a stellar GPA and experience who didn't make the cut at a few schools... Kinda scary! Where are you in terms of specialization? It's nice to see everyone's experiences on here, sometimes it feels like i'm the only one freaking out haha Most of my friends and family don't understand how crazy this process is.

Hey all, been lurking around this forum for a while now and finally started freaking out! I've applied to the 2-year MSW at U of T and York this year. Last year I applied to the same programs got waitlisted at York and denied from U of T. Did pretty crappy in my undergrad but went back for another two years to upgrade my GPA and get some solid work and volunteer experience. Now the wait... I thought last year was pretty stressful but this year the wait is killing me. I called York today and the grad program assistant told me acceptances will be sent out at the end of next week, but who knows with York. She also said they will only be admitting 20 people to the 2 year program... sounds super competitive! Called U of T and the grad coordinator said mid april but didn't give me a specific date. She also said they will be admitting 140 people this year. I too am starting to check this site way too much All the best to everyone!