klc14

Yup. Checking ROSI you find out before the envelope gets to your mailbox. And I kind of want to find out by the mail

I'm getting soooo anxious waiting. I was just looking through the 2013 forum and people didn't start hearing from U of T (2 year) until April 15. (Although it seems they didn't figure out the ROSI trick) I was hoping for early April! But with ~800 applicants, I guess that's understandable. Also noticed a few very worthy candidates get rejections from U of T and acceptances elsewhere....scary! Wishing I applied to a few more schools.....

Luckily, this isn't the case. Find your student number by logging in here: https://apply.sgs.utoronto.ca/ Sign in with your application number, then go to application summary. Reported student number should be listed there. Use this number to sign in with ROSI.

I see what you're saying, l_c. And I agree. That's the nice thing about the written statement. I think it's probably one of the best measures for acceptance. Personal experience is sooo valuable. That said, it's competitive so many people basically are social workers going into the MSW program. Some schools (Laurier) require 2-3 years full time experience. It's intense. U of T is definitely the best bet for people with good grades and less experience though. Experience is recommended but not required...so with a strong application anyone above the grade cut off has a good chance at getting in. All the best to everyone...about 3-4 more weeks until we hear . I'm thinking of trying to resist checking ROSI early so I can find out via the envelope. Anyone else thinking this?

I think volunteer/paid experience is crucial for the 2 year MSW program. It shows commitment to the field, and proves you've tested your interest and have a realistic idea of what you're getting into. I understand it's frustrating, but it's so important. I think U of T is one of the most lax with this expectation though, and I've be told grades weigh heaviest. 2 years ago I applied to Laurier and Windsor, and was rejected from both because lack of experience. The past 2 years have allowed me to gain so much more experience and exposure to the field. Looking back, I can honestly say I am happy I was rejected in 2012, because I really wasn't ready. I will get so much more out of the program now with the knowledge and experience I've gained. I have about 3000 hours now. Fingers crossed I get in.

It's so exciting to hear people getting accepted...ONE MORE MONTH for 2 year. Did U of T say mid-March for advanced standing?? If so, maybe we can expect early April.....

Great to hear this. I have been feeling a bit nervous with my B+. However, I have been in the field since 2008. Volunteered as a big sister, crisis counsellor, group facilitator, etc. Worked for 2 summers at a Sexual Assault Centre. Did a college diploma in Social Service Work and had a placement working with offenders. And right now, I work full-time with families after child abuse has been reported, alongside Child Protection Workers and Child Abuse Unit Police. I also did my BA in English and Women's Studies combined....I hope that doesn't hurt me. MSW is my dream and I've been working toward it for 5 years.

Yup. Its torture not knowing how the next few months will look. I'm actively trying to keep my focus on things that are happening in the near future. Practicing zen. Living in the here and now, etc. I find that helps Although it doesn't feel like it now I remind myself, that time goes by so fast, April will be here before we know it!

I've seen a similar question asked before (a year or two ago probably). From what I understand they do not take college programs into account for the average. It's simply the last 5 300-400 level courses on your university transcript. The college program will help in terms of added experience and shows your commitment to the field. I have a A in the Social Service Worker college program I took after my BA....so I hear ya, it would be nice if they looked at those grades...I submitted a transcript! I have no idea if the admissions committee even looks at transcripts though.

Thanks Semimicro, Jordanna,and MSW13 for your input! I appreciate it. There's nothing I can do now but wait and hope for the best. There's comfort in knowing a 78% average still meets the cut-off, and an 88% in the mandatory research course will hopefully help out my application in terms of academic suitability. I have over 3000 hours of relevant volunteer/work/placement experience, and good references so I am confident in that respect. Now I will try to practice zen for the next couple months, instead of impatiently waiting for April 15. Best of luck to everyone.

So you know when you're waiting for so long you can't help but start doubting yourself?? At first I was very confident, and it's starting to wear off..... My question is.....does anyone know how U of T weighs grades/written statement/experience/references? Is there an order? I'm worried because in my final year I only took 3 300/400 level credits (82% average) If I go back 2 years, I took a couple 300 level then and didn't do so well (drops the average to 78%...which I wasn't thinking about when applying) Hoping my experience, references, and written statement can make up for that. Ugh....April can't come soon enough.

Honestly, great experience. The focus is on developing skills and it gave me a good idea of the different types of social work (community development, counselling, family social work, mental health, etc). It helped me narrow down my interests too. I also had an awesome placement working with adult offenders and young offenders doing restorative justice. SSW is widely recognized credential and I am registered with the OCSWSSW. Coming from University, it was easy work (short papers/assignments)...but more personally challenging because you're practicing and developing skill sets. Hope that helps.

Hello everyone, I've been following this board, and similar ones for years...so I figured I'd introduce myself. I applied for an MSW three years ago (Laurier and Windsor), and was rejected. Looking back, I can see why! Now, I have much more experience, knowledge, wisdom, and the confidence that I'm ready for it. Hopefully the admissions committee thinks so too. I have a BA in English/Women's Studies and a Social Service Worker diploma. Right now I am working full-time in the child welfare field. I have only applied to the U of T 2 year program....I'm excited about the specialization in Children and Families and the amazing faculty. The city will make for amazing learning opportunities too. Fingers crossed.

This was my EXACT position last year, so I feel like I should share my experiences as I finish up the SSW fast-track program. So, last year I applied to only 2 schools (Windsor and WLU) and didn't get into either. Not enough experience. I remember wishing I had applied for the 2 year BSW, but the application dates had already passed (for Mac and York). When I looked at jobs that I was interested in, a lot asked for a SSW diploma. So I applied for SSW (fanshawe) because I needed to take a step into this field and couldn't bare the idea of working retail or some other job and volunteering with the chance of being rejected again. The way I saw it was: 1 year SSW, work and get experience in the field, then apply for the 2-year MSW = 3 years of school. OR wait a year apply for 2 year BSW then apply for the 1 Year MSW = 3 more years of school. So, at this point, I am glad I did this program. It's nice to know I'll be done in June, and can start working. I have a great placement working with adults who are in trouble with the law. Some students have placements in group homes/"half-way"houses, the school board, community health centre's, employment counselling, women's shelters, Big Brothers Big Sisters, etc. Looking back, I was not ready for the MSW program...and I'm still not...I know I need experience working on the front lines first. I'm still young and working for between $15-$25 for awhile is OK with me while I improve my skills and get more comfortable with this work. I hope you get accepted, but if not, SSW is a good option if you are eager to get started working soon. As of June, I can register with the college and I will have the credentials to apply for a lot of jobs. I've learned a lot - but mostly I have more confidence in my skills and I have a better understanding of the different kinds of social work and how they are done. I'm still planning on applying for my MSW...and this was really just a step in that direction for me.