Yes. I remember one of my referees telling me that the schools I applied to have very different templates. The schools usually send the referees a link where they have to answer questions about you and your qualifications relevant to the program. So make sure you have set up an appointment with all your potential referees ahead of time so that you can sit down and talk to them about your CV and your experiences and why you deserve a reference letter. Also ask them politely but straight-forward if they can write you an "excellent" recommendation letter. Good just shouldn't cut it. Make sure you tell them you need that excellent recommendation letter. Most of them would say yes, especially if you have build a certain reputation with the professor in class and outside of class.
Hope this helps.
I think that you should take your chances at applying to U of T again. I know a couple of people who got into the program after 3 application cycles. So keep trying!
The admissions, i think at U of T really depends on the calibre of students applying during the year. The higher your grades are and the more experience you have of course will make your applications more successful. The students that get in have varying experiences but everyone have experiences working with different populations in various setting. There's a good mix between new university graduates and more experienced professionals, some have a masters degree, but all are quite accomplished in some way (which people would try to be modest about). You have the experience and the education to have been placed in the waiting list. Being in it means that they saw something in you and you are qualified! There is a higher chance to get into U of T as there are almost 150 spots to fill in.
I do think that personal statements play a huge factor on the admission decision. Make sure that the personal statements are verifiable and coincide with the CV and other documents you will be providing (i.e. reference letters). The main problem is the disconnect between the documents. In the personal statement your educational, professional, personal background must tell a story. A story that provide an idea of how you understand social work and its importance to you. I really think a critical reflection approach helps in this regard, especially in making sense of the questions.
Hope this helps, if you ever consider applying again.
Best of luck to you and other who will be applying this year.
I just received my package from U of T... got accepted... whew! thank goodness... congratulations to everyone who got accepted... those who were waitlisted, good luck and i hope that the odds are in your favour.
I just received my package from U of T... got accepted... whew! thank goodness... congratulations to everyone who got accepted... those who were waitlisted, good luck and i hope that the odds are in your favour.
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