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Hi everybody! Any body applied to the MES Planning Program at York University? Any results?

Hello! I have applied to both UW and York for BSW, but I'm currently doing a pros and cons list of whether I should wait for UW's response for my application (comes our mid June). I have already been accepted to York, but the deadline to accept the offer is early May. I'm at a lost- I graduated with a BA in UW so I would definitely be more comfortable going back, but since I have applied to part time, UW will take 3 or less years to complete while York is 2 (with a chance to lessen based on the transfer credits). Any thoughts on which school might give a better overall experience?

Hi everyone, I was looking for some help on figuring this out: I want to do a post-grad certificate before moving onto my Masters (I want to do it in Government Relations at a local college). I'm in third year at the moment. I mainly want to build connections there and do well, and hopefully network+ ask for references from profs I encounter. However, I'm not sure if letters of recommendation from most programs around the country/in Ontario would allow an academic reference not from undergrad is my issue. I'm looking into different types of programs: MPP, MPA, MBA etc and would love to know if anyone has any advice. I do not necessarily want to do a fifth year at my university because I don't want to take out more student loans for the same degree. Hope everyone is doing well.

Hi- starting this thread for acceptances to MPPA/ public policy programs in the Toronto GTA for September 2020.

Hello York University Advanced Standing MSW Students and Alumni, I am hoping we can use this forum to share tips, resources, and experiences regarding the MSW curriculum and the placement process at YorkU. I'm looking forward to starting the program and learning from one another!

Hi there!! ? I am looking into doing an MSW( and maybe the MSW/JD) at York or U of T, or the MEd in Counselling Psychology at OISE !!! I am looking into these programs w the hopes of providing anti-oppressive, feminist therapy in the future. I am also really interested in working with incarcerated folks. I am finishing up an honours in women's studies, and did my research on first-person narrative as a tool of restorative justice and personal healing. I'm looking for current or past students to discuss the benefits of each program! Some questions to start, How did you like the program? Strengths/Weaknesses? What was your background and/or goals going in? Where/How was your placement? Where are you at now? Pls reach out if you would be open to chatting w me ?

Hi MSW pals, I'm a Canadian undergraduate student finishing up the final 3 classes of my honours degree in Women's Studies. As somewhat of a snap decision, I've decided I want to do an MSW for September 2019, if possible. I graduate this Christmas, so I'll have about 8 months to gain more work experience etc. However, I'm feeling really discouraged reading about everyone's experience and hours especially. I'm wondering if it's worth it for me to apply and if folks have any recommendations as to how I may improve my application. I know I have a pretty solid education background, and can get solid reference letters, so I'm hoping that will strengthen my application. How many hours are we expected to have? Here's where I'm at: I have a 4.3, 4.3, 4.1 4.3 GPA in my last 4 semesters of school. I'm really confused as to how they calculate the GPA. My cumulative GPA is 3.9. Last 10 300/400 level course, probably a 4.1. Last school year I did a 9 month directed research project on narrative therapy as a tool of restorative justice and received an A+. I also got an A- in my research methods class, which is supposedly important for U of T at least! I had a TA position (women's studies class) and an RA position (on trans youth navigating the medical system), both contracts were small though, only 40 hours each. Received 4 different scholarships for varying social justice/feminist stuff. I've worked as a general coordinator for the Women's Studies student association for the past two years. We do peer support and advocacy related stuff, throw fundraisers for organizations we like, and do anything and everything related to student politics. This position is volunteer, but elected by the student body. We also launched a creative academic feminist journal. Probably like 500 hours? Volunteered as a workshop facilitator with the Sexual Assault Resource Centre at my university. Not tons of hours though, maybe 50. Was a part of a volunteer research group that worked with an Indigenous organization at my university. Maybe 100 hours? Sat on a bunch of committees as a representative and advocate for the student body (is this relevant?) 50 hours Volunteered on an organic coffee farm in Ecuador, helping locals to install permaculture farming systems. Volunteered in Cambodia helping English teachers revise their curriculums. I also edit, produce and cohost a feminist radio show. Worked with an organization that tries to get marginalized youth involved in politics + community organizing. 100 hours? Worked with Pride as a freelance artist I probably have a total of 1, 500 hours doing various work and volunteer stuff that seems semi-relevant (maybe? I don't know). It seems like most applicants have upwards of 3000+ hours and it's freaking me the heck out. What I'm currently doing to strengthen my application: I've applied to volunteer with some different crisis hotlines, and also to do more workshop facilitation in the realm of sex ed and gender diversity. I'm looking for people to be realistic with me, do I have a shot at getting into York or U of T? If not, what would folks recommend I do to improve my application. Is there anything I've mentioned that seems especially relevant and I should emphasize? Thank you!

Still haven't heard from UWO and York university for MS in CS (Thesis) for Fall 2018. Has anyone heard back from them? York's decision status says "No decisions yet" UWO's decision status says "Released to program" Considering CUPE strikes are happening in York, the decisions might roll out later (maybe ???) What about UWO ??

Hey guys! I was recently accepted to the MA in Development Studies at York University (Toronto) with a pretty decent offer of financial package (fully covered with a bit extra for other expenses). My top choice program, however, is Carleton University's MA in Political Economy. That application is still under review, but I only have a limited amount of time to respond to the offer from York. Does anyone know if it's considered really inappropriate to contact Carleton (if I don't hear soonish) saying that I'd like to go to their school but I need to know whether I'm in before I respond to York? Or if there is an appropriate way to go about this? Really appreciate any help anyone can offer! And congrats to others who have gotten acceptances!

Hi folks, Anyone who has applied to the school of engineering (Lassonde) at York U got something, any news? I'm kinda starting to freak out as I submitted all docs on Jan 26 and deadline was Feb 8 but still nothing. I've applied to start on this fall. My status on MyFile has been so far "No decision yet". Thanks

The OISE Psychology Clinic (near St. George Subway Station) is looking for a student fluent in Tagalog/Filipino and who is interested in supporting a psychology graduate student during a psychoeducational assessment. This is a great clinical opportunity for those interested in working with children/teenagers and families. Some knowledge of consent and limits to confidentiality is needed. If interested, please respond to this post. Kind regards, Tessie M.

Hi everyone. I am a prospective applicant for MA philosophy at York University for fall next year 2018. The admission window would soon be open for 2018. Please, what is the possibility of getting full funding for grad study at York, as is stated on their website? Thanks guys!

Hey guys, I'm having trouble deciding between 1) U of T: Master of Management Innovation (MMI) 2) York: Masters of Management (Mmgt) - Both of these programs are relatively new - I am a science student hoping to transition into business (both of these programs are for students with a non-business background) Any help or insights would be greatly appreciated !

Forum created for those who applied to York University's MSW program for the Fall 2016 entrance. Please share your experience: have you been accepted? wait-listed? rejected? still waiting to hear from them? Here is insight on the program from a current student to ensure that York is a right fit for you: On 2016-03-16 at 1:13 PM, serendipitous22 said: Hi everyone. I'm currently in the MSW program at York University. I remember very well what it was like to repeatedly check my email and the various online application systems, and my mailbox... for those of you who are still waiting, hang in there! I wanted to share some information about my program that I wish I had known when I was applying, and when I was making my decision. To be completely fair, here is a brief overview of the type of person that I think would be a good fit for the York MSW program: - You are very interested in critical social work theories, including Marxism, critical race theory, feminism, queer theory, critical disability studies, etc. (*York does not yet have a strong Indigenous component to the program. UVic is excellent at this if that's what you're looking for. Arguably we should all be looking for this, but I digress.) - You did a BSW that heavily focussed on clinical skills OR somehow have clinical skills already. In this instance, I actually think York would be a really good complement to your existing skills. - You want to do macro or meso level social work practice, such as: community work, grassroots activism/organizing, research, group work, programming. York is a good choice for this as it focuses on critical social work practice, which translates well into macro/meso social work practice. - You want to do a PhD and are very interested in theory and want to write a major research paper. U of T limits the number of students who can do a thesis, so York would be a good choice for you as every student needs to write a practice-based research paper (same as a major research paper; note that a PRP is shorter than a Master's thesis) and this is a requirement for many PhD programs. Unfortunately for me, I don't fall into any of these categories and I have been disappointed with the program. I'm writing this in the hopes that you will have a bit more information than I did when making an admissions decision. There are a total of 20 students in my cohort/class, and we have had many extensive discussions as a group about our shared frustration and disappointment with the curriculum, faculty, and department. I would estimate that: 3-4 students have seriously considered dropping out or transferring (including me), 10-12 actively and vocally dislike/resent/are disappointed with the program, and 5-6 aren't happy or satisfied but are committed to just getting it over with. There isn't a single person in my cohort that has expressed basic satisfaction - let alone enthusiasm - for any aspect of the program, aside from the funding package (more on that later). There were some 'rumours' that went around the forum during my application year that I can now comment on based on my own experience. York does not have established relationships with key clinical practicum agencies in the GTA. York has good relationships with a lot of agencies that would interest you if you're interested in community work, policy, research, or activism/organizing. U of T has exclusivity agreements with many clinical agencies, meaning that the agency agrees to only take on U of T students. These include many hospitals or clinical facilities such as Hincks-Dellcrest, CAMH, and the University Hospital Network. Aside from these exclusivity agreements, many clinical/counselling agencies will not accept placement applications from York students. There ARE some exceptions to this rule, but everyone at York who wants to go into clinical/counselling work then has to compete against each other (and students from other schools) to get those limited placement positions. Generally speaking it is true that U of T has a lockdown on key clinical placement sites. If you have ANY interest in doing clinical work (counselling, working in a hospital, crisis work, trauma work, individual/family/couples/group therapy), and you are seriously considering attending another program, go there instead of York. This is the bottom line. Secondly, even if you feel optimistic about securing one of the few clinical placements available, you should know that York does not teach any clinical or practical skills. I knew this when I was applying, but I didn't REALLY understand it. Examples of skills or clinical topics that you will not learn at York include: developing a therapeutic alliance (this term is never used at York), building trust and rapport, phases or stages of a counselling relationship, communication skills (open-ended questions, active listening, reframing, summarizing), assessment skills, documentation skills, treatment planning, crisis intervention, counselling theories, counselling methods, ANYTHING related to mental health conditions (signs, symptoms, therapies).... you get it. There is one class on group facilitation and one class on narrative therapy (the only counselling course); both are electives. This is because York's MSW programs draw on a wholly different knowledge base than U of T, or other clinical programs. Critical social work draws on critical social theories, like Marxism, feminism, critical race theory, queer theory, critical disability studies, etc. U of T's social work program primarily draws on psychology, the medical model, and psychotherapy as a knowledge base. This is why York's mission statement and admissions process emphasis anti-oppression and social justice, and U of T's mission statement and admissions process emphasize research, "clinical" practice, and evidence-based treatment. To illustrate this difference, U of T offers classes on Social Work Practice in Mental Health, Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families, Advanced Social Work Practice in Mental Health, and electives related to trauma, counselling theories, cyber-counselling, child and adolescent trauma.... etc. York offers classes called Critical Perspectives in Mental Health and Critical Social Work Theories and Practice Skills. In the latter, you will learn about how and why various therapies (e.g. CBT, solution-focussed, strengths approach) are inherently problematic. You will not learn how to practice any of these therapies, OR even learn how they are done. You will also not learn how to practice any alternative treatments (in fact, you would never ever say 'treatment' at York). York focuses on critical and structural social work, so their critique of CBT, for example, would be that CBT individualizes a person's symptoms (let's say anxiety) instead of looking at the structural and contextual factors (e.g. the person who feels anxious is a racialized person living in poverty and on the brink of homelessness, so York might say that instead of medication and CBT, we should advocate for affordable housing and a guaranteed annual income). This is IMPORTANT and I have valued this, but I am not better prepared to work with someone with anxiety (meaning I still have no clue what to do). (This is why I imagine that a clinical BSW + a York MSW could be a good combination). So, many of us are stuck and eager to wrap up the program. Some students are doing external training - which, by the way, is incredibly expensive (a one day workshop ranges from $300-$500 and a certificate course in CBT could be $2000). Don't bother thinking, "Oh I'll just take electives at U of T", because there is only a very, very, very miniscule chance that you will be allowed to do so. One redeeming aspect of the York MSW program is its generous funding package. If finances are an issue for you, then it's worth seriously considering attending York as the funding packages are generous. In the 2-year program everyone gets a $15,000 package ($9,000 in Year 1 through a graduate assistantship (which requires 5 hours work/week) and other money, and $6000 in Year 2 through a research assistantship which doesn't require any work). If you get a York Graduate Scholarship then you get $6000 on top of this package. You will get all of this information in your acceptance letter. York also has very low tuition at roughly $1800 per semester. By comparison, the tuition at U of T is TREMENDOUSLY higher and they don't offer any funding packages. ** This is not inconsequential and despite everything else I've said, the money makes a huge difference ** /end rant BEST OF LUCK to all of you. I know this is a stressful time -- hang in there! I hope you all end up at a school that is a good fit for you personally and professionally.