Canada MSW 2019

[WaitingEndlessly]

3 minutes ago, getthatbread said:

I'm not quite sure between York and Ryerson but Yorks funding is way too hard to turn down. I got some thinking to do but it seems like a no-brainer to me as of now. 

I believe I will still see you at school if you go to York! 

[WaitingEndlessly]

4 minutes ago, getthatbread said:

I'm not quite sure between York and Ryerson but Yorks funding is way too hard to turn down. I got some thinking to do but it seems like a no-brainer to me as of now. 

Do you know anyone from your school got in too? 

[Socwrk2]

I spoke to the York admissions who said that acceptances were given out today - and can take a couple days to actually update on the MyFile

Edited March 14, 2019 by Socwrk2

[aspiringmsw2019]

17 minutes ago, Socwrk2 said:

I spoke to the York admissions who said that acceptances were given out today - and can take a couple days to actually update on the MyFile

Acceptances for 1 year or both 1 and 2 year programs? 

[Socwrk2]

1 minute ago, aspiringmsw2019 said:

Acceptances for 1 year or both 1 and 2 year programs? 

I only know about the 1 year sorry 

[WaitingEndlessly]

3 hours ago, Socwrk2 said:

I spoke to the York admissions who said that acceptances were given out today - and can take a couple days to actually update on the MyFile

Did she tell you if the waitlist offer hv been sent out too? 

[SageAU]

On 3/13/2019 at 9:36 AM, moonsun.jang said:

@SageAU good question haha I thought it was a bit surprising as well 

So it looks like the original late March/early April decision deadline for the 2-year program still stands. Eep. Decision time is almost here. 

[mswash]

Hi to everyone considering York! I wanted to share this message that I found in last year's forum - I found it really helpful in my decision making process. Apparently it is from 2016, but anyone with time could do a search and find the original post. 

If any of you find similar testimonies from other school elsewhere on this website, please do post them here! This type of first hand information is invaluable to me as I try to sort out my best fit. 

Again, this is not me! I just copied it from the Canadian 2018 MSW thread. 

_______________________________________________

 

(Posted March 16, 2016)

"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"

[SC-MSW 2019]

Today at around 12:20 pm I found out through MyFile that I was accepted to York's Advanced Standing MSW Program!!!!  After being rejected from Laurier last week, this news made my day! I'm so excited to start in September. 

All the best to everyone applying!

[Socwrk2]

2 hours ago, WaitingEndlessly said:

Did she tell you if the waitlist offer hv been sent out too? 

From my understanding it was just acceptances. However, I am not 100 percent sure at all 

[aspiringmsw2019]

1 hour ago, SC-MSW 2019 said:

Today at around 12:20 pm I found out through MyFile that I was accepted to York's Advanced Standing MSW Program!!!!  After being rejected from Laurier last week, this news made my day! I'm so excited to start in September. 

All the best to everyone applying!

Congratulations!!! ?

[CorryMack2019]

I have not heard much mention of McGill on this forum. Does anyone have any insight into what kind of program it is?

[Chantalilly]

Through reading this forum I have truly come to see that this process is majorly abour fit .. my advice for future applicants would be first, apply to more than one school and second, read about the schools and their focus areas. See how these programs align with your goals and interests and speak to this in the statement. If it’s the right school your statement should write itself.. I noticed when I was writing my u of t application I really couldn’t get it out of me.. and I was waitlisted! When writing for Laurier and ryerson the flow was evident.. and I was accepted to both!! 

 

Anyway.. best of luck 

 

[Chantalilly]

Did anyone get acceptance packages in the mail from Laurier or ryerson

[EmmaHanley]

Hi everyone  I’ve been following this forum for a long time! I’ve applied the past 3 years now and the past two years was rejected/waitlisted. Last night I got an offer to the 2 year program at UBC! Still waiting to hear from UofT 2 year though. I’m just wondering if anyone else accepted/applied to UBC and knows of any Facebook groups or anything for the 2 year program? 

[SW246]

On 3/10/2019 at 8:24 PM, Sarahmsw2019 said:

Hi! Been following this thread and I’ve noticed no one has talked about UBC this year still!

 

is anyone currently in the UBC msw program or has anyone heard back?? ? just looking for some recent feedback on the program/ social work education in Vancouver. Thanks! 

Hi!

I'm not sure about the Vancouver campus but I heard back from the Okanagan campus yesterday!

Edited March 16, 2019 by SW246

[SW246]

1 hour ago, EmmaHanley said:

Hi everyone  I’ve been following this forum for a long time! I’ve applied the past 3 years now and the past two years was rejected/waitlisted. Last night I got an offer to the 2 year program at UBC! Still waiting to hear from UofT 2 year though. I’m just wondering if anyone else accepted/applied to UBC and knows of any Facebook groups or anything for the 2 year program? 

Congrats on your admission to UBC!!!

I'll be there as well, but for the advanced program. Good going

[JanineW]

4 hours ago, EmmaHanley said:

Hi everyone  I’ve been following this forum for a long time! I’ve applied the past 3 years now and the past two years was rejected/waitlisted. Last night I got an offer to the 2 year program at UBC! Still waiting to hear from UofT 2 year though. I’m just wondering if anyone else accepted/applied to UBC and knows of any Facebook groups or anything for the 2 year program? 

Congrats! I also applied for the 2 year program at UBC Okanagan but haven't heard from them yet. Did you receive your offer online or in the mail? 

 

[Emactastic]

On 3/7/2019 at 7:44 PM, KD.msw said:

My Loris updated today stating that my application was unsuccessful. I did not receive an email. I applied to the advanced standing MSW program.

What does loris look like once a decision is rendered? I can’t decide if nothing has been decided on mine or if I’m just not looking in the right spot

[lisafara]

On 3/15/2019 at 9:22 AM, CorryMack2019 said:

I have not heard much mention of McGill on this forum. Does anyone have any insight into what kind of program it is?

I just applied to McGill's program, and am currently on their wait list. 
Its a two year program (One qualifying year if you dont have a BSW and one year MSW). I havent seen anyone else post about McGill yet, maybe one other person at the least.

[KD.msw]

4 hours ago, Emactastic said:

What does loris look like once a decision is rendered? I can’t decide if nothing has been decided on mine or if I’m just not looking in the right spot

After selecting Master of Social work on Application Menu, a page opens with the message: Application unsuccessful. This page previously showed the documents list but these no longer appear. I also received a letter in the mail dated March 6.  I applied to the advanced standing program.

[Chantalilly]

I’m kinda weirded out because I haven’t gotten acceptance letters in the mail from ryerson or Laurier yet they are both appearing on my online portals. I also got a phone call from ryerson... 

[Chantalilly]

Can anyone shed light on this? I guess I will talk to Laurier on Monday.. it’s just scary because I’ll be missing the ryerson deadline

Edited March 17, 2019 by Chantalilly

[sleepydeprived]

5 hours ago, Chantalilly said:

Can anyone shed light on this? I guess I will talk to Laurier on Monday.. it’s just scary because I’ll be missing the ryerson deadline

I haven't received any official letter via snail mail yet for Ryerson. I guess they will eventually arrive. Almost all the information they were going to send us is already on RAMSS. 

[ErinCM]

11 hours ago, Chantalilly said:

I’m kinda weirded out because I haven’t gotten acceptance letters in the mail from ryerson or Laurier yet they are both appearing on my online portals. I also got a phone call from ryerson... 

Laurier does not send acceptance by mail, only email and Lori's.