Do I have any chance at getting in at U of T or York?

[grapefruit18]

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!

Edited October 2, 2018 by grapefruit18