Canadian MSW Applicants 2021

[Emilys1024]

Just now, klegaul4 said:

I found out I was on the waitlist the beginning of March. I just wonder what the fact that my status date keeps on being changed means?

I'm not sure… Mine hasn't changed since January despite being on the waitlist since March. I heard from someone in the forum that their date changed and then a couple of days later they were accepted? I hope that's the case for you!

[Jasmin03]

5 hours ago, ChipDip said:

When do we think we’ll be hearing from Laurier! 

Not sure.. I am hoping this/next week!

I read somewhere that by May they get final answers out?

[MMSW]

Hi I was wondering if anyone has talked to any contacts at York to ask about when decisions will be sent out? 

 

[afk612]

6 hours ago, starnugget said:

Yes! I received my offer March 29. Last I’ve heard from them is that they have an internal waitlist, but they don’t really let applicants know. 

Uuugh this is so brutal! I wish they would just tell us. I didn't apply to UBCO but did apply to UBC Vancouver and my impression is they have a similar system, where they don't really tell applicants what's going on if you didn't get in on the first round. I know the first round of offers for UBC Vancouver went out ages ago, and the suspense of waiting for them to update my application status is killing me! 

[xrc742]

On 4/2/2021 at 12:46 PM, BCgirl said:

Hi everyone,

This is my first time posting on here! This forum has provided me with a lot of helpful information. I have seen a lot of discussion about east coast schools but not much about west coast. I recently got into UVIC 2 year MSW and was wondering if anyone knows how the program is/if they enjoyed the program ?

I am also waiting to hear back from U of T and was wondering as someone who wants to come back to the west coast would it be worth it to go to U of T (if I got in)  as my network would be out there and I would have no social work connections when I get back or does it not really matter when it comes to employment? In terms of social connections I would be out there on my own and was wondering if it is easy to connect with the classmates in the program? I have heard that U of T is not a very social school and many people say it is hard to meet other people! 

Any input would be great! Thanks so much

A little late, but just wanted to respond to the question from @BCgirl, as I was in the last (2019) MSWF cohort at UVic, and am currently finishing off my second year of the program in the MSWA. 

First off, congrats on your acceptance! I know that the faculty has been extremely stressed out all semester going over the applications as they received a record number of them this year!!

I absolutely echo everything @afk612 said about the program and the School, from their perspective of the BSW.

The course content is extremely critical, anti-oppressive, and decolonial. There is zero clinical content (yes, less even than the BSW program). I imagine that if you have been accepted to the program, then you will be aligned with this. Although I feel tremendously grateful for the ways this content has pushed me to grow and I think that this type of social work education is extremely valuable, as someone without a ton of practice experience prior to entering the program it means that I will be graduating feeling quite unprepared to actually enter practice and the types of roles my fancy degree supposedly qualifies me for. It also means that if you wish to sit the registration exam, then you need to expect to spend several months cramming for it after you graduate, as none of the exam content is covered in the program.

In the MSWF, you will be part of a very small cohort (we were 13 in our year) and receive in person classes together for the first year, and then transition to the completely online MSWA along with all the new students accepted to that program for the second year. I absolutely adore my MSWF cohort and it is our shared connection and support for each other which has gotten me through grad school. The program overall is extremely intense and the workload is frankly unrealistic. It is particularly inaccessible to students with disabilities or caring commitments as there is no option to do the MSWF year part time. Several of my classmates did reduce their courseload to part time in this second MSWA year due to exhaustion and the necessity of juggling paid employment, as there is basically zero funding available for grad students in this program.

The quality of all of the teaching during my first year was exceptional and the commitment and dedication of all of the faculty is very apparent. There are faculty members here who have been enormously influential in shaping the social worker I will be, as well as just the person that I am in the world, and I have a huge amount of gratitude and appreciation for that. 

However, the transition to online classes has been ROUGH, and tbh the quality of my educational experience has dropped massively. The interactive component of these classes is usually limited to mandatory online discussion forum posts, and sometimes profs will record a short lecture or link to YouTube videos. It's really not great, and I often just feel like a number now. The pedagogical style feels pretty incongruent with the critical content we are learning. 

Furthermore, despite the stated commitment to social justice and anti-oppressive principles, the School as a whole manages to be pretty opaque, dismissive to student feedback, and generally profoundly lacking in student support. There have been countless frustrating issues for myself and my classmates over the past couple of years with the program administration, its lack of organization, and its failure to actually centre student's needs. Also, as @afk612, the practicum department is breathtakingly disorganized.

I do think that if you are interested in settling on the west coast for a career, then it probably makes sense to do your program here, as it will help you build connections and network - but I wouldn't think it's a dealbreaker. Think about where you want to be living for the next few years and the *type* of education you want. For what it's worth, if you were accepted into UVic, I would imagine that you are aligned with a more radical and critical analysis - and from what I know about the U of T program, you may struggle with the absence of such perspectives there.

Anyway, hope this helps, feel free to ask more questions:):)

[TikiRogers]

On 4/10/2021 at 10:45 AM, xtrahotlatte said:

Hi everyone, I see there are many of you that are feeling discouraged, which I can totally empathize with. I applied to grad school this year for the third time hoping to get into clinical psychology programs. It is SO competitive (I'm talking 2% acceptance rate and they accept a total of 5-7 people per year ?). I didn't get into clinical again this year but got accepted to MSW at UofT. I was waitlisted at UofT 2 years ago and this year I made it. A little bit about my experience... I graduated with an HBSc. in the Psychology Specialist program from UofT in 2019. I have a very high GPA with A LOT of research experience in different labs. I worked at Sunnybrook and SickKids. I did an Honours Thesis and have a publication. Very strong LOCs. It was so frustrating and confusing to me how I never got into clinical, no feedback, nothing. IMPROVE YOUR CVs... get out there and look for opportunity where and if possible. It's not uncommon these days to apply again and again, especially with competitive programs like these. TBH, it will only get more competitive as there are a backlog of qualified applicants that apply each and every year. This year psych and MSW programs experienced a significant increase in applications because we are in a time of economic downturn (this happened in 2008 too), so all in all it was a tough year. Don't give up! Another suggestion I have is to be open-minded and think about alternative career paths. I told myself I would only apply to clinical psych for a max. of 3 times and then I would explore other grad programs. There is a reason that a door is not opening if you truly have tried everything you can to be successful. Anyway, feel free to ask me any questions if you have  

Hello! Never posted on this forum before; been a lurker on this thread though for a long time. I have applied to clinical psych in the past and never heard back either, from anywhere (no interview, ridiculously protracted wait for an update only to get a rejection). I've applied in the past to several clinical psychology programs in southern Ontario. (Not specifying here because what I'm about to share doesn't sound good for any of these universities in terms of transparency or equity of process.)

My application doesn't sound like it was as strong as yours (I didn't have a publication, and I had a very rocky period in my third year of undergrad that affected my grades), but I nonetheless wanted to give you a pointer because I think I've cracked the process after all those years of applying: you've almost certainly got to know the professor you're applying to. A person whose application was less competitive than mine was accepted to a Toronto school because she was already an RA in her prof's lab, and said prof had told her she could join the lab as a grad student as long as her GRE scores were good and she maintained her grades. 

Yet another person I know was virtually guaranteed a spot on the condition of her maintaining grades etc. 

In a similar vein, I've heard about profs asking for recommendations about whom to take on as a grad student. 

All in all, I suspect it is a largely an inside job in many cases. Due to the sheer volume of applications, and the competitiveness of many of them, they find a way to filter people out (without the trouble of interviewing them) and I think they do so in the most unsavoury way. That's to say, I think the process is rigged. Another way to think about this could be that you've got to know and have a good relationship with the professor you're applying to. They and they only are your route to getting in - they can choose to disregard more competitive applications on the basis of familiarity with a certain candidate. 

You sound very motivated, so you'd probably already do this anyway, but I would try to collaborate with a professor on a publication or get involved in a lab again if you are in fact determined to get into clinical psych above all else. It requires a little manoeuvring and subtlety (I do not have those skills lol) but this is the way I would try if I were to apply again. 

Hope this helps you, if not practically, then in coming to terms with why getting into clinical psych proved such a challenge (as it does for so many)! 

[icedmatchalatte]

4 minutes ago, TikiRogers said:

Hello! Never posted on this forum before; been a lurker on this thread though for a long time. I have applied to clinical psych in the past and never heard back either, from anywhere (no interview, ridiculously protracted wait for an update only to get a rejection). I've applied in the past to several clinical psychology programs in southern Ontario. (Not specifying here because what I'm about to share doesn't sound good for any of these universities in terms of transparency or equity of process.)

My application doesn't sound like it was as strong as yours (I didn't have a publication, and I had a very rocky period in my third year of undergrad that affected my grades), but I nonetheless wanted to give you a pointer because I think I've cracked the process after all those years of applying: you've almost certainly got to know the professor you're applying to. A person whose application was less competitive than mine was accepted to a Toronto school because she was already an RA in her prof's lab, and said prof had told her she could join the lab as a grad student as long as her GRE scores were good and she maintained her grades. 

Yet another person I know was virtually guaranteed a spot on the condition of her maintaining grades etc. 

In a similar vein, I've heard about profs asking for recommendations about whom to take on as a grad student. 

All in all, I suspect it is a largely an inside job in many cases. Due to the sheer volume of applications, and the competitiveness of many of them, they find a way to filter people out (without the trouble of interviewing them) and I think they do so in the most unsavoury way. That's to say, I think the process is rigged. Another way to think about this could be that you've got to know and have a good relationship with the professor you're applying to. They and they only are your route to getting in - they can choose to disregard more competitive applications on the basis of familiarity with a certain candidate. 

You sound very motivated, so you'd probably already do this anyway, but I would try to collaborate with a professor on a publication or get involved in a lab again if you are in fact determined to get into clinical psych above all else. It requires a little manoeuvring and subtlety (I do not have those skills lol) but this is the way I would try if I were to apply again. 

Hope this helps you, if not practically, then in coming to terms with why getting into clinical psych proved such a challenge (as it does for so many)! 

I just wanted to validate you here, and also let you know your comment made me feel validated, because people have sometimes gotten angry with me for saying connections can get you into grad school.

I had a friend who either barely met or was below (can't remember) the minimum GPA requirement of the grad program she was applying to (not a psych program), and only 1 relevant job. However there was someone at her job who was friends with a person on the admittance board for that grad program. After my friend hadn't heard from the grad program in months, she reached out to her connection, who called the friend on the admittance board, and the next day she got into the program.

Unfortunately, it does happen.

[Kal008]

Just now, icedmatchalatte said:

I just wanted to validate you here, and also let you know your comment made me feel validated, because people have sometimes gotten angry with me for saying connections can get you into grad school.

I had a friend who either barely met or was below (can't remember) the minimum GPA requirement of the grad program she was applying to (not a psych program), and only 1 relevant job. However there was someone at her job who was friends with a person on the admittance board for that grad program. After my friend hadn't heard from the grad program in months, she reached out to her connection, who called the friend on the admittance board, and the next day she got into the program.

Unfortunately, it does happen.

This does indeed occur. I know someone who declined their position on a wait-list for a very competitive program. This individual subsequently reached out to a connection later in the summer and was quickly offered a position in the program despite having previously declined. 

[KnitFlamingo]

Laurier 2 year program acceptance email received 10:41am!!!!!!!!

[lgoose]

Just now, KnitFlamingo said:

Laurier 2 year program acceptance email received 10:41am!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS! ?

Off to furiously refresh emails all day. Can you share your last initial, in case they are sending anything alphabetically as some other schools have? 

[KnitFlamingo]

Just now, lgoose said:

CONGRATULATIONS! ?

Off to furiously refresh emails all day. Can you share your last initial, in case they are sending anything alphabetically as some other schools have? 

Thank you, I'm literally screaming hahahah

last initial is B

[ChipDip]

2 minutes ago, KnitFlamingo said:

Laurier 2 year program acceptance email received 10:41am!!!!!!!!

Congratulations!!!

[ashleyym]

12 minutes ago, KnitFlamingo said:

Laurier 2 year program acceptance email received 10:41am!!!!!!!!

YAYYYY!!!! Congratulations!! I am still waiting to hear back, my last name starts with M.  Where you notified via email, right?

If I get accepted as well, I'd love to connect  

Edited April 13, 2021 by ashleyym

[Empathymatters]

Guys.. I just received an email:

"Congratulations - you have been offered admission to Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, and we congratulate you on achieving this next step in your educational goals. Laurier offers a unique graduate experience, including the opportunity to pursue research and scholarly interests in a personalized environment that fosters a high standard of academic excellence." 

I was honestly surprised that they sent out my OGS rejection last week before my acceptance, I thought they would send it out the opposite way. But anyway, I am still pretty lucky to have gotten into the program! For those of you wondering, my last name starts with a C so it's probably going alphabetically. 

U of T is my first choice but I was waitlisted there. Does anyone have insight on Laurier's program compared to U of T?? Is it more or less clinically based or social justice oriented?

[KnitFlamingo]

3 minutes ago, ashleyym said:

YAYYYY!!!! Congratulations!! I am still waiting to hear back, my last name starts with M.  Where you notified via email, right?

If I get accepted as well, I'd love to connect  

yes, notified via email. I'd love to connect if you get in too!

[KnitFlamingo]

4 minutes ago, Empathymatters said:

Guys.. I just received an email:

"Congratulations - you have been offered admission to Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, and we congratulate you on achieving this next step in your educational goals. Laurier offers a unique graduate experience, including the opportunity to pursue research and scholarly interests in a personalized environment that fosters a high standard of academic excellence." 

I was honestly surprised that they sent out my OGS rejection last week before my acceptance, I thought they would send it out the opposite way. But anyway, I am still pretty lucky to have gotten into the program! For those of you wondering, my last name starts with a C so it's probably going alphabetically. 

U of T is my first choice but I was waitlisted there. Does anyone have insight on Laurier's program compared to U of T?? Is it more or less clinically based or social justice oriented?

Congrats!!! Laurier is more socially justice oriented, but there are some courses that will prepare you for clinical type work. Not as clinical as U of T.

[AlexaS]

5 minutes ago, Empathymatters said:

Guys.. I just received an email:

"Congratulations - you have been offered admission to Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, and we congratulate you on achieving this next step in your educational goals. Laurier offers a unique graduate experience, including the opportunity to pursue research and scholarly interests in a personalized environment that fosters a high standard of academic excellence." 

I was honestly surprised that they sent out my OGS rejection last week before my acceptance, I thought they would send it out the opposite way. But anyway, I am still pretty lucky to have gotten into the program! For those of you wondering, my last name starts with a C so it's probably going alphabetically. 

U of T is my first choice but I was waitlisted there. Does anyone have insight on Laurier's program compared to U of T?? Is it more or less clinically based or social justice oriented?

Congratulations! Would you mind sharing your work experience?

[sofiahats]

On 4/10/2021 at 5:50 PM, coffeegirl20 said:

I definitely get that! I live in Waterloo right now for my undergrad because i was stuck in a lease, but as of the Fall, I'm moving back home to Mississauga so when I start the BSW in the fall, i'm gonna have to drive back and forth on Thursdays and Fridays for classes. The nice thing is that for the placement, you can request a specific location and it doesn't have to be in Waterloo. I think that's a huge advantage because it saves you from the commute every day. I believe the part-time program is offered online, but not the full-time program (unless because of covid of course) 

That is good to know because I also live in Mississauga, glad to see that there are others out there finding ways to manage the drive. The placements I have had in the past have been the same way, good to know that doesn't change! Thank you!

[Empathymatters]

 

24 minutes ago, AlexaS said:

Congratulations! Would you mind sharing your work experience?

Thank you! I obtained a lot of experience working with international students, in a leadership capacity. I have a mix of work and volunteer experience. I finished my studies two years ago and I have gotten a lot of experience providing support (recreation and daily living skills) to variety of individuals who have developmental, intellectual, and physical disability as well as mental illness. If you have any other questions, feel free to DM me! 

[Empathymatters]

33 minutes ago, KnitFlamingo said:

Congrats!!! Laurier is more socially justice oriented, but there are some courses that will prepare you for clinical type work. Not as clinical as U of T.

Yes that is what I figured! 

[MSWstress2021]

Ahh there goes my day ? refreshing LORIS and my email every 5 min

[MSWstress2021]

41 minutes ago, Empathymatters said:

Guys.. I just received an email:

"Congratulations - you have been offered admission to Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, and we congratulate you on achieving this next step in your educational goals. Laurier offers a unique graduate experience, including the opportunity to pursue research and scholarly interests in a personalized environment that fosters a high standard of academic excellence." 

I was honestly surprised that they sent out my OGS rejection last week before my acceptance, I thought they would send it out the opposite way. But anyway, I am still pretty lucky to have gotten into the program! For those of you wondering, my last name starts with a C so it's probably going alphabetically. 

U of T is my first choice but I was waitlisted there. Does anyone have insight on Laurier's program compared to U of T?? Is it more or less clinically based or social justice oriented?

You can actually choose to focus on macro or micro at Laurier! So if you're interested in clinical, then you could choose the micro path!

[ashleyym]

1 minute ago, MSWstress2021 said:

Ahh there goes my day ? refreshing LORIS and my email every 5 min

HONESTLY!!!! Where would you get a status update on LORIS?

Edited April 13, 2021 by ashleyym

[MSWstress2021]

Just now, ashleyym said:

HONESTLY!!!! Where would you get a status update on LORIS?

Apparently when you click on your application where you see all of your documents, all of that disappears and it says congratulations 

[AlexaS]

Just now, MSWstress2021 said:

Apparently when you click on your application where you see all of your documents, all of that disappears and it says congratulations 

Yes, I was accepted into another Laurier program and that is what happens, along with an option to accept or decline your offer.