Chances of getting into the MSW? Help!!

[ShamsL]

HI everyone!

I am very much at a loss of what to do. My dream is to be a social worker and I really want to apply to online MSW programs once applications open but I am so concerned about my chances of getting in due to average grades during my bachelors. I plan on asking for help from MSWhelper (She posts on this forum a lot and I saw her on tiktok) with my letters. but I am wondering if you think it even makes sense to apply for a MSW with my profile? Any and all feedback or ideas are really welcomed and needed. I would do online education as I am in Montreal and would like to study in English (MCgill is the only option but I really do not want to have to redo a bachelor)

I graduated in 2017 from Concordia University in Montreal from their applied human sciences program- Human Relations. It is very hands on and offers practical skills in counselling, intervention and also has a focus on organizational development (which was not something I focused on or took classes in to specialize).

I have about 4 years of volunteer experience, 3 of them being at a community organization that supported LGBTQ+ refugees and migrants. My role was an intake worker (intake with new members, orientation towards services and other resources, accompaniment to hearings for their asylum claim, psychosocial support) as well as a support team worker (animated support groups for members to meet and make connections, offered workshops on how to integrate and have needs met).

I am also starting my 4th year of work in a crisis and suicide center/phone line. My work entails crisis intervention by phone or in person,  suicidal evaluations, supporting our clients through difficult periods by working on ways to cope and manage emotions and self harm, help with housing, connecting them to other resources etc. We work with a huge variety of people with various struggles (personality disorders, mental health struggles, homelessness, addiction, domestic violence) It also entails stats and record keeping as well as training new employees.

I am HORRID at explaining myself and my duties by text but basically it is a high stress crisis setting which I really love and do well in. What are my chances of getting into a masters of social work? THank you so much!!

[cfish1854]

Hi! I'm not as familiar with MSW programs in Canada (I'm from New York), but I had average grades in my undergrad and only 6 months of volunteering experience and I've been accepted to 2/2 programs that I've applied to. I think as long as you can convey your goals through your personal statement you should be okay.

[RyanDain]

On 9/17/2023 at 8:11 PM, ShamsL said:

HI everyone!

I am very much at a loss of what to do. My dream is to be a social worker and I really want to apply to online MSW programs once applications open but I am so concerned about my chances of getting in due to average grades during my bachelors. I plan on asking for help from MSWhelper (She posts on this forum a lot and I saw her on tiktok) with my letters. but I am wondering if you think it even makes sense to apply for a MSW with my profile? Any and all feedback or ideas are really welcomed and needed. I would do online education as I am in Montreal and would like to study in English (MCgill is the only option but I really do not want to have to redo a bachelor)

I graduated in 2017 from Concordia University in Montreal from their applied human sciences program- Human Relations. It is very hands on and offers practical skills in counselling, intervention and also has a focus on organizational development (which was not something I focused on or took classes in to specialize).

I have about 4 years of volunteer experience, 3 of them being at a community organization that supported LGBTQ+ refugees and migrants. My role was an intake worker (intake with new members, orientation towards services and other resources, accompaniment to hearings for their asylum claim, psychosocial support) as well as a support team worker (animated support groups for members to meet and make connections, offered workshops on how to integrate and have needs met).

I am also starting my 4th year of work in a crisis and suicide center/phone line. My work entails crisis intervention by phone or in person,  suicidal evaluations, supporting our clients through difficult periods by working on ways to cope and manage emotions and self harm, help with housing, connecting them to other resources etc. We work with a huge variety of people with various struggles (personality disorders, mental health struggles, homelessness, addiction, domestic violence) It also entails stats and record keeping as well as training new employees.

I also attended a year-long nursing course, where we had both theoretical and practical training. Since my main specialization is not medical at all, it was a bit difficult at first because we were given a lot of specific information, we had homework and other assignments. I had some problems with this at first, as I had to read a lot and look for different materials (fortunately, the local library had enough materials that were suitable for us), of course, in very difficult moments I had to ask for help https://ca.edubirdie.com/nursing-help and this helped me not to drown in a lot of scientific terms. We had about 8 months of volunteer practice at a local clinic, where we worked with patients under the supervision of doctors and specialists and helped them. At the end of the program, we received certificates and some of us, including me, received favorable recommendations from the supervisors of our practice (which I hope will be a plus for me)

I am HORRID at explaining myself and my duties by text but basically it is a high stress crisis setting which I really love and do well in. What are my chances of getting into a masters of social work? THank you so much!!

Hey there! With all the volunteer work you've done in LGBTQ+ support and crisis intervention, not to mention your degree in applied human sciences, you're a great fit for an MSW. Make sure you talk up your hands-on experience and the big roles you've played in community groups. 
Sure, grades matter, but your real-world experience and passion might just tip the scales in your favor. Give online MSW programs a shot and let them see how committed you are to social work and crisis intervention. Your unique background and all the good you've done mean going for an MSW is totally worth it. All the best for you!))

Edited February 28 by RyanDain