beth23 Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 Me too. U of T is my first choice. Not because of the city but because of the health and mental health option, which the other schools I applied to don't have. U of T also has a very good reputation, in general. At first, I almost wasn't going to apply because I thought I wouldn't be able to get in since it's top notch and very competitive. But who knows, I might surprise myself in a good way. My Laurier deadline is also April 18. I hope the U of T letter will arrive by then. I am out of province so it will probably take an extra day to arrive. If I don't get in to U of T I am just going to accept the Laurier offer. I have already begun to look up maps of Kitchener and housing web sites in the area, even thought it's still 5 months away. lol Anyone know if the Kitchener campus has a library or school gym? It's very small apparently, with only 280 students at that campus. It probably has a bit of a high school feel to it, other than the heavy workload we will be getting. lol I'm pretty sure that they do not have a gym. However, I do believe they have some type of library in the building but the main library would be on the main campus. Don't worry about the Kitchener/Waterloo thing though, they are LITERALLY down the main drag from each other. Correct me if I am wrong but there is even some overlap of the two with some people calling the core "Downtown Kitchener" or "Uptown Waterloo".
beth23 Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 Off topic, but how old is everyone here? I'm going to be 32 when I start my MSW and I have a feeling that I will be much older than most of my classmates. I am 21 but will be 22 when I am (hopefully) starting my MSW. As you have a feeling of being much older than others I have the feeling of being quite younger than most. As someone has already stated, I feel this to at times be a detriment to my application. I am in love with the MSW and have been pursuing the programs of interest to me since I was in second year of my undergrad. I really hope the admission committees can see something in my applications to allow me to continue my studies in September. Also, I really don't want to have to start paying off my OSAP...
nugget Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 Well a library is good. I have a feeling I am going to miss my old school library that's open 24/7. That place was awesome. As well as my school gym that only costs $15/mth. I don't have a car so I'm hoping most places I need to go to will be within walking distance or at least a short bus ride away from my home. I am going to have to go down to Kitchener for 2-3 days in June (my only time off at work), book appointments in advance and find a place before leaving since I am coming from far away and get no vacation this summer. That's going to be a bit tricky. If I end up at U of T though, it won't be a problem since I can stay with family and I know the area very well. Keeping my fingers crossed for U of T. I'm pretty sure that they do not have a gym. However, I do believe they have some type of library in the building but the main library would be on the main campus. Don't worry about the Kitchener/Waterloo thing though, they are LITERALLY down the main drag from each other. Correct me if I am wrong but there is even some overlap of the two with some people calling the core "Downtown Kitchener" or "Uptown Waterloo".
beth23 Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 Well a library is good. I have a feeling I am going to miss my old school library that's open 24/7. That place was awesome. As well as my school gym that only costs $15/mth. I don't have a car so I'm hoping most places I need to go to will be within walking distance or at least a short bus ride away from my home. I am going to have to go down to Kitchener for 2-3 days in June (my only time off at work), book appointments in advance and find a place before leaving since I am coming from far away and get no vacation this summer. That's going to be a bit tricky. If I end up at U of T though, it won't be a problem since I can stay with family and I know the area very well. Keeping my fingers crossed for U of T. They also don't guarantee a "close" practicum placement, that's why they require all students to have a car. I know one their advanced MSW students was commuting between Kitchener and Guelph for one of her placements.
nugget Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 I am going to have to rely on the community car share co-op that the school recommended, buy an e-bike (for the non-winter months - they can go 30km/hr) or car pool with another student. I've got a friend in Guelph I could stay with if need be during my internship, so we'll see. They also don't guarantee a "close" practicum placement, that's why they require all students to have a car. I know one their advanced MSW students was commuting between Kitchener and Guelph for one of her placements.
Erin123 Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 I am a male who will be entering a MSW program in 2013. In my very limited experience, I have found social work to be quite welcoming. I know at least one school I spoke to before applying was very excited to see the number of male applicants increasing. That being said, I do think that it would be quite difficult, if not impossible, for males to work in some areas; that's just the reality of the situation. Hello, I recently received a letter from Laurier indicating that my application was unsuccessful. I am thinking of applying again next year. I'm just trying to gain a grasp of what I need to do to be accepted next year. Can you advise me on how long you have been working/volunteer in a social work organization? Also what was your average in your final year of study. Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you
DreamingMSW Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 (edited) I will be 24 by the time the school year starts. I am glad to see the age range! Edited April 3, 2013 by DreamingMSW MSW13 1
hails11 Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 Got my rejection letter from Laurier's 2 year program yesterday. Congrats to all those who got in! Still waiting to hear from UofT, York, and Windsor
nugget Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 I believe it says on the website that most successful applicants have a B+ to A- average and the equivalent of 2 yrs of fulltime experience. If you have this you should have good odds of getting in. I would also be careful about who you ask for a reference and ask if they can give you a STRONG reference. I know someone who got a reference, was about to mail it off but thought the envelope was a little too thin (like some papers were missing) and had no choice but to open it up to see if everything was inside. She found out this person who was "happy to be her reference" had scored her quite low even though she was a hard worker and a great employee by her other manager's standards. If they agree to be your reference but say they cannot give a strong reference, I would look elsewhere. Spend several hours working on your essays. Begin 3-4 weeks before the deadline and leave enough time for others to read it, edit it and then make changes to it. I would also have your essay read by a learning specialist at school who has experience helping students with grad applications, a social worker/social work student and someone else to correct grammar. Spelling errors are a quick way to put you in the rejection pile. I speak from experience on that last point, BTW. Hello, I recently received a letter from Laurier indicating that my application was unsuccessful. I am thinking of applying again next year. I'm just trying to gain a grasp of what I need to do to be accepted next year. Can you advise me on how long you have been working/volunteer in a social work organization? Also what was your average in your final year of study. Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you
Erin123 Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 I'm 25 going on 26. Never too late I say. Although, I've been working and in school since 2006. Ugh. Hi Scott what was your 4th year average, and how many hours do you have working in social work. Thank you
hails11 Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 I believe it says on the website that most successful applicants have a B+ to A- average and the equivalent of 2 yrs of fulltime experience. If you have this you should have good odds of getting in. I would also be careful about who you ask for a reference and ask if they can give you a STRONG reference. I know someone who got a reference, was about to mail it off but thought the envelope was a little too thin (like some papers were missing) and had no choice but to open it up to see if everything was inside. She found out this person who was "happy to be her reference" had scored her quite low even though she was a hard worker and a great employee by her other manager's standards. If they agree to be your reference but say they cannot give a strong reference, I would look elsewhere. Spend several hours working on your essays. Begin 3-4 weeks before the deadline and leave enough time for others to read it, edit it and then make changes to it. I would also have your essay read by a learning specialist at school who has experience helping students with grad applications, a social worker/social work student and someone else to correct grammar. Spelling errors are a quick way to put you in the rejection pile. I speak from experience on that last point, BTW. It does say that on the website, which is why I was hopeful. However on my rejection notice it said that most have an A- average and it was either 3-5 or 4-5 years of paid/volunteer work in human services (I can't remember the wording they use for the field, but you get the drift). Sorry, I threw it out immediately out of anger lol
DreamingMSW Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 I believe it says on the website that most successful applicants have a B+ to A- average and the equivalent of 2 yrs of fulltime experience. If you have this you should have good odds of getting in. I would also be careful about who you ask for a reference and ask if they can give you a STRONG reference. I know someone who got a reference, was about to mail it off but thought the envelope was a little too thin (like some papers were missing) and had no choice but to open it up to see if everything was inside. She found out this person who was "happy to be her reference" had scored her quite low even though she was a hard worker and a great employee by her other manager's standards. If they agree to be your reference but say they cannot give a strong reference, I would look elsewhere. Spend several hours working on your essays. Begin 3-4 weeks before the deadline and leave enough time for others to read it, edit it and then make changes to it. I would also have your essay read by a learning specialist at school who has experience helping students with grad applications, a social worker/social work student and someone else to correct grammar. Spelling errors are a quick way to put you in the rejection pile. I speak from experience on that last point, BTW. Apparently this year they were looking for 2-5 years work experience. They had a lot of applicants who met the B+ with 2 years work experience and so they took people who had more than that requirement. And I completely agree with the references and the essay.
dhol999 Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 I called Windsor yesterday, the lady on the phone said it will be another 2 weeks until letters are sent out. She said that rejections will be sent via email and all acceptances will be sent out regular mail. I also called UT and they said all letters will be sent out via regular mail during the week of the 15th. A couple of weeks to go! Applied: 2-year MSW: U of T, Windsor M.Ed Counselling Psychology: Lethbridge, Western Accepted: M.Ed Counselling Psychology: Lethbridge Rejected: Waitlisted:
beth23 Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 I called Windsor yesterday, the lady on the phone said it will be another 2 weeks until letters are sent out. She said that rejections will be sent via email and all acceptances will be sent out regular mail. I also called UT and they said all letters will be sent out via regular mail during the week of the 15th. A couple of weeks to go! Applied: 2-year MSW: U of T, Windsor M.Ed Counselling Psychology: Lethbridge, Western Accepted: M.Ed Counselling Psychology: Lethbridge Rejected: Waitlisted: Another 2 weeks for Windsor?! ugh...I was really pulling for next week.
Erin123 Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 (edited) I believe it says on the website that most successful applicants have a B+ to A- average and the equivalent of 2 yrs of fulltime experience. If you have this you should have good odds of getting in. I would also be careful about who you ask for a reference and ask if they can give you a STRONG reference. I know someone who got a reference, was about to mail it off but thought the envelope was a little too thin (like some papers were missing) and had no choice but to open it up to see if everything was inside. She found out this person who was "happy to be her reference" had scored her quite low even though she was a hard worker and a great employee by her other manager's standards. If they agree to be your reference but say they cannot give a strong reference, I would look elsewhere. Spend several hours working on your essays. Begin 3-4 weeks before the deadline and leave enough time for others to read it, edit it and then make changes to it. I would also have your essay read by a learning specialist at school who has experience helping students with grad applications, a social worker/social work student and someone else to correct grammar. Spelling errors are a quick way to put you in the rejection pile. I speak from experience on that last point, BTW. Thank you. I truly appreciate your assistance! Is this your second time applying? Also, if you don't mind me being so bold, how old are you? Edited April 3, 2013 by Erin123
dhol999 Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 Another 2 weeks for Windsor?! ugh...I was really pulling for next week. So was i, the wait for MSW is driving me crazy because it is my number one choice. I was accetped to the M.Ed in mid Feb and have been waiting for my other options to pan out since! Applied: 2-year MSW: U of T, Windsor M.Ed Counselling Psychology: Lethbridge, Western Accepted: M.Ed Counselling Psychology: Lethbridge Rejected: Waitlisted:
Thumper86 Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 There's no gym at the Kitchener campus but there is a small library. It does have a high school vibe Me too. U of T is my first choice. Not because of the city but because of the health and mental health option, which the other schools I applied to don't have. U of T also has a very good reputation, in general. At first, I almost wasn't going to apply because I thought I wouldn't be able to get in since it's top notch and very competitive. But who knows, I might surprise myself in a good way. My Laurier deadline is also April 18. I hope the U of T letter will arrive by then. I am out of province so it will probably take an extra day to arrive. If I don't get in to U of T I am just going to accept the Laurier offer. I have already begun to look up maps of Kitchener and housing web sites in the area, even thought it's still 5 months away. lol Anyone know if the Kitchener campus has a library or school gym? It's very small apparently, with only 280 students at that campus. It probably has a bit of a high school feel to it, other than the heavy workload we will be getting. lol
DreamingMSW Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 does anyone know how important the research course mark is at U of T? Does it hold a lot of weight?
DreamingMSW Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 PS honestly everyone in this forum should get in. If you are determined enough and care enough to constantly follow-up on a forum like this then you display the passion and drive that social workers should have. Each one of you will be a fantastic social worker. Please, if you do not get in this year (and that would be the institution's loss) do not give up. The world needs more individuals like you as social workers. jaylynn, hails11, flusty and 2 others 5
MSW13 Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 The U of T social work website says, "A grade less than mid-B in the required half-credit course in research methodology will lessen the applicant's probability of admission." does anyone know how important the research course mark is at U of T? Does it hold a lot of weight? DreamingMSW 1
DreamingMSW Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 The U of T social work website says, "A grade less than mid-B in the required half-credit course in research methodology will lessen the applicant's probability of admission." thank you! I guess it does have a large impact then! MSW13 1
bri_001 Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 PS honestly everyone in this forum should get in. If you are determined enough and care enough to constantly follow-up on a forum like this then you display the passion and drive that social workers should have. Each one of you will be a fantastic social worker. Please, if you do not get in this year (and that would be the institution's loss) do not give up. The world needs more individuals like you as social workers. I absolutely agree. The fact that we are all so in tuned with this forum, definitely shows our drive. Thank you for your inspiring words! DreamingMSW and AccioMSW 2
DreamingMSW Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 I absolutely agree. The fact that we are all so in tuned with this forum, definitely shows our drive. Thank you for your inspiring words! Anytime. Although I am only speaking the truth.
Brenda_101 Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 I'm 25 going on 26. Never too late I say. Although, I've been working and in school since 2006. Ugh. I'll be 31 when I do my MSW
nugget Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 Erin123, This was my first time applying. I am 37 years old. Thank you. I truly appreciate your assistance! Is this your second time applying? Also, if you don't mind me being so bold, how old are you?
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