Canadian Universities MSW. The waiting game 2013 admissions

[alterity]

This is just a Thumper86 appreciation post (thank you ).  And you are all wonderful.  Fingers crossed for us all!

[Thumper86]

This is just a Thumper86 appreciation post (thank you ). And you are all wonderful. Fingers crossed for us all!

Awwww thank you!!! Good luck to everyone!!!

[flusty]

I guess U of T really is waiting until April 15th to send out their acceptances...I was hoping that April 15th would be the last day and that all first round offers would have been out by then, but I guess not :T

Maybe they want to tie it with the snow storm tomorrow ?

[nugget]

For the people accepted to Laurier with an April 12 deadline... have you decided if you're going to accept? It's a shame the deadline is so close to U of T's. But on the other hand, it's only a $100 loss if end up taking U of T instead. 

[flusty]

For the people accepted to Laurier with an April 12 deadline... have you decided if you're going to accept? It's a shame the deadline is so close to U of T's. But on the other hand, it's only a $100 loss if end up taking U of T instead. 

I have until April 18 to accept so still have some time... hoping would have heard from UoT by then... Do you have to decide by the 12th?

[Laurie S.]

I guess U of T really is waiting until April 15th to send out their acceptances...I was hoping that April 15th would be the last day and that all first round offers would have been out by then, but I guess not :T

My experience from applying last year, is that the schools never send the acceptances out when they say they will. Just wanted to give you a heads up, so you're not too worried if you don't hear back next week. York, for example, has a stock response when anyone calls (whenever they call) ... it's always 2 weeks from whenever. I didn't find out from York until end of May last year.

[Jax14]

Probably like most in my position, the waiting game is torture. So far, no acceptances for me and one waitlist. I'm still waiting on Ryerson. I can't do this game anymore! I'd rather just give up now and say I didn't get in so that I can just move onwards and follow another plan, be it finding a job or whatever. But I feel like a fool everyday checking my emails, RAMSS, mailbox, and calling the department that doesn't pick up the phone. I'm seriously fine with being rejected, but then at least ill know the waiting is over!

[Laurie S.]

Probably like most in my position, the waiting game is torture. So far, no acceptances for me and one waitlist. I'm still waiting on Ryerson. I can't do this game anymore! I'd rather just give up now and say I didn't get in so that I can just move onwards and follow another plan, be it finding a job or whatever. But I feel like a fool everyday checking my emails, RAMSS, mailbox, and calling the department that doesn't pick up the phone. I'm seriously fine with being rejected, but then at least ill know the waiting is over!

Don't give up. I know it's easier said than done but try not to stress too much over it. You will find out in due course. I was obsessive with checking last year, sometimes several times a day. This year, I'm trying not to let it control me. We've all made it this far which shows that we have the spirit of social work within us. No matter where our career path takes us, I'm confident that we're all going to make positive changes in the world, both big and small

Edited April 11, 2013 by Laurie S.

[nugget]

Hi Flusty,

 

I also have until the 18th, but some people got their acceptances one week earlier and have until the 12th to decide.

 

I am thinking of paying my $100 this week though to hold my spot at WLU so I don't miss the deadline if I am rejected at U of T and need to quickly mail out the deposit. It's so hard to get in to U of T, I've already assumed that WLU is where I'll be going. But we'll see what happens.  

 

I have until April 18 to accept so still have some time... hoping would have heard from UoT by then... Do you have to decide by the 12th?

[checkie]

Hello lovely people,

 

I am currently doing an undergraduate honours degree in Psychology at Queen's. I have been following this thread religiously (so I feel like I know you all...as awkward as that sounds...), I'm going in to my fourth year but I'm probably going to end up doing 5 so I can do a thesis. That being said, the MSW program is my dream, I'm planning on applying to the 2 year U of T, York, Laurier, Windsor, and the HBSW at Lakehead. I will have had a lot of volunteer experiences with various organizations on and off campus and research experience as well.

 

So my question, and why I finally created account on this forum, is what advice would you (current applicants) give to someone in my position, who is over midway through their undergraduate degree and wish to pursue social work. Any advice would be extremely helpful!!!!!!!! Thank you in advanced!

[nugget]

Here is my two cents...

 

Make sure you have solid references. I thought I did (always participated in class and asked good questions), but 2 years after graduating I was surprised how hard it is to find academic references. Some teachers say they're too busy, don't know you well enough, too many students have been asking and they can't write any more, etc... If you're not in their class anymore and you are no longer entitled to office hours, it's surprising how difficult it can be to get a university professor's free time, esp if you are applying to a lot of schools. 

 

Also take advantage of any workshops your school has on applying to grad school and writing reference letters. Go one year early if you can because they might be offered too close to your application deadlines. Also, have a writing specialist at school experienced in proofreading grad school applications to edit your essays, a social worker or SW student and someone who is excellent at grammar.  

 

Hello lovely people,

 

I am currently doing an undergraduate honours degree in Psychology at Queen's. I have been following this thread religiously (so I feel like I know you all...as awkward as that sounds...), I'm going in to my fourth year but I'm probably going to end up doing 5 so I can do a thesis. That being said, the MSW program is my dream, I'm planning on applying to the 2 year U of T, York, Laurier, Windsor, and the HBSW at Lakehead. I will have had a lot of volunteer experiences with various organizations on and off campus and research experience as well.

 

So my question, and why I finally created account on this forum, is what advice would you (current applicants) give to someone in my position, who is over midway through their undergraduate degree and wish to pursue social work. Any advice would be extremely helpful!!!!!!!! Thank you in advanced!

Edited April 12, 2013 by jenste

[Karlie_2]

Hi!

 

Overall I did like the program. I liked the condensed format (although the September-December semester was A LOT of work), and I really liked that the placement was 6 months - gave me lots of time to get a feel for the job and explore the organization. I can only speak for the Orillia campus, but I felt that the facilities were lacking. The main campus is beautiful, but the social work program is run out of a small community hall in the downtown area. It just didn't have the things I was used to having when I attended a larger school (recreation centre, ample study space, dining area, etc). I was just disappointed with the facility considering the money I paid to attend (I believe it was almost $10,000). 

 

All that being said, I would recommend the program. It isn't the best student experience out there, but I felt prepared to enter the field after completing it, and myself and almost all of my classmates were able to get jobs fairly quickly. 

 

In terms of my experience I didn't have much. I had worked as a receptionist at a mental health facility for 3 summers during my undergrad and volunteered at an eating disorder resource centre for a year. Overall, my grades probably averaged in the low 70s but in my last year my average was 80. 

 

Good luck! 

 

Thanks Karlie! It's nice to come across people who have experience with the program. Were you happy with your time there? May I also ask what kinda of professional/volunteer experience or marks you had?

[Karlie_2]

Hi,

 

Sounds like you definitely meet the requirements to hear some good news back from Lakehead  

 

And I'm sorry but unfortunately I'm not sure how many students they accept at the Thunder Bay campus. I would guess that their numbers may be slightly higher than Orillia as it is a much larger campus. 

 

 That is a little encouraging to hear, that some of your class mates had no experience prior to applying. I am applying with 3 years part-time experience working with children with behavioural disorders, as well as a BIg Sister, and respite worker. Crossing my fingers. My marks are in the A- to A range and I have strong references so I am really hoping I get in. I am assuming that both Orillia and Thunder Bay accept roughly the same amount of students?

[bellavaux]

Thanks for the input!

It's helpful to know that the social work program is run out of the community centre. I originally made Orillia my first choice because it's closer, but lately I'm leaning toward Thunder Bay... To your knowledge, did many people do their placement outside of Orillia? In particular, did anyone find placements in Toronto? Just curious how difficult it may be finding a placement in a city since the program has more of a rural focus.

Sorry for badgering you with questions! Your help is much appreciated

Hi!

Overall I did like the program. I liked the condensed format (although the September-December semester was A LOT of work), and I really liked that the placement was 6 months - gave me lots of time to get a feel for the job and explore the organization. I can only speak for the Orillia campus, but I felt that the facilities were lacking. The main campus is beautiful, but the social work program is run out of a small community hall in the downtown area. It just didn't have the things I was used to having when I attended a larger school (recreation centre, ample study space, dining area, etc). I was just disappointed with the facility considering the money I paid to attend (I believe it was almost $10,000).

All that being said, I would recommend the program. It isn't the best student experience out there, but I felt prepared to enter the field after completing it, and myself and almost all of my classmates were able to get jobs fairly quickly.

In terms of my experience I didn't have much. I had worked as a receptionist at a mental health facility for 3 summers during my undergrad and volunteered at an eating disorder resource centre for a year. Overall, my grades probably averaged in the low 70s but in my last year my average was 80.

Good luck!

[bellavaux]

It sounds like you have a great chance of being accepted! I only wish they would let us know sooner since the program starts in July... Good luck!

That is a little encouraging to hear, that some of your class mates had no experience prior to applying. I am applying with 3 years part-time experience working with children with behavioural disorders, as well as a BIg Sister, and respite worker. Crossing my fingers. My marks are in the A- to A range and I have strong references so I am really hoping I get in. I am assuming that both Orillia and Thunder Bay accept roughly the same amount of students?

[bellavaux]

It sounds like you have a great chance of being accepted! I only wish they would let us know sooner since the program starts in July... Good luck!

That is a little encouraging to hear, that some of your class mates had no experience prior to applying. I am applying with 3 years part-time experience working with children with behavioural disorders, as well as a BIg Sister, and respite worker. Crossing my fingers. My marks are in the A- to A range and I have strong references so I am really hoping I get in. I am assuming that both Orillia and Thunder Bay accept roughly the same amount of students?

[happy888]

So I called U of T and was told that we will hear back by END of next week >:T

[nugget]

Thanks for sharing that info, happy888. Do you mean the letters will be mailed out at the end of the week or we should receive them by the end of the week?

 

So I called U of T and was told that we will hear back by END of next week >:T

[happy888]

Thanks for sharing that info, happy888. Do you mean the letters will be mailed out at the end of the week or we should receive them by the end of the week?

 

I was told that they are still in the process of reviewing and finalizing the letters before mailing out all decisions (acceptances, rejections, and waitlists) and that it 'should' be received by the end of next week.

[nugget]

Great! Thanks.

 

I was told that they are still in the process of reviewing and finalizing the letters before mailing out all decisions (acceptances, rejections, and waitlists) and that it 'should' be received by the end of next week.

[J0_0]

Make sure you have 2 academic and 1 work/volunteer references. You will probably get one academic reference from your thesis supervisor. For the other academic reference, I suggest that you do an independent study with another professor. That way, he/she can get to know you and your work.

 

I also did an undergraduate honours degree in psychology.

 

Hello lovely people,

 

I am currently doing an undergraduate honours degree in Psychology at Queen's. I have been following this thread religiously (so I feel like I know you all...as awkward as that sounds...), I'm going in to my fourth year but I'm probably going to end up doing 5 so I can do a thesis. That being said, the MSW program is my dream, I'm planning on applying to the 2 year U of T, York, Laurier, Windsor, and the HBSW at Lakehead. I will have had a lot of volunteer experiences with various organizations on and off campus and research experience as well.

 

So my question, and why I finally created account on this forum, is what advice would you (current applicants) give to someone in my position, who is over midway through their undergraduate degree and wish to pursue social work. Any advice would be extremely helpful!!!!!!!! Thank you in advanced!

[flusty]

Hi Flusty,

 

I also have until the 18th, but some people got their acceptances one week earlier and have until the 12th to decide.

 

I am thinking of paying my $100 this week though to hold my spot at WLU so I don't miss the deadline if I am rejected at U of T and need to quickly mail out the deposit. It's so hard to get in to U of T, I've already assumed that WLU is where I'll be going. But we'll see what happens.  

smart move! Jenste~ I think I might do same early next week... next Friday cant come soon enough...

[Brenda_101]

I was told that they are still in the process of reviewing and finalizing the letters before mailing out all decisions (acceptances, rejections, and waitlists) and that it 'should' be received by the end of next week.

Oh geez! Really? Thanks for calling. Guess we have to wait another week instead of only a few days

[beth23]

Just called Windsor. The lady who answered didn't seem too happy that I was calling to inquire about the timeframe...but what else was I expecting. 

 

She said in terms of decisions being sent out .... "we're hoping by the end of the month". 

 

Very short and not helpful. 

 

Ugh. 

[AccioMSW]

Just called Windsor. The lady who answered didn't seem too happy that I was calling to inquire about the timeframe...but what else was I expecting. 

 

She said in terms of decisions being sent out .... "we're hoping by the end of the month". 

 

Very short and not helpful. 

 

Ugh. 

 

End of the month...

Someone on this forum who called last week said that Windsor said two weeks from then so I was hoping for sure next week!

Boooo.

Edited April 12, 2013 by AccioMSW