Canadian Universities MSW. The waiting game 2014 admissions

[TS28]

I just saw Ottawa U accepts applications for the MSW program until April 1st. DId u send your CV and letter of intent in French or English? I heard that if u take the French classes u are able to write your papers in English because it is bilingual school.. ?

 

Yes, this seems to have changed recently.  They are sending out the acceptance offers tomorrow for those who applied before the initial date (15 jan).  The program is only offered in french and here is what they have to say about it: 

 

Langue du programme

La langue du programme, y compris celle de la supervision des mémoires et des stages, est le français.

 

Maybe you could e-mail the department and ask if they make exceptions? 

Do you think they changed the date because they didn't get enough admissions into the program? If so, that makes me happy, as I HOPE I will get in

 

Oh and I'm french, and I sent my letter of intent in french, but my CV was in english, as I was way to lazy to translate it just for one school, and I assume, they won't have any problem as they are supposed to encourage that type of attitude (bilingualism...not laziness)

Edited March 9, 2014 by TS28

[katm9]

Yes, this seems to have changed recently.  They are sending out the acceptance offers tomorrow for those who applied before the initial date (15 jan).  The program is only offered in french and here is what they have to say about it: 

 

Langue du programme

La langue du programme, y compris celle de la supervision des mémoires et des stages, est le français.

 

Maybe you could e-mail the department and ask if they make exceptions? 

Do you think they changed the date because they didn't get enough admissions into the program? If so, that makes me happy, as I HOPE I will get in

 

Oh and I'm french, and I sent my letter of intent in french, but my CV was in english, as I was way to lazy to translate it just for one school, and I assume, they won't have any problem as they are supposed to encourage that type of attitude (bilingualism...not laziness)

Awesome ! thanks I think I will do the same I dont want to translate my CV but no problem with letter of intent.. it also seems to be alot less complicated then the one I had to write from Dal so maybe ill get in there.. I still have not from heard from Dal but im thinking its a no . I saw on the Uof O website that they are still taking applicants do I got excited lol I should have just applied there in the first place. Are you in the Ottawa area? Im in Cornwall so about an hours drive to Ottawa U. My step daughter is in the psyc program there and she likes it. im bilingual not lazy so that good for me haha. plus I think it would be awesome to have a degree in both languages (BSW in Engl.)

Merci pour l'info et bonne chance

[b39]

Hi, everyone!

I've been following this thread for several months now, and finally thought it was about time to jump into the conversation... the wait is driving me crazy!

Let me introduce myself.

I'll be graduating from my current program (BA Hons Psychology) this spring. I've enjoyed my psych program, but have chosen to pursue (hopefully) further education and an eventual career in social work.

I've applied to the following programs:

U of T - MSW (2 yr)

York - MSW (2 yr)

Laurier - MSW (2 yr)

Windsor - MSW (2yr)

York - Post Degree BSW

Lakehead (Orillia) - Post Degree BSW

Dalhousie - BSW

OISE - M.ED in Counselling Psychology

Brock - M.ADS (Master of Applied Disability Studies)

And I have to admit, even though I've applied to a bunch of schools, I'm absolutely convinced I won't get in anywhere (but I think most of us are guilty of having such thoughts!). My first choices would be the MSW programs at U of T, York, and Laurier, and after that, it'd be Lakehead's BSW. Of course though, I'll be thrilled to get in to any of the above (OISE and Brock a bit less so, as they're not social work programs).

I have decent experience, but all candidates do, don't they? In terms of paid work, I have experience as part of a retail management team (transferable skills, right?), as a technical writer, a lab facilitator at George Brown College, and then sales associate and cafe work from years ago. For volunteer experience, I have worked with a seniors organization which provides assistance to seniors living at home alone, with the York Region District School Board as a classroom volunteer, a program for students interested in environmental change, years spent volunteering in a hospital's emergency department, volunteer tutoring with the public library, and volunteer work at an animal shelter (...transfereable skills, right?). I also have completed Palliative Care Core Concepts training and Accessible Services for Colleges and Customer Service training. In terms of GPA, I'm in that awkward position of hovering on that fine line between a B+ and an A, which I know is lower than many applicants. My reference letters were good (one from a prof, one from my work place, and one from a volunteer supervisor), and I think my written statements were alright - however I haven't re read them since I've submitted them because I'm too paranoid of finding mistakes and hating myself for it, haha.

Anyways - so that's me in a nutshell. I look forward to waiting out these next excruciating weeks with you all! Congratulations to all those who have been accepted, and good thoughts being sent to those who have been waitlisted or otherwise

 

Hey:) welcome, I completed related to reading " I think my written statements were alright - however I haven't re read them since I've submitted them because I'm too paranoid of finding mistakes and hating myself for it, haha." 

anyways best of luck and hopefully we all hear back soon nice to see someone else who is applying to York for the two year

[l_c]

Hi there,

 

Long time lurker (even last year before applying), first time poster!  

 

A big congratulations to all of the people who have received acceptances - it's great to hear that there's light at the end of the (very long) tunnel.  I'm waiting on a decision from U of T (two year MSW), and am coming from a non-social work field with little experience outside of volunteer work.  I've been out of school for a number of years (save completing some required second year language classes last year), but my third and fourth year average met the cut-off, and my research methods mark is a high A.  I'm discourage that so many of these programs seem to require you to already be a social worker to actually get in to the program.  

 

Also, a huge thank you to the person who mentioned being able to log-in to ROSI to check U of T status!  Mine doesn't say anything right now (I'm not expecting to hear until at least April), but it's great knowing that I have more at my disposal than just waiting for the mail.  

 

I've also applied to the post-degree BSW at McMaster as a back-up, but as 50% of their decision is based on grades, I'm concerned because my average does not hit their cut-off because of the required classes mentioned above.  I'm taking an online intro social work class, which assuming I get an A, would rectify that.  I noticed that no one else has mentioned the McMaster BSW as a plan B - are there many of you using a BSW as a back-up plan?  

[apple MSW]

Hi there,

 

Long time lurker (even last year before applying), first time poster!  

 

A big congratulations to all of the people who have received acceptances - it's great to hear that there's light at the end of the (very long) tunnel.  I'm waiting on a decision from U of T (two year MSW), and am coming from a non-social work field with little experience outside of volunteer work.  I've been out of school for a number of years (save completing some required second year language classes last year), but my third and fourth year average met the cut-off, and my research methods mark is a high A.  I'm discourage that so many of these programs seem to require you to already be a social worker to actually get in to the program.  

 

Also, a huge thank you to the person who mentioned being able to log-in to ROSI to check U of T status!  Mine doesn't say anything right now (I'm not expecting to hear until at least April), but it's great knowing that I have more at my disposal than just waiting for the mail.  

 

I've also applied to the post-degree BSW at McMaster as a back-up, but as 50% of their decision is based on grades, I'm concerned because my average does not hit their cut-off because of the required classes mentioned above.  I'm taking an online intro social work class, which assuming I get an A, would rectify that.  I noticed that no one else has mentioned the McMaster BSW as a plan B - are there many of you using a BSW as a back-up plan?  

Hi l_c. 

 

It is good to hear from someone without a background in social work, I'm also coming from outside the field and have only my volunteer and life experience to keep me in consideration, my GPA is B+, but that was good enough to get waitlisted last year so I am hoping this year I'll get in. 

 

The major reason for me that I have not looked at the post-degree BSW's is that they are 2 year programs  and many require prerequisits...of which I have none. That's why I opted for the Lakehead HBSW program as my plan B which is only 12 months and no-prerequisits.

[ali_son]

Hi there,

 

Long time lurker (even last year before applying), first time poster!  

 

A big congratulations to all of the people who have received acceptances - it's great to hear that there's light at the end of the (very long) tunnel.  I'm waiting on a decision from U of T (two year MSW), and am coming from a non-social work field with little experience outside of volunteer work.  I've been out of school for a number of years (save completing some required second year language classes last year), but my third and fourth year average met the cut-off, and my research methods mark is a high A.  I'm discourage that so many of these programs seem to require you to already be a social worker to actually get in to the program.  

 

Also, a huge thank you to the person who mentioned being able to log-in to ROSI to check U of T status!  Mine doesn't say anything right now (I'm not expecting to hear until at least April), but it's great knowing that I have more at my disposal than just waiting for the mail.  

 

I've also applied to the post-degree BSW at McMaster as a back-up, but as 50% of their decision is based on grades, I'm concerned because my average does not hit their cut-off because of the required classes mentioned above.  I'm taking an online intro social work class, which assuming I get an A, would rectify that.  I noticed that no one else has mentioned the McMaster BSW as a plan B - are there many of you using a BSW as a back-up plan?  

Hi there I_c,

Welcome, I am also coming from a non-social work background and applied to the two year programs at Laurier and U of Calgary. I also applied to two BSW programs as back up. As far as experience goes, I have worked as a support counselor for adults with disabilities in a recreation setting as well as in a group home (for a little over a year), and have done volunteer work as well. I have been a gymnastics coach for the last 7 years. I'm hoping that my experience won't hold me back, as I know that the masters level programs are looking for lots of experience. It's nice hearing from others who are applying to the two year programs! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for all of us and hoping that we won't have to wait too much longer

[SocialShawn]

Finally got my package today... Not sure why it took so long to get to Pickering lol 
I was a bit worried for a second lol 

[smpalesh]

Glad to hear you finally got it!  One of my friends who lives in Whitby still has not received her package.  Her status on ROSI says Invite.  Hopefully she will get hers tomorrow, if not I told her to email Angela.  Everyone else I know has received word either way.

 

Finally got my package today... Not sure why it took so long to get to Pickering lol 
I was a bit worried for a second lol 

[SocialShawn]

Glad to hear you finally got it!  One of my friends who lives in Whitby still has not received her package.  Her status on ROSI says Invite.  Hopefully she will get hers tomorrow, if not I told her to email Angela.  Everyone else I know has received word either way.

For some reason the mail east of Toronto is a bit sluggish, she'll probably get it today. I had already made up my mind to email Angela on Wednesday if it didn't show up by then.

[Aski]

Any UVic MPA applicants here?

[b39]

Hi there,

 

Long time lurker (even last year before applying), first time poster!  

 

A big congratulations to all of the people who have received acceptances - it's great to hear that there's light at the end of the (very long) tunnel.  I'm waiting on a decision from U of T (two year MSW), and am coming from a non-social work field with little experience outside of volunteer work.  I've been out of school for a number of years (save completing some required second year language classes last year), but my third and fourth year average met the cut-off, and my research methods mark is a high A.  I'm discourage that so many of these programs seem to require you to already be a social worker to actually get in to the program.  

 

Also, a huge thank you to the person who mentioned being able to log-in to ROSI to check U of T status!  Mine doesn't say anything right now (I'm not expecting to hear until at least April), but it's great knowing that I have more at my disposal than just waiting for the mail.  

 

I've also applied to the post-degree BSW at McMaster as a back-up, but as 50% of their decision is based on grades, I'm concerned because my average does not hit their cut-off because of the required classes mentioned above.  I'm taking an online intro social work class, which assuming I get an A, would rectify that.  I noticed that no one else has mentioned the McMaster BSW as a plan B - are there many of you using a BSW as a back-up plan?  

Hey, 

 

I'm also coming from a non-social work background (Child Studies) and I'm applying to York and UofT for the 2 year. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to volunteer as much as I would have wanted to so I am hoping that research experience in my undergrad and my grades will pull me through.

I know how hard it is to get in the first try but I'm still hoping. I don't really have a clear idea of a GPA because my school (York) works on a 9 pt scale so trying to figure it out is never 100% accurate but I think it is around an A/ A- (not sure in terms of GPA) in my senior level courses. 

 

just wondering if anyone asked Angela at UofT how many spots there will be this year for the two year program?

also if you get rejected do they send you a small letter (I notice the acceptances come with a larger brown envelope?)

[laura016]

 

I don't really have a clear idea of a GPA because my school (York) works on a 9 pt scale so trying to figure it out is never 100% accurate but I think it is around an A/ A- (not sure in terms of GPA) in my senior level courses. 

 

Hi, b39!

I too am a York student, so I know what you mean when you say our GPA calculations are a tad confusing. I wanted to refer you to this site though, it'll let you know what (on the nine point scale ) your GPA is as well as what each number means : http://www.yorku.ca/laps/students/gpa.html#web

An A is 8, and a B+ is 7.

I know you've already submitted your applications but I figured I'd link you in case you were currious

[Djentbot]

Has anybody who applied for the 2 year program at UofT heard back yet, or have they only contacted people who applied for advanced standing?

[Power Point]

Hey Guys,

 

Just wanted to let those who have applied to Dal and received the initial acceptance letter, I got the full package in the mail today so have a look out for yours! We have to declare our intentions by March 25! So early.

 

I also emailed Calgary and was told that they will have all notifications out by the end of the month via email.

[smpalesh]

Here is info on GPA for UofT: http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/newstudents/transition/academic/grading

Here is a chart you can use for any university and it tells you how to convert GPA: http://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/students/tools/gpa-conversion-chart.html

 

As to how many spots - the 2 year program accepts 140 students (1 yr accepts 90).  And the rejections and waitlists come in a small white envelope.  Acceptances come in a large brown envelope.  Hope this helps!

 

 

Hey, 

 

I'm also coming from a non-social work background (Child Studies) and I'm applying to York and UofT for the 2 year. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to volunteer as much as I would have wanted to so I am hoping that research experience in my undergrad and my grades will pull me through.

I know how hard it is to get in the first try but I'm still hoping. I don't really have a clear idea of a GPA because my school (York) works on a 9 pt scale so trying to figure it out is never 100% accurate but I think it is around an A/ A- (not sure in terms of GPA) in my senior level courses. 

 

just wondering if anyone asked Angela at UofT how many spots there will be this year for the two year program?

also if you get rejected do they send you a small letter (I notice the acceptances come with a larger brown envelope?)

[smpalesh]

It is only advanced standing being notified right now.  2 year program comes about a month after the 1 year.

 

Has anybody who applied for the 2 year program at UofT heard back yet, or have they only contacted people who applied for advanced standing?

[bellavaux]

Has anyone heard from Ryerson?

[lazzypants]

Oh interesting! I received my package from Dal and I have to pay my 200.00 deposit by the 18th! I am still waiting on UVic (my first choice) and hoping I find out before I have to shell out the 200 buck deposit.

 

 

Hey Guys,

 

Just wanted to let those who have applied to Dal and received the initial acceptance letter, I got the full package in the mail today so have a look out for yours! We have to declare our intentions by March 25! So early.

 

I also emailed Calgary and was told that they will have all notifications out by the end of the month via email.

[Power Point]

Oh interesting! I received my package from Dal and I have to pay my 200.00 deposit by the 18th! I am still waiting on UVic (my first choice) and hoping I find out before I have to shell out the 200 buck deposit.

Hum that is interesting! I just received it today and have to pay by the 25th! 

 

I have not heard anything from Vic either. It says they won't have letters out until April/May so it looks like $200 will be shelled out. I am set on Dal as it is closer to home (Newfoundland) as the travel for the week on-campus to BC is a bit costly not to mention using Annual Leave to go to classes. lol Good luck with Vic!

[lazzypants]

Sounds like Dal is a good fit for you then - congrats on the acceptance! I won't be too sad if UVic says no to me and I stay with Dal, just UVic has a few more specific courses that interest me that Dal doesn't offer (yet anyhow). I did phone UVic today to ask about when they would be offering some insight and the girl said later this week with emails next week! My fingers are crossed I will know before the 18th! But that's funny Dal is staggering when people have to pay their deposit by!

 

Hum that is interesting! I just received it today and have to pay by the 25th! 

 

I have not heard anything from Vic either. It says they won't have letters out until April/May so it looks like $200 will be shelled out. I am set on Dal as it is closer to home (Newfoundland) as the travel for the week on-campus to BC is a bit costly not to mention using Annual Leave to go to classes. lol Good luck with Vic!

[b39]

Here is info on GPA for UofT: http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/newstudents/transition/academic/grading

Here is a chart you can use for any university and it tells you how to convert GPA: http://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/students/tools/gpa-conversion-chart.html

 

As to how many spots - the 2 year program accepts 140 students (1 yr accepts 90).  And the rejections and waitlists come in a small white envelope.  Acceptances come in a large brown envelope.  Hope this helps!

Hey thanks for the response  

[dannika_star]

Would anyone who has been accepted into U of T be interested in me creating a Facebook group for us all to connect with one another on there, and throughout the academic year? I did it for my BSW classmates and we all found it very helpful in resource sharing, collaborating and exchanging info etc. 

[l_c]

Thanks so much for the welcoming words, everyone!  

 

I'm coming from York too, and our grade scale is annoying.  When I was getting ready to apply, I wasn't 100% sure I had made the cut-off - I'm a B+, so it was close.  In fact (embarrassing disclosure alert), I STILL sometimes wake up in a sweat, worried that I've messed up the calculation.  I have to open my spreadsheet and double-check.  For real.  Someone above mentioned that U of T sends you a rejection right away if you don't meet their grade cut-off, and that helped.

 

I'm worried about the fact that so many people have had to apply to their MSW programs multiple times.  I guess it's another year to save the money, but I'm so done with the job I'm in now, and anxious to move on.  I'm hoping for a waitlisted position instead of an outright rejection - does anyone know how much the U of T wait list typically moves, and when someone should give up hope?

 

 

Hi l_c. 

 

It is good to hear from someone without a background in social work, I'm also coming from outside the field and have only my volunteer and life experience to keep me in consideration, my GPA is B+, but that was good enough to get waitlisted last year so I am hoping this year I'll get in. 

 

The major reason for me that I have not looked at the post-degree BSW's is that they are 2 year programs  and many require prerequisits...of which I have none. That's why I opted for the Lakehead HBSW program as my plan B which is only 12 months and no-prerequisits.

 

 

Hi there I_c,

Welcome, I am also coming from a non-social work background and applied to the two year programs at Laurier and U of Calgary. I also applied to two BSW programs as back up. As far as experience goes, I have worked as a support counselor for adults with disabilities in a recreation setting as well as in a group home (for a little over a year), and have done volunteer work as well. I have been a gymnastics coach for the last 7 years. I'm hoping that my experience won't hold me back, as I know that the masters level programs are looking for lots of experience. It's nice hearing from others who are applying to the two year programs! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for all of us and hoping that we won't have to wait too much longer

 

 

Hey, 

 

I'm also coming from a non-social work background (Child Studies) and I'm applying to York and UofT for the 2 year. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to volunteer as much as I would have wanted to so I am hoping that research experience in my undergrad and my grades will pull me through.

I know how hard it is to get in the first try but I'm still hoping. I don't really have a clear idea of a GPA because my school (York) works on a 9 pt scale so trying to figure it out is never 100% accurate but I think it is around an A/ A- (not sure in terms of GPA) in my senior level courses. 

 

just wondering if anyone asked Angela at UofT how many spots there will be this year for the two year program?

also if you get rejected do they send you a small letter (I notice the acceptances come with a larger brown envelope?)

[DanielEPS]

Thanks so much for the welcoming words, everyone!  

 

I'm coming from York too, and our grade scale is annoying.  When I was getting ready to apply, I wasn't 100% sure I had made the cut-off - I'm a B+, so it was close.  In fact (embarrassing disclosure alert), I STILL sometimes wake up in a sweat, worried that I've messed up the calculation.  I have to open my spreadsheet and double-check.  For real.  Someone above mentioned that U of T sends you a rejection right away if you don't meet their grade cut-off, and that helped.

 

I'm worried about the fact that so many people have had to apply to their MSW programs multiple times.  I guess it's another year to save the money, but I'm so done with the job I'm in now, and anxious to move on.  I'm hoping for a waitlisted position instead of an outright rejection - does anyone know how much the U of T wait list typically moves, and when someone should give up hope?

Never give up hope.

[b39]

Thanks so much for the welcoming words, everyone!  

 

I'm coming from York too, and our grade scale is annoying.  When I was getting ready to apply, I wasn't 100% sure I had made the cut-off - I'm a B+, so it was close.  In fact (embarrassing disclosure alert), I STILL sometimes wake up in a sweat, worried that I've messed up the calculation.  I have to open my spreadsheet and double-check.  For real.  Someone above mentioned that U of T sends you a rejection right away if you don't meet their grade cut-off, and that helped.

 

I'm worried about the fact that so many people have had to apply to their MSW programs multiple times.  I guess it's another year to save the money, but I'm so done with the job I'm in now, and anxious to move on.  I'm hoping for a waitlisted position instead of an outright rejection - does anyone know how much the U of T wait list typically moves, and when someone should give up hope?

Hey I can totally feel everything you are saying lol I've been having nightmares for the past week about missing something or not meeting the grade cut off.

As for when to give up hope (because I have thought of the possibility of rejection in great detail), I agree with DanielEPS if this is something you really really want to do then don't give up. I've also heard if you get rejected you can call and ask what was missing from your application and try to fix it for the following year. 

 

Best of luck!