Canadian Universities MSW. The waiting game 2015 admissions

[AENMSW]

Thanks Jenste! I'll look in to that.

 

@Blh22, That's what I thought was strange too. I looked back through my transcripts though, and I think I have enough social science credits. Like I said, the coordinator who I was talking to was not very helpful at all, barely looked through the transcript I brought her, and basically told me the GTA schools were too competitive for me. But, I'll give it a try anyways. 

[Jennbe]

Hi everyone!

I am currently in my BSW program in Waterloo...loving it so far!

My question about the whole MSW is whether I should work for a few years or go directly into a MSW program? I would probably consider applying at Laurier (only because it's local), York, and Ryerson. Those are the schools that I am most interested in, based on what I've read and heard about them. I have a lot of experience working with youth and also refugees and immigrants. I am interested in other aspects of Social Work too (also International Social Work). Those are the areas that I am most interested in at this time.

I hear that York gives out a lot of funding for their programs. I've also heard a lot of good words about Ryerson! Laurier is good too, but more of a clinical approach and much less diverse. What are people's opinions on the MSW? Is it good to have work experience before beginning it, or better to go straight from the BSW to the MSW?

[Jennbe]

Oops! In response to the above question.. I think there are pros and cons to doing your MSW right after your BsW. I know for me I did my bSW several years after I was working in the field and the experience and knowledge I had already gained made completing this degree that much easier... However waiting to do it and having to work full-time and have a family on top of it made it more difficult as well.. So timewise it was harder but I know that working really helped me in writing papers and coming up with ideas etc. Likely if you complete your MSW right after your bSW you will have a good grasp on coursework and writing papers etc. As opposed to waiting too long..but if u feel like u r needing more experience than definitely take that opportunity.I think it definitely depends on your individual situation and what's going on in your life right now to find the right answer to that

[mswhopeful1]

Hello everyone!

So I'm currently doing a psychology specialist at U of T. I also posted in the previous forum, but I have new questions! Still trying to figure out where to apply... So here's the credentials I have going in...

-3.9 CGPA, 4.00 GPA in my last 5.0 credits
-completed undergraduate thesis in cognitive psychology
-80 hour placement working with children with a disability
- ~50 hours volunteering in an elementary after school program
-certificate in religious diversity dialogue from the multifaith center at U of T - including involvement in organizing an interfaith event
-2 year campus club executive experience including president of a large club
-2 year convention organizer for a religious community convention with 2,000 - 3,000 attendees
-camp counsellor for a once a year, several-day youth camp 3 years in a row
-research assistant for a year (mostly paperwork)

With such minimal experience, I went through all of the 2 year MSW websites and found that only the following schools do not require huge amounts of experience:
-U of T
-Wilfrid Laurier
-UBC Okanagan
-UC Lethbridge

With grades and research experience I think I have a pretty good shot at U of T, but does anyone have any advice on applying to the latter 3? I definitely only want to spend time/money on applications where I would have a decent chance! At U of T, I would be interested in the Mental Health/Health specialization and the collaborative program in ethnic and pluralism studies (I have a specific interest in cross-cultural mental health issues)

Also, what does everyone think of going the 1 year BSW, 1 year MSW route? I hesitate to apply to 1 year BSW programs because I feel like I've already pulled my weight in getting a competitive GPA - not that I would slack off once I'm in my masters at all, but it would be another year of stressing about grades for the purpose of getting into grad school. Does that make sense? (These would be Waterloo, UVic Distance, and Dalhousie distance if I'm not mistaken?)

I'm not even sure if I would go if I got in this year, I feel so inexperienced! But I'm applying to volunteer both at a distress line, and with Big Brothers Big Sisters to keep building up that experience and confidence. I'm thinking maybe with that continued experience, I'll feel ready by September...?

Edited October 13, 2015 by fuzzylogician
Edited for privacy at OP's request

[b39]

Hello everyone!

 

So I'm currently doing a psychology specialist at U of T. I also posted in the previous forum, but I have new questions! Still trying to figure out where to apply... So here's the credentials I have going in...

 

-3.9 CGPA, 4.00 GPA in my last 5.0 credits
-completed undergraduate thesis in cognitive psychology
-80 hour placement working with children with a disability
- ~50 hours volunteering in an elementary after school program
-certificate in religious diversity dialogue from the multifaith center at U of T - including involvement in organizing an interfaith event
-2 year campus club executive experience including president of a large club
-2 year convention organizer for a religious community convention with 2,000 - 3,000 attendees
-camp counsellor for a once a year, several-day youth camp 3 years in a row
-research assistant for a year (mostly paperwork)

With such minimal experience, I went through all of the 2 year MSW websites and found that only the following schools do not require huge amounts of experience:
-U of T
-Wilfrid Laurier
-UBC Okanagan
-UC Lethbridge

With grades and research experience I think I have a pretty good shot at U of T, but does anyone have any advice on applying to the latter 3? I definitely only want to spend time/money on applications where I would have a decent chance! At U of T, I would be interested in the Mental Health/Health specialization and the collaborative program in ethnic and pluralism studies (I have a specific interest in cross-cultural mental health issues)

Also, what does everyone think of going the 1 year BSW, 1 year MSW route? I hesitate to apply to 1 year BSW programs because I feel like I've already pulled my weight in getting a competitive GPA - not that I would slack off once I'm in my masters at all, but it would be another year of stressing about grades for the purpose of getting into grad school. Does that make sense?  (These would be Waterloo, UVic Distance, and Dalhousie distance if I'm not mistaken?)

I'm not even sure if I would go if I got in this year, I feel so inexperienced! But I'm applying to volunteer both at a distress line, and with Big Brothers Big Sisters to keep building up that experience and confidence. I'm thinking maybe with that continued experience, I'll feel ready by September...?

Hey there, 

 

you seem to have some really good experience already plus good grades. I am not sure if you have considered York University but you would also be a good candidate there because they do not have a minimum experience requirement. York has many of the same requirements as UofT so it might be worth looking into if you are trying to apply to as many places as possible. 

 

I feel your frustration with the one year BSW, 1 year MSW route it is difficult to make that decision and invest the time and money to apply for those programs or risk not trying at all. I was also considering it last year when I applied but I took my chances and ultimately decided that I would rather fail at getting in and work for another year and then try again for the 2 year MSW. 

 

I spoke to one of the admission professors at UofT and she mentioned to me that the hours that they calculate from volunteer/work positions are only counted until December (the application deadline) so keep in mind if you begin a new volunteer position in October the hours they look at will only be from October until the deadline date. 

 

 

Good luck

Edited October 13, 2015 by fuzzylogician
Edited quoted post for privacy at OP's request

[mswhopeful1]

Thanks b39!

We had a graduate school fair at my school and I was able to speak with some representatives which was super helpful. Laurier said the minimum hours their students all have is 3,500 - but it is not a requirement, and she said there is still a small chance of getting in without that. And that the average age of their MSW students is 28! When I think about it, I'd much rather be admitted to a school where I will be on a level playing field with other students. I may consider York, but I had remembered reading on the other forums that most of those admitted also had very high levels of experience and that they had a lot less spots compared with other programs? Can anyone comment on this? And does anyone know about UBC Okanagan and UC Lethbridge? I think I will probably hold off on BSW's for this year.

I really like U of T's specializations, collaborative programs, and research focus and I realized that since I am only taking one course this semester and my last 5 credits are a 4.0, if I do well in the current course I could be going into the application with a solid 4.0! I know I would love to go to U of T, just still not sure if  I should apply elsewhere.

I also had questions about references.. I know my 4th year seminar professor and my placement supervisor will likely give me pretty good references, but I'm stuck on the third one (I'm thinking U of T's reference requirements). I hesitate to ask my thesis supervisor as I visibly struggled with the project (it ended up not being the best fit for me) and though she gave me an 85 I'm still not sure if she would give me the best reference as she gave me constructive feedback that was, nontheless, not the most optimistic.. But would it be odd if I talk about my thesis but do not list her as a reference? One of my supervisors for the religious diversity program I mentioned above would probably give me a fantastic reference but that project was only 2-3 months, so I don't know if that's a good option because of the limited time frame. Another option is the program team lead for the convention I volunteered with (as part of the program team); but I hesitate on this one too because I also consider her a friend (considering we are a part of the same religious community) and I'm not sure if that would be unsuitable for a grad school application.

Any advice is more than welcome! Still in the very confusing figuring things out phase   but getting worried now because I need to decide what I'm going for and, asap, who I'm going to ask to help me along!

[Socialworkerr]

Does anyone have any creative alternatives for securing an academic reference?

I have been out of my BSW program for six years and I am taking a night class now to bump up my GPA. I want to apply to at least five schools but it feels like such a hardship to ask the professor I've known for three weeks to be a reference.

Academic references are the worst.

[b39]

Does anyone have any creative alternatives for securing an academic reference?

I have been out of my BSW program for six years and I am taking a night class now to bump up my GPA. I want to apply to at least five schools but it feels like such a hardship to ask the professor I've known for three weeks to be a reference.

Academic references are the worst.

 

Hi there, 

 

I know some schools have special instructions regarding academic references if you have been out of school for more than 3 years (i.e., they will allow a second work reference in place of an academic one).

 

If the website does not explicitly state the instructions for students who have been out of school it is worth contacting admissions coordinators and confirming with them, personally I have found them to be very friendly and helpful. 

 

I hope that helps and best of luck applying! 

[b39]

Hi MSWhopeful1,

 

 

Regarding York's program, it is true that they do not accept nearly as many students as UofT (York is approximately 40 students or something, varying year to year) but students get basically their entire tuition covered through scholarships/funding. They also look for certain things in applicants that "fit" with their program, so depending on your experiences you might get in. 

 

I feel your frustration with references, I had the same issue last year. I had volunteered somewhere for 2 years and the coordinator was being extremely flaky (not responding to e-mails even with the deadline approaching). Ultimately I had to take her out and use another academic reference in place.

 

However I continued to discuss my experience in my statements, when I talked to someone from UofT they did hint at me that they recommend using references from places we are discussing in statements, because it validates what you are saying. With that said, if you have multiple options and you are talking about all of them I would say go with the strongest reference, someone who will elaborate and make you shine while holding up everything you said you had experience with. 

 

Also, the UofT admissions coordinator did warn us to pick very carefully because references will not lie for you. For example, they might leave certain components of the form blank if they do not feel confident answering and they won't necessarily hesitate to talk about you negatively (like saying you don't handle stress well or something). 

 

I hope that helps : ) 

[kenzie_123]

Kenzie123 have you considered University of Manitoba online BSW? I am completing it right now and highly recommend it! They have been great for online delivery and are very flexible I think Dalhousie has a pretty good reputation as well but I don't know from first-hand experience. Good luck!

 

Hi Jennbe, 

 

I was just wondering if you could give me any more information about the program and what you applied with when you were accepted ?

[purplegrey]

Hey folks, 

 

I'm currently completing my undergrad at McGill University with a major in Women's Studies, and a double minor in Sociology and Education. I'm so excited to be applying and nervous at the same time. I know that both UofT and Wilfrid Laurier only look at your last full academic year, but I'm afraid that when they look at my first two years they will disregard my application since my CGPA is so low. Does anyone have experience and/is relying solely on their third year grades? In my third year I got a 3.6/4.0 GPA. I have tremendous amounts of extra-curricular but I'm afraid that won't cut it since my CGPA is only a 3.09/4.0. 

 

My question is, does anyone know if they really only look at your last full academic year, or they also look at your cumulative GPA. Is it still worth applying or my chances of being rejected are very high? 

I'm the only person in my immediate and extended family who has attended University so any advice would be greatly appreciated! 

 

Thank you. 

[b39]

Hi everyone, 

 

Just wondering if anyone has tried to apply to York in the past week (the online application) because I have tried for a few days now and the only options for sessions are Spring/Summer 2015 or Winter(January) 2015. There is no Fall 2015, I'm wondering if this is just me?

 

Thanks !

[ash_d19]

Hi everyone, 

 

Just wondering if anyone has tried to apply to York in the past week (the online application) because I have tried for a few days now and the only options for sessions are Spring/Summer 2015 or Winter(January) 2015. There is no Fall 2015, I'm wondering if this is just me?

 

Thanks !

 

Hey b39,

 

I've been trying to apply for York too! I tried my second time this week yesterday and the drop down is still only showing Winter 2015. I'm trying to remember when we were able to apply last year. Should be in October, though. Anyone know/remember?

[msw22]

Hey folks, 

 

I'm currently completing my undergrad at McGill University with a major in Women's Studies, and a double minor in Sociology and Education. I'm so excited to be applying and nervous at the same time. I know that both UofT and Wilfrid Laurier only look at your last full academic year, but I'm afraid that when they look at my first two years they will disregard my application since my CGPA is so low. Does anyone have experience and/is relying solely on their third year grades? In my third year I got a 3.6/4.0 GPA. I have tremendous amounts of extra-curricular but I'm afraid that won't cut it since my CGPA is only a 3.09/4.0. 

 

My question is, does anyone know if they really only look at your last full academic year, or they also look at your cumulative GPA. Is it still worth applying or my chances of being rejected are very high? 

I'm the only person in my immediate and extended family who has attended University so any advice would be greatly appreciated! 

 

Thank you. 

 

Hi!

 

I did this as well after my undergrad, however I applied to an even more competitive program that only accepts about 8 students a year. While I can't speak on behalf of what the experience would be like for applying to an MSW program, from reading previous threads the universities are very strict with their minimum GPA. So, if your average meets the minimum requirement (I apologize I still get thrown off by the point system and do not know them off hand) I would encourage you to apply if you're confident in your experience (personal, professional and volunteer). 

 

Hope this helps!

[soapaddict]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge of the HBSW?  How difficult is admission? I have a year of experience with volunteering with Childrens Aid and Canadian Red Cross. I don't hold a degree in Social Work, or have a lot of experience related to social work... i figured continuing educationt o get a BSW would be beneficial. Has anyone know the HBSW program? how is the course load?

 

I am also interested in UNBC AND UoC MSW program - mental health sector.

 

anyone know if these schools weigh admission more on your volunteer experience or grades? Thanks

[soapaddict]

Also, I heard some MSW programs taking a statistics course is mandatory such as Windor's MSW.. anyone know if this is true, and also what other MSW schools require you take a statistics course?

[ash_d19]

So for anyone who is applying to York's MSW programs (or at least the 2 year MSW), I emailed the school of social work and apparently applications are opening the very END of October.

Edited October 6, 2014 by ash_d19

[soapaddict]

how many applicants does york accept for their 2 and 1 year advanced program?

Aswell a ryersons MSW program, do they look at grades or volunteer experience more?

[purplegrey]

Hey Folks, 

 

If anyone is interested in editing each other's CV let me know! I think it would be super beneficial! 

[Jennbe]

Hi Jennbe,

I was just wondering if you could give me any more information about the program and what you applied with when you were accepted ?

The program is strictly Distance ed and there are two placements that go along with it however there is now an option to forgo some of these placements if you have enough experience.. You are supposed to live outside of Winnipeg and have gotten a 2.5 GPA minimum in your last studies as well as one year minimum of work experience in the social service industry.. The criteria for acceptance is very doable in my opinion. I got in with about five years of experience as well as a general BA and a diploma in social services. However as far as I can tell if you meet the criteria you are put into the first acceptance pool and then it's more or less luck of the draw as to who gets in.. The first time I applied I did not get accepted just because of a lot of applicants but the second time I was successful. You don't need any reference letters or long application papers either so in my opinion it's worth a shot! You either sign up for full-time courses or you can take them one at a time and that is up to you as they give you up to nine years to complete it Good luck Edited October 8, 2014 by Jennbe

[Jennbe]

Also, I heard some MSW programs taking a statistics course is mandatory such as Windor's MSW.. anyone know if this is true, and also what other MSW schools require you take a statistics course?

I know the Waterloo Msw distance we requires u to have a stats course as well as a research course .

[rachelmsw]

Hi guys,

 

This is such a great thread and I am so glad that I stumbled upon it! I have just graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts, Major in Sociology, Minor Human Geo & Political Science from U of T. My gpa of my last 5.0 full credit or 10 half credit courses was 3.94 or 87.5% average, so I believe I am pretty competitive gpa wise but I am worried my volunteer/paid experience is lacking. I plan on applying to U of T, York, Laurier, and Lakehead HBSW. I think most other schools offering two years MSW's not only recommend 2+ years full-time experience, but require it. 

 

My volunteer experience includes:
-A summer f/t paid student support worker at a homeless/under-housed drop-in program 

-2 years volunteering with Red Cross- 3.5-4 hours per week at a meal program and I have worked on projects such as administering annual client & volunteer surveys, writing donor reports & making recommendations for community initiatives programs etc.)

-2 years part-time paid work with the U of T scribing/reading one-on-one for students with accessibility barriers/disabilities to complete their tests and examinations 

-2 years on a University global action commission where we focused on awareness and fund-raising for issues such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic, suicide & mental health, environmental responsibility etc.

 

 

These positions do not result in anything close to the 3500+ schools seem to be looking for, which is stressing me out!

 

I guess I am wondering if anyone has any advice as to how I can work to make by application more competitive, or if they know of anyone who has gained admission to any of these programs with similar credentials/experience. I am about to start a grief counselling position (volunteer), although I will only have about 1-2 months experience by the time applications are due! You guys are awesome and I am looking forward to exchanging advice, support, and positive vibes!



 

[rachelmsw]

Hi everyone!

I am currently in my BSW program in Waterloo...loving it so far!  

 

My question about the whole MSW is whether I should work for a few years or go directly into a MSW program?  I would probably consider applying at Laurier (only because it's local), York, and Ryerson.  Those are the schools that I am most interested in, based on what I've read and heard about them.  I have a lot of experience working with youth and also refugees and immigrants.  I am interested in other aspects of Social Work too (also International Social Work). Those are the areas that I am most interested in at this time.

 

I hear that York gives out a lot of funding for their programs.  I've also heard a lot of good words about Ryerson!  Laurier is good too, but more of a clinical approach and much less diverse.  What are people's opinions on the MSW?  Is it good to have work experience before beginning it, or better to go straight from the BSW to the MSW?  

 

 

Hi there,

 

I think that different schools have different expectations in regards to work experience. From what I have seen so far, for the 1 year MSW, most schools are expecting 2+ years full-time related work. If you have that, then I would definitely say go ahead and apply! If you are interested in working in the immigration field I would look into U of T as well. Not only do they have a social justice and diversity specialization, but they would also have a wealth of great immigration-related placements, being a large metropolis! 

 

Good luck with whatever decision you make!!

[ash_d19]

Hey is anyone else having difficulty with the Windsor online application? I keep getting an error message when I try to create an account.

[b39]

Also, I heard some MSW programs taking a statistics course is mandatory such as Windor's MSW.. anyone know if this is true, and also what other MSW schools require you take a statistics course?

 

Hey there, for Windsor's MSW (the 2 year) the statistics course is required upon admission not application. I don't have the statistics course currently, but if for example that ends up being the only school where I get accepted I would complete the course the summer prior to the MSW beginning.