Canadian Universities MSW. The waiting game 2015 admissions

[Social Work 93]

I have never been more excited for a weekend to be over and it hasn't even started, I can't wait for Monday and the possibility of hearing something.

Just wondering if everyone's sgs still says under review (for those of us who haven't been accepted)

I'm seriously starting to get flustered every time I open my rosi and see no registration in bold, stinging red.

 

I know what you mean! Everytime I open my Rosi and I see the bold bright red its like a knife to my heart lol 

[marineland]

Hey guys! I've been creeping this hard so thanks for all your helpful posts. I've been feeling nervous about UofT so it's pretty great to know all 2 year program folks are on the same page. I just got accepted to University of Victoria and am wondering if anyone applied there/ has any insight into the program.

 

Thanks and good luck!

[purplemonkeydishwasher]

Hey guys! I've been creeping this hard so thanks for all your helpful posts. I've been feeling nervous about UofT so it's pretty great to know all 2 year program folks are on the same page. I just got accepted to University of Victoria and am wondering if anyone applied there/ has any insight into the program.

 

Thanks and good luck!

 

wrote you a PM, hopefully it's helpful

[baozaifan]

hey guys,

 

I couldn't hold back my excitement this morning when I found this thread still going on and involving lots of people sharing common situations - maybe more fellows joining in, and more in-time information flow. Oddly I didn't feel attached to the status thing believing the decision would only came out in mid-April until I found this one It seems I have fallen behind a lot, at least the Friday Call up! Congratulations to those who have received   letters! I immediately checked both my mailbox and SGS status which is "under review" always. Hope we all will soon get a reply and thanks to the huge encouragements above hopefully more acceptances will arrive )

 

It looks like social work is quite a local field as many people have said since most applicants posting here are locals. As an international applicant, I feel great to discover your life experiences and formal language assets here - learned a lot and will keep on that ))

Welcome! You are from Shanghai? I wrote you a PM. 

[Rox]

Heads up: I just spoke with the roommate of someone who is currently in the U of T MSW program and apparently one or two years ago, people were still finding out in JUNE?! She was clear that this was despite a "you'll hear by the end of April" schpeel. 

 

Granted, I don't know if this woman was waitlisted or flat-out accepted in a later round and I don't know if this has any bearing on this year, but I thought I'd let you all know. 

[b39]

Heads up: I just spoke with the roommate of someone who is currently in the U of T MSW program and apparently one or two years ago, people were still finding out in JUNE?! She was clear that this was despite a "you'll hear by the end of April" schpeel. 

 

Granted, I don't know if this woman was waitlisted or flat-out accepted in a later round and I don't know if this has any bearing on this year, but I thought I'd let you all know. 

 

I think that was a wait-list situation, someone on the forum got accepted from wait-list in August last year too. However, I've never heard of UofT not sending initial decisions later than April they are usually good on their word 

[LP3]

Congrats to everyone who has gotten in!!!

 

I am wondering if anyone can tell me about U of T's MSW. I found info online about the streams of study, but can't find anything about fees or program structuring. What does the part-time MSW look like, and has anyone done it here? When is the next application deadline for it?

 

Thanks in advance!!

[nugget]

Hi LP3,

 

I did a quick google search and found the fees on table 47:

 

http://www.fees.utoronto.ca/Assets/Student+Accounts+Digital+Assets/14+15+Schedules/14+15+SGS+dom.pdf

 

Deadlines are here:

 

http://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/prospectivestudents/Pages/Programs/Social-Work.aspx

 

Since the current application season isn't over yet, next year's dates haven't been posted yet. But at most universities they typically stay the same (or there might be slight adjustments due to the new calendar year).

 

There's some program info here under the social work section (p480) in terms of program requirements: 

 

http://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/Documents/2014-2015+SGS+Calendar.pdf

 

Some university search engines aren't as user friendly as others (this is not a commentary on UofT's as I generally don't use it). I find that google.com can be useful in those times - just type in the name of the uni, MSW, and some key search words (ie: fees, etc).

 

Hope that helps. Good luck.

[LP3]

Thanks for your help! I've been sifting through the FSW site for a while and was unsuccessful. I knew this forum would help me out!

[wishingonuoft]

Congrats to everyone who has gotten in!!!

 

I am wondering if anyone can tell me about U of T's MSW. I found info online about the streams of study, but can't find anything about fees or program structuring. What does the part-time MSW look like, and has anyone done it here? When is the next application deadline for it?

 

Thanks in advance!!

 

In terms of program structuring--some stuff I've been told from someone currently in the 2 year (that may not be clearly stated on the site, and also are based exclusively off of what the student told me):

 

- No exams

-Each course has ~2 assignments that make up the entire course load (about 10 courses the first year)

- First year practicum can either be taken in Winter or Summer, however selection is completely random so you select your top choices for placement and then it's a draw for who gets it

- Tuition can be paid in a lump sum in the Fall or have partial deferral for student loans and is approximately 11k/year

-In second year you declare your specialization (no specialization quota, for example if all 140 students declare mental health and health as their speciality they all get it)

 

I have no idea about the part-time program. From what I heard in the information session I attended, it is HIGHLY competitive to get a part-time spot (like under 15 spots), so it's a bigger risk. Not sure about the structure of the program for part-timers, but I would recommend emailing Terry Gardiner (he is responsible for student outreach and runs the info sessions for FIFSW). He is an amazing resource, I literally started emailing him questions about the program 3 years ago and he has always been super helpful with any and all questions.

 

Hope that helps!

[sunshinerain]

Hi everyone,

I am currently waiting for an answer. My sgs account still says under review .I've also checked my mailbox religiously last week. I am anxious like everyone else and I hope to get some response this week..I want to know what everyone who is still waiting what there PLAN B is? If one is rejected, what is your other plans? I will be devastated if I do get rejected, but I am thinking of working as my plan B.

[Franki]

I've been following this thread and it's been enlightening so I'm now joining in. I applied for 2-year U of T and York (still waiting!). I noticed people who got into U of T and York have several years of experience in social service-related fields--was this all full-time paid work? Is it all direct contact with patients/clients or can it be research related? I'm trying to figure out a plan B myself if I don't get in and want to re-apply to either of the Toronto schools. I'm wondering what type of job I should look for, what's feasible to get. It seems that many jobs in the social services require you to have a BSW or MSW, or they require years of experience in the first place! I feel trapped and wonder what type of jobs one can get without these degrees. I do have an undergrad and masters in psychology/science (and therefore years of research experience), and volunteer experiences in mental health/disability support services. Does that get me anywhere? I'd appreciate anyone similar sharing their experiences in the social services workforce!

[b39]

Hi everyone,

I am currently waiting for an answer. My sgs account still says under review .I've also checked my mailbox religiously last week. I am anxious like everyone else and I hope to get some response this week..I want to know what everyone who is still waiting what there PLAN B is? If one is rejected, what is your other plans? I will be devastated if I do get rejected, but I am thinking of working as my plan B.

 

Hey there, 

 

I am currently trying to think up a plan B as well. Last year I was wait-listed at UofT and ultimately rejected, my plan B last year was take 6 months to volunteer as much as possible until the next application was due to boost my application. I volunteered in 3 positions and I got a part time job as a research assistant. It was incredibly hard financially but ultimately it has helped me with not only applications but also job searching. 

 

This year is a different situation, I can't afford not to work anymore so I am under serious pressure to find a full time job to start making money and finding work in the field, or even somewhat relevant field with a BA is incredibly difficult. On top of that my partner is moving to a different city for a dream job, a city that has even less opportunity than Toronto

 

Ironically, I feel less confident this year with my application. I really hope I get in but I am preparing for the worst and contemplating whether to re-apply for 2016. I might just take a year or two assuming I can find full time work, and wait then reapply. This process has really taken a lot out of me emotionally as I am sure many multiple time applicants can relate.

[wishingonuoft]

I've been following this thread and it's been enlightening so I'm now joining in. I applied for 2-year U of T and York (still waiting!). I noticed people who got into U of T and York have several years of experience in social service-related fields--was this all full-time paid work? Is it all direct contact with patients/clients or can it be research related? I'm trying to figure out a plan B myself if I don't get in and want to re-apply to either of the Toronto schools. I'm wondering what type of job I should look for, what's feasible to get. It seems that many jobs in the social services require you to have a BSW or MSW, or they require years of experience in the first place! I feel trapped and wonder what type of jobs one can get without these degrees. I do have an undergrad and masters in psychology/science (and therefore years of research experience), and volunteer experiences in mental health/disability support services. Does that get me anywhere? I'd appreciate anyone similar sharing their experiences in the social services workforce!

 

Hey Franki! I have personally worked directly with clients in  various settings but it has not explicitly been "social service work", similar to you it has been mostly mental health support and I have worked on some larger projects related to mental health policy. All of my work has been part-time and voluntary. It sounds like you have some wonderful experience and having a Masters that has involved a lot of research is great considering U of T's focus on research. In terms of jobs I also found when browsing that the job market in social services very much favours those with social work degrees, but I imagine the fact that you have education beyond that of a BA in addition to your experience will only make you a more competitive applicant for them. Wishing you the best and hoping you get some good news in the coming weeks!

[Fenris70]

My plan B is to go get my Social Service Worker diploma from a college as well as volunteer. Then I'll keep volunteering and hopefully have a job through the connections I make in the program (or at least any job and then just volunteer in relevant areas) and then in two to three years I'll re-apply again. That's my Plan B. I don't see myself being able to afford to keep applying every year so I'll take a few years to strengthen my experiences and then re-apply when I am more confident.

[soapaddict]

Does anyone know the program structuring for MSW program at York?

[chasethecat]

So according to the previous threads, it looks like Laurier sent out the first acceptance emails for the 2-year program on March 22nd the past two years...I'm really hoping that means that we'll start hearing news tomorrow! And I recently found out that my job is ending in a few months, so I have no idea what my plan B will be if I don't get in this year. :/

[Guest]

I've been following this thread and it's been enlightening so I'm now joining in. I applied for 2-year U of T and York (still waiting!). I noticed people who got into U of T and York have several years of experience in social service-related fields--was this all full-time paid work? Is it all direct contact with patients/clients or can it be research related? I'm trying to figure out a plan B myself if I don't get in and want to re-apply to either of the Toronto schools. I'm wondering what type of job I should look for, what's feasible to get. It seems that many jobs in the social services require you to have a BSW or MSW, or they require years of experience in the first place! I feel trapped and wonder what type of jobs one can get without these degrees. I do have an undergrad and masters in psychology/science (and therefore years of research experience), and volunteer experiences in mental health/disability support services. Does that get me anywhere? I'd appreciate anyone similar sharing their experiences in the social services workforce!

 

Yeah, it can be really difficult to find a job in the field, I have a professional undergrad degree in child and youth care and it's hard. One place where I am working now that DOESN'T require something that is directly human services is the shelter system. Myself and a few of my colleagues have human services degrees/diplomas such as child and youth care/work or social work undergrads, but others have sociology or criminology and things that are applicable like yours, but not specifically service training. So the shelter system may be a good place for you to look, especially if you're in an urban area that has lots of shelter beds. It will obviously depend on the shelter whether a non-service/professional degree will get you in, but there are lots that would hire someone with your qualifications.

[Social Work 93]

Hi everyone,

I am currently waiting for an answer. My sgs account still says under review .I've also checked my mailbox religiously last week. I am anxious like everyone else and I hope to get some response this week..I want to know what everyone who is still waiting what there PLAN B is? If one is rejected, what is your other plans? I will be devastated if I do get rejected, but I am thinking of working as my plan B.

 

My plan B is taking more undergraduate courses to boost my GPA and reapply next year. 

[Social Work 93]

So according to the previous threads, it looks like Laurier sent out the first acceptance emails for the 2-year program on March 22nd the past two years...I'm really hoping that means that we'll start hearing news tomorrow! And I recently found out that my job is ending in a few months, so I have no idea what my plan B will be if I don't get in this year. :/

 

OMG I hope we hear tomorrow im so nervous and excited! 

[Social Work 93]

I've been following this thread and it's been enlightening so I'm now joining in. I applied for 2-year U of T and York (still waiting!). I noticed people who got into U of T and York have several years of experience in social service-related fields--was this all full-time paid work? Is it all direct contact with patients/clients or can it be research related? I'm trying to figure out a plan B myself if I don't get in and want to re-apply to either of the Toronto schools. I'm wondering what type of job I should look for, what's feasible to get. It seems that many jobs in the social services require you to have a BSW or MSW, or they require years of experience in the first place! I feel trapped and wonder what type of jobs one can get without these degrees. I do have an undergrad and masters in psychology/science (and therefore years of research experience), and volunteer experiences in mental health/disability support services. Does that get me anywhere? I'd appreciate anyone similar sharing their experiences in the social services workforce!

 

I volunteer part time at The Childrens Aid Society Toronto - North York Branch. I also volunteer at Community Living Toronto for adults with intellectual disabilities. I would strongly recommend finding a "Community Living" and volunteering there as it is a lot of fun, they generally always look for volunteers, and it looks good on your resume/CV. 

[Bettyg]

Hi everyone,

I am currently waiting for an answer. My sgs account still says under review .I've also checked my mailbox religiously last week. I am anxious like everyone else and I hope to get some response this week..I want to know what everyone who is still waiting what there PLAN B is? If one is rejected, what is your other plans? I will be devastated if I do get rejected, but I am thinking of working as my plan B.

 

 

 

I am reallyyyy struggling with my plan B at the moment. I am currently living abroad but my work visa expires in June so no matter what happens, I can't continue with what I am doing and I have to pack up and move within 2.5 months of hearing back from the schools. I have no idea what I want to do. I think my weakness in my application is definitely my grades. I have been lucky to have a year's full time paid experience in front line child protection in a social work role, 2 summers of paid experience at CAS and plenty of direct volunteer experience in a few different agencies. I also had 2 relevant practicums in my undergrad. So I think if I dont get in, it will be down to grades and the fact that I have no research experience. Those are 2 things I dont really know how to improve to be honest .

 

 

What I really would like to do for the next year is move to Thailand or South korea to teach English as I have a few friends doing it right now and they highly recommend the experience. But I dont think that will add anything to an MSW application. So really I need to decide if I want to focus on my own personal goals of travel and seeing the world, or my career goals, which would mean moving back to Ontario and working while trying to figure out how to improve my grades. I've been really losing sleep over this decision I really hope to hear back ASAP so I can really weigh out my options and make a choice. 

[purplegrey]

This application process has been extremely stressful for me. For some reason I'm just not coping well at all with all this waiting + everything else going on in my life, so I decided that if I get rejected I will take time to take care of myself. My work contract ends in August so I'll see if they want to renew it and if so, I'm going to work at my boring job and take Italian, painting, and hot yoga courses. I will also take the time to read novels that I want to read and enjoy. I probably won't start volunteering again until September. I really just want/need to focus on myself for once. Additionally, since my lease is ending on April 30th, I'm going to live with my in-laws for the summer until I figure out the situation with these applications (since I'm waitlisted at Carleton). If I don't get in, September 1st I'm signing a lease with my partner in Montreal and, as I said previously, work at my current job or find a new one.  

 

So basically the point is to self-care and do things that I haven't had the chance to do because I've been in school my whole life. I am secretly kind of excited for this plan B. I'm starting to fear that I won't be mentally able to take on another two years of school even though I will be completely crushed and devastated if I'm not accepted anywhere. 

 

Fingers crossed - it's a new week. Hopefully we get some news  

 

Hi everyone,

I am currently waiting for an answer. My sgs account still says under review .I've also checked my mailbox religiously last week. I am anxious like everyone else and I hope to get some response this week..I want to know what everyone who is still waiting what there PLAN B is? If one is rejected, what is your other plans? I will be devastated if I do get rejected, but I am thinking of working as my plan B.

[nutella14]

Does anyone know the program structuring for MSW program at York?

 

 

soapaddict, see the link below.. the two year program is five semesters (2 years, including the summer in between) and it looks like all classes are in-person. there are two practicum placements and a mandatory practice-based research paper.

 

http://socialwork.gradstudies.yorku.ca/msw/msw-program-structure/ 

[AMetallo]

Really hoping we hear something this week!