Canadian Universities MSW. The waiting game 2016 admissions

[MSW/MEd]

8 hours ago, rabschaud said:

Congrats to everyone who got in! Must be such an amazing feeling.

I only applied to UofT's 2 year MSW program (not in yet). I only want to do clinical social work, and I know UofT and UBC offer the 2 year programs for it. Anyone know of any other universities that have this program without requiring a BSW?

Also, I think I might not get in to UofT this year because I have about 3 years of relevant experience, and I feel as though everyone else had a lot more. Anyone have any pointers on paid work in social services I can do in my gap year (with a B.A.) to gain experience? Thanks!

I'm not sure if UofT is actually super clinical (they do have the mental health stream), some other clinical schools are Calgary and Laurier. 

Good Luck!

[SamSat]

8 hours ago, rockerelmo said:

Hi SamSat, hold your head high and keep moving forward! Is your interest in gerontology social work? (Drawing from your long-term care home experience) I followed my passion to fight for social justice as an organizer for two vigorous political campaigns, aside from working full-time at the same time at a nonprofit organization for 4.5 years. I also spent 6 months upgrading my GPA so I can be competitive enough to apply to grad school. 

I'd say find your interest and passion, keep doing what you love and the admissions will see that in your application. I'd also advise you to spend quality time on writing the application entrance essays, because they are crucial for a holistic evaluation of your application. Make sure your story is consistent, your vision and your goals are consistent, also that your referees all tell the same story as well. You'd want a consistent application that clearly shows this is who you are, why you want to pursue social work, and what you will do with it. 

But all that aside, who knows, you might have got in this year  

Hi rockerelmo, thanks for the guidance and encouragement!! While my experience has been mostly in gerontology, I think the broader theme in my interests has been mental health issues that systemically exist in some vulnerable groups of the population (I guess I have been most exposed to these issues among the elderly, and university students as well through my advocacy experience in my undergrad).

However, something that is probably of the most interest to me is working with newcomers, immigrants, and refugees. I immigrated to Canada a few years ago, and my parents have followed this year, and I am very aware of the barriers that immigrants face in assimilating to society here (especially in terms of their desirability as job candidates), despite Canada being such a welcoming country. I also think immigrants are a vulnerable group more susceptible to mental health issues, and I am currently doing a research paper that explores why for my online social stats course (which I chose to do to better my chances of getting into the MSW program). It is the topic that I naturally gravitated towards and I am keen on complementing my personal experiences with some solid volunteer/ work experience in this field.

I am currently working full time in business, having studied commerce in my undergrad (I graduated last year). I am contemplating leaving my job if I don't get into the MSW, and racking up relevant volunteer and paid experience (not to mention just gain valuable insights into social issues in Canada), so that I can re-apply next year. The thing that worries me though is that I definitely want my application to have a strong theme, but if I pursue the immigrant/ newcomer field (either through paid or volunteer), will that be too narrow of a field? And sorry for my lack of  knowledge, but are social workers really in demand in that line of work? I'm not sure what kind of work a social worker would do with refugees/ newcomers, and  I don't see a specialist that would tie to it in either Laurier or U of T's degrees. 

Alternatively I could continue to focus on gerontology, which I guess is a safer choice and not something that completely evades my interest by any means, in order to have my experience be more consistent?

Would love any thoughts anyone has  

[SamSat]

Does anyone else see this on their LORIS page? A bit confused about why my registration status is showing "full time" when I haven't heard anything back yet.. I'm sure it's just what it says for everyone, but I just want to make sure. 

 

[MSW-UofT]

1 minute ago, SamSat said:

Does anyone else see this on their LORIS page? A bit confused about why my registration status is showing "full time" when I haven't heard anything back yet.. I'm sure it's just what it says for everyone, but I just want to make sure. 

 

It looks very much like you were accepted. Sometimes the system update before u hear anything.

[Sarah Erwin]

1 minute ago, MSW-UofT said:

It looks very much like you were accepted. Sometimes the system update before u hear anything.

I don't think you can tell on Loris, Mine has appeared exactly the same way since my application was submitted to Laurier!

[CalendarGirl]

1 minute ago, MSW-UofT said:

It looks very much like you were accepted. Sometimes the system update before u hear anything.

I don't want to be a downer Samsat but mine says the same... and it has for months! Is this a new occurrence on your page? from what I have heard, they update that page with the references on it, it will no longer have references it will just have an acceptance letter

[SamSat]

2 minutes ago, CalendarGirl said:

I don't want to be a downer Samsat but mine says the same... and it has for months! Is this a new occurrence on your page? from what I have heard, they update that page with the references on it, it will no longer have references it will just have an acceptance letter

 

2 minutes ago, Sarah Erwin said:

I don't think you can tell on Loris, Mine has appeared exactly the same way since my application was submitted to Laurier!

 

4 minutes ago, MSW-UofT said:

It looks very much like you were accepted. Sometimes the system update before u hear anything.

Thanks guys for the quick reply!! No I have not seen any changes on the page, so I guess it's back to waiting! 

[CalendarGirl]

2 minutes ago, SamSat said:

 

 

Thanks guys for the quick reply!! No I have not seen any changes on the page, so I guess it's back to waiting! 

OMG JUST TELL US ALREADY!!! hahahaha my heart jumps everytime someone talks about laurier on here!! haha... ughughughuguhguhuguh. it is not fair to make people who are this passionate and eager wait. I really think we will hear friday-monday... or tomorrow-friday. In previous years they always hear april 1st-2nd

Edited March 30, 2016 by CalendarGirl

[CalendarGirl]

any news guys?!!ugh, haha

[msw007]

15 minutes ago, CalendarGirl said:

any news guys?!!ugh, haha

NOTHING

[Cassmo]

3 hours ago, SamSat said:

Does anyone else see this on their LORIS page? A bit confused about why my registration status is showing "full time" when I haven't heard anything back yet.. I'm sure it's just what it says for everyone, but I just want to make sure. 

 

Hi SamSat,

Mine says that too and I too have not heard back.

[Sarah Erwin]

On 3/29/2016 at 2:26 PM, chelsealion said:

It was for the two year program. I received an offer of admission by e-mail, and MyFile was also updated. Good luck to all who applied!

 

So sorry to bug you about this, but what time did you hear yesterday? haha, wondering if they maybe have a time of day they usually submit these

[NB_MSW2016]

16 hours ago, rabschaud said:

Congrats to everyone who got in! Must be such an amazing feeling.

I only applied to UofT's 2 year MSW program (not in yet). I only want to do clinical social work, and I know UofT and UBC offer the 2 year programs for it. Anyone know of any other universities that have this program without requiring a BSW?

Also, I think I might not get in to UofT this year because I have about 3 years of relevant experience, and I feel as though everyone else had a lot more. Anyone have any pointers on paid work in social services I can do in my gap year (with a B.A.) to gain experience? Thanks!

Hi rabschaud, 

3 years of relevant experience is nothing to sneeze at! Don't count yourself out yet. I had no real experience and I got in ... so keep your head up! 

If you do end up doing a gap year maybe you could seek out employment as an RA? Depending on what your background is, that is. I've heard that U of T places high value on research experience (which I assume is the main reason I was admitted) so contributing to clinical research could work in your favour. 

Good luck and I will cross my fingers for you!

[CalendarGirl]

come on Laurier, come be my friend!!!

[rockerelmo]

7 hours ago, SamSat said:

Hi rockerelmo, thanks for the guidance and encouragement!! While my experience has been mostly in gerontology, I think the broader theme in my interests has been mental health issues that systemically exist in some vulnerable groups of the population (I guess I have been most exposed to these issues among the elderly, and university students as well through my advocacy experience in my undergrad).

However, something that is probably of the most interest to me is working with newcomers, immigrants, and refugees. I immigrated to Canada a few years ago, and my parents have followed this year, and I am very aware of the barriers that immigrants face in assimilating to society here (especially in terms of their desirability as job candidates), despite Canada being such a welcoming country. I also think immigrants are a vulnerable group more susceptible to mental health issues, and I am currently doing a research paper that explores why for my online social stats course (which I chose to do to better my chances of getting into the MSW program). It is the topic that I naturally gravitated towards and I am keen on complementing my personal experiences with some solid volunteer/ work experience in this field.

I am currently working full time in business, having studied commerce in my undergrad (I graduated last year). I am contemplating leaving my job if I don't get into the MSW, and racking up relevant volunteer and paid experience (not to mention just gain valuable insights into social issues in Canada), so that I can re-apply next year. The thing that worries me though is that I definitely want my application to have a strong theme, but if I pursue the immigrant/ newcomer field (either through paid or volunteer), will that be too narrow of a field? And sorry for my lack of  knowledge, but are social workers really in demand in that line of work? I'm not sure what kind of work a social worker would do with refugees/ newcomers, and  I don't see a specialist that would tie to it in either Laurier or U of T's degrees. 

Alternatively I could continue to focus on gerontology, which I guess is a safer choice and not something that completely evades my interest by any means, in order to have my experience be more consistent?

Would love any thoughts anyone has  

Hey SamSat, no problem  I cannot speak on behalf of the admissions committee of what they look for, but do take in mind that people with a variety of experience had got accepted! I think your experience sounds great. That's funny, because I worked for an immigrant serving agency for 4.5 years before this, and I am interested in newcomer experiences and systemic barriers for newcomers. Social workers are settlement counsellors for newcomers to Canada. Where I used to work, they were the frontline workers of the agency, so there is a need. But I'm not sure of the stats of employment rate. If you'd like to learn more about what they do, I'd suggest you calling COSTI Immigrant Services and ask to speak or meet their counsellors to learn more. Right now they are busy with Syrian refugees, in order to find them living space, as a lot of them are still living in hotels. What you choose is ultimate up to you, you know what's best! As long as you are consistent with your story and how you present yourself, the admissions will see how your specialty will shine through. 

[cansocialworkr]

Hey advanced standing MSW waitlisters, there be hope! I was accepted to Ryerson in early March and waitlisted at York and U f T. In the past week, I received offers from both of them. So they're moving through the waitlists, your time will come!

[sosocialworker]

7 hours ago, SamSat said:

Hi rockerelmo, thanks for the guidance and encouragement!! While my experience has been mostly in gerontology, I think the broader theme in my interests has been mental health issues that systemically exist in some vulnerable groups of the population (I guess I have been most exposed to these issues among the elderly, and university students as well through my advocacy experience in my undergrad).

However, something that is probably of the most interest to me is working with newcomers, immigrants, and refugees. I immigrated to Canada a few years ago, and my parents have followed this year, and I am very aware of the barriers that immigrants face in assimilating to society here (especially in terms of their desirability as job candidates), despite Canada being such a welcoming country. I also think immigrants are a vulnerable group more susceptible to mental health issues, and I am currently doing a research paper that explores why for my online social stats course (which I chose to do to better my chances of getting into the MSW program). It is the topic that I naturally gravitated towards and I am keen on complementing my personal experiences with some solid volunteer/ work experience in this field.

I am currently working full time in business, having studied commerce in my undergrad (I graduated last year). I am contemplating leaving my job if I don't get into the MSW, and racking up relevant volunteer and paid experience (not to mention just gain valuable insights into social issues in Canada), so that I can re-apply next year. The thing that worries me though is that I definitely want my application to have a strong theme, but if I pursue the immigrant/ newcomer field (either through paid or volunteer), will that be too narrow of a field? And sorry for my lack of  knowledge, but are social workers really in demand in that line of work? I'm not sure what kind of work a social worker would do with refugees/ newcomers, and  I don't see a specialist that would tie to it in either Laurier or U of T's degrees. 

Alternatively I could continue to focus on gerontology, which I guess is a safer choice and not something that completely evades my interest by any means, in order to have my experience be more consistent?

Would love any thoughts anyone has  

Hey check out indeed.ca and search immigration for toronto. There's a ton of jobs currently available to help with greater housing, employment ore even with working on ending discrimination for immigrants. It's a great focus and there are many people who want to work on creating more inclusive mental health organizations. And if you are fluent in other languages you will thrive!

[MSW-UofT]

5 minutes ago, cansocialworkr said:

Hey advanced standing MSW waitlisters, there be hope! I was accepted to Ryerson in early March and waitlisted at York and U f T. In the past week, I received offers from both of them. So they're moving through the waitlists, your time will come!

Is this for this year or last year and when did uoft call you to tell you you are offered a spot?. 

[Bettyg]

hi all, 

i found out today i was accepted to Toronto's 2 year program. the letter was dated march 28. 

 

To everyone still waiting.... please don't let this get to you too hard. i applied to 3 schools last year and was rejected from all of them and spent weeks hating myself. in the end, the timing just wasn't right for me, and i worked to improve my application and my references and now it looks like it's the right time. don't give up hope yet as last year we were still getting results well into april, but if it turns out this isn't your year, don't let it change how you feel about yourself! sorry if this message sounds super condescending, i just know how awful it was checking this forum last year watching others get accepted and i hope other people don't feel as negative as i did!! good luck everyone!!!

[Bettyg]

Is there a facebook group set up for u of t yet? i haven't been following the thread this year and theres so many posts to look through! i have a silly question about housing i wanted to ask. 

[2016_MSW_UoT]

15 minutes ago, Bettyg said:

hi all, 

i found out today i was accepted to Toronto's 2 year program. the letter was dated march 28. 

 

To everyone still waiting.... please don't let this get to you too hard. i applied to 3 schools last year and was rejected from all of them and spent weeks hating myself. in the end, the timing just wasn't right for me, and i worked to improve my application and my references and now it looks like it's the right time. don't give up hope yet as last year we were still getting results well into april, but if it turns out this isn't your year, don't let it change how you feel about yourself! sorry if this message sounds super condescending, i just know how awful it was checking this forum last year watching others get accepted and i hope other people don't feel as negative as i did!! good luck everyone!!!

Hey! Thanks for this support. 

Can I ask, between March 28th and receiving your letter today, what did your online accounts (SGS and ROSI) say? 

[CalendarGirl]

I have been accepted to Waterloo for a 1.5 year BSW program. I am feeling a little down about likely being rejected by Laurier ( I know I should be positive, but its hard sometimes haha) Can anyone share some experiences of studying social work in a BSW? Was it worth the experience? Did you feel you gained from it? Honestly, social work is my path, I am in love with everything about the career. I want to learn more about it, so  I am pretty confident that I will accept this offer if I get declined from Laurier. But just wanted some feedback

[phd2msw]

10 minutes ago, CalendarGirl said:

I have been accepted to Waterloo for a 1.5 year BSW program. I am feeling a little down about likely being rejected by Laurier ( I know I should be positive, but its hard sometimes haha) Can anyone share some experiences of studying social work in a BSW? Was it worth the experience? Did you feel you gained from it? Honestly, social work is my path, I am in love with everything about the career. I want to learn more about it, so  I am pretty confident that I will accept this offer if I get declined from Laurier. But just wanted some feedback

Hey congrats. I will be applying there if I don't get in anywhere this year, hopefully to begin in Jan 2017. So let me know how it goes if you end up accepting

[Bettyg]

17 minutes ago, 2016_MSW_UoT said:

Hey! Thanks for this support. 

Can I ask, between March 28th and receiving your letter today, what did your online accounts (SGS and ROSI) say? 

My SGS still says pending. I haven't checked ROSI yet, I dont know how to do that actually. I dont physically have the letter (it was sent to my moms house) so I dont have my student number etc. 

[CalendarGirl]

3 minutes ago, phd2msw said:

Hey congrats. I will be applying there if I don't get in anywhere this year, hopefully to begin in Jan 2017. So let me know how it goes if you end up accepting

Hey thank you!!

I actually went and spoke to one of the coordinators at Waterloo and they seem so nice and caring!! The program is super small and they work really hard to find you a great placement! (also a great place to get good references I assume, that relate to the field of social work)

What do you see as the pros to taking a bsw? I am just trying to weigh the pros and cons!