Canadian Universities MSW. The waiting game 2017 admissions

[tnt92]

19 hours ago, KharoSc said:

Hello everyone!

First off, sorry for my poor english grammar, I am a francophone.

Like it is mentioned in my profile, I am applying this year to start a MSW next fall. I already have a clear topic in mind, something that I've been interested in for a long time and for which I do have work experience as well. One major aspect of my research topic is related to indigenous peoples. I am not indigenous myself although I am a woman of color and have faced racism and discrimination throughout my entire life.

But for many months before sending my application, I was facing a dilemma. I felt like an imposteur to be wanting to study this topic. And I was concerned about reproducing colonial schemas by doing this research as an outsider. I am very well aware of the relationship between Western researchers and indigenous peoples. Especially when it comes to social work and indigenous peoples.

I've come to terms that it was "okay" for me to research this topic when a proeminent indigenous activist told me that I am on the right track because I am questionning myself and my positionality in regards to this population. I've also begun to do volunteer work with indigenous peoples in order for me to "give something back" to the community, build a stronger relationship with them and not just "take information for my research topic".

My potential supervisor is also non-indigenous. But she guarantees me work as a research assistant throughout my entire MSW studies. I have a great relationship with her and have been since the beginning of my undergraduate studies. I've worked for her before as well as a research assistant and I really like her clear approach and she is extremely available for students. Additionally, I feel comfortable in my current university and have always received tremendous support from the faculty and the school.

For my MSW, I applied to another university, where there is actually an indigenous researcher that has accepted me as a supervisee. But I have never worked with her before, she will be on sabbatical leave when I'll come to the university also. But she is an expert on indigenous peoples and is indigenous herself. But I am worried because she will be gone when I will be starting my MSW.

Has anyone been in these types of situations? How did you come to terms with researching on a specific community while being an outsider to that community?

 

Hi KharoSo:

In regards to working with/inside of a specific community while being an outsider, I can let you know a bit about my experience. I am a woman of colour as well, and have been working and living in (because it is a fly-in only community) a First Nations reserve. Children are very blunt, and when myself and my colleagues first arrived they were very open about feeling that we were only there for the money and just wanted the experience on our resume. I am sure many adults felt this way as well, but were polite about it. What helped tremendously was getting involved in the community and forming friendships with them outside of my job. We joined their volleyball teams, helped volunteering and fundraising, hosted potlucks. It was also very telling that, when offered another contract to work here despite all the hardships, I chose to come back (boil water advisory, lack of access to nutritious foods, expensive to fly in and out for holidays/breaks, aside from all the social issues in this community). 

I think what has helped me most working here was being very honest with the community about my intentions and who I am as a person. Not misleading them about my intentions because that will lead to letting them down (e.g. saying you'll come back for a second year but then do not). I've been very open with letting my friends and employers know about my intention to achieve an MSW, but that I hope we continue our strong friendships. The best advice I could give would be to put your heart into the community you work with, do not go in there as just a researcher, but go in as an individual willing to share your time, experiences, and passion with them.

[KharoSc]

8 hours ago, tnt92 said:

Hi KharoSo:

In regards to working with/inside of a specific community while being an outsider, I can let you know a bit about my experience. I am a woman of colour as well, and have been working and living in (because it is a fly-in only community) a First Nations reserve. Children are very blunt, and when myself and my colleagues first arrived they were very open about feeling that we were only there for the money and just wanted the experience on our resume. I am sure many adults felt this way as well, but were polite about it. What helped tremendously was getting involved in the community and forming friendships with them outside of my job. We joined their volleyball teams, helped volunteering and fundraising, hosted potlucks. It was also very telling that, when offered another contract to work here despite all the hardships, I chose to come back (boil water advisory, lack of access to nutritious foods, expensive to fly in and out for holidays/breaks, aside from all the social issues in this community). 

I think what has helped me most working here was being very honest with the community about my intentions and who I am as a person. Not misleading them about my intentions because that will lead to letting them down (e.g. saying you'll come back for a second year but then do not). I've been very open with letting my friends and employers know about my intention to achieve an MSW, but that I hope we continue our strong friendships. The best advice I could give would be to put your heart into the community you work with, do not go in there as just a researcher, but go in as an individual willing to share your time, experiences, and passion with them.

Hello! Thank you so much for your reply. It makes perfect sense. I will try to apply it. I can't wait to see if I am going to be admitted to the MSW!

I feel so passionate about social work. I am also participating in my first scientific congress as a student-researcher later this year especially on my research topic. I will be competing for a student researcher prize for a poster that I am planning to make with my potential supervisor and another collegue from a community-based organization. We'll see what happens

 

 

[c.dizzle]

so im planning on dropping a course without it showing on my transcript, but would that affect my chances of getting in?... since ive stated in my application that i was taking the course?

 

[sososocialwork]

7 hours ago, c.dizzle said:

so im planning on dropping a course without it showing on my transcript, but would that affect my chances of getting in?... since ive stated in my application that i was taking the course?

 

I did this, then asked U of T what to do about it. They said to send in an updated transcript ASAP. Hope this helps!

[nicoleMSW]

2 year u of t applicants! I know a couple of us didn't have "under review" stated on their applications yet but... my status finally changed! So exciting/scary!!

[Hopeful18]

Anyone else feel like their life is in limbo while they are waiting to find out if they are accepted?  I don't know whether I should be looking for a full time job or planning for another year of school.

[nicoleMSW]

15 minutes ago, Hopeful18 said:

Anyone else feel like their life is in limbo while they are waiting to find out if they are accepted?  I don't know whether I should be looking for a full time job or planning for another year of school.

I completely agree! I tried to make a dentist appointment for September, but they only had weekdays left and I had a mini freak out because I realized I couldn't even plan an appointment because I have no idea if I'll be living at home or out of the city, in school or at a job... Feels weird being so unsure about everything 

[c.dizzle]

7 hours ago, sososocialwork said:

I did this, then asked U of T what to do about it. They said to send in an updated transcript ASAP. Hope this helps!

thanks so much! did you send it to Angela?

[Hopeful18]

3 hours ago, nicoleMSW said:

I completely agree! I tried to make a dentist appointment for September, but they only had weekdays left and I had a mini freak out because I realized I couldn't even plan an appointment because I have no idea if I'll be living at home or out of the city, in school or at a job... Feels weird being so unsure about everything 

I hear ya

[MSW&MD]

Hello forum members:

Please take a moment of silence and remember six innocent Canadians who were killed during Quebec City terrorist attack today due to hideous racially motivated cause ; and please take sometime to reflect on your social work values and beliefs. Why do you choose this noble profession? Is it because you believe in social justice and advocate for those who are racially/religiously/economically/sexually  oppressed? Is it because you wholeheartedly respect the inherent value of every human life regardless of their skin colors, sexual orientation and religious beliefs ? or is it because you want to obtain a stable, middle class job in a healthcare institution/government agency and eventually promote to a junior management position? or perhaps operate a private clinic to compete with psychologists, psychotherapists and mental health counselors in the insurance-covered  market? 

Whatever goals that you intend to achieve in this profession after completing MSW,  I sincerely hope that before we jumping on the neo-liberal ,bio-medical bandwagon ,we can remember the ethical foundations of social work which make our profession so unique and commendable.  

Good luck to everyone!

[tnt92]

16 hours ago, nicoleMSW said:

I completely agree! I tried to make a dentist appointment for September, but they only had weekdays left and I had a mini freak out because I realized I couldn't even plan an appointment because I have no idea if I'll be living at home or out of the city, in school or at a job... Feels weird being so unsure about everything 

Can totally relate. Hang in there!! 5 weeks to go before admissions for 2 year programs start rolling out!! 

[sososocialwork]

19 hours ago, c.dizzle said:

thanks so much! did you send it to Angela?

Yes! I sent her an electronic unofficial copy and ordered a new official copy. 

[nicoleMSW]

6 hours ago, tnt92 said:

Can totally relate. Hang in there!! 5 weeks to go before admissions for 2 year programs start rolling out!! 

When you say it like that it sounds so close!  Almost there! 

[ssbbaker]

On 1/30/2017 at 3:23 PM, Hopeful18 said:

Anyone else feel like their life is in limbo while they are waiting to find out if they are accepted?  I don't know whether I should be looking for a full time job or planning for another year of school.

Yesss I hate the uncertainty. I'd be moving provinces so I don't want to get my hopes up by starting to look for apartments but should I be preparing...?!?!

Also when people start getting acceptances can you post in here? My refresh button has never seen so much action.

[Neekoleigh]

Hey, all, I am not currently applying to any grad programs but I am interested in any input you guys have from these schools if anyone could help me out. In this case, I will be looking into the 2 years MSW program since I am currently studying sociology through Guelph. I am mostly curious about the usual rate of acceptance, I am hoping to have an A- for my last 20 courses of study. My volunteer experience comprises of in-depth experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph and I am also involved in a crisis line and volunteer on my spare time at a retirement home visiting residents. 

University of Windsor 2 Year MSW

Kings University College (Western) 2 Year MSW

Laurier 2 Year MSW

Additionally, I know this isn't a Masters program, but does anyone have insight on the Lakehead 1 year BSW program, I am planning on applying to the above schools and if I am not accepted to hopefully go through the 1-year BSW program and then take another attempt for an MSW after that year.

Looking forward to the responses, thanks in advance everyone!

[Dry_Guy]

55 minutes ago, Neekoleigh said:

Hey, all, I am not currently applying to any grad programs but I am interested in any input you guys have from these schools if anyone could help me out. In this case, I will be looking into the 2 years MSW program since I am currently studying sociology through Guelph. I am mostly curious about the usual rate of acceptance, I am hoping to have an A- for my last 20 courses of study. My volunteer experience comprises of in-depth experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph and I am also involved in a crisis line and volunteer on my spare time at a retirement home visiting residents. 

University of Windsor 2 Year MSW

Kings University College (Western) 2 Year MSW

Laurier 2 Year MSW

Additionally, I know this isn't a Masters program, but does anyone have insight on the Lakehead 1 year BSW program, I am planning on applying to the above schools and if I am not accepted to hopefully go through the 1-year BSW program and then take another attempt for an MSW after that year.

Looking forward to the responses, thanks in advance everyone!

Have you considered transferring your existing credits into a BSW degree? So you can apply to an Advanced Standing program following degree completion. 

Edited February 1, 2017 by Dry_Guy

[Dry_Guy]

Sorry responded to the wrong post

 

Edited February 1, 2017 by Dry_Guy

[nicoleMSW]

4 hours ago, Neekoleigh said:

Hey, all, I am not currently applying to any grad programs but I am interested in any input you guys have from these schools if anyone could help me out. In this case, I will be looking into the 2 years MSW program since I am currently studying sociology through Guelph. I am mostly curious about the usual rate of acceptance, I am hoping to have an A- for my last 20 courses of study. My volunteer experience comprises of in-depth experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph and I am also involved in a crisis line and volunteer on my spare time at a retirement home visiting residents. 

University of Windsor 2 Year MSW

Kings University College (Western) 2 Year MSW

Laurier 2 Year MSW

Additionally, I know this isn't a Masters program, but does anyone have insight on the Lakehead 1 year BSW program, I am planning on applying to the above schools and if I am not accepted to hopefully go through the 1-year BSW program and then take another attempt for an MSW after that year.

Looking forward to the responses, thanks in advance everyone!

Hey!

I am not sure about acceptance rates so I can't really help with that. But I am currently finishing a sociology degree in Guelph too! Of the schools you mentioned, I applied to Western and Laurier, along with U of T and York. I believe that Laurier is one of the top schools in Ontario for social work (I may be wrong so someone please correct me if I am). Either way, just wanted to say hi to a fellow Gryphon! Good luck finishing up your studies.

[Neekoleigh]

2 hours ago, nicoleMSW said:

Hey!

I am not sure about acceptance rates so I can't really help with that. But I am currently finishing a sociology degree in Guelph too! Of the schools you mentioned, I applied to Western and Laurier, along with U of T and York. I believe that Laurier is one of the top schools in Ontario for social work (I may be wrong so someone please correct me if I am). Either way, just wanted to say hi to a fellow Gryphon! Good luck finishing up your studies.

 

Why thank you Nicole! I just want to make sure that I am on the right track at least. I have found it difficult to find volunteer opportunities while also working and doing school but luckily I just heard back from the crisis line! Best of luck, I will always root for another gryphon who wants to make a change!

[Hopeful18]

10 hours ago, ssbbaker said:

Yesss I hate the uncertainty. I'd be moving provinces so I don't want to get my hopes up by starting to look for apartments but should I be preparing...?!?!

Also when people start getting acceptances can you post in here? My refresh button has never seen so much action.

Ha!  My refresh button will be broken soon

At the very top there is a button that says results that you people can post whether they have been accepted or rejected.

[c.dizzle]

On 1/31/2017 at 1:38 PM, sososocialwork said:

Yes! I sent her an electronic unofficial copy and ordered a new official copy. 

okay awesome. I messaged her and this is what she said,

"Hello, 

I am responding to your message.  This is not a problem. If you are admitted, the offer would be conditional on the completion of your final year of your bachelor’s program with a mid-B standing and confirmation of degree conferral. 

Best regards,

 

Angela Umbrello

Administrative Coordinator, Admissions & Programs

Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto"

 

So i just dropped it, nbd. Are you a current uoft student? Im currently at uoft so thats probs why i dont have to send a transcript.

[sososocialwork]

18 hours ago, c.dizzle said:

okay awesome. I messaged her and this is what she said,

"Hello, 

I am responding to your message.  This is not a problem. If you are admitted, the offer would be conditional on the completion of your final year of your bachelor’s program with a mid-B standing and confirmation of degree conferral. 

Best regards,

 

Angela Umbrello

Administrative Coordinator, Admissions & Programs

Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto"

 

So i just dropped it, nbd. Are you a current uoft student? Im currently at uoft so thats probs why i dont have to send a transcript.

yeah that makes sense. I'm not at U of T actually, so that's probably why I had to send in another transcript. I'm assuming they just have access to yours, as you are already there

also I ended up dropping a few courses and taking new ones instead, so they probably wanted to see my transcript for these reasons as well. 

Edited February 3, 2017 by sososocialwork

[MSW&MD]

U of t will start sending out all rejection letters next week, hope none of you will receive it!

[Dry_Guy]

3 hours ago, YWEANG said:

U of t will start sending out all rejection letters next week, hope none of you will receive it!

rejection before acceptance?  

How do you know? Source it.

[moh230]

Got a status update for MSW- 2 years from York. Did not get in, it said "Reviewed/Unsuccessful".  Wasn't thinking I was gonna get it regardless, very competitive as my GPA is average-ish. attached a photo of how it looks like.