Canadian MSW Applicants 2018

[zip]

36 minutes ago, smntoronto said:

Anyone who lives in downtown Toronto - have you received letters from U of T via snail mail?

Just got mine today! Waitlist here we go  

 

[cat_not_kitty]

There with you in solidarity! It's been a long and winding road of almost 20 years for me to get to this point. I returned to finish my undergrad degree 10 years after collapsing under the pressures of young, single motherhood and failing out...my fellow students were around my daughter's age when I finally had the emotional and economic resources to try again. But I wouldn't have it any other way...the depth of my commitment to my studies was built on a foundation of lived experience – the wisdom that comes from struggle, a clear and cohesive sense of my pedagogical/political goals and values, and an embodied understanding of what a privilege it was to be pursuing post-secondary education. I can't believe I'll be pursuing my Master's this fall...

So hope this application season ultimately yields acceptances for all of you!!

2 hours ago, SW Sevante said:

Well I wish you all the best and I can completely relate.  I only applied to Laurier for the exact same reason. It’s so hard when you are older and more established as the process is so much more rigid when you are limited by personal lifestyle factors. Fingers crossed for you. I truly have a lot of respect for other mature applicants as I am one too and completely understand the difficulty in pursuing your ideal career and the the barriers that this can sometimes come along with that. Good luck! 

 

2 hours ago, Emactastic said:

Good luck to you as well! I certainly feel more prepared and ready to pursue my MSW now than I did when I graduated my BSW, but with a husband who has an established career and a toddler at home it limits my choices considerably. I'm remaining optimistic about getting off the waitlist, and if not I will re-apply and apply to some more online programs that I didn't know about for next year. One day I will have my MSW and be able to practice the area of social work where my heart lies.

 

Best of luck to you!

1 hour ago, whatdidigetinto said:

Just wishing you luck.  I'm also older, and limited in where I can go.  But I'm also more prepared now ... honestly because if I'm paying tuition again I am going to seriously apply myself.

Edited March 29, 2018 by cat_not_kitty
Adding whatdidigetinto after continuing to catch up on the thread!

[meerkitty]

Hey All!

I just wanted to chime in the conversation. Long time lurker. I also got accepted earlier this week (I have the 'Invited' on my Acorn account). My last name starts with 'A'. I was previously a student at UofT. I did really badly due to health and mental health issues. My GPA was around 2.4. I did do really well in the research courses, which I know they take into consideration. I decided to do a certificate program at York and did extremely well (8/9 GPA). I applied to UofT Sept 2017, and was put on the waitlist. I was hesitant applying for 2018. I have a lot of volunteer experience in the social services field. I showed a lot of vulnerability in my essay, and showed how I overcame it.

I might sound like a broken record, but don't give up! Don't take rejection as a reflection of your self worth. Work on yourself first. Find inner happiness and strength. It took a while to learn that. I am in a much better place now because I learned the proper tools for self care.

My therapist mentioned to me that they are pretty big on mental health (She has MSW from UofT). Also advised me to get volunteer experience where they train you in counselling (eg. Distress Centre).

 

Edited March 29, 2018 by meerkitty

[Nervousme]

34 minutes ago, meerkitty said:

Hey All!

I just wanted to chime in the conversation. Long time lurker. I also got accepted earlier this week (I have the 'Invited' on my Acorn account). My last name starts with 'A'. I was previously a student at UofT. I did really badly due to health and mental health issues. My GPA was around 2.4. I did do really well in the research courses, which I know they take into consideration. I decided to do a certificate program at York and did extremely well (8/9 GPA). I applied to UofT Sept 2017, and was put on the waitlist. I was hesitant applying for 2018. I have a lot of volunteer experience in the social services field. I showed a lot of vulnerability in my essay, and showed how I overcame it.

I might sound like a broken record, but don't give up! Don't take rejection as a reflection of your self worth. Work on yourself first. Find inner happiness and strength. It took a while to learn that. I am in a much better place now because I learned the proper tools for self care.

My therapist mentioned to me that they are pretty big on mental health (She has MSW from UofT). Also advised me to get volunteer experience where they train you in counselling (eg. Distress Centre).

 

Congratulations! Your dedication, persistence, and passion are encouraging and inspiring, so thank you for that I definitely think that the self-care piece is a very important thing, and something that I will definitely be working on in this year off. What are some tips that you have or experiences that you can share that helped you get through the tough time and through getting waitlisted? 

[Erin32796]

56 minutes ago, zip said:

Just got mine today! Waitlist here we go  

 

I just got my letter from U of T as well. I was placed on the waitlist...They only accepted 130 applicants this year which seems ridiculous to me. Hope some people reject their offers so I can be considered but who knows. :/

[Nervousme]

6 minutes ago, Erin32796 said:

I just got my letter from U of T as well. I was placed on the waitlist...They only accepted 130 applicants this year which seems ridiculous to me. Hope some people reject their offers so I can be considered but who knows. :/

Do you live in Toronto? I live in another city in Ontario and hoping that the letter made it to my mailbox as I don't want to spend the long weekend not knowing did they give any information at all about the waitlist and how many people are on it? Also,  waitlist is a great accomplishment as well, so congratulations and fingers crossed that you get in soon

Edited March 29, 2018 by Nervousme

[Corrina_22]

Does anyone know from personal experience, or from other members of this blog in the past, if the invited status on acorn was not congruent with their letter in the mail? I'm getting nervous to see the letter, but I got the invited on acorn

[Erin32796]

20 minutes ago, Nervousme said:

Do you live in Toronto? I live in another city in Ontario and hoping that the letter made it to my mailbox as I don't want to spend the long weekend not knowing did they give any information at all about the waitlist and how many people are on it? Also,  waitlist is a great accomplishment as well, so congratulations and fingers crossed that you get in soon

Yeah I live in Toronto so thats probably why it came quick. The only thing they said is almost 800 applied and only 130 spots were available. They claim the waitlist is not ranked, and as such they can't disclose any particulars about it. I am glad it isn't a rejection but I cant imagine a lot of people would reject an offer from U of T, so it seems my chances are slim for getting off the waitlist. I appreciate your congratulations though, I was just hoping for an acceptance. 

[Nervousme]

7 minutes ago, Erin32796 said:

Yeah I live in Toronto so thats probably why it came quick. The only thing they said is almost 800 applied and only 130 spots were available. They claim the waitlist is not ranked, and as such they can't disclose any particulars about it. I am glad it isn't a rejection but I cant imagine a lot of people would reject an offer from U of T, so it seems my chances are slim for getting off the waitlist. I appreciate your congratulations though, I was just hoping for an acceptance. 

I'm completely with you there! I don't know whether I've been waitlisted or rejected, but I know that I wasn't accepted so the past couple of days have been a little though did you apply anywhere else? And did you have a plan b in case you don't end up getting off the waitlist (which I'm really crossing my fingers you Do!!)?

[lastsupper]

I was also put on the waitlist for UofT! As much as I can't stand the wait, I'm grateful to at least be considered. 

ETA: I live in Etobicoke, so that's likely why I got it so fast.

Edited March 29, 2018 by lastsupper

[Klara_kay]

Oh man I’m nervous to see if I got a letter when I get home... to those who got a letter that saying waitlisted- is your ACORN updated? Also has anyone received an acceptance letter today who have not had their ACORN change yet? 

Edited March 29, 2018 by Klara_kay

[lastsupper]

5 minutes ago, Klara_kay said:

Oh man I’m nervous to see if I got a letter when I get home... to those who got a letter that saying waitlisted- is your ACORN updated? Also has anyone received an acceptance letter today who have not had their ACORN change yet? 

I got the letter in the mail, but no change on ACORN or the admissions website unfortunately. I have my fingers crossed for you!

[Klara_kay]

5 minutes ago, lastsupper said:

I got the letter in the mail, but no change on ACORN or the admissions website unfortunately. I have my fingers crossed for you!

You got the acceptance* in the mail you mean?! Ah!! Congrats!

[lastsupper]

5 minutes ago, Klara_kay said:

You got the acceptance in the mail but not ACORN you mean? Ah! So nervous!!!

No sorry, I got waitlisted in the mail but no change in ACORN!

[Erin32796]

24 minutes ago, Nervousme said:

I'm completely with you there! I don't know whether I've been waitlisted or rejected, but I know that I wasn't accepted so the past couple of days have been a little though did you apply anywhere else? And did you have a plan b in case you don't end up getting off the waitlist (which I'm really crossing my fingers you Do!!)?

U of T was the only MSW program I was interested in. So I have applied for various summer jobs related in the criminology/social work fields as I am just finishing up my BA in Criminology. I guess I will have to see about some other programs I can take to enhance my experience in youth work or social work to make me more competitive for next year, if I dont get taken off the waitlist. Anyone know any online based courses I can take for social work. I have been hearing a lot about Renison...is that strictly online? Maybe I will look to some colleges too and see what they offer. Good luck to you though, hopefully you get accepted, or at the very least waitlisted. ?

[spers]

Hi Everyone! I have been waitlisted for Toronto as well. Does anyone know how many people they accept off the waitlist?

 

[Corrina_22]

5 minutes ago, Erin32796 said:

U of T was the only MSW program I was interested in. So I have applied for various summer jobs related in the criminology/social work fields as I am just finishing up my BA in Criminology. I guess I will have to see about some other programs I can take to enhance my experience in youth work or social work to make me more competitive for next year, if I dont get taken off the waitlist. Anyone know any online based courses I can take for social work. I have been hearing a lot about Renison...is that strictly online? Maybe I will look to some colleges too and see what they offer. Good luck to you though, hopefully you get accepted, or at the very least waitlisted. ?

I just wanted to say that getting waitlisted right out of your undergrad is incredible because these are very competitive programs. You should look at the waitlist as a huge accomplishment, and for sure apply next year because with a little experience under your belt you will have it! If you wanted an awesome program the ADMH through humber or durham college is awesome 

[Erin32796]

16 minutes ago, Corrina_22 said:

I just wanted to say that getting waitlisted right out of your undergrad is incredible because these are very competitive programs. You should look at the waitlist as a huge accomplishment, and for sure apply next year because with a little experience under your belt you will have it! If you wanted an awesome program the ADMH through humber or durham college is awesome 

Thanks, I appreciate your encouragement. I will look into the ADMH program. Not sure if it is too late to apply. I am just a bit down right now, but I am definitely happy I got waitlisted at the very least...hopefully they call me to invite me but if not, I can build my experience for next year.

 

If anyone else has any online or college programs they know of related to social work/youth work that would be greatly appreciated.

[smntoronto]

2 hours ago, zip said:

Just got mine today! Waitlist here we go  

 

Same! Just got the letter in the mail and I live in downtown Toronto.  I was waitlisted in 2015 so this comes as no surprise.

[SwagMaster]

18 minutes ago, Erin32796 said:

U of T was the only MSW program I was interested in. So I have applied for various summer jobs related in the criminology/social work fields as I am just finishing up my BA in Criminology. I guess I will have to see about some other programs I can take to enhance my experience in youth work or social work to make me more competitive for next year, if I dont get taken off the waitlist. Anyone know any online based courses I can take for social work. I have been hearing a lot about Renison...is that strictly online? Maybe I will look to some colleges too and see what they offer. Good luck to you though, hopefully you get accepted, or at the very least waitlisted. ?

It's quite rare to get into your MSW directly from undergrad, but there's so much you can do to improve your application. Here are just a few ideas for anyone to improve their chances at the UofT program that I've picked up throughout the years:

- Get more related experience (obviously). UofT really cares about the number of hours (as opposed to the number of months/years), so you should really try to get more direct experience where you can, paid or unpaid. 

- boost your stats mark if it's low. At the information session, they kept pushing that no one got in the past couple years with a stats mark under a B. They recommended retaking it if you need to.  (Angela typically mentions Athabasca university, as you can do it online) 

- College programs. There are lots that you can try. They seem to really like people who have done a SSW diploma (and i think that some have a placement as well?). 

- Research experience. UofT's program is very research oriented -- you can tell just by reading the course descriptions. In past forums, people often talked about how much UofT values research experience (related to SW or not!). I often find some organizations around my community that are recruiting research volunteers. 

- BSW. This makes it way easier to get into an MSW afterwards. I did mine at uWaterloo (Renison). The 10-month program is not online actually. To get in, you need 10 prerequisite courses or equivalent, most (if not all) can be taken online. It can be a bit of a gamble, because you need to pay and take the prereq courses for a chance to get in. I can speak more to this if you have more questions. 

- References. People so often neglect the importance of references, but they are so so SO important and you should take them seriously. At the last information session, Angela said that we would be surprised by the number of reference letters they get that are not positive! Here's my tip: When asking for a reference, always ask if they have the time to write you a positive reference. Better to know then than to submit it in your application. 

- Do more research about what kind of applicant they are looking for and what the program values. This point is really about program fit, and how you can convey that to the admissions committee. For example, UofT values research, so one tip I got from a previous student was to mention what research topics interest you, or say that you would want to do the thesis under the supervision of professor X. Another example is to look at the course description and explain why this program's courses interest you because of your previous experiences. 

I hope I didn't forget anything, but this is the list I had in my head when preparing for my applications. I hope this helps you!

[Erin32796]

9 minutes ago, SwagMaster said:

It's quite rare to get into your MSW directly from undergrad, but there's so much you can do to improve your application. Here are just a few ideas for anyone to improve their chances at the UofT program that I've picked up throughout the years:

- Get more related experience (obviously). UofT really cares about the number of hours (as opposed to the number of months/years), so you should really try to get more direct experience where you can, paid or unpaid. 

- boost your stats mark if it's low. At the information session, they kept pushing that no one got in the past couple years with a stats mark under a B. They recommended retaking it if you need to.  (Angela typically mentions Athabasca university, as you can do it online) 

- College programs. There are lots that you can try. They seem to really like people who have done a SSW diploma (and i think that some have a placement as well?). 

- Research experience. UofT's program is very research oriented -- you can tell just by reading the course descriptions. In past forums, people often talked about how much UofT values research experience (related to SW or not!). I often find some organizations around my community that are recruiting research volunteers. 

- BSW. This makes it way easier to get into an MSW afterwards. I did mine at uWaterloo (Renison). The 10-month program is not online actually. To get in, you need 10 prerequisite courses or equivalent, most (if not all) can be taken online. It can be a bit of a gamble, because you need to pay and take the prereq courses for a chance to get in. I can speak more to this if you have more questions. 

- References. People so often neglect the importance of references, but they are so so SO important and you should take them seriously. At the last information session, Angela said that we would be surprised by the number of reference letters they get that are not positive! Here's my tip: When asking for a reference, always ask if they have the time to write you a positive reference. Better to know then than to submit it in your application. 

- Do more research about what kind of applicant they are looking for and what the program values. This point is really about program fit, and how you can convey that to the admissions committee. For example, UofT values research, so one tip I got from a previous student was to mention what research topics interest you, or say that you would want to do the thesis under the supervision of professor X. Another example is to look at the course description and explain why this program's courses interest you because of your previous experiences. 

I hope I didn't forget anything, but this is the list I had in my head when preparing for my applications. I hope this helps you!

Thanks for this information! It was very thorough, and I will definitely look into some post grad programs and employment that is related to social work, but without necessarily needing social work qualifications, since my BA is in Criminology (specialized in Youth, Crime, and Justice) with a minor in Forensic Psych.

I do have a lot of research experience and I am in the process of completing a thesis in perceptions and treatment of children and youth in care, and I have an A+ in stats so I think where I must be lacking is academic and work experience that is more closely related to social work. Problem is I need to take some college courses like an SSW program in order to be qualified for a job within this field. Otherwise, for someone wanting to shift and broaden their career path from criminology to social work, it is quite difficult. I guess I have some research to do on these college programs!

[Klara_kay]

So happy to be waitlisted! And so thankful for this little community

[Nervousme]

1 hour ago, Erin32796 said:

Thanks for this information! It was very thorough, and I will definitely look into some post grad programs and employment that is related to social work, but without necessarily needing social work qualifications, since my BA is in Criminology (specialized in Youth, Crime, and Justice) with a minor in Forensic Psych.

I do have a lot of research experience and I am in the process of completing a thesis in perceptions and treatment of children and youth in care, and I have an A+ in stats so I think where I must be lacking is academic and work experience that is more closely related to social work. Problem is I need to take some college courses like an SSW program in order to be qualified for a job within this field. Otherwise, for someone wanting to shift and broaden their career path from criminology to social work, it is quite difficult. I guess I have some research to do on these college programs!

 

1 hour ago, SwagMaster said:

It's quite rare to get into your MSW directly from undergrad, but there's so much you can do to improve your application. Here are just a few ideas for anyone to improve their chances at the UofT program that I've picked up throughout the years:

- Get more related experience (obviously). UofT really cares about the number of hours (as opposed to the number of months/years), so you should really try to get more direct experience where you can, paid or unpaid. 

- boost your stats mark if it's low. At the information session, they kept pushing that no one got in the past couple years with a stats mark under a B. They recommended retaking it if you need to.  (Angela typically mentions Athabasca university, as you can do it online) 

- College programs. There are lots that you can try. They seem to really like people who have done a SSW diploma (and i think that some have a placement as well?). 

- Research experience. UofT's program is very research oriented -- you can tell just by reading the course descriptions. In past forums, people often talked about how much UofT values research experience (related to SW or not!). I often find some organizations around my community that are recruiting research volunteers. 

- BSW. This makes it way easier to get into an MSW afterwards. I did mine at uWaterloo (Renison). The 10-month program is not online actually. To get in, you need 10 prerequisite courses or equivalent, most (if not all) can be taken online. It can be a bit of a gamble, because you need to pay and take the prereq courses for a chance to get in. I can speak more to this if you have more questions. 

- References. People so often neglect the importance of references, but they are so so SO important and you should take them seriously. At the last information session, Angela said that we would be surprised by the number of reference letters they get that are not positive! Here's my tip: When asking for a reference, always ask if they have the time to write you a positive reference. Better to know then than to submit it in your application. 

- Do more research about what kind of applicant they are looking for and what the program values. This point is really about program fit, and how you can convey that to the admissions committee. For example, UofT values research, so one tip I got from a previous student was to mention what research topics interest you, or say that you would want to do the thesis under the supervision of professor X. Another example is to look at the course description and explain why this program's courses interest you because of your previous experiences. 

I hope I didn't forget anything, but this is the list I had in my head when preparing for my applications. I hope this helps you!

Thanks so much for all of this information, these things are definitely very helpful and something that I will look more into! 

@Erin32796, I am currently in a very similar position. My undergraduate degree is in health (more science-based) with a minor in psychology, so in order to get more experience I would have to figure out additional education more closely related to social work. I do have so paid and unpaid experiences in human services, as well as research related to social work, but apparently it was not sufficient to get in this year. What kind of jobs would you recommend seeking out? Also, I will probably be looking at some certificates or a BSW next year, but I am currently unable to relocate which makes it a bit tricky. Does anyone know of any post-grad certificates that are still open to applications and are online? 

[skd05]

4 hours ago, 2 Year MSW said:

On a few pages back, someone posted about how Laurier's Online MSW (starting in May) might offer people  Sept start dates if the program fills up. Has anyone else heard this? and who do you usually speak to when you call to inquire about the online application? 

Ive never heard this and would be shocked if they did. They had alot of applicants for May. They will have alot more applicant's in september im sure. I cant see them letting people in without reapplying..... I am not sure though. I contacted Miljana today again as I was told end of March. She said she thought it would be but we will have to wait longer.

[Erin32796]

10 minutes ago, Nervousme said:

 

Thanks so much for all of this information, these things are definitely very helpful and something that I will look more into! 

@Erin32796, I am currently in a very similar position. My undergraduate degree is in health (more science-based) with a minor in psychology, so in order to get more experience I would have to figure out additional education more closely related to social work. I do have so paid and unpaid experiences in human services, as well as research related to social work, but apparently it was not sufficient to get in this year. What kind of jobs would you recommend seeking out? Also, I will probably be looking at some certificates or a BSW next year, but I am currently unable to relocate which makes it a bit tricky. Does anyone know of any post-grad certificates that are still open to applications and are online? 

I worked at Durham Children's Aid for a couple summers but as a camp coordinator, so while in the field, I wasnt actually gaining as much experience working directly with children and youth. I have applied to be a victim services aide and youth probation assistant but that's again not quite related. So I think I am going to take a look and see if any jobs allow BA students who dont necessarily have an academic background in social work.

 

As for programs, I was doing some quick googling and many of the programs are showing as still being open for Durham College in ADMH and other colleges in SSW. I will keep doing some research but it seems like there is still hope for applying to other programs. Maybe we will end up classmates if we choose the same program haha.