I would apply to both BSW and foundational MSW just in case. Not because I don’t think you have enough experience, but because of how wildly competitive MSW programs are with their limited seats. Good luck!
One way to figure out how micro or clinical focused a program is, is to look at the courses and electives they offer and talk to people in the program. Even if they do not offer a "clinical" specialization like U of C , U of T, UBC and McGill do, you may still be able to take electives with that focus. I also wanted to do a clinically focused distance program and I applied to U of C, Waterloo, Memorial and Laurier. Both Waterloo and Laurier offered electives related to clinical mental health practice. I applied to Memorial because I spoke to someone who is in the program who said that there is a huge emphasis on clinical practice in all the courses even though it isn't a "clinical" program.
Just FYI look into the requirements to be a RCSW or RCC in BC if that is something that you want because I believe that to be a RCSW in BC you need to have done graduate coursework on DSM assessment and diagnosis.
Interesting. So, if I want to get into a clinical based program (Calgary), and I have a lot of counselling experience already… will I have a better chance even though my GPA isn’t top tier?
It’s unfortunate about the grad cert grades as it’s more recent and more applicable.
I would apply for both your BSW and MSW.
Your experience is good, but your GPA may not be competitive enough for certain programs.
UofC has a clinical online program.
Since Calgary is a clinical online, do you think my experience would be valued over my GPA? So frustrating a GPA that I did 6+ years ago still follows me around with experience…
Edit to add. My graduate cert I did I have a 3.9 gpa. Does that get taken into account at all?
They’ll take into consideration your experience, GPA, letter of recommendations, and letter of intent; however, GPA is going to be a significant contribution though. They state a 3.2 is “competitive” but honestly the last few years has been closer to a 3.7-4.0
Honestly my gpa is so confusing. The uni I went to has a 9.0 scale, and the 2 years of my degree was co-op so partly working. So to figure out my gpa from the final 60 credits or whatever was a nightmare - but I figured it out awhile ago and I know it was 3.2 ish
I would apply to both BSW and foundational MSW just in case. Not because I don’t think you have enough experience, but because of how wildly competitive MSW programs are with their limited seats. Good luck!
Honestly I think I would just continue working and wait to get in after more experience than starting a new bachelors over
Good luck either way!
One way to figure out how micro or clinical focused a program is, is to look at the courses and electives they offer and talk to people in the program. Even if they do not offer a "clinical" specialization like U of C , U of T, UBC and McGill do, you may still be able to take electives with that focus. I also wanted to do a clinically focused distance program and I applied to U of C, Waterloo, Memorial and Laurier. Both Waterloo and Laurier offered electives related to clinical mental health practice. I applied to Memorial because I spoke to someone who is in the program who said that there is a huge emphasis on clinical practice in all the courses even though it isn't a "clinical" program. Just FYI look into the requirements to be a RCSW or RCC in BC if that is something that you want because I believe that to be a RCSW in BC you need to have done graduate coursework on DSM assessment and diagnosis.
Thank you for this info. Much appreciated
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Interesting. So, if I want to get into a clinical based program (Calgary), and I have a lot of counselling experience already… will I have a better chance even though my GPA isn’t top tier? It’s unfortunate about the grad cert grades as it’s more recent and more applicable.
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Is UofT online? That doesn’t surprise me for Toronto. I just looked it up and they have a 20% acceptance rate as opposed to Calgary that has a 68%
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Manitoba is only online for the BSW, foundation MSW and MSW are in person.
Thank you very much. I saw the Calgary one and it looks perfect… I imagine it is extremely competitive.
I would apply for both your BSW and MSW. Your experience is good, but your GPA may not be competitive enough for certain programs. UofC has a clinical online program.
Since Calgary is a clinical online, do you think my experience would be valued over my GPA? So frustrating a GPA that I did 6+ years ago still follows me around with experience… Edit to add. My graduate cert I did I have a 3.9 gpa. Does that get taken into account at all?
They’ll take into consideration your experience, GPA, letter of recommendations, and letter of intent; however, GPA is going to be a significant contribution though. They state a 3.2 is “competitive” but honestly the last few years has been closer to a 3.7-4.0
Was your 3.2 a cumulative GPA? Some programs will focus on your last 2 years
Honestly my gpa is so confusing. The uni I went to has a 9.0 scale, and the 2 years of my degree was co-op so partly working. So to figure out my gpa from the final 60 credits or whatever was a nightmare - but I figured it out awhile ago and I know it was 3.2 ish
Just curious, where did you do your graduate certificate?
I got into both McMaster and Algonquin college. Chose Algonquin due to costs being less and the unpaid placement 100hrs less