Assessment for Admittance to the BSW

Applicants who meet the academic requirements will have their admission application evaluated by a social work review panel.  Reviewers will assess the applicants' commitment to, and experience in, human service.  Reviewers will also asses writing skills, critical thought, self-awareness, ethics and values.  This assessment will be based on the applicants':

• human service experience - paid; (formally work experience)
• human service experience - unpaid; (formally volunteer/community experience)
• educational experience;
• overall academic history;
• personal statement;
• overall student portfolio.

Applicants who have met the academic requirements and, through the assessment process above, have demonstrated adequate commitment to and experience in human service will be ranked by PGPA. 

The Faculty of Social Work supports the principles of equity and promotes social and cultural diversity. Applicants who identify themselves as experiencing cultural and/or social barriers will be given additional consideration in the ranking process. 

Human Service & Community Engagement 

There are many ways of contributing to the health and well-being of your community. In this section of your BSW application, describe five examples of specific human service activities that define your support to healthy relationship-/community-building and community engagement. Consider what “service” means to you – it could include mentorship, traditional volunteering, fundraising, community organizing, work with elders and knowledge keepers, artistic contributions (e.g., community development art projects, socially conscious theatre, dance, or crafts that engage individuals, groups and/or communities), offering informal support to a friend or neighbour, or caring for a family member.

 Due to COVID-19 and its ongoing impact on student access to diverse opportunities, for the 2023 BSW application, students may also include professional development, such as seminars, conferences, and workshops.