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Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work > Admissions > MSW > How to Apply > MSW Reference Instructions

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MSW Reference Instructions

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Steps Important Notes
Acceptable References

 Example Referee Form

The University of Toronto, SGS online application system facilitates the online submission of reference letters. Detailed instructions are provided within the system.

Steps

  1. You will be asked to provide contact information for each of your referees, including a valid institutional/organizational email address, if available.
  2. The system will send an email to each of your referees, inviting them to submit the completed form directly to the application database using a secure interface. The email will include reference instructions and the reference form.

Important Notes

  • Communicate with your referees well in advance of submitting your online application for admission to confirm contact information and ensure they are willing and able to provide a reference by the deadline date.
  • You can refer to, or provide an example of the reference form when communicating with your referee as courtesy.
  • A valid institution or organization email address is necessary for a referee to upload their letter. Email addresses that are shared, anonymous, generic, or not linked to an institution, organization or business are not acceptable (e.g. Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo!). We strongly suggest you choose a referee who has a valid institution or organization email address.
  • If an individual does not have a valid email address, look at designating a different referee. If (despite your best effort) absolutely no alternative referee with a valid institution or organization email address is possible, you can enter a non-institution or non-organization email address in the online admissions application (it is not necessary to contact us). Be aware this may delay review of your application as we must verify the authenticity of reference letters received in this manner. For every referee, enter a telephone number where they can be reached for our verification purposes.
  • The Admissions Committee will only review three references.
  • Personal references (e.g. relatives, friends) are not appropriate.

Acceptable References

References must be from the following:

Two-Year MSW Applicants, including Black Student Application Program and Indigenous Student Application Program

Three (3) references are required:

  1. One Academic from a University course instructor*
  2. One from a Work or Volunteer Setting
  3. One can be from either of the above

* If you have been out of school for more than 3 years, you may substitute the academic reference with another work or volunteer related reference.

Advanced Standing Applicants, including Black Student Application Program and Indigenous Student Application Program

Three (3) references are required:

  1. One Academic from a University course instructor*
  2. One from a Work or Volunteer Setting
  3. One from your practicum instructor/supervisor if you are currently completing your BSW degree or have received your degree within the past two years. If you graduated over two years ago, the reference should be from a work or volunteer setting. **

* If you have been out of school for more than 3 years, you may substitute the academic reference with another work or volunteer related reference.

 ** If you are currently enrolled in a one-year BSW program and completing the practicum in Winter or Summer, you may substitute the practicum instructor/supervisor reference with one of the sources noted above. Include a brief cover letter with your Resume to explain your choice of references.

HSBc/MSW Applicants

Two (2) references are required:

  1. One Academic from a University course instructor
  2. One from a work/volunteer setting

Example Reference Form

The following documents will download as a separate file. They are used only as examples for applicants, and can be shared with referees.  However, the application portal will send the referee the form directly which will be used.