newenglandshawn

Which is both ironic and incredibly tragic, considering Harvard's whole reason for being created in the first place.

A DMin is a "professional" doctorate, while a ThD is still an "academic" one. DMins usually focus more on more practical areas of ministry (e.g., homiletics, or, in the more evangelical context, church growth), while ThDs are the theological equivalent of PhDs (at least that's how they were originally designed, as far as I understand).

I'm not sure what the point of all this is, and I'm certainly no expert in the academic arena, but I think you're overlooking to a large degree the whole "right fit" intangible. I'm sure there would be plenty of people who would choose Baylor over Duke if it was a better fit. I know that when I am apply for PhD programs my main criteria will be "fit" and geography, rather than reputation - assuming the financial situations are relatively the same. At the same time, that most applicants might choose Harvard or Yale over Duke does not mean that Duke is not a Top Tier program. Lastly, what, exactly, do we mean by "Top Tier"? I don't believe anyone has been able to demonstrate empirical data that can objectively demonstrate what a "Top Tier" program is. My criteria is simply this: will the school pay me to earn a PhD? If so, that is enough to satisfy my serious inquiry into their program.

On the other hand, what do you have to lose if you approach them gracefully (and assuming this is your last attempt at applying to Emory)?

In Hebrew Bible, is the convener Brent Strawn?

Just curious: someone else suggested on here that professors at Emory prefer not to be contacted before applying. Did you contact professors of interest ahead of time?

This is a little ironic because that is my alma mater (ironic because I had forgotten that I was the one who started this thread). I, of course, will vouch for its reputation and quality. I'm guessing that Roy Gane is the one who teaches many of the ANE languages? He did his work at UC Berkeley under Jacob Milgrom and is considered to be one of the leading scholars on the book of Leviticus. Unfortunately, Andrews is in Michigan, and I am in New England!

I would again definitely recommend Gordon-Conwell if you want to accomplish both these things (and, for the record, I've stepped foot on that campus once in my life, so I have nothing to gain from endorsing the school)!

This is simply not true. Just because a school may be "conservative" (whatever that means), doesn't mean it's not "academically rigorous" (again, whatever that means). Of course, there are plenty of schools that are not "academically rigorous" that aren't conservative. I would highly recommend Gordon-Conwell. Not only do they fall within the "conservative" category, but you could also get broader exposure (if so desired) through the Boston Theological Institute, taking classes at places like Harvard, Boston University, and Boston College. I think this would be invaluable as a youth pastor, since many young people will have questions that could best be answered by a conscientious pastor who has been exposed to a broader perspective. Taking a class or two from a place like Harvard could get you thinking more apologetically, which resonates with young people.

That's pretty interesting. How long is the video supposed to be and what are you supposed to include?

Yeah, I was just wondering about what the downside would be to listing the other schools - because it is not evident to me. Perhaps others could clarify? If anything, might it make an applicant slightly more competitive?

Wow. Do all schools actually ask this? I didn't realize this. (Not applying until next year)

How much is a "high stipend"? Living in the New Haven, CT area doesn't sound like my idea of a good time, though! And they have - what? - about a 3% acceptance rate??

What is Yale's deal?

Even not working for only the first year would pose a problem for me as I would be trying to support my wife and three kids at the same time!! I guess I am not going to freak out about it right now, and just see where things go in the future and then cross that bridge when I get there.

How typical is it for schools to do this? Besides UT and UNC, anyone know of other schools that also do this? That would be a big problem for me as I plan to do some part-time pastoring on the side if I get into a program.

For the record, I don't have a cat Winston (or any cat for that matter)!! :-)

Yes, Boston is one of the top two or three most expensive cities to live in in the United States. So I'm not sure why BU doesn't give more, other than the fact that they may not have more to give! I would have a hard time believing that $19-20k in Boston would get you as far as $15k in Chapel Hill or Austin.

According to the Brown website, if one wants to study Hebrew Bible, he/she has to have already done work in modern Hebrew. Does anyone know differently or had a different experience?

Yeah, I picked up on that but just commenting on PTS too!

Isn't Princeton Theological Seminary the same deal? It seems like their stipend is really low, relatively speaking (something in the $15k neighborhood as well - for New Jersey!!).

Yes, I was a little surprised with how the SOPs seemed to cut right to the chase, providing very little personal reflection and explanation. On the other hand, while a Religious studies SOP should provide some of this, they obviously don't want to hear about our cat, Winston. So, again, finding the balance seems to be a tricky venture.

What about his cautionary remarks about tailoring our SOP to a specific program or POI? He essentially says that it may be best to avoid doing so, lest we mischaracterize a particular program or POI, or the potential for our tailored SOP to be disharmonious with the form letter that our recommenders will be sending. On the one hand I understand his cautionary tone because of the potential pitfalls; on the other hand, it seems to contradict a lot of the advice I have read elsewhere which has said that we should demonstrate in our SOP that we are a good "fit" for the particular program. Where is the balance and how do we walk that fine line?

Is any person(s) willing to send me a sample PhD SOP - especially if you've been successfully accepted into a program? I am not applying for another year, but the SOP has been, to some degree, a "black box" for me that I'd like to really wrap my mind around once and for all. Thanks!

Don't some programs have a limit on the number of times you can apply to them?