[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

First, congrats on the interview!

 

But I'm confused by this distinction between "institutional" interviews and "other." Usually, if a department has an interview process prior to offers of admission being made that is the discretion of the department--at least, that's how it works at Northwestern. In other words, it's not the university itself that is mandating all programs conduct interviews. At NU, some departments interview and some don't (religious studies does not.)

 

Again, every program seems to be slightly different when it comes to admissions, so some here may have different thoughts or experiences, but I wouldn't take an invite to interview from your POI as something casual as opposed to something that would be more formal if sent from the university itself. If you haven't been offered admission, and your POI made it clear it's an interview, then that interview is going to ultimately decide whether or not you're admitted.

 

On the other hand, some programs (like mine) offer admission via a phone call (or email) from the DGS and the POI along with an invite to a prospective students weekend (many NU departments do this.) That isn't an interview weekend, but an opportunity for already admitted students to see what the department is like, meet faculty in RS and those related to the student's AOI, etc. in order to make a decision about where they'll attend. It's my understanding that interview weekends also serve this purpose.

 

I mainly put that in there to manage people's anxiety. If you haven't gotten an invite from BU and you applied, you shouldn't be worried. It's not as if they sent them out at the same time. Instead, my POI and the subdisicpline of the program wanted to have an interview - different subdisciplines could handle it differently. 

 

The distinction was to basically say - this seems like it was not like Baylor's all or nothing email system - it was more POI/subdiscipline based. I'm just wary of people fretting when they should not.

 

I should note I have met with this professor a couple times before - it's not casual necessarily, but it wasn't stiff either.  

 

Edited: I'm not a smart man but I know what adjectives are (maybe). 

 

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

Just contacted via email for interview at BU. So, when you see that result, know it's mine. It seemed casual, in person, and likely instituted by POI or sub discipline (as opposed to institutional). Multiple people seemed like they would be there however. 

[HDS MDiv decision count down. how to cope and misc questions]

HDS MDiv has a 50% admit rate - I hope that helps calm your anxiety. 

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

So, after browsing PTS's results page, I'm not convinced that interviews are an institutional thing. It seems more likely that a professor emailed and asked if they could talk further via Skype (all acceptance/rejection/wait list besides that interview invite) 

 

Maybe I'm horribly wrong - anyone got input on this?

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

Can't say for sure Calebm12, but I can say my invite was in historical studies and has a 24 hour time limit for you to accept the invite to preview weekend. 

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

Baylor emails are out! 

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

Stillwaiting,

 

Radio silence on that end so far. If you hear anything, let us know. 

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

I know that Harvard doesn't, MBIGrad

 

Now, does anyone know what the deal is with Emory? Staggered process it looks like, but also a smattering of physical and Skype interviews? I'm fighting the urge to call the dept. and just ask if all interview invites have been extended.

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

Heard that Theology at Emory has sent interview announcements. 

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

Thanks for the info, my favorite painter!

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

Emory Hebrew Bible posted

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

UNC-CH notifies very early.  I remember in my year, my phone rang in the first week of January, my wife picked it up and told me that Bart Ehrman was on the phone. 

 

That's a really cool story, and not in a "cool story, bro" kind of way.

 

It seems like most places will be notifying in mid-February, which makes UNC almost a month earlier than everyone else. Good for them!

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

Wow, that was early...

[What's your plan b?]

Applying for pastorates around the country. To be honest, either one could work out and I'll be reasonably happy. 

[Harvard Divinity MTS vs. MDiv / switching from MTS to MDiv]

Twilight,

 

Current HDS Mdiv applying to doctoral programs here. HDS loves nontraditional ministry, and the funding is much more generous for it. When switching (extremely easy to do), you keep the same funding, which makes it less desirable to switch to Mdiv rather than starting out with it (MTS has less funding).

 

The advice I always give to those stuck in the middle is to go Mdiv, build a shadow resume through practical experience, get really excellent funding, and spend an extra year with professors. I consider it a win - win - win at HDS. 

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

Yeah, this was yesterday, but I checked and my file showed as complete. So, I guess that means I'm in the clear hopefully. 

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

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

3-4 minutes - Not sure about the function.

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

Also, such a weird email from BU: "Greetings from the Boston University School of Theology!  Thank you for applying to the School's doctoral program.  We have received your application, and want to invite you to submit a video as a first step in the interview process for admission to the program."

 

A video? Come on. 

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

Thanks, TherewillbeLuke, I just wanted to make sure it gets recorded before people go on break, so that it'll be ready to be reviewed in January.

 

I called today, but no one picked up. An clue why that was?

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

After this application cycle, I'm all out!

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

So, PTS requires a background check and that took a couple extra days to come in for me. Does anyone know how badly this will affect my application there? Is there a general expectation of some trickle in, or is this bad news bears? I submitted everything supplemental well in advance.

[Sample SOP]

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.

 

For the record, I'd like to hear about your cat, Winston - he sounds cute.

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

Hard to believe my first three apps are due in a week and a half. Anyone else applying to Vanderbilt, Baylor, or Princeton Seminary?

All three, interestingly enough. 

[Vanderbilt Divinity School]

You'll be fine for an MDiv - I even think you'll get generous funding at Vandy (80% range, maybe).

[PhD applications for 2014 chit chat...]

Also, I should probably post this:

 

I'm interested in the tools of congregational studies/practical theology for researching how communities of faith initiate and sustain social activism. The plus is that means that I can apply to a wide variety of places - practical theology, ethics and society, even some church history stuff and religious studies.

 

BU School of Theology (PhD Practical Theology)

UVA Religious Studies (PhD Religious Studies)

Vanderbilt Divinity School (PhD Religion - Ethics and Society)

Harvard Divinity School (ThD)

Princeton Theological Seminary (PhD - Practical Theology)

Emory GDR (PhD Religion)

Duke Divinity School (ThD)

GTU (PhD)

Toronto School of Theology (ThD)