turktheman

How is everyone's application season going so far?

I'm planning to do all three to make the claim of beginning/intermediate reading level more believable once I apply. I do really want to learn German since I recognize it will be useful for the entirety of my academic career. I hope to be prepared well enough after next semester and the following year of studying to pass the PhD language exam for German where I (If I . . .) get accepted.

So, we use the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS), which is--as far as I know--the most accessible critical edition of the Hebrew Bible. The Biblia Hebraica Quinta (BHQ), however, has the larger critical apparatus of the two. The work is not yet finished as they continue to roll out BHQ in volumes. Given its size and cost, it is a reference source and not something you'd bring to class. Your local theological library may have what has been published so far by the BHQ project. I wish I could recommend an interlinear, but I'm not up to speed on what's out there. For what its worth, I've heard some good things about the ESV/Hebrew interlinear Bible. I believe it follows the BHS. On a similar note, I tote around the Biblia Sacra Hebraica Stuttgartensia with Greek New Testament in one volume when going to language classes. As its name suggests, it is the BHS text while the Greek NT follows NA27. It is very handy but expensive--esp. since you already have a Greek NT. For the LXX, I think the standard is Rahlf's Septuaginta. An interlinear or side-by-side LXX/BHS would be useful, but I have not come across it before--I haven't really looked either though. My guess is that it would need to be several volumes like the old polyglot Bibles were.

Hey Everyone, I am seeking some advice for acquiring academic credit for German. I've done a lot of searching here and generally on the web for programs that offer German grammar for credit. I am wanting to apply for PhD work NT/EC next year, so I am still a year out from the application process. Here are some of the options I've been able to come up with: 1. Take Spring/Summer/Fall semesters of German at the local community college 2. Self-study German and take the CLEP test that equates to six credits of German 3. Self-study German and take my current university's proficiency exam next Fall and include that information in my CV/application 4. Do all of the above. I'm finishing up my second masters and would like to have at least German under my belt before application time next year. What are your opinions of the above three options? Any additional avenues that I haven't considered yet? Cost is very much a factor, which is why I cannot take it at my current university and stay on track for graduating. Thanks! P.S. I understand that PhD programs will likely require me to take their own proficiency exam if I matriculate.

What about adding SBL/ASOR conference presentations to CVs? I am on the fence about including regional meeting presentations, but I do feel better including the presentation I gave last year at national. I don't want to pad, but in my head including regional meeting presentations will inform the committee of a long term (four years now) of attendance and participation at regional meetings. But it could also be padding! Any advice?

Check into Yale Divinity School. Their MAR Second Temple Judaism requires 12 hours of Hebrew and 12 hours of a secondary language--usually Greek. Their MAR Bible also can give ample chances to acquire languages. One of the strengths--to me--of a place like YDS or Princeton Theological Seminary is their summer intensive language courses. I know YDS offers six hours of Greek, Hebrew, or Latin during the summer, which is great for students like yourself who need to cram in as much as possible. I believe PTS works alongside Princeton to offer summer language intensives, including a couple of modern languages. As Marxian and others have said, you have good chances of admissions and funding at places like HDS, YDS, PTS, etc.

Hey Shawn, I am not able to answer your question directly since I haven't applied to that program. But, as you may know, I wouldn't mention Seow in your SOP. He's headed to teach at Vanderbiltl (according to an email sent out by Vanderbilt on the Agade email service). He begins teaching there mid-August of the 2015-16 school year. I have no idea if that's helpful information, but I figured I'd share.

I know I couldn't afford much more than a couple of thousand a semester. I keep going back and forth on traveling to New Haven, but it'll cost me at about 1,000 to do so. That money would look a lot better invested in a computer and a new set of tires for the move.

In my particular case, it is the difference between paying $600/semester to attend YDS versus $1400/semester at PTS. Of course, housing is more expensive in New Haven so the difference basically offsets.

Hey All, I appreciate the comments and insights. I am visiting Yale next week to make a decision. I'm beginning to lean towards YDS--no small part from the great points brought to my attention here. I'm definitely wanting to do Phd work after this masters since I already have an academic MA from the University of Memphis in Egyptology where I concentrated on Late Antique Copticism/Archaeology. . I'm making a switch to a more general master degree--not just for a strong PhD application but also for marketability. At first Mdiv seemed right, so I applied across the board in that program. I'm certainly going to attempt a switch to the MAR at Yale. Thanks again everyone

Hello Everyone, I thought this would be a great topic to open: What schools are you currently deciding between? What considerations are you weighing? Where do you feel you will be Fall '14? If you already made a decision between a few schools, please post as well in order to aid others in their decisions. I have narrowed my five schools down to two: PTS and YDS. I've been researching and researching the differences. I really like PTS' ability to offer 1-credit pass/fail language courses to keep my Greek and Hebrew sharp as a I finish a second master degree without the stress of getting an "A" in them. I also like its location, but I hear its winters are harsher than New Haven. However, Yale's University offerings are very attractive to me--even though they publish their course offerings very late (PTS seems to publish course offerings for the next two years). So, I know exactly what courses PTS offers, but YDS has yet to release the offerings. Money is not a big deal between both schools as it'll cost me the same to attend either. The major question I have that is going to sway me is this: "Generally, do PTS graduates or YDS graduates fair better in PhD placement, especially in New Testament/Early Church programs?" Any insight into this question is greatly welcomed. Thanks

Alex, How was your funding? What are your other options?

Like you, I would avoid claiming "indoctrination" as an impetus for evangelical's leaning towards UK schools. By "certain challenges" I mean the seminars and qualifying exams. I'd also agree that, generally speaking, a PhD from a UK school is perhaps more marketable than most ones from Evangelical seminaries. UK schools, regardless of a degree's marketability, seem to have very conducive environments and sharp faculty members. I don't think anyone would seriously claim otherwise.

I think you hit it dead on. I know a handful of PhD students in England from conservative backgrounds who went there--despite the lack of funding--to avoid certain challenges and because they did not find placement in tier 1 & 2 PhD programs Stateside. I recognize this is a broad stroke; I only am speaking from a limited experience with a few friends.

I would agree with all the posts above. I will add that getting employment is a challenge; however, I have noticed that evangelical seminaries have quite a few English PhD faculty. I have no idea why, but it is just something I've noticed.

Paraclete, Good question. I go back and forth about what means the most to me in picking a school. Money obviously has a way of limiting options. Four of my five schools either offered a full-ride or near to one. I am looking to do PhD work, but I'm not necessarily picking a school on the hope of gaining admittance to its PhD program--though that would be great. Three things are weighing on my decision between PTS, YDS, and VDS: 1.) complete resources of the library (including rare books and manuscripts), 2.) past and present course offerings by professors Under whom I want to study, and 3.) the greater community surrounding the various schools. I've yet to finalize a decision. I'm hoping a visit to New Haven will help sway my feelings.

Well, I am happy with this year's round of admissions for MDIV. Currently, I am deciding between PTS, YDS, and VDS. I received a full-ride to VDS while it will cost $1,350/semester (fees and all) for YDS and $1,400/semester (fees and all) for PTS. I have followed Dale Allison's work for quite a bit and want to work under him, but Amy Jill-Levine would be exciting at VDS. Of course, YDS has a great reputation for finding top placement for to-be PhD students. I would say that as I am making this decision, cost of living is weighing heavily. Princeton seems to be a nicer place to live than New Haven; it also is cheaper. Anybody in a similar boat choosing between PTS, YDS, and VDS who is wanting to concentrate of NT/Christian Origins?

Just got the email from Yale. I received about a 90% scholarship offer. Thankfully, I have been accepted to all my schools. Unfortunately, the decision is going to be weighing on my mind for the next four weeks.

I think the email will include financial aid package.

The online application has been updated for YDS. Mine did not include financial aid information, though.

Here is an update for those interested in YDS--I probably should have mentioned this a little earlier. The admissions email I received informing me of my acceptance said, "Your application status will be updated to reflect your admission on Saturday, March 15th" and "Provided all of your documents are received by the March 1st date, a financial aid award will be sent to you via email on March 15th. You will have until April 15th to notify us of your decision." Here's to this Saturday.

I should edit that second sentence: "Like everyone else I'll hear back from Fin. aid March 15." I know from reading past posts here that Yale makes a few early announcements each year. So far as I can tell, this is done at either random or else according to some secret Yale gnosis.

I heard back from Yale yesterday through email. I was accepted and like everyone else will hear back March 15.

I think that was for MTS; I applied MDIV. Also be mindful that decisions can be reached earlier for those requesting it. From what I gathered on the phone Friday, the admissions committee met Friday morning and made admissions and scholarship decisions at that time. I only received a call because I had requested a notification of admissions/funding by Feb. 14. She mentioned that offical notifications were going to be sent out soon. Hope this helps.

Hey All, I got a call yesterday. 100% scholarship from Vanderbilt. The woman on the phone said admissions decisions were made yesterday morning and that they will begin releasing the information the coming week(s).