yuanzhu

Decision made. HDS it is

Yingoriental, I'm actually not Chinese. I've spent the past two years living in Yunnan (大理附近), but I'm actually American. The competition for Chinese applicants seems to be incredibly intense... hats-off to your accomplishments! If name is a consideration, I'd wager to say that UChicago definitely outdoes BU. Chicago is also a very good city. I'm currently leaning towards HDS given that the professors there have been INCREDIBLY supportive of me so far (no negative comment on UChicago, they've been solid as well), and I really like the collaborative atmosphere

A recognizable name is not my top priority, but it is indeed something to be considered. I've spent several years outside the US, and I'll certainly be returning to China for further research/study. Name-brands (such as H) are HUGE in China, even compared to the US.

Valuable info, but on what experience do you base this opinion?

George, I won't be able to visit. I live in a village in rural China, so all decisions must be made from here.

Does anyone here have any insight into the difference of cultures at UChicago Divinity and Harvard Divinity? It is my impression that H is a bit more warm and open (which is appealing to me given that I attended a cozy NE liberal arts school for undergrad), while I'm a little intimidated by Chicago's straight-up rigorous academic rep. Does anyone have a more intimate experience with these two schools? I'm leaning towards Harvard at the moment, but Chicago is very strong in my area of study (Tibetan Buddhism) and has offered me a bit more cash. I'd like to continue on to a PhD (although not necessarily at either of these schools), and it is my impression that both are solid for getting their students into good PhD programs. It seems like the biggest question is thus- which school culture will spark my intellectual fires to the fullest? Any advice and/or experiences would be much appreciated.

Thanks, molodoy. Anyone else?

Is FLAS considered a prestigious fellowship? As in, is it the kind of thing that would look good when applying to PhD programs? It seems like I'm one of a few 1st year masters students to be offered one at this specific institution, which is awesome, but will it help me much outside of the financial realm? Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

Is anyone familiar with how much negotiating HDS will do on funding? I was informed in an e-mail that grants were non-negotiable, but you'd think they could help a bit when you have full funding+stipend from one of their peer institutions while they (harvard) have offered me considerably less. Very happy for all the opportunities I have at the moment, but any insight?

Hey guys, Not 100% sure yet, but I'll likely be doing a masters in theological studies at the divinity school. Pumped to be in cambridge!

That sounds like a good plan, Perytion. I'm also going between HDS and UChicago (for Tibetan Buddhist philosophy), but they both offered me the same aid package, so I'm leaning strongly towards Chi-town. It seems that Chicago is, very generally speaking, stronger in Asian religions. I also like the intellectual feel, which happens to suit me personally

Averroes, I'd like to find out how master's students do when applying to PhDs. What percentage are accepted? Where do they go? etc.

Who would I contact to find out about PhD placement? I'm trying to decide between two masters programs... Would I contact a prof in the specific subfield (buddhist studies in my case)? Or would I contact someone in the admissions office?

In to the MTS. Now it's down to Chicago vs Harvard.

University of Chicago? But why did you pick to go there? Is it good?