ALH3

Gotcha, I should have written that differently. What I meant was the professor I talked to said he has never seen a student with anything lower than 90%+ even get considered. Like you said, regardless every school cares about the score.

It is hard to judge what you mean by "good" programs but I'll say that I got into 3 schools -- Florida State, Boston U, Georgetown -- with a 160 V (the programs are in comparative ethics/traditions, philosophy, religious studies and theology). At the same time, I talked with some schools prior to applying that mentioned that my scores would make it tough (impossible?) to get admitted. So, I either chose to not bother applying or tried anyway and got rejected. Whoever wrote that VDS doesn't care about scores didn't talk to the faculty member I did. The VDS faculty member told me that he hasn't seen the school even consider someone without a 3.9 GPA and 90%+ V (same for Yale). I will say that Harvard appears to place less weight on GREs but it's still Harvard so few people get in regardless. I'd imagine the majority of those who are admitted come from Harvard and have good scores, though.

I think that is a good decision. Since I went to BU, I know how they work the tracks and it just makes a lot more sense to do an MTS unless you are wanting/needing to become ordained to be a practitioner. The reason I chose the MTS was the flexibility in classes; I chose almost all the classes to fit my interests (I think there were 3 "core" classes I had to take but still ended up enjoying). I really enjoyed BU but I'd do the MTS. I wonder if you could talk to BU and see if there's any flexibility in changing into that program. I was initially an MDiv student and changed into the MTS - it might be worth asking.

To give the BU perspective, since sacklunch did a good job explaining BC, I just finished my MTS at BU. At BU you will get good science and religion. Dr. Wildman is great and they recently hired someone else. Dr. Neville also does significant work in that field and both Neville and Wildman are really great people. I looked into BC for PhD work and found out that only Dr. Robinette does anything related to science at BC and it was just one class that isn't regularly schedule (BC is more focused on continental philosophy). Concerning NT, BU has two good ones: Dr. Knust and Dr. Walters. Knust is really taking off as an important scholar, especially regarding sexuality in scripture. Dr. Walters does a lot of archeological stuff (they offer yearly trips to do digs and tour important sites). Sacklunch was right, you are looking at very different institutions. Obviously BC is catholic and, in my opinion, a bit more conservative. BU, on the other hand, is a Methodist school but is way on the "left" of Methodism. Simply speaking for myself, I fit better at BU (being protestant and a bit more "liberal"). At the same time, I would advocate for a MTS over the MDiv. Like you said, there are a lot of classes that I just didn't care about that were required in the MDiv program. The MTS offered much better flexibility for me to study things I was interested in instead of classes on worship or counseling (great classes but just not my interest). So, obviously I'm bias toward BU but either would work. And although Chestnut Hill is still in the Boston area, BU is much more a part of the city. I'm not sure how much of a factor that is for you but perhaps it is. Aesthetically, just in case you haven't visited, BC's theology build is much nicer than BU's building. Perhaps they have this at BC but BU does free student lunches on Wednesdays and I think they have free lunch on Tuesday as well (random but hey, it's free food). I can't think of other random details but if you would like more information, feel free to PM me.

Well, thanks for the responses. Again, it's obviously a rejection - just figured they'd send those out in a timely manner. Oh well!

Not that it matters but does Vanderbilt and Virginia just not send out rejections? I've heard back from everyone but them. Obviously I didn't get in but figured they'd at least send a generic email or something. Just curious...

jsant09, I'm sure you've thought about this a lot so I'd guess nothing I'll add here is going to be surprising - but that being said, here are a few thoughts: *Is there any way you could ask for one more week from Dayton? Did they say that if you don't tell them by Friday then they'll drop your offer? I'd guess there is some flexibility on their end. *Have you considered your wife accepting Vanderbilt and you deferring? From my perspective, it sounds like you're more excited about the possibility of attending Vanderbilt so if you deferred, you could still get in at Vanderbilt this year. Even if you don't get in this year, you would have a great shot next year. There are of course no guarantees but with my limited knowledge, it sounds like you have a good chance to get in at Vanderbilt. *Now that your wife got in at Vanderbilt, would she even want to attend Dayton? The reason I ask is that if she would be up for it still, perhaps there is some room for her to talk candidly with admission at Dayton and mention that she'd love to come but another schools is offering financial help. I know there's a fine line in talking with schools about finances but the worst case scenario is that they say no (she isn't planning on attending otherwise). *Being Catholic, is it important to you to attend a school in that tradition? Vanderbilt is a great school but it is not Catholic (although you can study Catholicism there of course). It might be good to think through how important that is to you. There are a few thoughts. Again, I'm sure you've thought about these points and many more. Good luck!

I'm sure there are more but Fordham has something like that: http://www.fordham.edu/info/20382/academics/2290/phd_in_religious_education

I was accepted as well and am really excited/grateful. I'm not sure where we'll (I'm married with children) end up but I really like the program at Georgetown. Where does it stand with your other acceptances?

I was one of the people admitted to BU STH in Constructive Theology and Ethics. My understanding is they met two Fridays ago and have contacted everyone admitted - I just got the official letter last week (maybe Friday). Also, I know that they decided not to take students in Hermeneutics this year (for a variety of reasons). If you have any other questions, please feel free to PM me.

Thanks for clarifying and congratulations!

Are you saying Marquette is sending/has sent out rejections? What subfields (if you know)? Just curious.

Saw someone got into BC Theology program. Not sure if the person checks out this forum but, congratulations! I applied there as well so maybe I'll get to hear something, good or bad, sooner than later...here's to hoping!

Tez, I just finished my MTS at Boston University STH and I would give a similar positive review of BU as Josh has of Vanderbilt. The faculty and support staff are tremendous and value you as a person who happens to be a student. They are always available and personable. Now, the downside would come from the cost of living in Boston compared to Nashville. But, it's a great city! Feel free to message me if you have any questions in the future. Good luck!

I'm optimistic too! ...or trying to be - ha. I actually emailed them to ask how I was nominated...hope that was a good idea! If they respond, I'll post. Looks like we have similar taste in programs too. Good luck! (I've got two little kids as well...so good luck there too!)