Phenomenologist

He said in the OP that it was the comprehensive (non-concentrated) MAR.

I just applied, to the MAR in "Philosophical Theology / Philosophy of Religion." Is this a competitive one? I hope not -- whoops!

Howdy guys I'm just introducing myself to everyone, to join the conversations in the application season. I'm graduating this Spring with my B.A. in philosophy. I posted a bit on the philosophy boards a long time ago when I was planning on applying to philosophy PhD programs, but have since decided to go into theology instead. In order of my interest, I've applied to: Duke Div (MDiv), Yale Div (MAR - Philosophy of Religion), Princeton Sem (MDiv), and Calvin Theological Seminary (MDiv - backup school). I kind of wished I'd applied to Uni. of Dayton and Wycliffe College (Uni. of Toronto). I studied for a year at a small Bible college in the U.K., and did my liberal arts at community college. 3.94 GPA. I was kind of disappointed that Yale was the only school that wanted a writing sample, as I felt like that would be one of the stronger parts of my application. What did everyone write on for that? I did an exposition of Jacques Derrida's "deconstruction," and its application to the Protestant binary of "scripture versus tradition." Duke Div's feedback date is supposed to be Feb 25th, this Friday, so I'm looking forward to that. They have a near-50% acceptance rate, so I'm more anxious about getting good scholarships than merely getting accepted. My interests are mostly political theology, particularly in economic theory. Anyway, good to meet you guys

This is a cross-post from the "who_got_in" livejournal forums, but I thought this community might have additional insight to share =). What are some good PhD programs in philosophy if I want to do critical theory and cultural criticism (social-theory-esque?)? I have in mind something like the work that Terry Eagleton does, but less literature-based and more social/political-theory based. Particularly with a Continental and Marxist flavour, and such figures as Foucault and such. Any thoughts or tips?

I'm applying to theology programs (MA and PhD) and philosophy programs (PhD). Theology: Notre Dame (MTS), Duke Div (MTS), Duke Uni (PhD), Princeton Uni (PhD), Marquette Uni (PhD), Uni. of Virginia (PhD). MAYBE: U.of Chicago Div School, Yale Div, Princeton Sem, or Wycliff College in Uni. of Toronto. Philosophy (Social & Political, Critical Theory, Hermeneutics): Uni. of Chicago, Notre Dame, Northwestern, Uni. of Toronto, McGill, and Uni. of Chicago's "Committee on Social Thought." MAYBE: Loyola. I will have my BA in philosophy in the spring from a reputable school. 3.9 GPA, no GRE yet. I'm already married with two toddlers, so I have to go to a program that is fully funded. Thankfully, I've kept my grades up, so this is a real possibility for me.

This sounds a little embarrassing, but it doesn't sound terribly killer toward your chances of acceptance. In your response email, just make sure and smooth-talk your way out of it.

Wow, excellent feedback, thanks a bunch! I have 2 questions about this part you said: "Spend your time talking about something you have done more recently and directly relevant, like the summer trip you went on to Greece where you learned about ruins, etc. If you have overcome tremendous challenges to get to where you are, DO mention this!" My questions are these: (1) Should I mention I'm married and have two toddlers, and still managed a near 4.0 GPA? (2) I lived overseas for 2 years in Britain, and studied in a worldwide multi-ethnic community of people from Zambia, India, Brazil, S.Korea, Ghana, and more. Is this helpful? Thanks a bunch!

Hey all, I feel like I have a mixed-bag of good and bad things going for me in my grad-school apps, so I'm looking for other perspectives. THE BAD: My Undergrad was spread out over 3 different schools Half my undergrad (60 credits?) was at community college. One year of my undergrad (24 credits) was spent studying in Britain (maybe this is more good than bad) Half of my undergrad I was only part-time (while working part/full-time) -- So, my undergrad is spread out over 6-7 years instead of 4-5. Not as much extra-curricular activities/involvement as I would like THE GOOD: The school I'm graduating from with my BA is renown in philosophy for having one of the very best philosophy undergrads in the U.S. I have a great GPA (3.96 or so at community college, about the same at my present school) I will probably have good letters of recommendation. One prof in particular might open some good doors if he writes a strong recommendation. I'm an ethnic minority, Japanese (I don't care about this sort of thing, but admissions folks seem to like it) I will be (by the time my apps are sent) a member of the relevant academic associations and scholar guilds (American Philosophical Association, American Academy of Religion) I'm an active member of our school's "Philosophy Club", and have presented a paper followed by Q&A (maybe one more by the time apps are sent) I'm on the Dean's list for good GPA, and was offered Phi Beta Kappa membership (but didn't follow-up with it) My transcript has a good interdisciplinary mix of both philosophy and religion classes I lived overseas in Britain and studied for a total of 2 years, with a worldwide multi-ethnic community (apparently admissions like this type of thing?) My overseas school gave me an accredited certificate of studies, in addition to credit hours toward my BA. I managed all of this while being married and have two toddlers. UNKNOWN: (1) Haven't taken my GREs yet! I anticipate above-average results. (2) Not sure how strong my letters of recommendation will be yet, but I anticipate good. Sorry for the long post, but what do you guys think? I feel like I have some good things going for me, but I also feel like the bad things are definitely pretty big ones on paper. Are the bad things not as bad as I think? Are the good things not as good as I think? What level of schools would I realistically expect to have a shot at getting in? What parts of my qualifications would particularly qualify or disqualify me from higher-level schools? Thanks for the insight!