kalnds

Hi, all. I posted about gordon-conwell a while back, and saw it mentioned negatively here and thought I'd offer a different perspective. For my part, I'd have to say that it's simply untrue that GCTS is not respected outside its circles (and I am unaware of the split with the Methodists that was mentioned). Yes, it is associated with a distinct tradition, and of course some people can become narrowly attached to that perspective - but that happens everywhere. There is no school where all the students (or faculty for that matter) are perfectly open-minded and truly interested in the opinions of various groups with whom they disagree. So, sure, GCTS has some people that are narrowly focused and therefore do not gain the acclaim of the wider academic community, but I would say the majority are very solid, (without question non-fundamentalist, although the school is on the conservative), caring, giving people, and many are very thoughtful and smart indeed. As for academic rigor, again I'd say that yes, there are some courses (especially ministry courses) that are academically lax, but from what I hear elsewhere, that's a pretty universal phenomenon. The more academic classes are fairly rigorous, and of course the harder you work and the more initiative you show, the more you will get out of them. Additionally, I know that they have in the past regularly sent students to Harvard for Ph.D. work (especially in Hebrew Bible), and last year sent two to Yale's Ph.D. program, another to Notre Dame's, and others to other prestigious and selective programs. So it's really untrue that it is not respected in the wider academic community. In fact, as an alum, I would recommend anyone with Christian commitments to go to GCTS. And I think they'd find that, as with anywhere else, you get out what you put in. If your goal is not to challenge yourself, to do the minimum, to focus on the negatives, to find closed-minded people, to just get by with a degree, sure you can do that there and probably find others doing the same - as you can anywhere else! If on the other hand your goal is to get a terrific theological education, learn the biblical (and other) languages, meet fun, interesting, and faithful people, study under a very sharp and generally available faculty, live in an absolutely gorgeous part of the country, have access to the largest theological consortium in the world (including virtually unlimited access to courses and libraries at Harvard, BC, and elsewhere), and challenge yourself to do the best academic work, perhaps even worthy of further studies, even at some of the most highly regarded universities in the world, then I would say GCTS is a really fantastic place to go. Just my two cents.

Well, in my understanding it all depends. If current weaknesses/holes in your record include lack of coursework or less than stellar grades, then a Th.M./S.T.M can definitely help if you do really well. I think this is especially true if you do it at a top program, or at a program more highly regarded than your master's school. You demonstrate your academic ability, perhaps even get a reference from a distinguished person there, which all works to your benefit. Also, I think the Th.M. can be especially useful if you apply to that school's doctoral program; you are already on the inside and can develop helpful connections (though of course there are no guarantees!). If, on the other hand, your record is weak in the area of GRE's, for example, but you have plenty of coursework and a high GPA already, I'm not sure the ThM will add significantly or get you over the hump. Your time might be better spent shoring up other aspects of your record. So, will a ThM help you with doctoral admissions? It might, or might not, depending on your current record, where you perceive the holes in your record to be, and, of course, how well you do at that program. If it were me (assuming you choose to do the program), I'd recommend doing as well as possible in the fall semester, and applying that fall for programs, though I know others may disagree. But again, this depends on the current strengths and weaknesses of your record. If you feel like you're very close to being competitive at the doctoral level but just need a few more courses, you can probably move more quickly than if you feel like you need to reinvent yourself in your ThM. The bottom line for me is, know exactly why you want to do this program, what weaknesses admissions committees might see in your record, and proceed with specific goals in mind of addressing those issues. Best of luck!

Hey thumbnail, I know for certain of one acceptance in NT, one in theology, and two in Ancient Christianity. There may be another theology admit as well, if in fact the post from a week ago was legitimate (I assume it was (why lie?), but it was submitted before the University/GSAS officially finalized admissions decisions on Thursday night). I am fairly sure all acceptances were posted to people's application accounts today, as well. Non-acceptances may have been posted too, but I don't know. I hope this helps and best of luck!

I would make a plug for Gordon-Conwell if you are at all interested in getting and m.Div. from an evangelical perspective. GCTS is definitely not fundamentalist. Its evangelical commitments are explicit, but because it is a non-denominational school, it is not doctrinaire or closed-minded. The theology faculty right now in particular is extremely strong in my opinion, and you can get a tremendous grasp on the Christian tradition at GCTS. There are other very, very impressive people in other departments as well. As an m.Div. student, you learn both Greek and Hebrew which I think is essential to a really solid understanding of the biblical texts. Community is warm as well, though I assume (and hope!) this would be true at most seminaries/divinity schools. It has a beautiful and expansive campus (which matters!) in a tremendous location, just 5-10 minutes from the beach and even nearer to woods, trails, etc. Yet it is an easy drive from Boston, a terrific city. Furthermore, it is a member of the Boston Theological Institute, the largest theological consortium in the world, which grants virtually unlimited access to courses and libraries at any of eight other divinity schools in the area free of charge, including Harvard, BC, BU, which is an invaluable resource.