rab1989

Honestly, no. I applied Mdiv at BUST because they have a tract designed for budding academics. Out of curiosity, why Union over UVA?

I definitely think UVA is big on fit, my GRE scores were not bad, but average. In my statement I played up my interests that really fit with their program. I also imagine the terminal MA isn't nearly as competitive as the PhD because it's not funded.

Hello all, I would love any advice you have to offer. This is my first round of applications for MA's and Mdivs. I want to go on for a PhD afterwards but have yet to narrow my interests enough. Right now my two big areas of interest are NT/Christianity & Judaism in antiquity(with emphasis on the Historical Jesus, and anti-imperial readings of the NT & HB in general) and 19th-20th century theology/social ethics(Kierkegaard, Bonhoeffer, post Shoah Jewish and Christian thought). So far I've been admitted to UVA's MA in TEC, Union's MA, and BUST Mdiv(religion and the academy tract), and YDS sends out decisions tomorrow. UVA offers no funding to terminal masters(BUT i'm a VA resident - so in state tuition), Union has yet to reveal my financial aid package, and BUST has offered me full tuition(Woo, but also living expenses are INSANE in Boston). Despite Yale being Yale, UVA and Union look like my best options as they both seem to have stronger faculty in these general areas than YDS(Plus I don't know if I'll even be accepted at YDS). BUST is a great school, but seems like a school with a bend towards ministry rather than scholarship. I suppose you could say that about Union, but it seems like a more academically rigorous program based on conversations I've had with students. Opinions? I like both UVA and Union for different reasons. I'm really unsure of which would be the best option, particularly for someone who wants to do doctoral work in the future.