sacklunch

I suppose on the flip side there may not be as many applicants for this field? I haven't met a ton of people who are interested in those issues at the doctoral level. Speaking of, Body Politics, one of my old friends is a doctoral student at Iliff studying sexual ethics. They might have something for you there?

I would leave out the: I hope to build off of this research and broaden the scope of my project to include -------------------------------------. I wanted to see if this was the sort of research in which ----------------------------- is interested. Other than that I think it's fine. That is pretty much what I sent out to a couple folks.

Haha! So true...I have a couple working drafts for different programs and I dare not say how long that took me.

Sounds like a UK program. I think it may even be the opposite here in the states. If one is already a "scholar" before showing up, they may wonder what the point is at all in coming to study. Though, again, for programs that basically have a dissertation this makes sense. I, for one, am terrified of those types of programs. I can't imagine, even in my fourth year of master's work, having to write a dissertation at this point. I guess they breed em different (i.e. better) across the pond!

No idea how competitive your application is, but you def. should look at applying to more schools (as you said). For example, with BC, when I was there the NT doctoral students I knew (three) all had 4-5 yrs of master level work before coming in (most had MDiv+ThM, some MDiv+MTS/MAR). I imagine Emory is much of the same! See you're doing a ThM now, nvm!

Good question. That said, no idea! I have never used it. We used HQ in my early days, and I also worked through Athenaze later on, since it's a bit 'kinder.' Honestly, there are so many Grammars these days it's a matter of preference. One book that I very much recommend that is the somewhat recent intermediate 'grammar' by Pratt: http://www.amazon.com/Eros-Banquet-Reviewing-Symposium-Classical/dp/0806141425/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380842183&sr=1-2&keywords=plato%27s+symposium+greek She basically takes you through the Symposium and slowly gets you up to speed. The first part of the book has the original text edited, since (as you may know) most of the work is written in indirect speech. Before each section Pratt will give a quick lesson and then give you the text with a good amount of notes (with references to other grammars, too). By a couple chapters in you are reading the original Greek. I also recommend the companion to this book, which I still use all the time as a quick reference (when I'm like...'wait, what is a future less vivid again?!"): http://www.amazon.com/The-Essentials-Greek-Grammar-Intermediate/dp/0806141433/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y hope some of that helps you??

Agreed 100%. I am mostly worried about my GRE score. I am retaking this coming Monday, but man, I just don't think I can pull a 90%+ verbal. I now have an 87%, which I am actually OK with....but you know how it goes. People say "OH you only have THAT score?"

I would def. get a copy of H&Q for reference. Though the unfortunate thing about the book is there are no official answers for its sentences. At the intermediate to advanced stage I have found Smyth's grammar to be quite useful (much to my surprise, since at first glance it appears impenetrable...).

Anyone know who is not taking on new students in ND's JCA program? I was told that Ulrich is retiring soon, and I assumed Vanderkam would be as well. Anyone?

I have contacted quite a few already. I sent an email introducing myself, my interests (briefly), and ask: 1) if they are taking students and 2) if they would like prospective students to visit (this has led into "Let's meet at X conference beforehand).

It's enforced more or less. I knew some MTS people when I was there who tried to switch to MDiv and were not allowed because of having no background in ministry. I have no idea how strict they actually are. And to be honest, I have a feeling they can't possibly check to see if you are stretching the truth or not.

I have been a bit in the dumps lately as well, if it makes you feel any better. I leave you with this gem: http://i.imgur.com/eNAXCj9.jpg

I still think the class may be beneficial for someone in OT, even if you don't have an interest in studying the Peshitta per se. There is a lot of debate, past and present, but I think the Peshitta (and other Syriac compositions) is another important witness for understanding the textual development of the HB. Again, this assumes you have some interest in certain areas (i.e. text criticism).

How much time can you devote to the course while auditing? Have you had any Aramaic before? It may be beneficial, i think, especially if you have a background in Aramaic, since the biggest (initial) hurdle is learning to read the language and then see all the similarities with earlier forms of the language (I'm speaking generally, here). I might also ask, why do you want to learn Syriac? I know nothing about your interests in HB/OT! Though, from my experience, and having taken Syriac, it is very useful as another ancient version/witness. I assume you have interest in the Peshitta? cheers

Well said!

I have been wrestling with this question a lot lately, while actually writing various SOPs. I think that I'm applying to programs that are good 'fits,' but I suppose it comes down to faculty and the general goal/aim of the program. Expressing that is an entirely different thing. Walking that line between specific/vague, while setting the tone of some sort of continuity with their research is very difficult.

Honestly I wouldn't worry about it for MA programs. It still falls in the average for writing scores and your verbal is well above the average for MA students (and plenty competitive/great for PhD programs). You may try to retake if it really bothers you, but I wouldn't waste any more time on studying for the thing. Spend that time on your SOP/sample.

I wouldn't worry about them too much (Quant). Make sure you are somewhere around the average. As long as your verbal is good there isn't a reason for concern, I think. I have been told this time and time again from profs at top schools. good luck

Speak with your professors after you write your (first) SOP and see what they say. I sympathize with the above response, but in the end your professors, if they are indeed great as you say, will provide more valuable information than anyone else. It is expected, if not required, in 'our field' (religion) to obtain one, sometimes two or three masters before proceeding to the PhD. Without rambling too much about this shitty reality (heh), many of us have a tendency to cry out FAKE! when we encounter undergraduates who don't have very specific interests (you may indeed have them, of course). In short, talk to your professors and apply. You may also apply to some good MA programs. If it doesn't work out you can always try again. Du was du willst!

Without knowing anything about your subfield, I think it can be deleterious to get an advanced degree from a "suspect" program. Granted I know NOTHING about that program you listed (and in fact I'm not in your field), but you may be better off going elsewhere if you suspect its quality. Again, not knowing your subfield, but another consideration: How are your languages? This is a critical component often overlooked by a lot of applicants, and at least in my field, one of the main reasons keeping folks out of PhD programs. You could, I imagine, at least take course(s) in whatever language you will need. This would also give you a chance to get some better grades and when applying to a more appropriate MA program you may have a better chance of securing admission/funding. cheers

Sent you a PM!

I wouldn't retake unless you have reason to believe those scores are not good enough for said program. Those scores are 'good enough' for most programs, even top ones. I would spend more time focusing on your SOP and explaining how/why you ended up leaving the other program. I imagine it will throw up a ton of red flags with those W's and esp. the F's. A high GRE score will not assuage for your recent academic record, I think. Focus on improving the rest of your application.

For 'biblical languages' the truth is there isn't much for an actual career option. You can get a PhD and teach and while doing so you may do some 'translating,' but it is mainly only when publishing that would ever get paid. Pretty much all the texts have been translated already. And those that haven't, good luck getting in on the action! You would need to have a PhD and be a top person in that specific field to get the chance to translate something new.

I see no big reason to mention it, unless it has direct relevance on your prospective research, ect. Also, not sure how it worked with your transcripts, but I believe as long as the grades from the cc are listed on your graduating Uni, you do not need to send them any transcripts (because they have already been verified by your Uni and include grades, there is no point in having to send another copy with the same information).

Are you in NC currently? my tentative list: Duke (PhD), Toronto (NMC, Religion), Harvard (NELC, Religion), Yale (NELC, Religion), ND (Theology), Wisconsin (Semitics), Marquette (Theology), GTU/Berkeley. Some others that I will likely apply. Applying broadly in HB, but with folks who work with LXX and DSS (some overlap with NT, patristics, classics).