sacklunch

AbrasaxEos, What faculty member(s) are you working with at BU?

Apologize and rarely be at home (if possible). I dealt with something similar when I was younger and honestly I don't regret it. In the end we remain close, although I know I could never live with them again. I'm glad I did it, since it kept my debts low-ish. I'm in the humanities, so keeping debt low is a really big concern.

I have a decent amount of ancient languages now, but I remember when I first started college I tried out Spanish (took it in high school) just because it's what 'everyone' does. I hated it and I did poorly (dropped the course). When I started learning languages that applied directly to my research I started to actually enjoy learning/studying them. Perhaps you will discover something similar?

Great question. I also have wondered the difference. Looking at the religion department's website seems like the MA is more geared toward research, thus perhaps better for someone seeking doctoral work. I wonder how many students they take versus the MTS? And how many of them receive free money?

Your background seems fine. Email them to see about it, though. Most nicer div/theo programs emphasis a historical approach over any other, so I wouldn't worry about that too much.

One application to rule them all....

You might try looking at some philosophy of religion programs. I think HDS has it. Plus I know I have seen several related courses when signing up.

If it's not listed as a requirement then you can apply with just a BA. Although I'm sure most of their applicants will have graduate work already completed when applying. Email to ask about common applicants, ect.

Thanks for your thoughts, Sparky. I also know several PhD students who have several masters, as well as a couple of my peers who have degrees from elsewhere (usually coming from MDiv programs). Good to hear that other institutions are similar.

Hey, As far as throwing up a red flag for doing a second degree, I think that is a valid concern for anyone. However, if I don't feel ready, then I just don't feel ready. I have heard both sides. Some have told me it looks "questionable" others say more grad work is always a good thing. Who knows? I somehow doubt when applying for doctoral work if you have the right SOP, sample, and letters, that they would really care much? There seem to be a lot of people who do MDivs + ThM, which doesn't seem to be much different than another masters, right (considering some ThM degrees area slightly longer than 1 year)? As far as specific programs I haven't narrowed it down too much. I'll prolly apply to Tufts' Philosophy MA (very well ranked and funded), perhaps GSU's Philosophy MA (also funded), BU's classical archeology/classics, KU classics, MU classics, ect. If you'd like I can get with you through PM about more specific info (why I am applying to some of these, ect). best

I have slightly more languages than you, and also will be coming out of a masters (MTS, not MDiv). I have considered the exact same thing, and I think i'll just apply for both. I'm only applying to MA degrees that give full funding, mostly in Classics, ancient philosophy, classical archeology, ect. There is no sense doing another "theology" degree at another institution, especially since a related masters such as Classics will allow you the time to focus more on languages.

I'll repeat with 11Q13 said, as I have also heard Yale doesn't mind. Harvard likely wouldn't care (or the others for that matter) if you address it in your statement. But really, from your interest, writing sample, and SOP, it should be fairly obvious if you are something they do not want. I wouldn't worry about it.

Sure. UG - 1 year of attic Gk, 1 year of intermediate Koine Gk, .5 Gk Plato's Apology, .5 Gk John's Gospel Grad - 1 year of intro bib. Hebrew, 1 year of Intermediate Hebrew, 1 year of Intro Latin, .5 Aramaic, summer German, .5 Graeca, .5 Greek Patrology

I'm curious about how funding works being a US citizen and applying for schools in Canada (UoT and UBC). If I do not receive enough scholarship money, how would I fund the rest? Are loans available? thanks

I don't think there is any good way to convert the scores since the test is different.

You will need more preparation in languages if you plan on applying for a PhD. Talk with your professors about what would best suit your interests, ect. Consider applying to a lot of masters in theology/religious studies. There are a lot more funded/partially funded theology masters degrees than a lot of other humanities degrees (my opinion). good luck.

Your exposure to the languages is unusual, for sure. You sound like a very competitive applicant, since it seems the biggest problem for most of us (in bible) is acquiring the proper languages. This fall I am also applying to a handful of MA's in Classics. cheers

I have about 4 years of Greek and only a year of Hebrew (biblical). I found Hebrew to be much easier than Greek. Of course, this could be because of my training in Greek helped me understand concepts that may overlap? Ask your adviser which language would be more beneficial to your future goals. I do feel that Greek takes longer, perhaps because of the much larger extant literature (thus large variety), or perhaps because I started with it. good luck

Go to the ETS website. They have free stuff on there that can help.

Obviously there are other factors that go into getting accepted into a great Div school besides GPA. If it helps, I was denied at Harvard (twice - once from UG and once as a transfer) with a 3.75 cum. and a 3.9 major (theo/phil double major). It seems sort of hit or miss. I applied for the biblical studies focus twice, and from what I heard that field is fairly competitive at HDS. good luck.

Consider joining the military? You would obviously start off as an Officer, 2nd Lt. The pay is pretty decent and having job security is great.

Don't waste your time. It will be WAY heavier than a road bike. Just get something decent and you won't have to waste your time having a shop modify your old beast.

Microcenter is the place to go. Strangely enough I JUST got back from there with my friend who bought the MBP i5 for 999. It's the same price as the white Macbook!

While the MBP looks more "awesome" and it seems to be made from better materials, the last models were pretty crap. The case warped, hardware crapped out, ect. I'm not saying the new ones will have the same problems, just saying historically the older ones were no more structurally sound than the regular Macbooks. If it helps I'm a graduate assistant in my schools computer tech services. I deal with older/newer model macs, helping professors with software/hardware issues. Like I said before, just get the Macbook. My .02.

Don't waste the money on a Pro. Just get a regular Macbook. You don't need the extra power of the Pro if you are just doing papers, browsing, music, ect.