sacklunch

I would have applied to less schools (10 total). Also, I would have liked to do better on the GRE.

Also, through the BTI I have seen quite a few philosophy of X type of courses (I think many through Harvard). Check them out: http://www.bostontheological.org/bti_courses.html

I just got done dealing with a similar problem. GTU offered me 75%, BC offered me 50%. I would MUCH rather live in the nicer weather of CA, but I was trying to pick the best "academic" reason for school and not have the location or cost (if only a couple grand overall, like you) effect my decision. I picked BC because of the BTI, its faculty, and looking through their course lists from the past year or two (and for the fall). Your interests are quite a bit different than mine, so I can't give my opinion on BC's systematic expertise. BC is much more recognized outside of theology, unlike GTU which is only a specialized school. If that matters to you then that's also a perk. I don't remember his name, but one of BC's faculty got his MA from GTU. I actually emailed him a couple months ago to get his opinion on "BC vs GTU." You might shoot him an email if your still having trouble deciding. good luck, -Nick

True, Harvard required the GRE for the MTS (started this year). I have a 3.75, good recs, good SOP, good writing sample, and was denied. I think a lot of it had to do with my GRE score (at least I think). -Nick

Search, there are lots of threads about Vandy's program. I ended up rejecting their offer because they were fairly strict on what courses you could take (not bad for someone else, of course). -Nick

Applied to ten schools. It was too many. I would apply to 6 or 7 if I did it again. I spent around 800 total.

You might want to check out the religion section for specifics, or try searching the site. I was in a similar situation a couple weeks ago deciding between Vandy and a couple others (my sig). I picked BC, in part, because it's part of the BTI (as BU is). So you can take classes at any of the other schools for free. I'm not sure how many of your classes BU lets you take, but BC lets you do up to 50% at other schools. Other than that I looked at the faculty and courses offered at each of my accepted schools (it came down to Vandy or BC) and decided BC was better for me. Also, I am glad to be living in Boston soon and not Nashville. I'm from the midwest and am in need of change. Google the BTI, go to their website, and check out the courses offered. It gives you a good idea of the diversity of classes offered in case BU doesn't offer something specific you need/want. good luck. -Nick

I'm going to BC (for an MTS) in the fall and thought about trying to substitute teach. I have briefly looked online and it seems you need a BA (check). Do you need some type of certification for this? cheers, -Nick

I have worked at a local Toyota dealership as a mechanic while doing my undergrad (prior I got a degree in auto). Thank God it's almost over.

I would also wait a bit, as it is likely your interests will change. Either way you will need a lot better GPA, at least for some of those schools listed (a min. of a 3.5).

Applied for all MA programs: UG GPA 3.7 4 semesters of Ind. Study (relevant for grad work) GRE V500 Q490 W4.5 (the weakest part of my app) I need to work on my GRE for phd work, prolly start studying for that over the next year or two...bah.

I thought some MA programs focused on either Latin or Greek? It might be called something like "MA in Greek." -Nick

Thanks! I know first I will need Hebrew. I agree that Latin would be useful for biblical studies, specifically 200CE onward, but the problem is time. I also should have a reading comp of German or French, which I will also need to worry about while doing my MTS. So I will do more Greek, start Hebrew, possibly a summer language course in German or French, then maybe Latin if I have time....that's a lot of language . On doing a classics degree, I was speaking about an MA, not a phd. I would get the phd in theology most likely. thanks -Nick

Long story short I am starting an MTS (theology) this fall at BC. I thought about getting a second master's degree after this one is done, before heading to a phd program. I already have three semesters of Attic Greek from undergrad, and will have more in grad school. I have no Latin, and likely won't take any in the future. But, do I need to? I thought I had seen some programs that focused on one of the two languages. thanks -Nick

Thanks for correcting me! I thought I had read that many of the MTS programs didn't "require" languages. Many of them seemed to be taken as electives, although they are strongly recommended for later PhD programs. I planned on taking more Greek, starting Hebrew, and possibly taking German in an intensive summer course. thanks again, -Nick

Just general questions: 1. Besides Greek and Hebrew/Aramaic, what languages do many doctoral programs expect you to have a reading comprehension in? German, French, ? 2. Are most programs free? 3. Do most programs require the GRE? I noticed that many of the programs I applied for did not require the GRE. Keep in mind, I am mostly asking about private schools. thanks guys -Nick

I don't think it will matter too much. For what its worth, one of my best friends went to community college and now goes to Harvard (for theology). He was home schooled, then to community college, then to a private nice university (where I met him), and now at Harvard. He did go to a nice community college that offered a large variety of classes, with good profs, ect. As long as the community college is good and you do well, I think you will do just fine. Plus you will save a few bucks! -Nick I figured I would add, that I was denied at my three "top choices," and also spent time at a community college. But really, my gpa is a 3.7, his was a 4.0, among other reasons I believe I was denied (he really is much smarter than I am).

Basically I had finally decided on BC for my MTS. I got a late offer from the Graduate Theological Union that is better, but I am unsure if I should even consider it. I already accepted at BC, which I thought I was cool with...but GTU came in and just offered me 75% off tuition, while BC is giving me 50% off. It's likely around 10k difference in what I will spend for the two year degree. I think academically they are equal, although outside of theology GTU doesn't have any degrees (which I don't think would matter, but just in case I decide to do something else, or have to do something else because the economy sucks). Basically my question is, do you think it's "stupid" to spend another 10k on the degree, when they are relatively equal schools for what I want to study (which will eventually lead me into a phd, I hope). thanks! -Nick

I have a couple schools I need to reject, but do I have to send the letter, or can I just email them saying I picked another school? thanks -Nick

I am in a similar situation now with my girlfriend (I'm a male). I'm guessing here, but it sounds like your just not that into him, and maybe more into yourself? I say this because I am sort of the same way. I want a mate who is successful, has a degree, ect., but not one who has "more" of that than me. I would resent a girlfriend/wife who did not eventually get a masters, or even a phd. I think this just comes down to age and maturity, but I'm sure some people never really grow out of that. I'm confident I will! Don't drag the guy along if you really don't see yourself with him, whether that be because of your own selfishness or his own issues. I'm sure it will work out just fine, good luck!

I got it at one school, and the other has not told me if I will get it yet. Both are private schools. Doesn't the government distribute this? If so, shouldn't it be the same at each school?

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Can someone explain how all this works? thanks -Nick

How are you getting the 60k vs 20k number? As far as living, I had a similar decision over BC and Vandy, and preferred Boston over Nashville (which I think is fairly obvious). Realistically I think they both would set you up for a doctoral program at a lot of great schools. Obviously outside of academia, Harvard is going to be "cooler." Have you talked to any of the HDS students in that program?

Moving there in the fall to Boston College. I ride quite a bit where I'm from, and was wondering how easy it is to ride in the Chestnut Hill/Cambridge/Boston area in general? Is it flat all over Boston? Are there bike lanes? Any other advice? thanks -Nick

That's a really hard decision, but I would go with Duke as well. They were my first choice since their faculty (in my opinion) is really good.