sacklunch

Well, I changed my mind yet again. I officially accepted at BC. After a long weekend, going back and forth, I just decided that it was what I really wanted. I hope to see some of you this fall!

Jack, Thanks for your input, I have heard similar things from current BC students. Since I have no real religious reason for getting the degree, and have received about the same merit money, I think Vanderbilt is the right choice. I'll mail em my stuff tomorrow. Thanks for all the great advice everyone! -Nick

So you really think they are about equal standing, as far as NT/Biblical studies goes? I'm not considering Emory because they didn't give me any merit based money, and I'm not paying full tuition when I can get quite a bit off at the others .

Hey Jack, Like I said before, both of the schools are offering similar funding, but Vandy gave me some work study money...so that will help. I doubt I will work much, but it would be nice to get a job at the school and not have to worry about driving around town. I am really only concerned with the academic side, as I am not religious. I guess personally, Boston seems like a cooler town (obviously), but also more expensive. I have almost no clue how I am going to decide. Blah.

I guess I was wrong about the language requirements. It seems I was looking at the graduate school of religion information, rather than the divinity. Well, my advisor and other teachers have told me for biblical studies Vandy is a better option. No clue how true this is, but just looking at BC's course list it seems to be the case...although taking classes through the BTI is pretty cool. I haven't made up my mind altogether. I still need to send my check to Vandy Monday...or completely decide against it and go to BC. haha...damn I hate choosing!

Do you have any idea what total tuition is? I talked to their financial aid office today and was a bit confused. I got around 50% tuition off, but the lady I think said annually it costs around 39k...does this sound right? I was unsure if she was adding in assumed costs, such as books, room, food, ect. Thoughts?

Long story short, I need to decide between Vandy and BC (Theo/Ministry). I am initially drawn more towards BC for several reasons, such as my familiarity with Jesuit schools (my current institution), I like Boston (assuming it's better than Nash), ect. Ultimately I want to get my doctorate in biblical studies, hopefully teaching somewhere. 1. What school has more pull in biblical studies? 2. What school would you rather go to? I was a little concerned after looking at BC's schedule, since they don't offer as many exegetical classes as I would like. Also, they don't require a language for their MTS, which seems rather atypical, no? Their reasoning was having only two years to get a lot of info in, and they would like people to be able to focus on other things if they want. They do offer languages, just not required. Also, they are a part of the BTI, so I can potentially take classes at Harvard div, Holy Cross, ect. I got 45% off at Vandy, 50% off at BC. I also talked to a current MTS-biblical studies student at BC who said he has taken quite a few of his language and exegetical courses through the BTI, and BC assured me you can take up to 50% of your classes elsewhere...but is this bad? Will taking courses at other institutions matter, say when I apply for a phd? Will the school look and see "MTS - BC" and think, "Oh, well they don't have a strong biblical studies requirements (although offered there and mostly through the BTI), so lets not even look at this guy." I am stressing out about this....WHAT IS YOUR HONEST OPINION for someone who wants to get their phd and teach in biblical studies, with a hefty focus in biblical languages? thanks!! -Nick

I'll be starting my MTS there in the fall and was curious where I should look? I have never been to Nashville, nor do I know really anything about the town. Are there rooms to be found that are close to campus (Divinity school)? What parts of town should I be looking into? I have a car, but I would prefer to ride my bike/walk if I can, although I'm not completely against driving (especially in the winter). thanks for your help! -Nick

Well, at least you have choices, eh? Congrats on at least getting 50%. I have a good friend at HDS right now, although the only reason he went there was because he got a full ride. Still, with living costs he is spending quite a bit, and really might be about what a less aided cheaper school would be. What would your concentration be? I see you applied for the Jewish studies deal at HDS? Are you Jewish, or just interested?

Yeah I filled out the same forms, seems pretty odd they didn't have anyone fill them out during the application. Did you end up taking the offer? I see you have several other great offers in your sig.

Have you guys heard anything about grants/financial aid yet? I talked to them last week and they said they were about to send out this information, but I have not received anything as of today (accepted into MTS).

Out of the schools I applied I got into: Boston College, Emory/Candler, Vanderbilt, and GTU (Jesuit School). I am sort of on the fence about where to go, but I am leaning toward Vanderbilt (they are giving me a good amount of funding). Boston College gave me quite a bit of aid, but I have heard for biblical studies they are not as good. My goal is to finish a PhD after the MTS, and will eventually teach at a university (hopefully). I'm primarily interested in biblical studies, language (Greek first, but I will want to spend time w/ Hebrew also), history. I am not religious, so that aspect of the school does not matter to me. I actually applied for the MA in biblical languages at GTU, so that seems to fit pretty well with what I want to do, as well as I heard its very strong for later doctoral work in biblical studies. Emory didn't give me any money, so it's almost not even in the running, but figured I would mention it regardless. All of them are MTS's, except for GTU's MA-BL. thoughts, opinions? thanks! -Nick