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KungFuKenny

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  1. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to LakeSuperior in Fall 2021 MTS   
    I appreciate the encouragement and information provided by everybody here. To follow-up, I’ve decided to accept Yale’s offer and begin their MARc this fall. Best wishes to all still making their decisions and/or waiting for results!
  2. Like
    KungFuKenny got a reaction from CafeConGabi in Fall 2021 Religion PhD   
    Thought y’all should know since we go way back to like January lol...Just received an admissions offer from Candler school of Theology (Emory) with 75% tuition funding! This was the only MTS program I applied to along with my 4 PhD apps.

  3. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to crossroadsph in Fall 2021 MTS   
    The one reason keeping me from returning to the US for a doctoral program (assuming I get into the last waitlisted one) is probably the degree to which anti-AAPI hate crimes have increased over the last year, especially since the pandemic began. I was in the US at the beginning of the pandemic and did not personally experience anything, but I was in Berkeley, which is mostly tolerant. However, I did get to hear an unfortunate racist slur from a homeless man shortly before I left. All this is to say that the risk of being attacked for being Asian and Pacific Islander is there, but with what one sees on social media and the news, one cannot see exactly how big the risk is. Nevertheless, people living there have expressed their concerns to me.
    I agree with @Joey_Jawad that if you do have Asian friends or colleagues, please check in on them. Please educate yourselves too on the history of America's involvement in Asia and with Asians. I come from a former American colony, and what I became aware of about this colonial history gave me a mixed picture of a country and culture I otherwise admire. For me, that history explains a lot.
  4. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to Joey_Jawad in Fall 2021 MTS   
    Uh I know things often seem more dire from abroad, especially from the myopic lense of the internet but the recent spate of anti-asian hate crimes is horrifying. I'm torn between being afraid to move there, but also wanting to remove the bandaid as fast as possible and start living there because marinating in unquantifiable fear from abroad probably feels worse.
    I know the best practice for this is contested, but if you have Asian friends or colleagues please check in on them. These are frightening times. 
  5. Like
    KungFuKenny got a reaction from mjsmith in Fall 2021 MTS   
    Those who know better can feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, but I want to think that Chicago ranks close to HDS in terms of prestige for RelStudies....is that a misconception on my part? At the very least, I’m not sure that a degree from Chicago (as compared to one from HDS) will significantly decrease your shot at a top tier PhD...
  6. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to sayf in Fall 2021 MTS   
    Will echo @_Athena_. For people going for the MA,  do focus on the subfields before committing. Also, I should say that at the MA level, you can get away with not having a very close alignment of research interests with the faculty. The aim is to have breadth and just some depth. this is a time to refine your research interests, so remain focused but open as well, if that is not too much of a paradox. 
     
    Chicago and Harvard's 2 year MAs do not have theses, which means that you'll not get to do in-depth research about a topic. That is fine. If you wish, you can do that through independent reading courses with faculty. Also, very important is that you do not freak out if there aren't relevant courses within the div school, these are massive research universities with a lot of departments, so it's always good to rigorously browse through courses being offered in other relevant departments. for instance, secularism stuff in anthro department etc. what you need from the MA is solid letters, evidence of thorough coursework (focus on something but also be diverse to an extent, the idea is to get acquainted with the field of religion as well, you will benefit from conversations outside your field), language training (if applicable) and solid writing sample. Take courses that require you to write a research (!!) paper not only essays, critical paper and the likes. When you apply for the PhD, you may want not even want to apply to these schools again because then academic fit becomes the most important factor. Without being a calculative robot all the time, it is important to internalize that the MA has two jobs: a) get into a PhD program b) actually develop as a scholar-in-training. all best. 
  7. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to Joey_Jawad in Fall 2021 MTS   
    Thank you everyone for your detailed, incisive comments. I SO appreciate it. I've been out of undergrad for some time now, so I feel like I have no room to make any mistakes in what feels like this momentous life-changing decision. Lots to think about for sure.. Again, many many thanks for all those who commented!
  8. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to _Athena_ in Fall 2021 MTS   
    Just a note that they may be the two most prestigious div schools in particular subfields. For instance, in my own subfield of Hebrew Bible/Second Temple Judaism, Harvard is basically considered defunct now, unfortunately. Yale was a lot better off in HB/STJ when I applied three years ago, but it's going to be in flux beginning this fall with the retirement of John Collins and Steven Fraade.
  9. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to sayf in Fall 2021 MTS   
    Hi, just want to chime in here. These are good questions. HDS is in no way more prestigious than Chicago within rlst circles. Chicago would be more academically rigorous, no question. Quarter system means you will have to be on top of your game. Money: south side chicago is much much more viable than Cambridge/Boston. If you're gunning for top phd programs in your field, both will serve you equally well. Would also try to pinpoint whose faculty you're most interested in. Don't worry about hyper-competition, a lot of these things are self-imposed but you can't slack either. Stay calm and you'll be fine. Harvard gets hyped up due to prestige chasing behavior (sorry, but it's true.) Be strategic with what professors you want to work with (either harvard or chicago) because professors at both schools can fall into two camps: they'll either give you attention or you'll just be a number as an MA. Being proactive is the best way to enhance your phd acceptance chances later on. Just make sure you don't fall thru the cracks
    as both institutes are big. Be open to working with professors whom you didn't think would be part of your academic journey (they might turn out to be your biggest supporters rather than the big name in your field). Overall, it is my estimation that Chicago might even have a slight edge for PhD apps (but this is subjective and may not apply to everyone). If money is of concern, Chicago hands down. That stipend means someone thought you were excellent. 
    Also, it's okay to be non-confrontational, but it would be an asset to be assertive some of the times, esp if you're heading into a phd later. colleagues and professors respect someone with an independence of voice. trust me on this if you can. 
    Hope that's helpful in someway. 
    Best of luck. 
  10. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to _Athena_ in Fall 2021 MTS   
    I just wanted to chime in and extend a secondary word of caution. While having the opportunity to complete a graduate/doctoral degree at an Ivy League school or comparable institution is wonderful and exciting, it can also be incredibly isolating and disillusioning. I did not have a very supportive advisor and often felt like I had to navigate the twists and turns of academia with no help from anyone. My advice to everyone in this thread would be to pinpoint a professor or advisor who is really interested in YOU and YOUR INTERESTS. You're going to have a hard go of it otherwise. Wishing you all the best of luck!
  11. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to CafeConGabi in Fall 2021 MTS   
    You're welcome! I think the best way I make a decision is by getting all the information I can. 
    I'll also say that if I had to do it all over again I would. I do not regret going to HDS. I think it allowed me to reach beyond my own ideas of what I was capable of. I came out a bit bruised, my soul was somewhat crushed hahaha, but I came out a better scholar. If not better, then definitely more aware of my own goals and confident about reaching them.   
  12. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to CafeConGabi in Fall 2021 MTS   
    1) Your concerns are valid. VERY valid. 
    2) Echoing KungFuKenny and jellyfish7, both schools are top schools within the religious studies world so adding either on your CV will only benefit you. 
    3) Is HDS worth the $20,000 in my savings or loans? I think that's your decision to make. I took out a small amount when I got there. Full tuition + $8,000 annual stipend was not enough for me to live in Boston. I also had to work off campus during the summer (I did my best to get away from the Harvard bubble as much as I could). 
    4) As much as I want to praise HDS I can't and I must be honest about the conversations that happen on campus. We're considered the "hippie school" ? but lots of folks across campus find that space rewarding. I think the Chicago Div School slogan is "where the fun dies". 
    5) Despite the lack of diversity in faculty (I'm a Latinx scholar) it is ABSOLUTELY possible to find/create opportunities to succeed. I found my mentor when I told him his class was intimidating during office hours haha. We also just lost Dr. Cornel West, again, so it's a huge hit for the Div School. I met with him on a couple occasions and can safely say he was a source for my own development as a Latina scholar on campus. I'll also say I met with some world-known faculty who encouraged me to dream big during our office hour conversations. 
    6) This I think leads into the potential downside of being at HDS: that it's still attached to the Harvard name. I didn't realize how conditioned I became to be mistrusting of my peers because the culture of secrecy is so real! For example, I always felt like I couldn't share my ideas with my cohort because someone might snatch it and beat me to publication. Bizarre, but the feeling was still there. This of course might just be academia in general, but I never felt this at the other schools I went to. 
    7) Also, performativity is taken to a completely different level. I felt it was no longer about collaborating or co-learning but rather establishing the most nuanced take of the assigned reading on Foucault. This, in turn, made me feel like I wasn't reading just to read but rather reading to find something interesting to say in class. The competitive nature of these seminars just made it difficult to drop my guard or forgive myself for simple mistakes.    
    8) And don't get me started on being a Latina at Harvard hahahahahahaha... So, I will say that "my people" became the janitors and the cooks and the security personnel on campus (and a few faculty members). They're the ones who greeted me every day. They're the ones who asked me how midterms were going. They're the ones who looked like my family back home. They're the only ones I thanked at the Div School diploma ceremony because my own working-class family could not make it to my Harvard graduation. They're the ones I'll say hi to when I go back to visit one day. Them and the Spanish-speaking co-workers at the restaurant job I had. They were my community. They're the ones who saw past my Harvard exterior and zeroed-in on my humanity. It's a lot I know but I think I needed to say this. 
     9) I'm sure you know this already but make sure you have a great sense of self before you go to either campus. I know how easily the Harvard name can blow up my ego haha so it was helpful to stay true to the person I was before Harvard. I was always that indigenous-looking brown girl in class who wore huaraches and hoops and red lipstick. So, I made sure to continue that identity at Harvard. (No amount of elbow-patch jackets will ever change me hahaha.) I made sure to eat the same beans and rice I ate back home and listen to the same banda music from my childhood when I walked through Widener Library. LOTS of folks discouraged me from pursing grad school but when I was able to ground myself in my own journey I was able to make it through all the bummer moments at Harvard. It's what's gotten me through this application cycle and what will get me through the rest of my journey. : )
     
  13. Like
    KungFuKenny got a reaction from CafeConGabi in Fall 2021 MTS   
    Those who know better can feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, but I want to think that Chicago ranks close to HDS in terms of prestige for RelStudies....is that a misconception on my part? At the very least, I’m not sure that a degree from Chicago (as compared to one from HDS) will significantly decrease your shot at a top tier PhD...
  14. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to jellyfish7 in Fall 2021 MTS   
    @Joey_Jawad HDS and UChicago are probably the two most prestigious div schools. As @KungFuKenny said, I wouldn't worry about a difference in prestige. Regarding fit, I do think your concerns about the UChicago culture are valid and important. I shared similar anxieties with a Chicago Divinity admissions rep and she confirmed that it is not a warm, collaborative culture (her exact words were "students at UoC take themselves very seriously...we are proud to be the home of 'unsafe spaces'"). Personally, my happiness and stress levels deeply influence my academic experience. Having said that, you will almost certainly find 'your people' anywhere.
    Ultimately, I think what will be most clarifying for you will be to talk to div students at each institution, voice your respective concerns and hear their genuine thoughts. I know HDS has been marketing lots of opportunities to connect with current students (not sure abt UoC)—find profiles of students with similar interests/energy/background to you and reach out!
  15. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to Chicago Guy in Fall 2021 MTS   
    Closing the loop on this, I've accepted Notre Dame's offer and will be heading to South Bend. Best of luck to everyone and keep in touch.
  16. Like
    KungFuKenny got a reaction from CafeConGabi in Fall 2021 MTS   
    Major curveball: I’ve been talking to my POI at Emory GDR from when I applied to the PhD there. He says that pursuing the MTS will be unnecessary since I already have a 48 credit hour MA. He suggested completing a ThM and has committed to supervising my research paper. This is big because he’s a pretty big name in my subfield and a well respected scholar. A ThM supervised by him (along with a recommendation, hopefully) will go a long way in the next round of apps. Now I’m trying to leverage my MTS acceptance and funding into a ThM with funding at Candler. Hoping it all works out!
    Relatedly, anybody have any insight on how schools are handling residency requirements next school year? Trying to figure out the logistics!
  17. Like
    KungFuKenny got a reaction from CafeConGabi in Fall 2021 MTS   
    Just received an admissions offer from Candler school of Theology (Emory) with 75% tuition funding! This was the only MTS program I applied to along with 4 PhD apps. I didn’t get into any of the PhD programs so this is a welcome sight!
  18. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to CafeConGabi in Fall 2021 Religion PhD   
    Thank you!  
    I'm happy even though I had to reject two other schools, so it was bittersweet. 
    I have a BA in Religious Studies, minor in history, and a Master of Theological Studies. Taking the Religious Studies route for the PhD would have been the ideal trajectory but after talking to faculty and grad students I realized that adding the PhD in Chicanx Studies from UCLA would only open up job opportunities within the humanities.  
     
     
  19. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to Trevor Smith in Fall 2021 Religion PhD   
    Vandy decision came in.
     
    Finally, it was my last one. Duke, Yale, Boston College, and Vanderbilt: no. Boston University and Emory: interviews, no. Fordham: waitlist.
  20. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to CafeConGabi in Fall 2021 Religion PhD   
    Welp, I just committed to UCLA. 
     
     
    Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! ?
  21. Like
    KungFuKenny reacted to Pierre de Olivi in Fall 2021 Religion PhD   
    Just committed to Harvard's CSR PhD program! Good luck to all on waitlists and making a decision; hopefully this can cause some waitlist movement at other programs.
  22. Like
    KungFuKenny got a reaction from Joey_Jawad in Fall 2021 MTS   
    Major curveball: I’ve been talking to my POI at Emory GDR from when I applied to the PhD there. He says that pursuing the MTS will be unnecessary since I already have a 48 credit hour MA. He suggested completing a ThM and has committed to supervising my research paper. This is big because he’s a pretty big name in my subfield and a well respected scholar. A ThM supervised by him (along with a recommendation, hopefully) will go a long way in the next round of apps. Now I’m trying to leverage my MTS acceptance and funding into a ThM with funding at Candler. Hoping it all works out!
    Relatedly, anybody have any insight on how schools are handling residency requirements next school year? Trying to figure out the logistics!
  23. Like
    KungFuKenny got a reaction from crossroadsph in Fall 2021 MTS   
    Major curveball: I’ve been talking to my POI at Emory GDR from when I applied to the PhD there. He says that pursuing the MTS will be unnecessary since I already have a 48 credit hour MA. He suggested completing a ThM and has committed to supervising my research paper. This is big because he’s a pretty big name in my subfield and a well respected scholar. A ThM supervised by him (along with a recommendation, hopefully) will go a long way in the next round of apps. Now I’m trying to leverage my MTS acceptance and funding into a ThM with funding at Candler. Hoping it all works out!
    Relatedly, anybody have any insight on how schools are handling residency requirements next school year? Trying to figure out the logistics!
  24. Like
    KungFuKenny got a reaction from sorenerasmus in Fall 2021 MTS   
    *we just had a baby (or alternatively, we have a newborn) lol
  25. Like
    KungFuKenny got a reaction from sorenerasmus in Fall 2021 MTS   
    Just received an admissions offer from Candler school of Theology (Emory) with 75% tuition funding! This was the only MTS program I applied to along with 4 PhD apps. I didn’t get into any of the PhD programs so this is a welcome sight!
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