alexrodriguez

As much as I want to avoid speculating what the HDS adcom was looking for, I can't help but to make a few assumptions after reading of others being rejected with similar stats/educational background who applied for the MTS degree. I graduated cum lauda from a competitive liberal arts school in New England (which not to pat myself too much on the back, would be a magna at many other schools because there was no grade inflation cough cough...), had stellar recommendations, and corporate work experience to demonstrate the maturity in my decision to return to graduate school. I have a bend towards social justice, but as others who apply for the more academic MTS degree admit, my interests are not so much in volunteerism/activism as they are in advancing theological discussion. Yes, I realize I'm going to take heat for that statement. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but here's what I would argue HDS is trying to do: change their image from elitist/liberal northeast divinity school to the beacon of social justice by welcoming very untraditional students, most of whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds or lesser known academic institutions. What is going to get HDS attention in the news? That a student/professor submitted a brilliant paper to a well-recognized journal? No, no one in the media cares about that, and therefore, no one cares to donate to such a program. Now, what about a story of the disadvantaged student who was granted such a fabulous opportunity to change the world through the resources at HDS? Yes, more mediable and therefore bigger bucks. I'm getting the impression that HDS is less interested in doing theology than they are demonstrating how involved they are in social justice. It just won't bring in any funding, from donors and the larger university if they do traditional theology anymore. I would even bet that the MTS degree, or at least some of the concentrations, get roped into the MDiv over the next few years. Am I a bitter? No, but of course I'll admit that it stings. Does everyone else deserve their acceptances? Asbofrickenlutely, everyone here is intelligent, has a story to tell, and can truly offer any of these programs something unique. OK- go ahead, rip into this.

If HDS or YDS cared about their own sanity, they would post results at 6pm and bolt for the fricken door.

Thoughts?

Ha. They sound a little disorganized, wouldn't you say? If you're on the fence about going to Candler, I'd send an e-mail to the contact who sent you the note and cc' the admissions director. If you really want to go there, only send a clarification e-mail to the note contact. Don't call, it's annoying.

Roman Catholic with preference for Eastern liturgies.

Same, I'm super pumped!

Has anyone heard from Union? They had a staffing change, so I'm sure there is a bit of a delay. Didn't expect it to take this long.

Haha- well, I'm actually not a math person...I just entered that when filling out my profile. You're totally right though, and this did perk me up. Thank you!

Was recently accepted to a MA program with a half tuition scholarship. This particular program is not pricey at all, but I was hoping for a little more. The scary part is that the school is less selective than the others I've applied to, which means if I got 50% there, I can't expect anything higher elsewhere. I'm disappointed in myself for blowing all of my money living in the city- could have paid off the remaining amounts. Just wanted to vent a little- I'm sure others are in a similar position.

Hi all, I'm applying to divinity school, and I'm confident in some portions of my application, not so confident in others. I have a 3.7 overall GPA from a competitive liberal arts school (3.9 in Religious Studies), will have solid recommendations because I'm very close with my professors, and can put together a convincing SOP. I've studied abroad and have work experience, but I think there will be two notable weaknesses in my application 1) no volunteerism or civic involvement (I work around 60 hours per week, it's not an an excuse, but my priority is frankly my job) 2) I'm freaking out about the GREs. I'll probably end up around mid 500s for math and low 600s for verbal based on how I've done with standardized testing in the past. I'm only taking the GRE because two schools I'm considering require it....not reporting the scores to the schools that don't. I'll try to amp up the verbal score, but I've always believed that when it comes to standardized testing, you're basically destined for a score range no matter how hard you "study." That being said, I'm very much on the fence as to where I stand in terms of being a competitive applicant. Just for some background info, looking for programs that are strong in both liberation theology and philosophy of religion. Appreciate any thoughts, thank you!