Baylor2011

You should just call and ask. Or email someone you've been in contact with. Especially if you have already been offered a spot (as well as a spot at another school). You know they want you (especially if you've been offered the 'top package'). The games are over - now you can talk freely with them about your concerns and questions. If you have another offer, it doesn't hurt to let them know that you would like to know the package so you can make an informed decision as quickly as possible. Of course, if they really want you they can always up the ante. I've heard it has been done before.

While everyone's advice sounds pretty good on the surface, don't you think that someone who wants to get a joint MDiv/JD has a different purpose in pursuing a JD than becoming a corporate lawyer? I mean, most of these joint degree programs focus on social justice issues, advocacy, urban poverty, etc. The whole point of the joint degree is that it is NOT just an MDiv and it is NOT just a JD. Give presbygeek a break - you don't pursue a joint MDiv/JD if you really want to work for Akin Gump in New York or Vinson & Elkins in Houston. They don't care about it, and there is no way you could compete with their other candidates. There are, however, a plethora of not-for-profit and religious groups that are always in need of legal help by someone who understands the people working there. In fact, the reason most not-for-profits fail is because they can't keep up with the ever-changing legal, regulatory, and tax requirements WHILE ALSO running a not-for-profit successfully. Presby - Don't let those wise ones deter you. Unless, that is, you really want to be a corporate lawyer, then I officially retract my statement.

Vandy.

For what it's worth, as one speaking as a current PhD student in what I think to be a good and competitive program, the GRE is important, but not in the ways people tend to think. 1. Combined scores are ONLY important for scholarships and awards. This can matter tremendously. The difference between a 1300 and a 1500 can be going from a basic stipend to a presidential scholarship, adding upwards of $5,000 to $7,000 on top of your award (assuming the program is fully funded). 2. Quantitative scores mean nothing to a committee EXCEPT in comparison to others. If you get an 800 on the V and a 400 on the Q, you are competing against another student who got an 800 V and an 600 Q - NOT a student who got a 400 V and an 800 Q. This might go without saying, but it is important to remember. Don't let anyone fool you into thinking that the Q matters ON ITS OWN. It is a part of the big picture, so when comparing a group of students who have, more or less, the exact same application - the Q can be a factor that helps one over the other. But experience, master's degrees, previous schools, work experience, relationships with profesors...all of these matter more. 3. Quantitative writing is more important than you might think - again, for the purpose of comparison. Otherwise, on its own it doesn't matter that much. Hope this helps.

Check out Regent College in Vancouver, BC.

baylor sends out invitations for the top 20 of their potential candidate list. they will offer ~10 of those people spots (2-3 per discipline - theology/history/NT/OT). if any turn it down, they will proceed through the rest of the top 20 (unless an interview went terribly bad) according to the specific department needs. Anyone not in the top 20 but still considered for a spot is technically on the wait list. the wait list letters will not go out until after the interview weekend. in the last few years there have typically been a few students each year who were not invited to the interview weekend and were still offered a spot. best of luck.