Qaus-gabri

My thoughts exactly.

Academia.edu is good—also have a look at their CV for recent conference presentations, which typically represent current or ongoing interests.

I can confirm that UT is around $14k with tuition and health insurance (as a TA). You likely won't live like a king or queen, but it's a pretty reasonable amount for Austin.

UT is the same (i.e you aren't allowed to work another job). That said, 1,400 / mo (no summers, but with health insurance) is enough to live in a decent apartment in Austin with a roommate.

Definitely Zotero--unless you're REALLY cool (read: nerdy), then use BibTeX.

Yeah, not to mention that after only one year of Hebrew, the unpointed Hebrew/Aramaic of the DSS will prove to be challenging. I know after one year of Heb, I definitely wasn't ready to vocalize unpointed Hebrew.

It also alerts you when someone Googles your name—a narcissist's dream!

Apps, fees, etc. for each. But otherwise, go for it.

**Caveat lector** I am not a theology student. However, I proofread many of my colleagues' SOPs who *were* applying to theology programs. What I observed was that often their goal seemed to be to tell about *their theology*. As confessional Christians applying to religious institutions it's easy for them to do that. However, I think it is *very* important that you remember that you are applying to be a *student* so be sure to communicate that your interest in theology is an *academic* venture not only (or perhaps not at all) an ecclesiastical/existential/prophetic/whatever venture. I know the whole "tell a story" thing is pretty popular, but I went for direct and concise. Remember, these people are reading dozens (perhaps hundreds) of SOPs, and they probably don't *really* care about my life up to this point. But again, I did't apply to theology depts. and others' experiences were likely different.

Yeah. ND has a great program. However, ND is one of the most competitive apps out there (perhaps THE most competitive, since you'll be applying with NT/Second Temple folk) and it wouldn't surprise me if either Ulrich or VanderKam (or both!) retired before you would finish. Just a thought.

I'm sure Wela is right about most all of that--though I would add that UT's program is, properly, in the Middle Eastern Studies Department---the degree is "Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures" and the track is "Hebrew Bible / Ancient Near East." So, at least on paper, it's not a "Semitics" program (a la UW Madison). Of course, everyone knows that's where its emphases lie, but know that, as with most doctoral programs, students have to pick a secondary field---like religious studies, etc.---which could help to diversify your CV. I'm guessing if you can get some Islam, NT, or something like that, it should be helpful. At least that's what I'm telling myself . . .

I'll echo all of the above, and add one thing to think about: Think about measurability. For instance, if you were on the BIble side of things, biblical and cognate languages can be fairly measurable competencies. But since you fall on the theology-y side of things, I think it could be to your advantage to think through the sorts of things that will give adcoms something concrete with which to judge you."He's got really good theology" or "She's read a lot of Church Dogmatics" isn't going to get you very far. That said, two suggestions: Modern languages, personal/professional connections. Best of luck.

For Comp. Semitics, I don't think UT Austin can be beat right now. Huehnergard and Pat-El, Plus Hackett and Kaplan, and very strong Arabic faculty. Of course Chicago and JHU are great, esp. for ANE etc.--but if your interest is *linguistics* UT should be at or very near the top of your list.

From my perspective, I'm making 13k per year working part time and going to school full time right now. I just got into a PhD program that will pay me 14k per year, pay for school, and give me health insurance. Oh, yeah, and it gives me personal satisfaction and stuff too . . .

UT Austin MELC HB / ANE !